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A Day Behind Bars for Christ
The Virginia Saints are a group of men who spend several weekends in the spring and summer going into area prisons to engage inmates in a game of softball. However, we share more than the love of sport; we share the Gospel and personal testimonies with the men, wrapping up the day by giving inmates a chance to respond to Christ in faith.
Started in 2005 with just a few games, the Virginia Saints have grown each year. Through 2009, we have played some 50 softball games, spoken to nearly 3500 inmates, and seen more than 300 men come to Christ.
Why We Play
America today faces a mounting prison crisis. The federal, state, and local institutions that seek to bring about rehabilitation have not been successful. Why? Because before a man can be truly rehabilitated, he must first be regenerated. The changed life must start from within.
The Saints Prison Ministry endeavors to reach these men with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ through sports. Studies show that 80% of all prisoners refuse to attend a conventional religious program such as a chapel service or Bible study. However, they will gladly attend a sporting event at which the gospel is shared. So we use athletics as a means to gain the attention and respect of inmates in order to share the Gospel. At each game, one player shares his testimony and another player gives the Gospel message.
The Great Commission
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
Matthew 28:18-20
Nine Men Accept Christ at Coffeewood
Despite losing two shortened softball games in the heat, the Virginia Saints helped bring nine men to Christ at Coffeewood Correctional Center on June 19.
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Saints Help Bring 14 Men to Christ at Indian Creek
The Virginia Saints were in the Tidewater area at Indian Creek Correctional Center Saturday, June 5. On an amazingly hot and sunny day, fourteen men accepted Christ as their Savior against the backdrop of three exciting softball games.
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Virginia Saints Win Two, Save Five at White Post
The Virginia Saints had our first ministry event of 2010 Saturday at White Post Correctional in Clarke County, Virginia. In addition to two resounding wins on the softball field, the Saints helped 5 men find Christ as their personal Savior.
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