For more than 30 years, Washington Conference prison ministries has brought the gospel behind bars, offering hope and transformation to those who need it most. Today, the ministry is active in five correctional facilities, and while the work isn’t always easy, the impact is undeniable.
"Prison ministries isn’t just about visiting inmates," said Floyd Marshall, Washington Conference prison ministries coordinator. "It’s about letting them know that no matter their past, God’s love reaches them right where they are. Many of them tell us, ‘I’ve been set free behind bars.’ And when you hear that, you know the Holy Spirit is at work."
Each facility has its own structure, but the goal remains the same — to introduce people to Jesus. Some prisons allow for weekly Friday night gatherings, while others open their doors two Sabbaths a month. Volunteers lead Bible studies, worship services and Christian film discussions, creating space for meaningful conversations about faith.
Those conversations are changing lives. Marshall recalls a woman who found Christ while incarcerated for eight years. After her release, she returned — not as an inmate, but as a volunteer. When a former fellow inmate saw her, she was in shock. “I thought you’d be back here as an inmate, not as a minister,” she said. Then came the realization: "If God can change you, He can change me too." That encounter led her to Bible studies, and later, baptism.
Moments like this remind us why this ministry exists. In November 2024, four men at Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island made the life-changing decision for baptism. After months of Bible study, they stepped into an inflatable baptismal pool, surrounded by fellow inmates singing hymns of praise. Doug Bing, Washington Conference president, was there to share words of encouragement after the ceremony.
Marshall recently gave a presentation at National Alliance of Reentry Professionals. His presentation addressed the harsh realities of trauma before incarceration, during incarceration and the challenges former inmates are confronted with as they cope with trauma after their release. Marshall gave attendees strategies and approaches they can utilize to assist former inmates navigate their trauma and experience a successful transition.
Prison ministries wouldn’t be possible without dedicated volunteers. Before the pandemic, around 40 people were involved in prison ministries. Today, that number is down to 25. Marshall and his team are actively rebuilding, training new volunteers and praying for others to volunteer.
"We always need more volunteers," Marshall said. "As a matter of fact, one of the last things Jesus did before he died was to minister to a prisoner. Some mistakes take people to prison, but God’s love is still extended to them. We have an opportunity to go to these individuals.”
Lives are changing, and you can be part of the story. If you would like to learn more about this ministry and how you can support it, contact Marshall at floyd.marshall@waconference.org.
Floyd Marshall, Washington Conference prison ministries coordinator, highlights Adventist Prisons Ministries at Puyallup Church's ministry fair.
