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Greenville Detention Center Ministry

In the Hollywood classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey joyfully shouts, “Merry Christmas,” to the crooked banker Mr. Potter. Potter venomously replies, “Merry Christmas to you—in jail!” This December Faith Free Presbyterian Church had the unique opportunity to provide a “Merry Christmas—in jail” to the employees of the Greenville County Detention Center. A chance remark to church member Paul Overly was the genesis of this unique outreach opportunity. Phyllis McMinn, who coordinates the activity of the religious volunteers at the Detention Center, mentioned that she had a burden for the GCDC employees because they are often overlooked in the community and their job circumstances are often difficult and unpleasant. Paul approached Rev. Mercer with the idea of reaching out to these employees at Christmas time. Pastor Mercer enthusiastically embraced the idea, and with the help of the FFPC church family concept became reality.

The church committee allocated funds for coffee mugs with the FFPC logo. Twenty ladies from the church baked six dozen cookies each for the effort (that is over 1400 cookies for those of you who are counting!). On Saturday, December 3, over twenty volunteers gathered to assemble the gift packages. An enthusiastic group from the college and career ministry joined with the church family in the effort. The mugs were filled with a packet of hot chocolate, assorted candies, and then topped with the home-baked cookies. Each package also included a Gospel of John, a gospel tract, invitations to our Lessons and Carols service, and a personal message from Rev. Mercer. The volunteers enjoyed wonderful fellowship and in the end assembled over 330 gift packages.

The following Monday, a blustery, cold day, the pastoral staff loaded the packages into Dr. Overly’s van and Dr. Barrett’s mighty Silverado pick-up and transported the gifts to the Detention Center. The sight of four men in suits carrying boxes of Christmas gifts into the foreboding lobby of the jail must have been amusing, but the ensuing response has been overwhelmingly positive. As the gifts were distributed the next day, the church received several calls and e-mails expressing heartfelt thanks. In a subsequent tour of the facility, Rev. Mercer was able to meet with the jail administrator and the county official who oversees the operation who expressed their appreciation and their openness to further outreach by the church. The two Detention Center chaplains have noted an increasing warmth and openness towards their ministry. Our simple gesture of thanks has obviously opened inroads of gospel opportunity in a most unlikely place, and we are trusting God for lasting fruit.