An inmate is baptized in Missouri, as shared by the Howell County Sheriff’s Office in a Facebook post dated Sept. 29, 2026. (Howell County Sheriff’s Office / Facebook screen shot)
By Samuel Short October 10, 2026 at 8:17am
No one is beyond the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Howell County Sheriff’s Office showed their community in Missouri that they are willing to help anyone accept His embrace when five inmates were baptized, according to a Facebook post from Sept. 29.
The post reads, “The Howell County Sheriff’s Office is incredibly grateful for the involvement and support of our community.”
“We are blessed to have representatives from several local churches and religious organizations who faithfully visit our inmates, offering encouragement, hope, and the message of the Gospel.”
“When these dedicated members of our community learned that several inmates had expressed a desire to be baptized, they came together to make it possible.”
The post then commented on the significance of this moment for the five men and their spiritual growth.
“What a powerful reminder that faith, hope, and second chances can reach people wherever they are. We are thankful for the churches, pastors, ministers, volunteers, and community members who give their time and hearts to serve others.”
“Please join us in celebrating these five men as they took this meaningful step in their faith journey. We are grateful to everyone who helped make today possible,” the post read.
God often chooses broken people who have strayed from the narrow way to be His warriors.
Paul once held the robes of the men who stoned the martyr Stephen before Jesus called him on the road to Damascus.
Do you believe that everyone deserves a second chance, regardless of their past?
King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband, Uriah the Hittite, killed in battle.
Still, he was not beyond God’s grace, repenting for his actions.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
There are numerous assurances in Scripture that no matter the deed, no matter the sin, the embrace of Jesus Christ awaits those who repent and believe in Him.
We are only defeated by our sins if we let them drag us down, leading us away from His love.
For the inmates in Howell County, regardless of their crimes, there is a path forward.
Anyone doubting this should look at their example. These men are not too far gone.
None of us are either.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
Sam Short is an Assistant Professor of History with Motlow State Community College in Smyrna, Tennessee. He holds a BA in History from Middle Tennessee State University and an MA in History from University College London. The views expressed in his articles are his own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Motlow State Community College.
