About Us

J.A.I.L. Ministry, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit jail ministry based in Belton, TX. We have taken a special interest in the criminal justice system and conduct 45 Bible studies in the jail each week. An extensive number of volunteers work hard to engage the church and create a seamless structure that is focused on ministry.

Executive Director

Steve Cannon is responsible for the administration of all programs and aspects of our Christian ministry. He spent more than 35 years in radio, television, and advertising and was invited to our first meeting in 1987. Having worked on the board of directors for many years, in 2003, he stepped into his current role as executive director.

J.A.I.L. Ministry Inc Staff Members

Other Staff Members and Class Instructors

  • Johner Martin is our adult volunteer coordinator, anger resolution instructor, life skills instructor, and chemical dependency counselor.
  • Melvin Gooden oversees juvenile services and instructs Anger Resolution and The Quest for Authentic Manhood Life Skills.
  • Eric Walden instructs Anger Resolution for Men.
  • Connie McQueen instructs Anger Resolution for Women and Ladies’ Life Skills.

Ministering to Inmates

Our operations take place at the Bell County Law Enforcement Center, approximately 15 miles outside of Fort Hood, TX, and the Juvenile Services Center in Killeen. We do a number of missions, including distributing free Bibles and Christian literature inside county jails. In addition, we offer anger resolution classes. Some inmates are required to take these  courses per court orders, and we issue certificates of completion to all participants. We also provide crisis support for the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, according to the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation model.

Using Technology

Today, technology helps us reach inmates in jails and prisons, and persons outside the jail through the ministry of radio, and video.

JAIL Ministry Radio reaches over 10,000 inmates in 24 states on tablets. The stream is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Free broadcast apps compatible with Apple and Android devices are available to the public around the world.

Mp4 Video Bible Studies recorded at J.A.I.L. Ministry are provided to over 200,000 inmate tablets in 254 jails and prisons in 39 states. Each week the ministry receives letters from inmates reaching out with thanks for the video Bible studies.

Other Undertakings

We are affiliated with Angel Tree®, a program of Prison Fellowship®, where gifts are presented to children of inmates. In addition to professions of faith, baptisms, and rededications, we also conduct:

  • Bible Studies
  • Church Services
  • Recovery Classes
  • Prayer Requests
  • Volunteer Visits
  • Bible Correspondence Courses
  • The Quest for Authentic Manhood
  • Bible Studies
  • Church Services
  • Recovery Classes
  • Prayer Requests
  • Volunteer Visits
  • Bible Correspondence Courses
  • The Quest for Authentic Manhood

Reports

View our annual report for an overview of our activities between January 2021 to December 2021. Our annual report glossary also presents a quick glance at all our volunteer programs available.

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