Our Team

Meet our Chaplains

  • David Martinez

    MEN’S CHAPLAIN

    I started volunteering for Merced County Jail Ministry in May of 2023 and became the men's Chaplain for John Latorraca Correctional Facility and Merced County Main Jail in June of 2023. One of the Blessings is to see first hand the transformation of the men as they turn to Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill their lives. The trials and tribulations turn into opportunity and perseverance.

    I was born in Santa Cruz and was raised in the Bay area and came from a background like some of these men have. In 2003, I gave my life to Christ and Blessings kept coming as I met my wife in Church and now are Blessed to have children and grandchildren and still lead Worship for Christ. I am so thankful to Merced County Jail Ministry for the opportunity and knowing without a doubt, the Lord has His hands on this Ministry.

  • Gina Thomas

    WOMEN’S CHAPLAIN

    I stand in awe of the way God has worked in my life. For many years, I found myself in and out of incarceration. At 43 years old, I went to jail for what would be the last time. That season became a turning point. Since then, I have committed myself to recovery, personal growth, and deepening my relationship with God.

    In 2018, I received an unexpected phone call from Carole King, the founder and former Chaplain asking if I'd like to volunteer. With my record, I never imagined that opportunity would be possible. But God made a way. 

    Today, I have the privilege of serving the women at the Merced County Jail. I am able to use my past experiences - along with the healing and restoration God has brought into my life – to connect with and encourage female inmates who are walking through some of the darkest seasons of their lives. What once felt like brokenness, has become a bridge to the Ministry. 

    I am incredibly grateful to be part of this work and to witness firsthand the transformation power of God.

Meet our Board

  • David Carr | President

    CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF THE MERCED COUNTY RESCUE MISSION

    David Carr serves as Board Chairman of Jail Ministries and is a board member of Golden Valley Health Centers. He is also an active member of Rotary International through his local Rotary Club. David holds associate degrees in sociology and psychology and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II in California. He serves as Chief Operations Officer of Merced Rescue Mission, where he is dedicated to helping individuals overcome homelessness and life challenges. David is passionate about serving his community through faith-based leadership and outreach. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three sons.

  • Reuben Rodarte | Vice Chairman

    PASTOR OF YOSEMITE CHURCH

    I was visited by a jail ministry volunteer when I was at my lowest. The work that we do makes all the difference for some. I am now a father of 8, husband, and Pastor. It all started with a visit. I am currently Vice Chairman and feel blessed to be a part of this ministry.

  • Michael Noguera | Treasurer

    DEPUTY PUBLIC DEFENDER, MERCED COUNTY

    I began as a volunteer board member for the jail ministry in February of 2022. I was later moved to the Treasurer position for the ministry. I am blessed to be able to work with like-minded followers of Christ to help others through programs and services provided by the ministry.

  • Elisha Thomas | Secretary

    BILLING CLERK

    Elisha has served as a secretary for the Merced County Jail Ministry since 2023 while working full-time as a billing clerk with the Merced County Rescue Mission. Elisha is continuing her education at Chico State University this fall while continuing secretarial work for the Ministry. This role has been a deeply rewarding opportunity to support and further the mission God has placed on this ministry. I am truly honored to stand alongside this work and contribute behind the scenes to the hope, restoration, and positive impact the Ministry brings to our community.

  • Don Caballero | Adjunct Board Member

    CORRECTIONAL MINISTRY LEADER

    Don Caballero is a correctional ministry leader, Certified Reentry Specialist, and trauma-informed trainer with more than a decade of experience serving justice-impacted individuals in jails, prisons, rescue missions, and reentry programs. Drawing from both professional and lived experience, he is passionate about helping people overcome the barriers of incarceration and build lives marked by resilience, purpose, and hope. Don has served in leadership roles with Prison Fellowship, the Madera Rescue Mission, ACE Overcomers, and The Last Mile, and currently serves as Housing and Reentry Manager for The Last Mile and former Board President-Elect of the Merced County Jail Ministry. His work focuses on faith-based restoration, trauma-informed care, leadership development, and successful community reintegration for returning citizens.

  • Al Schaap | Adjunct Board Member

    RETIRED PASTOR OF GATEWAY CHURCH

    Al Schaap has been a part of the Merced County Jail Ministry Board since the beginning of this ministry, considering it a privilege to be on the team God is using through this ministry. Recently retired after 40 years of pastoring at Gateway Community Church in Merced, he has been married to Joelene since 1975. They have a son, daughter-in-law, and three grandkids who live in the Auburn, CA, area, as well as a daughter, son-in-law, and three grandkids who live in Fresno, CA. One of Al's great joys is to see the churches and community ministries working together as the united Body of Christ God calls us to be...and seeing the Merced County Jail Ministry playing an integral role in God's people working together to help people come to Christ and further His Kingdom!