Jail Ministry Stories
June 26-28, 2026 | Aglow Prison Ministry Retreat
The Merced County Jail Ministry recently had the opportunity to attend the Aglow Prison Ministry Retreat, a faith-centered gathering that brings together chaplains serving in correctional facilities, prison ministry volunteers, and women who have experienced incarceration and are now walking in freedom and restoration.
Throughout the retreat, attendees shared powerful personal testimonies, exchanged experiences from their ministry journeys, and encouraged one another through fellowship and Christ-centered conversations. The event also featured inspiring guest speakers who offered biblical teaching, spiritual encouragement, and practical wisdom for serving those impacted by incarceration.
The retreat served as a meaningful time of renewal, equipping those involved in prison ministry with fresh perspective, strengthened faith, and a deeper commitment to sharing God's love and hope with individuals both inside and outside correctional facilities. It was a reminder that through Christ, lives can be transformed, hope can be restored, and every person has the opportunity for a new beginning.
June 4, 2025 | Graduate
Congratulations to Maria Pitman!!
We were able to minister for about 6 months at the Merced County Jail. After her release, she went back to school and got her high school diploma. She graduated on June 4th. She also graduated her program and was visited by Judge Lo and Mayor Matt Serratto. Chaplain Gina is still working with Maria every day, encouraging her and assisting her with possible housing.
We’re so proud of you, Maria!!
July 2024 | Monique G.
It has been 3 years round and about I have been hooked up with Merced County Jail Ministry. To say life has not had ups and downs in between would be a lie. Please remember as you raise up in the Lord, the devil will use all kinds of tools to break you. I have been blessed needless to say to be plugged in with an amazing sisterhood and ministry that from day one has shown me what the love of Christ truly means as well. Gina and her team and love for Christ was the beginning of the start of my journey and foundation in Christ.
– Monique G.
May 17-18, 2024 | Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association Summit
Our team was able to go to the Chaplains Summit in Chicago, Illinois at Wheaton College. We had a great time building relationships and learning how to better serve our community.
May 9, 2024 | United Methodist Church Merced
Chaplains Gina Thomas and Jacque Cauwels spoke with the ladies from the United Methodist Church in Merced. They donated a $200 check for the ministry, and paperback books for the women.
We’re so grateful for their generous donations!
Our Latest Newsletter
July 2026
STORIES OF HOPE
“If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness…”
I will never forget on December 6th, 2024, I was in a situation that led me to think I was going to die, and I prayed in that moment to God to please not take my life from me. During that situation, I was unable to ask for help verbally because…
He shall direct my paths
When I was 33 years old, I got into a bad relationship which led me to trying drugs for the first time. From one drug to another it eventually led to my drug of choice, methamphetamine. As my addiction progressed, I ended up overdosing three times…
“Fear not. For I am with you”
At the age of 12 years old, I began my addiction with cigarettes and would sneak them from my mom and grandmother. In high school, I met my older son's father which…
I know the plans I have for you
I was born in 1982, 6 years before I was born my mom was part of the 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping. She was one of the students on the bus that was hijacked…
In God’s timing
After 6 years of being homeless and addicted to meth, I found myself in the Merced County Jail facing some serious charges…
Living my best life
After serving a fifteen-year prison sentence at Chowchilla’s Women’s Facility, within two years of being released, I was re-arrested and spent two years at Sandy Mush Correctional Facility…
A new creation
After a two year sentence at Sandy Mush Correctional Facility, I started talking with the chaplains about different ways I could change my life for the better…
Do you have a story about how the Merced County Jail Ministry has impacted your life?
We’d love to hear it!