Oklahoma Jail & Prison Ministries

"I was in prison and you came to visit me..."
-Jesus, Matthew 25:36

OJPM is a Christian ministry operating at the Oklahoma County Jail, serving the spiritual needs of the largest inmate poplulation in the state of Oklahoma. They provide chaplains, volunteers, Bibles and Bible studies to the inmates, as well as counseling and related services. Over 5,000 inmates are counseled & prayed with by a volunteer chaplain every year.

The Oklahoma County Jail is a transitional facility; inmates are usually there for shorter terms than is typical in institutions where sentences are being served. Individual situations can range from awaiting bail, awaiting trial, waiting to testify in upcoming cases, in transit to other facilities from other facilities, awaiting sentencing, and in some cases, serving 'short' sentences of less than a year. Waiting is the common experience...with time to reflect...mixed with fear, uncertainty, stress, shock and boredom.

Their chaplains and volunteers bring hope, help, reassurance, and often a beginning relationship with Christ - or the renewal of a lapsed one - and the encouragement of on-going Bible studies. Spiritual and emotional needs are ministered to with understanding and compassion.

During the past 30 years, violent crime has increased 560%, to an estimated 6 million violent crimes per year. Once incarcerated, there exists society's best chance to reach them for change, but the chances of an adult prisoner returning to crime when released 75%. The chance of a Christian inmate NOT returning to crime is 90-95%, providing he or she finds a church and is discipled. (Source:Graham Institute For Prison Ministries).

OJPM is the first and most essential part of that equation. Most essential because through their chaplains and volunteers, the good news of Jesus Christ is presented - often for the first time - to people confronted with their personal failure to build a life apart from God that is fulfilling and meaningful. Rising crime rates have reflected the increased imprisonment of women, compounding home problems; gangs, drugs, and other juvenile offenses mean more young people in jail...the need for ministry to them is great to avoid the continuation of lawlessness into adulthood.

Currently OJPM extends ministry into 6 county jails, with others added as resources permit. In the Oklahoma County Jail, Chaplain Argyl Dick and another full-time OJPM chaplain, Jorge Vara, coordinate the schedules and activites of over 95 volunteer clergy men and women, ministers and laypeople alike, as well as support staff and inmate helpers.

For information on how you can be a part of this ministry contact:

Oklahoma Jail & Prison Ministries
Chaplain Argyl Dick
P.O. Box 1252
Oklahoma City OK 73101
405-713-1046

*OJPM is supported entirely by churches, businesses and inviduals within theChristian community. They receive no county, state or federal funds.