The Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola is a maximum-security prison farm. It is operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections. It is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States with 6,300 prisoners and 1,800 staff, including corrections officers, janitors, maintenance, and wardens. It is located on an 18,000-acre property that was previously the Angola Plantations. God is moving in Angola State Prison and there is a Holy Ghost revival taking place! Men are being saved, filled, and changed.
We are currently teaching the School of Christ in English and Spanish. What a blessing to see the men come to know Christ as their Lord and see their lives totally changed. We were so blessed when Pastor Robert Turnage was able to come and witness firsthand what God is doing in Angola State Prison through the School of Christ. One student said, “I thank the Lord for you and pray for you daily. I love you in the Lord—we have a bond together.”
Our team of workers here at Bible Tabernacle in Bridge City, Louisiana, go to the prison on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, and have services in the main prison and camp J (the most restricted housing unit in Angola). Brother Frank Alverico holds a Spanish service at the Inner Faith Chapel on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. Men are entering these services with praise and thanksgiving because of the School of Christ training.
In an article from the Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice states, “Policy makers and correctional officials alike are among the supporters of these programs that go well beyond conventional prison ministry. The emphasis in promoting the expansion of religion-based programs indeed lies in the claim that faith in a Higher Power prevents relapse into criminal activity better than secular strategies.” We know that true salvation through Christ Jesus is the answer. Help us reach the unreached for Christ. Remember to pray for the inmates and the church at Angola State Prison.
Donal Chance – SOC Director
