Life in Prison

Life Church is reaching out and offering hope and the love of Christ to individuals at the Botetourt Correctional Facility #25. The dream for this ministry began with our missionaries, John and Judy Young. John was assigned as the chaplain at this facility in Troutville, VA. He began a class known as the "Chaplain Study Group" and organized weekly meetings on Tuesday evenings. John eagerly worked within the prison and developed a group of 25 inmates who desired a closer walk with God. Realizing his dream couldn't be accomplished alone, John searched for the right person to be his partner in this ministry. God directed him to Allen Cogar, who worked side by side with him for Life in Prison. A while later, John and his wife felt God calling them back to Africa, and although they are gone, the ministry continues on with Allen Cogar and Marvin Stinnett at the helm.

Today, Allen and Marvin meet with these inmates on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. They have been using Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life" to reinforce God's purpose in the life of these inmates. Following the completion of this study, a new study will begin on R. A. Torrey's "How to Pray", teaching these individuals how to converse with God. Another Life Church member and minister, Jesse Bass, has served as a guest speaker for Life in Prison. He visited the unit recently and the members of the "Chaplain Study Group" thoroughly enjoyed his preaching and teaching. God is breathing life into these individuals and is using Life Church and the ministry team of Life in Prison to be His voice!

Please be in prayer for this very important ministry. If you have any questions or would like to serve alongside us, please don't hesitate to contact us via the "Email Leader" button located near the top of this page.