Hello, My Name is…
Chaplain Bill Whitmore | Good News Jail and Prison Ministry
Confined. Forgotten. Lonely. For some, this is a daily experience for months, years, and what seems to be a never-ending reality. This is what life too often looks like in the United States’ jail and prison system. Although I think it is safe to say that most people want to avoid experiencing time behind bars, there are others that are forced to be there. That is nothing new. But, once someone is convicted of a crime and given a prison sentence, society essentially forgets about them. But are these folks no less deserving of God’s love and good news? Of course not! And Bill Whitmore, a Chaplain from Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, doesn’t think so either. In fact, he has dedicated his entire career to serving, loving, and teaching incarcerated men and women about the love of Jesus.
Good News Jail and Prison Ministry (GNJPM) has a long history of serving individuals in these situations. Starting in Washington D.C in 1961, GNJPM has now grown to be a global ministry. Placing chaplains within local jails and prisons, GNJPM spreads the gospel to both men and women inmates. Chaplain Bill Whitmore specifically serves at the Niagara County Correctional Facility (pictured). As a WNY native, Bill explains that “I feel it is important and an advantage to be from the area that I work in, as I am able to understand the culture, demographics and history of Niagara County.” In April alone, Bill and his team recorded eight decisions for Christ by inmates, 20 individual counseling sessions, and 10 Bible study classes with a total of 55 inmates in attendance! Bill specifically shared how God gave him the opportunity to lead two neighboring inmates to Christ at the same time! And, because of his position at the facility, Bill can consistently follow up and disciple these inmates after their initial decision to Christ. Praise the Lord!
Yet, because of the current COVID procedures, facility access is limited. Volunteers are not able to serve in the same capacity as in pre-pandemic days. And, on top of this, staffing shortages and gaps have created an even more stressful environment for the correctional officers and staff at the jail. Knowing this to be a problem beyond the WNY area, GNJPM encouraged their chaplains to celebrate and encourage each facility’s correctional officers for National Correctional Officer Week in May. Bill took this opportunity to heart and blessed these officers intentionally and sacrificially- with BBQ of course!
Despite the many challenges of ministry in jails and prisons, Chaplain Whitmore and the volunteers on his team move forward to boldly serve the inmates. Please join us in praying that God will continue to grant opportunities for the gospel to go forth in these settings, that the monthly financial needs of this ministry would be met, that life-changing ministry will continue in Niagara County Correctional Facility, and that God will protect and bless the inmates, staff, and officers of NCCF.
To learn more about Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, visit their website at Good News Jail and Prison Ministry | Bringing Hope to the forgotten.
Until Next Time,
The Kingdom Come Team
“Hello, My Name Is…” specifically highlights Kingdom Come’s new partnerships. Through a small introduction, story, or update, our new partners can share a little bit about themselves to our online community in the hopes of fostering new relationships! The Kingdom Come team is very excited to feature our new partnerships through this segment. It is our desire and prayer that through these communications, you might feel led to come alongside Kingdom Come and our partners to expand our mission in ensuring that every man, woman and child has repeated opportunities to hear, see and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
