-Photo credit Mesa County Sheriffs office & Mesa County Jail Ministry. Volunteers create bags to hand out to inmates for Christmas. 

Ellen Woods, 83, stays busy planting seeds. Her “garden” looks different than most, though. It’s the Mesa County Jail.

Jail Ministry Volunteer Ellen Woods

 For the past 11 years, Woods has volunteered with the Jail Ministry, leading weekly Bible studies, praying with inmates and sharing God’s love.

“I have seen hearts change,” Woods said. “We are all here for a purpose, and God has a plan for our lives.”

Jail Ministry Chaplain Tom Noble, who has worked at several facilities, said Mesa County Jail stands out for its support of faith-based programs. On any given day, about 500 inmates—men and women ranging from 18 to over 70—are housed there. Participation is voluntary. Inmates can attend Bible studies offered throughout the week, all led by volunteers.

Most volunteers are over 50, and some serve into their 90s. Of the 25 active volunteers, 12 have been involved for more than 10 years and five for more than 20.

“Most volunteers have been humbled by life at some point,” Noble said. “Having taken your own lumps makes it easier to walk beside people in jail.”

Woods grew up calling herself a Christian, but she said she didn’t fully commit her life to Christ until she was 28. 

Years later, members of her women’s Bible study group challenged themselves to minister outside their church’s walls and were led to the jail ministry.

“It’s been a fruitful teaching experience,” Woods said. “Being voluntary has gone over really well.”

Woods encourages dialogue in every session and has seen many hearts change. She believes in the power of prayer so strongly that she shares inmates’ anonymous prayer requests with her own prayer team of 10.

Relationships are formed and many volunteers keep in touch with inmates once they’re released.

“I tell them we are very influenced by the people we are around. Don’t go back to your old crowd,” Woods said. “Find new friends who are Christ-centered and supportive. Get plugged into a church that can help you stay strong.”

Woods knows some people look down on inmates, seeing them as beyond hope. She believes that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Any of us could’ve stumbled and ended up in that same place,” she said. 

For Woods, working with the jail ministry is a privilege.

“We’re called to love others as God loves everyone,” she said. “He wants their hearts to turn to Him. As a true believer, God’s spirit lives in me, and it’s that power that leads me.” 

Celebrate how God is working in the Mesa County Detention Facility at the Jail Ministry’s Annual Banquet and Silent Auction

Feb. 21 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church,
3940 27 1/2 Road, Grand Junction

Tickets: $35 • 970-462-9030 
MesaCountyJailMinistry.org