Fannin inmates welcome Better Man ministry

In the name of the Father...

  • Jason Campbell, from left, Rev. Scotty Mathis, (hidden) and Rev. Chan Mitchell baptized Kenneth Eaton at the conclusion of the Better Man graduation ceremony at the Fannin County Jail Sunday evening, September 29. Eaton was one of several inmates who asked to be baptized.
    Jason Campbell, from left, Rev. Scotty Mathis, (hidden) and Rev. Chan Mitchell baptized Kenneth Eaton at the conclusion of the Better Man graduation ceremony at the Fannin County Jail Sunday evening, September 29. Eaton was one of several inmates who asked to be baptized.
  • Brandon O’Neal, left, and Randall Jones wrap up in towels to dry off and get warm after being baptized at the Fannin County Jail. The water in the tub used for the ceremony came straight from a hose, just as cold as if the men had been baptized in a Fannin County creek.
    Brandon O’Neal, left, and Randall Jones wrap up in towels to dry off and get warm after being baptized at the Fannin County Jail. The water in the tub used for the ceremony came straight from a hose, just as cold as if the men had been baptized in a Fannin County creek.
  • Neil Patterson was baptized by Rev. Chan Mitchell and Rev. Scotty Mathis as part of graduation ceremonies for the Better Man ministry at the Fannin County Jail Sunday, September 29.
    Neil Patterson was baptized by Rev. Chan Mitchell and Rev. Scotty Mathis as part of graduation ceremonies for the Better Man ministry at the Fannin County Jail Sunday, September 29.
  • Daniel Morrow emerges after being baptized by Rev. Chan Mitchell at the Fannin County Jail. Mitchell conducted the ‘outward evidence of the inner change’ for several inmates.
    Daniel Morrow emerges after being baptized by Rev. Chan Mitchell at the Fannin County Jail. Mitchell conducted the ‘outward evidence of the inner change’ for several inmates.
  • Bill Rush, standing, talks to inmates at the Fannin County Jail prior to the Breaking Man graduation ceremony Sunday, September 29. Rush told inmates he didn’t have to be there, he could be home in his recliner, but God had called him to the ministry sponsored by The Ridge Community Church. Listening to Rush are, from left, front row, Samuel Butts, Jordan Cole and Peyton Russo.
    Bill Rush, standing, talks to inmates at the Fannin County Jail prior to the Breaking Man graduation ceremony Sunday, September 29. Rush told inmates he didn’t have to be there, he could be home in his recliner, but God had called him to the ministry sponsored by The Ridge Community Church. Listening to Rush are, from left, front row, Samuel Butts, Jordan Cole and Peyton Russo.

    “I

    hope that you learned some principles that will serve you well the rest of your life,” Rev. Chan Mitchell said Sunday night, September 29.

    Mitchell was speaking to the Fannin County jail inmates gathered for the Better Man graduation.

    Better Man is an outreach of The Ridge Community Church that carries the message of Jesus Christ and His principles into the local jail.

    Bill Rush is in charge of the effort that includes weekly classes lasting 11 weeks.

    Graduation night was a special event, as those who completed the most recent cycle were joined by the other jail inmates.

    It was so special that two former inmates who went through the program, Josh Moore and Steven Allen, came back for the graduation.

    Moore said when he was jailed he felt “at the bottom of my life.” After the Better Man program, he has been released, is attending church, and working regularly.

    He said he came back to help encourage others.

    Similar encouragement came from several people.

    Rush told graduates, “Don’t ever give up your hope.”

    Sheriff Dane Kirby said, “They’ve given you a tool here that works.” It’s up to them to use that tool.

    Robert Ray, speaking to his fellow inmates, assured the group, “Know there’s somebody out there, somebody will help you.”