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Group makes sure inmates not forgotten
Published December 26, 2007
SEGUIN — The halls of Guadalupe County Jail feel like home to Jean Hill.
“This is the first time I’ve been back here since last Christmas,” she said. “Thirteen years ago, I was called to the jail ministry, and when I had to stop last year, I thought I’d never see another Christmas.”
Though bound to a wheelchair and breathing tubes, Hill wouldn’t miss a chance to join carolers in the jail on Friday. Singing, waving and shouting “God Bless You,” through the thick glass that separated the carolers from the inmates, she seemed truly in her element.
“This is my heartbeat,” she said softly.
Inmates also seemed to be thinking of home as they were serenaded by members of the Guadalupe County Detention Ministry. Men smiled and waved, one placed his hand on his heart. Groups of women clustered around the windows with tears in their eyes while others waved and danced to “Feliz Navidad” and other upbeat tunes. In the infirmary, one inmate mouthed “Thank you,” pressing his hand to the glass.
“I think it brings back memories of people they care about, and for us it’s a glimpse into reality,” said ministry member Walt Fruehling. “I think they really enjoy it.”
The ministries provide bible studies and worship time year-round, but organize a special caroling session each Christmas and also provided goodie bags to the inmates. The jail is put on lock-down and the carolers are accompanied by guards as they walk through the halls, but the event still seems intimate and personal for those on both sides of the bars.
Even the guards, despite their stern assignment, couldn’t help but grin at the sound of two guitars and 12 caroling voices echoing through sterile white halls.
Vivian Davis, a jail nursing supervisor, agreed inmates weren’t the only ones benefitting from the musical interlude.
“I know it makes me happy, it’s fun for those of us who work here,” she said. “I think they bring a little cheer to take the gloom off the day.”
The jail’s program coordinator, Lulu Leatherwood, said inmates cannot be interviewed, but said she knew several of them were excited to hear Christmas carols.
“I think they appreciate seeing that people care about them,” she said.
Harold Bogisch, one of the ministry’s organizers, said spreading the gospel and Christmas joy to inmates may be one of the most practical ways to promote peace on earth.
“It brings cheer to them during a very difficult time in their lives,” he said.
Leatherwood said those interested in jail ministry or taking part in next year’s caroling program, must meet certain security standards. For more information call Leatherwood at 303-6342.
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