Ashland Church Baptizes Inmates Following Years of Dedicated Prison Ministries

Eight inmates at the Ashland Federal Correctional Facility were baptized on February 8, 2025, as part of the Ashland, Ky., Church’s jail ministry, marking the first baptisms since the program began in 2016.

The Ashland Church jail ministry was started by church member Sandy Artrip, who began by writing handwritten letters of encouragement to incarcerated individuals. Over time, the ministry expanded into in-person visits, with a team of six volunteers conducting weekly Bible studies and Sabbath services. Over the years, attendance grew from just two or three inmates to more than 25 regularly.

“We didn’t know what to expect when we started, but God has blessed this ministry beyond what we could have imagined,” said John Rickey, Ashland Church’s head elder and longtime ministry volunteer. “The inmates inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire them. I think we may eventually have to change how we set up our meetings because the circle we sit in is getting too big.”

According to Artrip, the baptism was a special moment for the inmates and the volunteers who have dedicated years to this ministry. Initially, seven baptisms were scheduled, but another inmate made a last-minute decision to join. Artip adds that now at least two more inmates have expressed interest in being baptized.

 “Many of these men just want to know that someone cares about them, that they’re not forgotten,” Artrip said. “This ministry is built on the belief that no one is beyond God’s grace.”

Besides weekly visits, the church also maintains correspondence with about 30 inmates, providing them with letters, devotional materials, and subscriptions to religious publications. In addition, the church is working on a post-release support system to connect former inmates with local churches in their home communities.

“Jesus told us to visit those in prison,” Rickey said. “These men are our brothers, and they deserve the chance to experience God’s love just like anyone else. I’ve learned not to put limitations on what God can do.”

The prison ministries team of the Ashland Church