IDOC Community Re-Entry Center (CRC) Concerts (pictured above)
The Magic Valley Chaplains continue to host monthly concerts at the IDOC Community Re-Entry Center. These events inspire attendance from inmates who may or may not feel comfortable attending a traditional church service, but are drawn to hear the talented musicians from our local Christian churches here in the Magic Valley. Pictured above performers from the May and June concerts, Zach and Marilla Rinard, and Laura Taylor. These artists are displaying the MVC “Ask Me” pins.
More IDOC CRC News:
Jordon and Stan (pictured below with MVC President Barry Knoblich) completed orientation at the IDOC, Reentry Center in July. They are now fully approved to serve all IDOC locations. Both men also serve at Twin Falls County jail.
Twin Falls County Jail Update:
In April the Twin Falls County jail changed the distribution of Chaplain materials provided by MVC to the inmates to bulk delivery and distribution by county staff. We want to thank Deputy Bingham for the smooth transition. All county jails served by MVC take materials in bulk orders and complete the distribution to the inmates at the facility. More materials are getting to the inmates under this system. It is our desire that any inmate wanting the materials we supply can easily get them. Over 100 Bibles have been delivered to Twin since April. Most of them are Recovery Bibles. That’s a record! Twin Falls County is allowing the inmates to take any of the MVC materials we provide when they are released or transferred. That is a big change, for years Bibles and other books we supply went in the trash. Thank you, Deputy Sheena Bingham.
Also in April, our annual training was held for the chaplains. In addition to PREA training, Deputy Bingham presented a very informative session on safety issues within the jail. In other news, Ruben Trujillo has recently been providing Spanish-language church services for one of the male blocks, to expand our Gospel outreach there.
Mini Cassia Jail Update:
God’s word continues to be spread in the Mini-Cassia Jail. We continue to provide one-on-one visits, as well as church services on the weekends to both men and women. We have added 4 new chaplains to the group. God is so good and finds ways to reach his people with His word.
Snake River Juvenile Detention Update:
At the beginning of summer there was a rise in numbers at the facility. PREA training was held in June with two new chaplains going through the training who are now in the approval process.
Aftercare Update:
Everything is going well in the Aftercare homes. Men and women both have been doing well with their programs, and, most importantly, engaging in the Bible studies. The new security camera systems are set for installation soon.
Twin Falls Adult and Teen Challenge Women’s Program
It is hard to believe that we are in July! This year is flying by. Upcoming event: We have our annual Hope Gala Fundraiser on October 5th. All are welcome to attend. You can call our office at 208-736-2566 for more information. Prayer request: Please pray for our ladies, that they would receive healing from The Lord and their families would be restored.
Jerome County Jail Update:
Male and female inmates continue to received Sunday church services. In addition, Spanish-language church services have been expanded from male only, to male and female services each Saturday.
Gooding County Jail:
Live church services are offered each Tuesday evening with ladies and men. Spanish-language services are provided. Remote options for services are provided as needed. Please pray for our Gooding site coordinator, Dutch Zuiderveld and his family, who continues to battle serious health issues.
Community Outreach
Events, such as the one pictured below at Twin Falls Reformed Chursh, are held periodically to update our church and community partners who support the ministry of the Magic Valley Chaplains.
New MVC Chaplains
Five new chaplains recently joined the ranks of our ministry. Pictured below from left to right are Linda Staub (Twin Falls), Liz Poulton (Mini-Cassia), and Sky Bootsma (Twin Falls). Not pictured are chaplains, Lloyd Farrar and Austin Bowlin, who are serving at Mini-Cassia.
Ask Me Pins
We have a supply of Ask Me pins for any chaplain wanting one. You can also contact Barry if interested in purchasing Ask Me hats and shirts or MVC hats and shirts.
The Magic Valley Chaplains Family Picnic
Over 50 chaplains, family members, and sponsors enjoyed great food and fellowship on June 18, at the home of Barry and Tracy Knoblich. Scroll through the pictures below to see what a great evening it was, indeed!
Sheriff Leadership
You may notice a new face in some of Chaplain Picnic shots. In attendance was Jack Johnson, who has secured the Republican nomination and is running unopposed in November for Twin Falls County Sheriff. We are grateful for his support.
