J.A.I.L. Ministry seeks partnership with community

Wednesday, 31 October 2012 by Matthew Girard

Jesus Acts in Inmates Lives (J.A.I.L.) Ministry is asking the community to partner with the organization to provide much needed financial assistance during its annual banquet on Oct. 30.

"We are hoping for a good turnout because this is an opportunity for individuals, businesses, corporations, churches and families to partner with J.A.I.L. Ministries in helping us do what we do," Chaplain and Executive Director Steve Cannon said.

J.A.I.L. Ministry is a non-profit organization that conducts 45 weekly classes in bible study, anger management and other classes to inmates housed in the Bell County Jail. J.A.I.L. also serves the families of inmates through Project Angel Tree and church services.

The ministry depends on gifts and grants from individuals, churches and the corporate community to provide its services.

This year's banquet will be held at 6:15 p.m. at the Bell County Expo Center and Cannon said he is expecting more than 700 people to attend. Las Casas will provide a fajita buffet.

The banquet will also feature keynote speaker Mary Kay Beard, who founded Project Angel Tree. Beard was on the FBI's Most Wanted List in 1972 and had an underworld contract on her life. After being apprehended and convicted of armed robbery and grand larceny, and then spending time in solitary confinement. After finding faith, Beard founded Project Angel Tree in 1982 through her association with Prison Fellowship.

Beard and her late husband Don, also a former inmate, founded numerous ministries and now carries out the work of Encourager Ministries, a counseling/teaching ministry in Birmingham, Ala.

"She's quite a character," Cannon said. "She likes to talk and she has great stories."

Cannon also said there will be a special announcement for those in attendance at the banquet as well.

Partnership levels for the banquet range from $1,000 for two tables to $20 for individual tickets.

Cannon also said the banquet is an opportunity to thank the many volunteers involved with the ministry.

"God's blessed us to grow incredibly," Cannon said. "We have a good base of volunteers and we couldn't do what we do without the people that volunteer."

For more information about the annual banquet or J.A.I.L. Ministry, call (254) 933-8506 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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