In the early 1990’s, the Church Of Christ In Jersey Village began participation in a prison ministry at the facility called Corrections Corporation Of America (CCA), located near Bush Intercontinental Airport. Gary Ott took the lead in conducting Tuesday night Bible classes, performing this duty weekly by himself for five years. In 1997, Brian Bishop joined the team, followed by Doug McCullough in 2002, Clifton Alexander and Marvin Bell in 2005, and Rod Dodson in 2007. The number of baptisms at this facility generally ranges between 50 and 100 annually.

Jersey Village is one of several congregations involved at CCA, including Bammel Road, Hidden Valley, Champions, and Lake Houston. David Wardrup of the Hidden Valley church serves as volunteer coordinator for the churches Of Christ at CCA.

CCA is generally considered an INS detention center, transitioning errant foreign aliens back to their home countries. Most of the inmates have come from Mexico, Central and South America, but there is also a heavy presence from West Africa, and a minor presence from other countries.

Since the events of 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security has tightened security, employed stricter measures for entry into the facility, and increased requirements for volunteer training. Church members who are interested in becoming a volunteer in the prison ministry, will be required to fill out an application, submit to a background check, and complete 8 hours of training before they are approved to teach a Bible class. Please contact Doug McCullough or Brian Bishop, for members who would like to become involved in this wonderful ministry.

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