Inmates take biblical plunge as local pastor conducts baptisms behind bars

BEATRICE, Neb. (KLKN) – Pastor Amber Rogers began ministering to the inmates of the Gage County Jail to show them they are worthy of forgiveness.

As she preached the gospel, requests to be baptized began to flow in, and eventually several inmates took the biblical plunge.

Pastor Rogers said that when she first started visiting the jail, she was focused on just talking to them.

“Typically, some of these inmates are in and out all the time, so I don’t always get to see them. I think it’s important to be real with them,” she said.

At times, she would have up to fourteen inmates gathered in the jail’s makeshift library to listen to her speak.

“They don’t have to be perfect, they don’t have to go through this huge ritual, to be baptized, to come to Christ, to make that decision.”

Rogers brought up the idea to senior Sergeant Trevor Rue, who says the decision to do it was easy.

“The sheriff and I both strongly believe in God and godly ways. We briefly talked, maybe five, ten minutes, and said, ‘Hey, we could do it in this location,'” said Sergeant Rue.

At first, they tried to hold the baptisms in the prisoners’ cells, but later moved them to the jail’s garage to free up more space.

Pastor Amber donated a tub, and three years later, 28 inmates have been baptized, leaving their names on the tub to commemorate the moment.

Inmate Eric Nicholson requested to be baptized last week after hearing of another inmate’s experience.

“He was telling me about how he doesn’t have nightmares anymore. He’s not lashing out at other inmates, and he just has a new look on life, and I really wanted to be a part of that,” said Nicholson.

He adds, “I want a new beginning, and a start over, and I want a fresh look at life without all my sins weighing me down.”

Nicholson says he made this decision with his four kids in mind.

“They just want their father to do the right thing, and to start over,” he said.

Despite Nicholson’s certainty about his choice, he admits to still feeling nervous before the dunk, but after it was done, he told Channel 8, “I feel amazing.”

The jail not only plans to keep it up, but to expand on it.

“We would love to see this program and many other types of similar programs, drug, alcohol, church, all those things, to grow and to rehabilitate inmates as well. That’s the goal,” said Sergeant Rue.

The jail is encouraging community members to attend the next town hall meeting on Mar. 4 and 6 to discuss the current status of the Gage County Detention Center and Sheriff’s office.

Sergeant Rue also says that anyone who would like to volunteer to help with any program held at the jail can contact the Sheriff’s office via their Facebook page.