I HAVE SET YOU AMONG MY PEOPLE TO BIND THEM TO ME, AND PROVIDED YOU AS A LIGHTHOUSE TO THE NATIONS, TO MAKE A START AT BRINGING PEOPLE INTO THE OPEN, INTO LIGHT: OPENING BLIND EYES, RELEASING PRISONERS FROM DUNGEONS, EMPTYING THE DARK PRISONS. I AM GOD. THAT'S MY NAME. I DON'T FRANCHISE MY GLORY, DON'T ENDORSE THE NO-GOD IDOLS. From Isaiah 42; The Message
Our Story

Our Story 

 

In 1976 Rev. Paul McAfee went to the Albuquerque city jail on a volunteer police chaplain call to notify an inmate of a death in his family. When he arrived, he was amazed by the many needs at the jail. There were no church services available, Bibles were scarce, and many had prayer requests for family needs.  Shortly thereafter, Rev. McAfee resigned his pastorate and began working full time as a volunteer chaplain.  THIS WAS THE BEGINNING OF LIGHT AND LIBERTY JAIL MINISTRY.

 

Today, the ministry has grown and vastly expanded its workload. Over 225 volunteers lead Bible studies at MDC throughout the week.  Church services are another feature of the ministry at MDC. We are reaching out to more jails. Light and Liberty volunteers actively work in about 20% of the jails in New Mexico. Many of our volunteers are involved in ministry in other correctional facilities, such as prisons, as well.

 

Light and Liberty has two chaplains on staff who receive no salary, but just a housing allowance from the ministry.  There are many other chaplains and assistant chaplains serving on a volunteer basis. Our Office Manager receives a modest salary and volunteers time beyond this paid time.  We have many other volunteers in the background supporting the ministry’s work.  Working together with Christians, local churches, businesses, and other organizations, Light and Liberty Jail Ministry is reaching out with the gospel of peace and reconciliation, making a difference in correctional facilities.

 

In 2005, Executive Director of Light and Liberty for ten years, Stevan Mora, left the ministry to pursue other career opportunities. Under Stevan’s leadership this newsletter had been going out for years.  Since Stevan’s departure, Steve Maricle volunteers as Chaplain in our jails while at the same time serving in the position of Executive Director. Thank you, Lord for your continuing provision and protection and production in this Your ministry to our inmates and correctional staff.  Thank you, Lord for you amazing mercy and abundant grace.  Thank you, Lord for your steadfast love over all that we say and do.