Ezekiel’s Room, an outgrowth of Forgiven Ministry, is now open at Alexander Correctional Center.

Scottie Barnes, founder of Forgiven Ministry, Inc., was a child of an inmate father from age four until her father died when she was 42 years old. Out of a heart of love for the families of inmates, a vision was born three years ago when Mrs. Barnes visited an orphan in the Philippines. Ezekiel had been praying to find his father and know his love. The next day Mrs. Barnes visited a prison in Cebu, Philippines, where a man asked to speak to her and expressed that he had a son named Ezekiel and did not know where he was. He expressed how he wanted to know and love him. Scottie came back to the U.S. with a desire to make a difference in the lives of inmates and their families.

Thus, Ezekiel’s Room was born. Ezekiel’s Room opened November 6th, 2004. . It is a Christian center run through the united efforts of local churches and Forgiven Ministry. The churches and Forgiven Ministry have been given a priceless opportunity to reach children with God’s love in a most unique way. Ezekiel’s Room is a first in the state of North Carolina. The center will open during each inmate visitation period. During this time, children are given the opportunity to first visit with his/her dad. Then they may enter the center. A team of five to seven adult workers lead the children in a period of praise and worship, Bible story, prayer for children’s needs, and a craft that will share Jesus. Other activities at the center may include puppetry, drama, Christian games and videos. Scottie remembers the long visitation time during her childhood. She wants this time to be a positive experience for the children. The ministries involved want to impact the lives of the children for Jesus. Let us pray that it will not be the only Christian center to be opened.

In the days ahead, as funding comes, Forgiven Ministry will be building a family center close to the prison to minister to the families who come week after week to visit their loved one. Pray for us as we strive to share God’s love to those who feel that no one cares. God has called us to fertile ground, the seeds are in our hands and hearts. Come, let us rejoice in what He is going to do with His children who are obedient and available.

Ezekiel’s Room
Reaching Hands…
Touching Hearts

Ezekiel’s Room, an outgrowth of Forgiven Ministry, is now open at Alexander Correctional Center.

Ezekiel's Room decorated for Christmas

Hands Reaching....Hearts Touching....
Artwork completed by inmate and instructor (staff) at Alexander Correctional Institution.