05/10/2026
GULF COAST PRISON MINISTRIES
OFFICE: P.O. Box 399, Bagdad, FL 32530, Phone: 205-594-3458, Cell Phone: 850-974-2907,EMAIL:
[email protected] WEBSITE: www.gulfcoastprisonministries.org
April 2026
Dear Friends,
I was washed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev 1:5) in 1980 and was “allowed of God” (1 Thess. 2:4) to start
this great ministry in 1987. During those 7 years of initial training and personal work, I have since employed
Anna’s approach when dealing one on one…“she spake of him to all them that looked for redemption” (Lk.
2:38).
If one is looking for a field where you can get boo coos of people to pray the “sinner’s prayer”, if you will,
then this is the ministry for them…our seasoned team is definitely not in that camp. Sadly, too many are of
that ilk “ministering” to those locked away.
All that being said, every time I go into Santa Rosa prison (FL) near home, I place a short placard in the
small cell-door window which informs the prisoner of our 7 free books that are the Introductory Unit for
PBS. The vast majority perk up after reading the encouraging card. They are able to envision (Prov. 29:18)
themselves with some hope (Tit. 2:13) and light (Jn. 1:9) out of that dark place (Matt. 6:23)….it is most
rewarding and encouraging.
PRISON & JAIL REPORT :
(Jan.-Mar.): Santa Rosa CI, FL – 48 saved. Escambia CJ, AL – 8 saved (6 men, 2 women). Coffee CJ, AL – 10 saved. Bledsoe, TN – 5 saved (4 men, 1 woman). Northpoint, KY –7 saved. Livesay,
SC – 1 saved. McRae, GA – 2 saved (women). Northeast, TN – 0 saved. Southwest Regional, VA – 1
saved. Mountain View, NC – 11 saved. LCI, OH – 16 saved. Montgomery CJ, OH -21 saved. Butler
CJ, OH – 1 saved.
(Total 131)
When I was behind bars in the early 70s, there was a well-know idiom…“that guy don’t know what time it
is”…it didn’t mean one did not have a watch, but rather he had no idea what was going on. There were
some wise men of Issachar that “understood the times and knew what to do” (1 Chron. 12:32).
Whatever institution I am in, I simply tell those men that are looking for redemption what time it is. Just
between you and me, and the church post, I’ve always been somewhat leery when “leading” someone to
the Lord”, as it were, because I do not know what’s really in their heart (Jer. 17:9, 1 Sam. 16:7, Rom 10:9
10). Please don’t misunderstand, I will certainly pray with any soul that comes. On those special occasions,
I always run to Rom. 4:20-21: Abraham “staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was
strong in faith…being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Then I do
my level best to convey that salvation is no more than believing what God said and thus being born again
is simply taking God at His Word (I Ki. 8:56) and let them and the Lord work it all out (Rom. 14:12).
I often quip: “I’m not in the saving business, per se, I’m in the preaching business (1 Cor. 1:21). Salvation is
strictly between you and the Saviour. I never fail to stress the urgency of the moment (II Thess. 2:7-10) and
thus implore every lost soul to do business with our precious Saviour (1 Peter 2:7) before I leave the cell
block.
Last week I spent (II Cor. 12:15) some time with a young man in cell 2121 (yes, there is a #1 cell). I
answered all his questions concerning being saved, then turned to go to the next door… immediately he
shouted as he wept…“preacher come back, come back!” These are the souls we add up (Acts 2:41).
Our 7 booklets (50-70 pages) are the Introductory unit to Prison Bible School. We are using more than
ever before. We estimate that this ministry has mailed to prisoners about 30K since 1988.
Basic Training
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Major eye and heart opener. I’m beyond thankful that God blessed and touched my heart to take this step.
I know this is going to be life changing. I pray for the strength to keep walking and trusting in God’s
Word. I’m thankful for God blessing you guys and women to have faith in us even in a situation such as
this.
Eric M.
Iniquity, Sin & Transgression
Wow – I’ve never had Iniquity, Sin, and Transgression explained so thoroughly. I had previously treated
them all as one! What an eye-opener – This lesson really hit me – ignited my thoughts as to what I really
want to learn more in depth! God is so good – Amen. I anxiously way the next lesson!
Brian W.
The Turn
I really enjoyed your bible study – I hope to gain more bible knowledge and in turn make a stronger path
to a relationship with my Lord and Savior.
Rick V.
By Faith Through Faith
I’m learning and drawing closer to God and my faith is getting stronger and I’m steadfast in the Lord our
Saviour and ready for my next lesson!
The Narrow Place
Mark D.'
This study is truly helping me understand my sinful nature, teaching me to confess my sins to God, repent
of my sins, turn from them, and how to ask God to forgive my sins. I love how you back up everything in
this study with God’s Word. This study is changing my life and brining me closer to God. May God bless
you in all your ministry.
Santa Rosa, FL
Rick V.
This is just a brief letter to thank you for your cell-front visit. I believe you are a true disciple of the Lord
Jesus. Seeing you today was really a breath of fresh air from our Lord and Savior Jesus. God is good
yesterday, today, and forever, and He has given us the best gift a Father could, and that’s His beloved and
faithful Son to shed his pure and precious blood on a Calvary for the remission of our sins.
David M.
Escambia CJ, AL
I have had a hard time in my life, and don’t have any family in Alabama, so I’ve felt alone for a
long time. After asking the lord to come into my life to be my Saviour is the first time that I
haven’t felt alone in a long time. I would very much like to start the prison bible school.
William B.
Awaiting His soon return,
Dr. Dave Turner
Gulf Coast Prison Ministries has been conducting revivals in America’s prison system since 1987. At present we have two full-time revival teams conducting approximately thirty meetings per year in ten states. Our men minister in state prisons and county jails near their homes when not working pris...
