Making a Difference in the County Jail

Jim Woodward receiving the "Outstanding Service Award."

From Darwin Dunten, pastor of Findlay First UB (Findlay, Ohio)

Jim “the Barber” Woodward, a member of Findlay First UB (Findlay, Ohio), received the Northwest Ohio Community Spirit Award for Outstanding Community Service for his volunteer work at the Hancock County Jail. Nominations from all over Northwest Ohio were considered. Awards were given to the outstanding fireman, Police, EMS, and other individuals for their work in the community in the area of emergency services and law enforcement.

In 2005, Findlay First UB Church went on a 40-day adventure studying the “Purpose Driven Life.” One of the last lessons was for Christians to leave their comfort zone and start impacting their world for Christ.

An opportunity came to Jim when he was cutting hair in the county jail. Inmates were complaining about the worship services and the lack of worship services that they were or were not receiving. He then started a monthly motivational session with all the inmates where community leaders came in and shared their stories.  Eventually this turned into a weekly worship service on Thursday nights with community church members from the Episcopal, Methodist, and United Brethren churches. They have become “the church” for the inmates.

Because of Jim’s weekly “bribing” of the guards with pizza and cupcakes, Jim has been able to hold special events such as picnics for the inmates. Jim has also been able obtain special releases for the inmates to attend special services at Findlay First UB.

Jim has been called before clergy to help the guards with inmates that are emotionally out of control. How does he calm them down?  He makes them recite, “It’s not about me; it’s about Thee.”

Because of Jim’s work, Findlay First UB and Pastor “D” Dunten, we have been able to introduce Christ to alcoholics, drug addicts, drug dealers, sexual predictors, and murderers. Some consider Pastor “D” to be their pastor. Some are even attending First UB.

At times, Jim apologizes to the inmates. He states, “On behalf of the church, I want to apologize. The church has not been doing its job. Jesus tells us to go to the widows, orphans, sick, and the prisoners. We have not done that. Some of you are in here because the church has never told you about Jesus.”

That gets their attention. He drills in the heads of the inmates, “Life is not about me; it’s about Thee.”  And “God is good all the time.”

Jim has such respect among the inmates that I pity the fool that ever holds up his barber shop. No one messes with Jim “the Barber.”

The citation says:

“Woodward’s impact on the Findlay-Hancock County community and those incarcerated is indescribable. He frequently receives letters from inmates thanking him for believing in and encouraging them, and for being an uplifting presence in their lives. Once they are released from the Justice Center, the first stop for former inmates is not that of trouble, but that of the local barber’s chair for more conversation and thankfulness for Jim “The Barber” Woodward.

7 Comments
  • Tom Datema
    Posted at 05:42h, 28 April

    Wow! What a blessing.

  • Bob Maas
    Posted at 19:31h, 28 April

    Jim-

    You have found a niche, and fully exploited it to the satisfaction of the Sherrifs Office and Staff, and to the inmates as well.

    The example you set for those you come into contact withat the jail, speaks more than word of orators does.

    The time and energy you devote, will put stars in your crown.

    Additionally, by you recruiting and enlisting outside assistance to your programs, is a ministry in itself.

    God Bless!

    The Coach

  • Anita
    Posted at 21:13h, 28 April

    You have made our family very proud of you Jim!! The two brightest stars every night in the sky are our parents just beaming at their son and all the accomplishments, unselfishness, unlimited hours and great things that he does to help out others! I know that you had said over the years that you spent alot of time at the “jail” but I often wondered if it was just so you might one day be able to ride in a police car and turn on the lights/sirens!! lol No matter how old we get you will always be my “favorite brother” and I will always look up to you!! God Bless
    love you bunches
    Anita

  • Sherri Hoy
    Posted at 17:28h, 02 May

    Great Job. Jail ministry is much needed!! I wish all churches realized and supported those efforts!

  • Timothy Hallman
    Posted at 19:18h, 02 May

    Great story! Very inspiring!

  • Brad Evans
    Posted at 18:39h, 11 May

    Thank You for all that you do, it is great to know that you are using a gift that GOD has given you to lift his name. Your courage and bravery to step out on faith and minister to the inmates is very inspiring. Thanks again

  • Carol Bartlett
    Posted at 19:52h, 15 May

    Wow! Jim! I always knew you had a special ‘touch’ with people and used the gifts that GOD gave you to a purpose, but this really touches my heart. Thank you for being the person you are and for all your service to God’s ministry.Though many of us try, few seem to find the direction that God is leading. Maybe we just don’t listen! Congratulations. You deserve the platitudes.

    Carol

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