More than 100 ride for prison ministry
By Beth Wilberding, Messenger-Inquirer
Published: Sunday, August 29, 2010 12:01 AM CDT

Motorcycles lined the grass in front of the Daviess County Detention Center's chapel Saturday afternoon, where a standing-room crowd was learning about the Good News Jail & Prison Ministry.

More than 100 motorcycle enthusiasts participated in the second annual Owensboro-Daviess County Motorcycle Ride, which benefited the jail ministry. Organizers estimated they raised around $1,500 -- double the amount raised at the inaugural ride.

"Bikers are the most generous people you'll ever meet as a group," said Andy Strehl, who helped organize the ride. "It's just unreal. Everybody knows somebody in here."

The Good News Jail & Prison Ministry touches many of the detention center's inmates. Nearly 10,500 written Bible lessons were completed by inmates last year, and 229 inmates said in 2009 that they trusted Christ for salvation, said the Rev. Emil Herzog, the jail's chaplain.

The ministry has been at the jail for about six-and-a-half years.

"We're here because Jailer David Osborne wants us here, and he wants to see the inmates helped," Herzog said.

The ministry is funded solely through donations, and Herzog is responsible for raising the funds for his operating budget.

Saturday morning's ride started and ended at Good Shepherd Church on Bittel Road. The motorcyclists made stops in Daviess and McLean counties before visiting the jail chapel and returning to Good Shepherd for lunch.

Osborne was one of the motorcyclists who participated in the event. He said he was happy and excited by the turnout.

"It's a lot of fun," Osborne said. "More than fun, it's about doing something for your fellow man."

Osborne said he learned about the Good News Jail & Ministry program shortly after his first election as Daviess County jailer from a Henderson County jailer. The jailer told Osborne that they had fewer fights since bringing the ministry to the jail.

A Daviess County jail inmate recently stopped other inmates from fighting, citing what he learned from the jail ministry, Osborne said.

The jail ministry has about 70 to 80 volunteers, Herzog said, and there are about 25 religious services and Bible studies at the jail each week. The ministry is nondenominational, and it helps inmates meet ministers of their faith.

"It is kind of exciting to see the Lord working in a place like this," Herzog said.

Owensboro resident Vicki Shouse rode in the event, which she called a good idea.

"It's an important ministry to bring the gospel to the inmates," she said.

Diane Cayce of Owensboro was a first-time participant. She rode to support the jail ministry. She said the day featured a good ride, and she would like to participate in future rides for the program.

"I think, as Christians, this is what we're called to do ... (to) reach out into our community and help others," Cayce said.

Beth Wilberding, 691-7307, bwilberding@messenger-inquirer.com