SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL:

Luverne United Methodist Church (LUMC) made what will hopefully be one of many “Captive Care” deliveries to the Crenshaw County jail on Thursday, September 15.

The Captive Care Ministry began two years ago as an effort to help those incarcerated by providing basic needs. No one prepares himself/herself to go to jail by packing first, so he/she often find himself/herself in need of crucial personal and hygiene items.

Several ministries are already in places that offer spiritual counseling to the incarcerated. However, personal needs were an area Luverne United Methodist Church found unaddressed.

LUMC member Sarah McHenry felt a call to step forward and lead this needed ministry. She solicited the support of other LUMC members to help provide the needed items and funding. The church’s response was immediate.

“I do want to express my gratitude to all involved for allowing me to be a part of it.  I was very excited to be a part of this. Sam (Sarah’s husband) helped me get the supplies to the jail.  I finally met Carlton Carmichael and Chase (one of the jailers). Both of the gentlemen were thankful to receive the supplies,” McHenry said.

McHenry had been in contact with Crenshaw County Sheriff Mickey Powell, Crenshaw County Jail Administrator Carlton Carmichael and Teressa Laythem regarding this ministry. It was important to know the specific needs of the incarcerated and what is and is not acceptable.

“I did talk to my contact, Teressa Laytham, so she would know that the packages arrived.  Mrs. Laytham was very appreciative to me, personally, but I told her that it was the Luverne United Methodist Church who was responsible for this ministry,” McHenry said.

Everyone can help with this ministry through donations. Needed items include t-shirts and underwear (white only) for men and women, toothbrushes, toothpaste, handleless combs and hairbrushes and antibacterial soap (bar or liquid). Money can also be donated to LUMC specifically for the Captive Care Ministry.

McHenry stresses the importance of purchasing the items locally to ensure the money benefits Crenshaw County and Luverne specifically.

Anyone wishing to make a donation may contact Luverne United Methodist Church at 334-335-3013.