Back in November of 2023, St Mark’s was blessed to receive the opportunity to take on a
unique ministry opportunity in the Wood County Juvenile Detention Center (JDC). Young
people, both male and female, incarcerated there are invited to a weekly interactive
contemporary service of worship. Some months later, this ministry expanded to include a
service in the Juvenile Residential Center (JRC). The JRC houses youth for a longer period
and has a population of about 25-35 young men.
Many of the staff of St. Mark’s have helped to lead worship. The impact has been Holy Spirit-
led and heartfelt. The youth who attend the services have become very open, candid and
honest about some of the life circumstances. It’s not uncommon for them to sing along with
some of the worship songs which come in the form of Christian music videos with
accompanying lyrics. They have been incredibly responsive to worship with one young lady
even sharing a powerful poem of faith she wrote simply entitled, “The Lord.” On numerous
occasions, those leading worship have also heard from JDC staff about how impactful worship
has been for them. Regularly, the young people express gratitude for our presence and look
forward to our return.
In May of 2024, “J-Church,” as it’s now known, expanded to include shared leadership with First
Presbyterian Church here in Bowling Green.
“The Lord” – A Poem by a JDC Resident
The Lord is there night and day,
As I drop to my knees and pray.
The Lord is always by my side,
There’s no reason for me to hide.
The Lord I will always believe,
He’s always been there for me.
The Lord will always stay,
From me he’ll never walk away.
The Lord may be up above,
But that don’t stop him from sending love.
The Lord is like my best friend,
He’ll be there till the end.
The Lord is my family,
He helps me live happily.
The Lord will help me get through it,
Even if the shoe don’t fit.
The Lord keeps me tough,
When life gets rough.
The Lord may be up high,
But to me he’ll never say bye.
The Lord hears my every word,
By Him I’ll always be heard.
The Lord will always be my star,
No matter how far.
The Lord not only gives me shelter,
He does to all those out there.
The Lord I will always find,
He’s not only in my heart but my mind.
The Lord’s love I never have to seek,
It’s there as I speak.
The Lord Makes my heart beat,
I always feel His heat.
The Lord can always give me light,
So I’m no longer blinded by my sight.
The Lord can’t always stop all the pain,
But He can help when I’m standing in the rain.
The Lord helps me dry my tears,
In order to chase away my fears.
The Lord always gives support,
From him I always have comfort.
The Lord sends help for me to take,
To fix even my littlest mistake.
The Lord sees each and every hiccup,
But for me he’ll always stick up.
The Lord gives me a life to live,
For me he’ll always forgive,
The Lord always finds a way to make me smile,
Even when I’m in denial.
The Lord always shows,
The good in me he knows.
The Lord wears the crown,
That makes me never wear a frown.
The Lord is always there when I need to talk,
Or even if I just wanna take a walk.
The Lord is deep in my heart,
Therefore he’ll never be apart.
The Lord I have always found,
I don’t even need to make a sound.
The Lord keep bold,
No matter what others say or I’m told.
The Lord always shows me the cross,
Through everything I’ve lost.
The Lord will always give me a hand,
Anywhere I stand.
The Lord helped me move forward,
Teaching me to never be a coward.
The Lord is always here,
He’ll help anytime or anywhere.
I look up to the Lord night and day, He can help you too.
For All Saints week, the residents were able to dedicate a candle to their sants. The image below shows a candle lit to honor each of their 27 saints.
