Pedro Pablo Osorio
Pedro Pablo Osorio
Florida Prison Ministries held its first regional rally on August 22, 2026, at Maranatha Church in Miami, Fla., bringing together more than 120 people from churches throughout south Florida to strengthen prison ministry and encourage greater congregational involvement.
Led by John Mills, associate director, with support from Conrad Duncan, vice president for general administration, and Jael Williams, church ministries coordinator, the rally marked the start of an annual initiative, with the event moving to a different region of Florida Conference each year.
“The two main purposes for the rally are to encourage the volunteers who are already involved in prison ministry to continue the good work they are doing, to stay the course, and to motivate those who are not yet involved to start a prison ministry in their congregation,” said Mills.
Andre Bill Watson Payne, North American Division director of Sabbath School, personal ministries, and prison ministries, delivered the morning message. Cleveland Houser, North American Division prison ministry coordinator, was recognized for his service and presented a seminar on the practical foundations of prison ministry. Mike Lombardo, D.Min., presented a seminar addressing grief and ways volunteers can support incarcerated individuals experiencing separation from their families and former lives.
The afternoon program included a panel of experienced prison ministry volunteers from various churches: Carla Webb, C.J. Storey, Olivia Cutting, and Rosey Hawes. Interviewed by John Mills and Olinto Groce, personal ministries director for Southeastern Conference, the panelists shared insights from their ministry experiences with incarcerated individuals. Music was provided by the Edwards Quartet, followed by a closing charge from David Long, Southern Union prison ministries director. Mills and the organizers also expressed appreciation to Maranatha Church and pastors Melbourne Turgott and Khaleel Clarke for hosting the event.
Attendees described the rally as spirit-filled and were encouraged by the opportunity to gather with others who share a heart for prison ministries. Organizers pray that the annual rally will continue to inspire members across the Florida Conference to answer Christ’s call to bring hope and encouragement to those who are incarcerated and their families.
Florida | November 2026
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