14 Inmates Baptized at Florida Jail: 'He Has a Plan for Me'

Inmates at the Franklin County Jail in Eastpoint, Florida found spiritual renewal through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:11pm

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For several inmates at the Franklin County Jail in Eastpoint, Florida, a jail facility has been a place of spiritual renewal and learning to walk with God. Four women and 10 men expressed a desire to be baptized, and the baptisms were facilitated by the jail's minister on Thursday. The inmates have been attending Bible studies and listening to sermons from local pastors, finding purpose and hope through their newfound faith.

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing trend of inmates turning to Christianity and experiencing spiritual transformations while incarcerated. It aligns with a broader movement of young people across the U.S. embracing Christianity, as evidenced by rising Bible sales and large-scale baptism events at churches.

The details

The 14 inmates who were baptized have been attending Bible studies and listening to sermons from pastors in the nearby communities. Inmate Ethan Vonier said he found Christ in jail and feels the Lord put him there, and he plans to "do right" and keep God in his heart when he is released. Inmate Charles Barnes said his goal is to get out, provide for his kids, stay off drugs, and keep going to church. Another inmate, Robert Hill, referenced the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11, saying "He has a plan for me, I know it. I want it, and I'm going to get it."

  • The baptisms took place on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • Inmate Ethan Vonier said he should be going home on the 14th, likely referring to the 14th of the month.

The players

Ethan Vonier

An inmate at the Franklin County Jail who found Christ during his incarceration and plans to "do right" and keep God in his heart when he is released.

Charles Barnes

An inmate at the Franklin County Jail who said his goal is to get out, provide for his kids, stay off drugs, and keep going to church.

Robert Hill

An inmate at the Franklin County Jail who referenced the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11, saying "He has a plan for me, I know it. I want it, and I'm going to get it."

Jody Perry

The jailer at the LaRue County Detention Center in Hodgenville, Kentucky who expanded the gospel outreach program at the jail, leading to 18 baptisms in August.

Franklin County Jail

The jail facility in Eastpoint, Florida where the 14 inmate baptisms took place.

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What they’re saying

“I think I'm gonna do right, and keep the good Lord in my heart when I get out. I should be going home the 14th, and gotta raise my little boy.”

— Ethan Vonier, Inmate

“My goal is just to get out and just provide for my kids, and be a great father to them. Stay off drugs, and keep going to church and doing the right things.”

— Charles Barnes, Inmate

“He has a plan for me, I know it. I want it, and I'm going to get it.”

— Robert Hill, Inmate

“Today is the reaping of sown seeds. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. It is moments like this that validate our mission here. Our goal is to return better citizens to society. What better citizen can a society have than a Christian?”

— Jody Perry, Jailer

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of faith to transform lives, even in the most challenging of circumstances. The inmates' newfound relationship with Christ has given them a sense of purpose, hope, and a plan for the future, demonstrating the potential for spiritual renewal and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.