The Decatur County Sheriff’s Office announced the baptism and shared photos of the inmates getting baptized on their official Facebook handles.

The post read, “What a great way to celebrate Christmas and a New Year! DCDC Chaplain Dave Burnett along with REC members baptized nearly 40 men and women after a personal, public profession of Jesus Christ in their lives.

“Over the past four years, nearly 300 men and women have given their life to Jesus Christ while incarcerated at the Decatur County Detention Center. All glory to GOD!”

The actions were reportedly taken as a part of an effort to prevent recidivism and those who took part “each committed to changing their hearts”.

According to the outgoing Sherrif, Dave Durant, changing the hearts of the people is the most important step in changing their lives.

“Whether it be alcohol or drugs or poverty that are creating the cycle, we only have to change their hearts to stop the process”, he said.

The photos of the baptism drew various responses from the public.

Some saw it as a great act of God, praising the ‘new life and new beginning’ of the inmates with Christ; others are of the opinion that the inmates were being manipulated and took it as a breach of the Church into the matters of the state.

Regardless of the hindrances and critics, we are joyful for the inmates who are surrendering their lives to Christ and finding hope and renewed purpose in their lives. Let’s uphold the staff of the Sheriff’s department and the inmates so that they may boldly embark upon the journey of their new lives with Christ.

ALSO READ Hundreds of female inmates baptized at Denver Women’s Correctional Facility