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Skagit County Jail Ministry is at the heart of the ministry at Tierra Nueva. We are about elevating those who feel disregarded or lost as precious—worthy of searching until found.

We at Tierra Nueva are searching for treasures that are hidden, not to arrest them and prosecute them, but to incorporate them into a community of faith (sheep, coins) or into a royal family (father's house).

We are about gathering people in order to strengthen them and send them out.

Each week, Bob Ekblad and assistant Chris Hoke lead numerous Bible studies in the jail with Latino and Anglo men, unveiling the good news that Scripture has for the most marginalized.  For female inmates, a group of TN staff (including Amy Muia, Elizabeth Turman, and Sara Wevodau) and volunteers from other faith communities lead two half-hour studies each Sunday and pray with the women.  TN staff also visit inmates one-on-one during the week.  In juvenile detention, Sara Wevodau and Rachel Beatty visit youth in crisis, forming relationships and leading Bible studies.

Most of these inmates view God as a judge or prosecutor, ready to write them off, condemn them, and damn them to a place of no return. But through open discussion of Scripture and healing prayer, many are discovering a God they have never known before, a God ready to liberate, heal, love, and restore. God is constantly touching these forgotten ones through physical healings, legal miracles, and the resolution of impossible situations.

Bob Ekblad assures that all inmates (men, women, Spanish-speakers) benefit from weekly worship services and opportunities for one-on-one visits. In addition, Tierra Nueva offers regular courses to equip jail volunteers through The People’s Seminary.

Based on Luke 4:18, we participate in Jesus’ ministry to liberate prisoners and proclaim freedom to the oppressed. We have seen many people experience unexpected relief in the courts and surprising release from jail and we celebrate these visible signs of God’s Kingdom.

photos by Matt Wallis

to read testimonies and articles from the jail, click the link at right to visit our blog!

Recently a reporter and photographer accompanied Bob and Chris into the jail to write a story about Tierra Nueva's jail ministry. Click here to see the article (.pdf format) that appeared on the front page of the Skagit Valley Herald!