Dozens of men incarcerated in a Georgia jail recently made a public declaration to change their lives through a baptism ceremony organized by the local sheriff's office.

According to Breitbart, on September 4, 2025, 45 inmates at Thomas County Jail in Georgia were baptized following a Christian outreach led by the facility’s chaplain, during which 109 inmates committed themselves to the faith.

The faith-based initiative was spearheaded by Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb, who obtained permission from Sheriff Tim Watkins to start sharing Christian teachings and the gospel message with inmates housed at the Thomas County Jail in Thomasville, Georgia.

The outreach resulted in 109 inmates choosing to dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ. In a further step of commitment, 45 of those individuals asked to be baptized, leading to the September 4 ceremony held on jail grounds.

Images of the occasion were shared by the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, which used its social media to acknowledge and thank those involved in organizing the event, including Capt. Jerome Burgess and Chaplain Lamb, alongside Sheriff Watkins.

Religious Services Continue Weekly to Meet Demand

The jail has arranged baptisms by separate housing sections, allowing incarcerated individuals the chance to invite their loved ones to witness the experience. This format is intended to encourage personal support and accountability.

Chaplain Lamb highlighted the importance of family presence during the ceremonies. He said having family members watch these baptisms gives inmates an additional level of responsibility and may inspire them to make lasting life changes after release.

Lamb expressed gratitude for being part of the process, calling it an honor to help inmates embark on a new spiritual path. He stressed the role this kind of support and visibility plays in helping individuals reintegrate into society once their sentences are complete.

Sheriff Supports Spiritual Growth as Rehabilitation

Sheriff Watkins offered full backing for the program, saying he embraced the opportunity to support inmates' spiritual development. “Every day we’re doing God’s work,” Watkins said. “We’re doing God’s work by baptizing people in the Name of the Lord.”

The Sheriff’s Office also shared appreciation on its official channels, acknowledging the collective effort between law enforcement officials and chaplain staff to provide spiritual support inside the facility.

As of this report, baptisms are expected to continue every Thursday moving forward. The recurring schedule ensures that all interested inmates will have the opportunity to participate if they choose.

Kentucky Jail Sees Similar Awakening

This revival in Thomas County mirrors a recent event at another correctional facility in Hodgenville, Kentucky. On August 29, 18 inmates at LaRue County Detention Center were baptized following a similar period of faith outreach.

Jailer Jody Perry of the LaRue County facility commented on the Kentucky event, expressing satisfaction that their mission is being fulfilled. “Today is the reaping of sown seeds,” he said, noting the importance of restoring individuals committed to personal and spiritual growth.

He added that events like these align with the jail’s goal of reform, saying, “Our goal is to return better citizens to society. What better citizen can a society have than a Christian?”

Inmates’ Decisions Rooted in Personal Change

Back in Georgia, Chaplain Lamb emphasized how these spiritual commitments are more than symbolic gestures. He explained that those who chose baptism did so after considerable reflection and prayer.

He also believes these baptisms will offer a foundation for inmates who are preparing to rejoin society after serving time. According to Lamb, the experience represents not only a change in belief but also a genuine effort to pursue a better path forward.

As these baptisms continue weekly, officials hope the impact extends beyond the jail’s walls. The collaborative faith outreach has drawn positive attention as one potential approach to rehabilitation and moral restoration among incarcerated populations.