I’m Mike Harris, Founder and Executive Director of Agape Jail Ministries, an ordained minister, and a preacher of the Gospel for over 50 years. My passion is to help men and women find and follow Jesus Christ. That passion comes from the Lord and from seeing what He can do in a life — including my own, and in the powerful testimony of my friend David Berkowitz. Watching God transform David’s life continually reminds me that no one is beyond the reach of His grace.
Every day, that we serve inside the Marion County Jail, it is with compassion, teaching God’s Word, praying with inmates, and walking with them as they take steps toward a new life in Christ. I’m blessed to be surrounded by a team of Spirit‑filled volunteers who serve faithfully alongside me. Together, we work to make sure every person behind the walls knows they are seen, valued, and loved by God — and that their story can be a story of redemption, —-Chaplain Mike
Ron Handley serves as the Assistant Chaplain for Agape Jail Ministries. He brings a steady presence, a calm spirit, and a deep commitment to the men we minister to each week. Before stepping into chaplaincy, Ron spent many years working as a prison guard and as an extradition officer, giving him firsthand understanding of the pressures, struggles, and realities faced by those inside the system.
Those years shaped in him a strong sense of compassion and a heart that sees people not for where they’ve been, but for who they can become. Ron is also a Bible teacher, gifted in explaining Scripture clearly and helping men understand how God’s Word speaks into their daily lives.
Today, Ron assists with services, classes, and one‑on‑one ministry inside the Marion County Jail. He serves faithfully, humbly, and with a genuine desire to see lives changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As the officially recognized chaplaincy of Marion County Jail & Detention Center in Hamilton, AL, Agape Jail Ministries is a Christ‑centered outreach serving the men and women of the jail & detention center. Our mission is to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to those who are incarcerated by providing consistent spiritual support and compassionate presence.
We partner with local churches, dedicated volunteers, and area rehabilitation centers to offer preaching, teaching, prayer, discipleship, and personal encouragement. Our ministry continues beyond the jail walls, walking with individuals as they transition back into the community and seek a new direction for their lives.
At the heart of Agape Jail Ministries is a simple conviction: every person is created in the image of God and worthy of love, dignity, and a fresh start. Through faithful service and the support of our community, we strive to shine the light of Christ where it is needed most.
The Chaplaincy team consists of the following members:
Mike Harris, Chaplain
Ron Handley, Assistant to Chaplain
Bobby Barnes, Volunteer
Jason Ives, Volunteer
Bill Marchbanks, Volunteer
Irene Farrar, Women’s Volunteer
Linda Holcomb, Women’s Volunteer
Joshua Smith, Volunteer
Joshua Hyde, Volunteer
WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING LADIES JOIN OUR MINISTRY TEAM:
Kendra Reese, Volunteer
Kimberly Higgs, Volunteer
Haley Carter, Volunteer
Stephanie Childers, Volunteer
Dottie Childers, Volunteer
