Behind every chapel service, every prayer circle, every moment of worship in LA County’s jails, there are unseen heroes, men and women in uniform who unlock doors, coordinate security, and create sacred space for the Gospel to take root in the hardest of places.
The Partnership That Makes Ministry Possible
At Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF), one of the largest jails in the US, spiritual support doesn’t come from the institution – it comes from the faithful commitment of Full Circle 2100 Ministry and over 100 volunteer ministry workers, including chaplains with Setting the Captives Free Ministry. Every Sunday, inmates throughout the entire facility participate in church services. Those who desire it can receive weekly discipleship and one-on-one meetings.
But their ability to reach every module, every Sunday, every week, depends entirely on a partnership that rarely gets recognition.
“We work hand in hand with the deputies,” Jessica, founder of Full Circle 2100, shares. “Without them, we don’t have access to the inmates or security.”
The deputies, sergeants, lieutenants, custody assistants, and facility leadership don’t just tolerate this ministry – they enable it. They grant access. They ensure safety. They coordinate movement across the facility. Without their daily cooperation and professionalism, consistent spiritual care for inmates simply wouldn’t be possible.
More Than Security
These public servants see the ministry team every week. They witness transformation happening behind bars. But throughout the year, they remain in work mode – stoic, professional, always in uniform. What would happen if, just once, they received the same ministry that they helped facilitate?
This December, thanks to Aid the Way’s support, Full Circle 2100 hosted two celebration events that had never happened before, a tangible expression of gratitude for those who make this ministry possible.
A Prayer That Changed Everything
Deputy Christmas Celebration | December 7, 2025
The team set up in one area of the jail with food, live worship music, Bibles, devotionals, and an option for prayer. It was designed as a grab-and-go event since the deputies were working throughout the jail that day. They would be called down by radio – one area at a time – to receive a meal and a gift.
But before the first deputy arrived, something crucial happened.
“Before they even came, we prayed over this room,” Jessica recalls. “We prayed that there would be a work of the Holy Spirit, that they wouldn’t just be coming to grab a meal and a gift and go. We prayed that they would be hit by the love of Jesus Christ through us. We even prayed that with every bite, they would taste and see that the Lord is good.”
And then God showed up.
“They came in one by one. They lined up, but it was like another side that we never get to see. I can’t even tell you the number of deputies who sat down while the live worship was playing and just poured their hearts out and wanted prayer. I mean, I was blown away.”
These men and women in uniform – always professional, always guarded – chose to wait. Even though they didn’t have much time, they waited in line to be prayed for.
When Ministry Comes Full Circle
The impact didn’t end when the event did.
“Throughout the week, we were able to get feedback by some of them that we would see as we were serving, doing our weekly services,” Jessica explains. “They would come up to us and say, ‘Thank you so much for praying.’ And then guess what? We get to follow up with prayer.”
What began as an appreciation event became the foundation for ongoing relationship and spiritual care.
“Now we actually get to follow up and have relationships with them and ask them, ‘How is that going?’ And they’re actually wanting more prayer. So it was a huge breakthrough.”
The deputies who open doors for inmates to encounter Jesus now have those same doors opened for them. “God answered our prayers,” Jessica reflects. “It was such a wonderful work of the Spirit, and we’re so grateful for that.”
Honoring Faithful Volunteers
Volunteer Christmas Celebration | December 20, 2025
A few weeks later, Full Circle 2100 hosted a second celebration, this time for the 109 volunteers who serve faithfully every Sunday. These are the people who make it possible for inmates in this massive facility to receive church services. Many also volunteer for weekly discipleship and one-on-one meetings with inmates.
The team wanted to pour back into those who pour out all year long. They planned good food, raffles, prizes, worship, and prayer – every detail designed to honor their commitment.
The response was overwhelming.
“One lady was like, ‘Out of 20 years of serving, I’ve never seen anything like this,'” Jessica shares. “They were so blessed. They felt so appreciated. So it was so good to be able to pour back into those who pour out faithfully all year round.”
The Ripple Effect of Recognition
Recognition matters. When those who serve faithfully are honored, morale strengthens. Relationships deepen. Commitment is reinforced. Mission becomes shared.
Because of these celebrations, volunteers feel valued and stay engaged. Deputies experience the same transformative prayer they facilitate for inmates. And the entire ministry gains a stronger foundation.
The result? Continued consistent access to worship and prayer across all modules. Uninterrupted spiritual care. Sustained volunteer commitment. And transformation is happening, not just among inmates, but among those who serve them.
Gratitude That Opens Doors
And thank you. Your generosity didn’t just fund two Christmas celebrations. It strengthened a partnership that opens doors for the Gospel every single week. It renewed 109 faithful volunteers who give their Sundays to serve. It touched the hearts of deputies who now seek prayer themselves.
Your gift created a ripple effect that extends far beyond one season. Because you gave, those who unlock doors for inmates to encounter Jesus are now experiencing that same transformative love. Ministry partners who often go unrecognized were seen, valued, and blessed. And the doors—both literal and spiritual—remain open.
The Gospel continues to reach those who need it most, made possible by faithful partners like you who invest in everyone who unlocks the way.
Full Circle 2100 serves with Setting the Captives Free Ministry at Century Regional Detention Facility, bringing weekly church services, discipleship, and spiritual resources to every inmate. Their work is made possible through partnership with facility staff and the commitment of over 100 faithful volunteers.
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