After many years of ministering in jail (Sarasota & Manatee counties) and seeing many men and women leaving jail, only to return to jail a short time after, Renan DeBarros began to look at the “system” in which these precious people were going into when leaving jail. They were given many worldly resources and options, normally funded by the government. And although these programs were designed to assist the poor and needy, they fell short of raising him/her up by strengthening the most powerful resource they possess: Faith.
While in prayer and petitioning to the Lord about these things, Renan asked God, “Why is the government bearing the burden of helping people leaving jail…. this should be the job of the Church (the Body of Christ)!” This is when he believes he heard the Lord say, “Well, you are the Church.”
From this point on, and with the assistance of Lieutenant Ambrus of Manatee County’s Sheriff’s Office, DeBarros Ministries began offering a Discipleship/Mentorship Program to assist people (as they leave the jail) with their basic natural needs, such as housing, clothing, and getting a job, as well as helping them strengthen their faith by receiving the Word of God and biblical guidance as they re-enter into society.
By becoming disciples of Jesus, we believe we all have a better chance at life. It is through a relationship with our Lord and Savior that we can fulfill God’s calling in our lives, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” according to 1 Timothy 2:2.