Our Jails are full primarily because of crimes related to alcohol and drugs. Presently, one out of every forty-six adult male citizens of the United States is under the supervision of the Department of Corrections. By the turn of the century there will be more than 1.5 million souls in the prisons. The average age of an inmate in America is twenty-two. The reading and comprehension ability averages about sixth grade level. More than all the strikes already against them (such as poverty, poor family environment and low education) the greatest destructive force against them is their unregenerate, unconverted heart. They are lost in their sins, without hope and mostly without a true Scriptural understanding of God's salvation through The Blood of Jesus Christ. They need to be born again by the Power of God.

   My name is Samuel D. Leonardi. I have the honor of ministering to the inmates at Hancock County Jail located in Ellsworth, Maine. I have been functioning as a minister and counselor to the inmates. I am a licensed minister, and work with drug and alcohol counselors, lawyers, and other volunteers. The Hancock County Prison Ministry is a faith based initiative that not only brings a Biblical answer to the problems that men and women face inside the prison system, but also it is an outreach to the families of the ones who are in prison. This ministry has been very successful in getting people into drug rehab, alcohol rehab, and family reconstruction. Saturday evenings I have 4 Church services to supply the different security needs, as well as visitation during the week. This ministry is showing success in so many ways, that I would very much like to do more to make a difference.

                                                      May God Bless You