Emil Herzog recently celebrated 20 years of service as a chaplain at the Daviess County Detention Center. Formerly known as Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, Good News Global has been offering faith-based services to inmates under Herzog’s leadership for 2 decades.
To commemorate this milestone, Good News Global invites the community to a celebratory fundraising banquet on Tuesday, April 16, at 6 p.m. at Owensboro Christian Church. The event will celebrate 20 years of ministry and rally support for the future, enabling the continuation of Herzog’s vital work.
Good News Global said the ministry had been a beacon of hope, offering spiritual guidance and support to inmates, aiding in their rehabilitation, and contributing to a significant decrease in recidivism rates.
“It seems like it was just yesterday when I started. I was 50 then, and I’m 70 now, so I definitely feel older,” Herzog said. It’s very rewarding. I’m in the jail often, and I like to say I live with inmates. I’m able to pull inmates from their cells and pray and share scripture with them, and they’re typically a little lighter when they leave.”
The organization attributes its success to the benevolence and cooperation of the detention center’s administration. David Osborne played a pivotal role as jailer during the program’s inception, followed by current jailer Art Maglinger, who continues to build on the success.
Herzog began visiting jails and prisons nearly half a century ago when he transitioned from pastoring at a local church to becoming a full-time jail chaplain in 2004. After witnessing his fulfillment from the ministry, his wife, Joy, became a major proponent of his efforts.
“I love preaching and teaching the Bible and meeting one-on-one with people,” he said. Twenty years ago, I was reading my normal devotional and studying Hebrews when I read verses 13:3, which says, ‘Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them.’ I felt it was a calling and God’s way of telling me to put my name in the hat.”
Herzog said incarceration is stressful, and inmates will often reach out for one-on-one visits. During that time, they’ll share burdens and pray, hopefully allowing inmates to relax and find peace before returning to their cells.
“I love people, especially those experiencing difficult times,” Herzog said. “I’m not saying the individuals do deserve or don’t deserve to be incarcerated, but I can tell you that it is difficult, and I’m glad I’m able to go home. I think Christ is the answer, and I enjoy connecting with others and seeing people come to Jesus through the years to change their lives.”
For more information about the banquet and Herzog, visit the Good News Global website here.
“I’ve been able to stay there because of the continuous support from people, volunteers, businesses, and churches who want to be a part of the ministry,” he said. “I’ve also worked with 2 amazing jailers, David Osborne and Art Maglinger, and I’m very thankful for that.”
