VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 7/19/16)—On June 25, the Rev. Dr. Kimberly LaPlante was installed as new pastor of Church of Hope, which is housed inside South Dakota Women’s Prison, Pierre.

The only American Baptist church inside a prison, Church of Hope has a church council and a vital congregation that gathers several times weekly for worship, Bible study and fellowship.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is a major supporter of Church of Hope, having provided financial and ministerial leadership assistance since the church’s founding in July 1997.

Close to 100 inmates attended the service, which was conducted by Church of Hope leaders. The sermon was provided by the Rev. Dr. Marilyn P. Turner, ABHMS associate executive director of Missional Life and Leadership. Also in attendance were the Rev. Fela Barrueto, ABHMS national coordinator of Ex-offender Re-entry Ministries, and the Rev. Randy Rasmussen, executive minister of American Baptist Churches of the Dakotas.

LaPlante had been called by the church’s steering committee.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on leadership, discipleship and healing communities.

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.