Adams
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I was in prison, and you came to visit me. (NIV)
Matthew 25:36
"Let All That You Do Be Done In Love" 1 Corinthians 16:14
Chaplain Rachel DuPhily
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 16:14 are short, simple, yet very challenging: “Let all that you do be done in love.” Not some things. Not the easy things. All that you do.
Love, as the Bible defines it, is not driven by emotion or convenience. It is a decision - one that reflects the very heart of Christ. Jesus modeled this kind of love perfectly. He loved when it was costly, when it was misunderstood, and even when He was rejected. His love was intentional, sacrificial, and rooted in obedience to the Father.
This verse allowed me to pause and examine my own heart and motives.
Why do I say what I say?
Why do I respond the way I do?
Are any of my actions shaped by pride, fear, control, or frustration - or by love?
When love becomes our filter, our words soften, our patience grows, and our obedience deepens.
Walking this out doesn’t mean everything feels loving. It means choosing love even when it’s uncomfortable. Love is choosing forgiveness when we’d rather hold a grudge. Love is remaining humble when we want to defend ourselves. Love is showing up in service when no one notices and in commitment even when the work feels heavy.
Love is not optional in our Christian lives—it is the foundation. When our actions are rooted in love, God uses even the smallest acts to bring healing, restoration, and hope.
Thank you for helping us to continue to love those that some deem unlovable. All are loved by God! May He teach us to love—selflessly, faithfully, and without condition. May our lives reflect His grace in every moment. Amen.
In His Love, Chaplain Rachel DuPhily
Volunteer Security Training
If you have been feeling called to serve the population at the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex, now is the time to submit your volunteer application - and save the date! ACACC will be conducting its annual Volunteer Security Training on Thursday evening, April 23, 2026, for both current and prospective volunteers.
Current volunteers and eligible applicants will receive an invitation to attend as part of the renewal or initial approval process. New volunteers, please click this link, for a printable version of the Volunteer Application packet. All applications need to be received no later than March 20, 2026.
New Chaplain brings continued support for Adams County prisoners
January 10, 2026 by Amy Boyer Thomas of Gettysburg Connection
With the retirement of the much-loved Chaplain Angel Perez from the Adams County Prison Ministry (ACPM), a new voice of compassion and faith has stepped into the role. Chaplain Rachel DuPhily, a licensed minister, said she felt a clear calling to apply.
“I was super excited and prayed about it, put in my application, and left it up to God,” DuPhily said.
Her background made the transition a natural one. DuPhily has worked extensively in sober living programs and
previously served with WellSpan providing outpatient recovery support. That combination of professional experience and deep faith equips her well for the challenges and rewards of prison ministry.
Each day at ACPM begins with prayer and scripture, grounding DuPhily in purpose and compassion before she begins her work. Her experience as a certified recovery specialist, paired with her Christian faith, has given her both practical tools and profound empathy - qualities that are essential in a correctional setting.
In her role, DuPhily supports Christian services as well as the spiritual practices of inmates from other faith traditions, including Wiccan, Jewish, and Muslim ministries. Her approach is centered on meeting people where they are and ensuring access to spiritual care for all who seek it.
Beyond working directly with inmates, DuPhily coordinates volunteers, collaborates closely with visiting clergy, and offers encouragement and guidance to individuals searching for hope and healing. She also provides support to families of incarcerated individuals, recognizing that incarceration impacts entire families, not just those behind the walls.
Looking ahead, DuPhily hopes to expand ACPM’s volunteer base and explore creating a support group specifically for families of inmates. These families often experience isolation, stigma, and emotional strain, and the ministry aims to provide connection, understanding, and strength during a difficult season. She also hopes to deepen partnerships with prison staff and community members to support mentorship opportunities and help
reduce recidivism.
Adams Christian Prison Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian ministry that is not affiliated with any particular denomination or movement. The ministry works with local churches throughout Adams County to serve inmates incarcerated at the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex (ACACC) and to support their families. ACPM partners with the ACACC by providing and supervising paid professional staff and trained volunteers, promoting the spiritual lives of inmates who are seeking a personal relationship with God. More information about the ministry’s mission and work can be found at https://www.adamscpm.org/about-us.
Several local churches already provide vital support to ACPM through dedicated volunteers and clergy. Volunteers must complete an extensive
application process, including a background check, and attend training sessions held twice a year. The next volunteer training is scheduled for this spring.
The Adams County Prison Ministry is actively seeking broader community support. Volunteers are always needed, as are resources such as Bibles in various formats and other faith-based materials. The ministry is also interested in partnerships with organizations that can assist with reentry programs, mentorship, and practical support for individuals returning to the community after release.
At its core, ACPM’s mission is to restore hope and faith while helping to reduce recidivism. Through spiritual guidance, mentorship, and a strong support network inside and outside the prison, the ministry works to create pathways toward lasting change and a more stable future.
Those interested in learning more or getting involved are invited to attend the next Adams County Prison Ministry prayer meeting on Tuesday,
February 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Harvest Chapel in Abbottstown, with locations rotating monthly throughout Adams County. Individuals and church groups are welcome to apply as volunteers or donate Bibles and religious materials.
Chaplain DuPhily welcomes phone calls or emails at 717-334-7671 ext. 3117 or rduphily@adamscountypa.gov. Additional information is available at https://www.adamscpm.org.
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ACACC is hiring for Correctional Officers. If you or you know someone who is looking employment, have them visit the Adams County website at www.adamscountypa.gov. Go to their hiring page and select the advertisement for Correctional Officers for details and application.
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Articles from the Web
As U.S. holds world record for imprisonment, churches increase prison ministries
From BaptistNews.com
This article describes some obstacles to prison ministry and why it is so necessary
What does the Bible say about prison ministry?
From Prisonfellowship.org
"If Jesus were on earth today, would we find Him in prisons?"
Christians Should Care for Prisoners
From Relevent Magazine
Read about the myths that may keep us from wanting to reach out to inmates
Get Connected
Who We Are
We are a non-profit Christian Ministry that serves inmates in the Adams County area of Pennsylvania. Our team is made up of both paid staff and volunteers with a heart for sharing Christ with those who are incarcerated...
What We Do
We purpose to share Christ with our brothers and sisters in the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex in many ways, such as offering worship services, mentoring and discipleship, and distributing Bibles...
How You Can Too!
Check out our past and upcoming events to see the different ways you can get involved in Adams Christian Prison Ministries. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on our new announcements!
