A friend suggested that Lloyd could find expression for his sense of calling by ministering to detainees in the Cleburne County jail.  Several years prior, Lloyd had experience ministering in the state prison system and he felt led to follow up on that suggestion. As a result of his experiences as a jail chaplain, Lloyd immediately felt a joy and sense of purpose greater than he had ever known previously.  Ministry experiences with law enforcement officers magnified his awareness that he had found that service for which the Lord had equipped and prepared him.

Volunteer ministry, however, doesn’t provide necessary resources for living expenses, but the impact of Lloyd’s ministry was noted by the Little Red River Associational Missionary and, in coordination and partnership with the Missions Ministries team, financial support was provided through the Dixie Jackson Week of Prayer and offering for Arkansas missions. This support enabled Lloyd to continue and expand his ministry to not only jail detainees and law enforcement officers, but also the development of “FreedomWay,” an after-release home and worship experience for those with or recovering from addictions, and their families.

To date, more than 150 persons have prayed to the Lord for salvation, 42 have received aftercare ministry (in Lloyd’s own home), and 23 are now involved in Celebrate Recovery fellowship. Recently, a weekly service called “Celebrate Worship” has been initiated with 20 persons attending.

Lloyd is extremely grateful to the essential ministry supported provided by Dixie Jackson resources which has enabled him to be obedient to the calling by the Lord to this crucial and life-changing ministry. Chaplain Lloyd Blanton is very intentional and enthusiastic in thanking the Lord and the churches of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention for enabling him to be, as he calls it, “an ABSC missionary.”