DC Jailer Art Maglinger Speaks On Addiction In Our Community

Daviess County Jailer, Art Maglinger, has been in law enforcement since he was 22 years old. He's personally witnessed the effects of drug addiction on our community and is sharing his experience with us.

As a former police detective with OPD and now as a County Jailer, I have widely experienced the brokenness that crime has on our community. The law enforcement career can weigh heavy on a worldview with its daily overexposure to issues like evil, violence and trauma. I have witnessed firsthand the devastation and consequences from the selfish actions of individuals, which often come at a very heavy cost to their own families. One of the most tragic things is watching children become the unintended victims of their circumstances resulting from the selfish actions of their parents. I am truly convinced that almost all of our societal problems could be fixed or at least greatly improved by starting with the family unit.
The Friends of Sinners ministry stands out in our community due to its high degree of accountability, commitment and effort to address the issue of addiction at a more foundational level. FOS promotes personal responsibility not only by dealing with the issue of drug addiction, but also with the underlying root of sin, which is universal to everyone. Without taking anything away from other programs, FOS is distinct in the sense that it is unashamedly a Christian ministry with a different starting point than other more secular rehabs. Not only is FOS well respected by the Courts, but it is also widely recognized as making a difference even within the law enforcement community. In law enforcement, there is a propensity to become jaded and numb over time by a host of people telling you they are going to change their lives, only to find out that they are in jail the very next week. With FOS, I have experienced quite a different outcome, where I have witnessed God do a remarkable work in the lives of many. It has become abundantly clear in my life that Christ continues to be the only One who has the power to redeem us and transform someone from the inside out. Anyone can attempt to alter their outward behavior to look good for others or even try to get out of trouble, but until our inward person is redeemed by God, it is all just an act that will not stand the test of time. This is precisely what Jesus spoke of when he compared the outward behavior of the scribes and Pharisees to whitewashed tombs in Matthew Chapter 23. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27 NKJV). God has the power to transform lives, and FOS strives to share that powerful Truth by being a Gospel-centered ministry.
Friends of Sinners will continue to make a huge impact on our community, on families and in the lives of individuals. To carry out their mission, FOS does need the support of our community which includes prayer, participation and financial support. I was privileged enough last year to hear my friend and Director, Joe Welsh share his vision for "Gideon's 300" (Less is More Project) while I was at a men's fellowship at Bellevue Baptist Church. Please consider supporting this great cause and helping the FOS ministry thrive in our community!

Friends of Sinners is seeking individuals, to be 1 of the 300. They believe that God has already prepared the hearts of those that will donate to this ministry. As the story of Gideon goes, God is going to do something mighty with the few that he has chosen to participate in the Friend of Sinners Less is More Project. Every staff and board member has made a personal commitment to this fundraiser and has donated $100. Will you join them? If you feel led to join us, you can contact Joe Welsh at 270-689-9174 or 270-302-1161 or email him at joewelsh00@yahoo.com. All donations are tax deductible. Checks can be made out to, Friends of Sinners and mailed to 320 Clay Street, Owensboro, KY 42303.