The Monroe County Department also makes a major contribution outside its four walls

The Monroe County man spent 16 years in prison, but said he took his faith seriously during his last sentence.

MONROE COUNTY, Mississippi (WCBI) – A Monroe County community is making a big difference even outside of its own four walls.

Stand Firm Ministry was founded three years ago by Vincent Hayes.

The Monroe County man spent 16 years in prison, but said he took his faith seriously during his last sentence.

The ministry is known for its regular visits to local prisons, where its members visit the inmates, preach and testify.

The church offers services throughout the week, and Pastor Hayes says his time behind bars prepared him for his ministry.

“I regret going to prison, but I thank God for saving my life, allowing me to stay in prison and in the rehabilitation center, because otherwise I would not know who He is and that I belong in His kingdom,” Hayes said.

Stand Firm runs a number of social services, including the distribution of food parcels every third Saturday at its headquarters in Aberdeen.

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