A former inmate who now leads a church and travels the country spreading the Christian gospel visited the Daviess County Detention Center on Monday, sharing his story of redemption with those currently behind bars.
Andy “Rebirth” Pellerano, senior pastor of One Accord Ministries in New Orleans, spent eight and a half years in prison before devoting his life to ministry. He said his experiences allow him to connect with inmates on a personal level.
“There’s something different when they can hear from somebody that’s been exactly where you’re at,” Pellerano said. “Sometimes you think you’ve messed your life up and you’re never going to get it together. I just want to let them know, surrender to Christ. He sets you free, and there’s no limitations to what God can do with a heart that’s fully surrendered.”
Pellerano said his visit was part of a multi-day mission trip through Washington, Evansville, and Indianapolis, before stopping in Owensboro. He connected with the local jail through Larry Belcher, who arranged the stop while Pellerano’s team was traveling through the area.
Belcher has worked with the detention center in the past through Jabez Ministries, conducting food outreach.
His ministry, which includes a brick-and-mortar church on the West Bank of New Orleans and a Christian rap outreach, often pairs performances with street missions, prison visits, and community events. Pellerano said his goal is always to maximize time in the mission field.
“When I’m on a mission trip, it’s not about going to a venue and then back to a hotel like I’m a celebrity,” he said. “It’s about being used by the Lord and making the most of the opportunity.”
Jailer Art Maglinger said spiritual programs like Monday’s visit can have a powerful impact.
“Pastor Andy ‘Rebirth’ Pellerano and his team delivered a powerful message of enduring hope through Scripture, testimony, music, rap, and ultimately the Gospel of Christ,” Maglinger said. “Their approach seemed to really resonate with many of the inmates in attendance. These gentlemen have been in the shoes of these inmates and care about them enough to share the love of God with them.”
He added that events like this can leave a lasting impression.
“Special events like this are important for the inmates to be reminded that others have been where they are and have overcome their circumstances through the power of redemption,” Maglinger said. “We are all in the same boat together in need of the hope that is only found in the Gospel of Christ.”
Maglinger said the event was voluntary for inmates, with participants coming from multiple housing units.
“Some of the spiritual moments have been the most meaningful to me in my time as jailer,” he said. “A lot of people talk about education, but I think the spiritual is much more profound and works at a deeper level to actually change someone from the inside out. We’re thankful to Larry and Pastor Andy for making the trip to minister to inmates who volunteered to participate.”
Pellerano’s message to the inmates focused on transformation, urging them to see their challenges as opportunities for a fresh start.
“It’s more than rehabilitation,” he said. “God will turn your mess into a message.”
