John Reyes is Free!

After three long months in the Lynchburg City Jail, John has walked away victorious! Here are some pictures that were taken around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 1999 just after John's release.

Even though being in jail for three months can be very discouraging, John didn't let that scare him! He started a jail ministry (from the inside) and as a result, over 20 inmates have come to Jesus Christ. John, you did a wonderful job - keep it up!

"Thank You"
December 9, 1999
by John D. Reyes
For those of you who had written me while I was incarcerated, I want to say “Thank you” for taking the time to encourage my heart. I received over 1200 letters while I was in jail, and I was blessed as I read every single one of them! Reading your cards and letters was always one of my favorite parts of the day. The other inmates also enjoyed them as well and were blessed to hear of what the Lord had been doing in your lives...

Press Release
November 30, 1999
by Rev. R. E. Knodel, Jr.
That which men condemned, God apparently justified. Over twenty men converted to Christianity, through John’s ministrations in the jail. Dozens have joined him in nightly Bible Studies. Some have asked John to come to the streets and speak with gang and criminal friends once he is released from jail. Others have publicly thanked God for their sentences because they were led to their salvation while in jail!

Jailed Blessing!
October 20, 1999
by Rev. R. E. Knodel, Jr.
We in Lynchburg continue to give thanks to the Lord for all the help the AFA Law Center has been. And we rejoice that in Christ, even when we "lose," we win!

Jailhouse Interview #4
September 21, 1999
by Rev. R. E. Knodel, Jr.
Most exciting for me was John's news that those who have confessed Christ are starting to make that confession to their fellow inmates!

Jailhouse Interview #3
September 15, 1999
by Rev. R. E. Knodel, Jr.
I've almost stopped praying for John's release! The Lord is doing so much through him. Either Saturday night or Sunday morning "Homicide" prayed to receive Christ. That's #7!

A Letter From John Reyes In Lynchburg City Jail
September 14, 1999
by John Reyes
The Lord has shown me in these days that my freedom rests in Him. As I look out the barred windows and see the razor wire surrounding the jail grounds, I can rejoice because I am free!

Score: 7 to 49
September 14, 1999
by Rev. R. E. Knodel, Jr.
Either Saturday night or Sunday morning "Homicide" prayed to receive Christ.

Jailhouse Interview #2
September 14, 1999
by Rev. R. E. Knodel, Jr.
A number of the harder-cored inmates have come to John in the manner of Nicodemus -- late at night. John has told me of two men so far who incited fear in their peers by their mere "look."

The Jailing of John Reyes
September 14, 1999
by Rev. R. E. Knodel, Jr.
My mind was jarred by the inequity of what I observed during the trial, compared to its harsh penalty.

Judge Richard S. Miller's Sentencing Disparity
September 14, 1999
Judge Richard S. Miller, who meted out John’s harsh sentence, has shown leniency to convicted criminals -- so long as they do not share the gospel near a public school.

Spiritual Awakening Breaks Out in City Jail
September 11, 1999
He said that all the men in his cell listened attentively, but in the next cage over, a number of scoffers mocked John and his cellmates. But they were undaunted. They, unlike the City of Lynchburg and its High Schools, wanted to hear the Word of God!

Keep Calling the Governor
September 2, 1999
An e-mail from John Reyes' attorney to Marilyn Carroll.

John Reyes Begins 6 Month Jail Sentence Monday, August 31, 1999
September 2, 1999
by Rev. Flip Benham
According to Miller's sentence, John would have been better off selling crack cocaine to students before school than proclaiming Jesus.

John's Pastor Speaks Out
September 2, 1999
by Rev. R. E. Knodel, Jr.
John Reyes' civil rights have been violated by the arbitrary and selective prosecution of Lynchburg's peculiar and unposted laws.

A Personal Note To OR Supporters
September 2, 1999
by Rev. R. E. Knodel, Jr.
With tears and much sincere intercession, we asked God for His protection of John, while he suffers, behind bars.

The American Family Association (AFA) Reports On John Reyes
September 1, 1999
The AFA asks that you write Gov. Gilmore to ask for John Reyes' pardon.

Press Release - Liberty University Student to be Jailed in Lynchburg, VA
August 30, 1999
"If the city is looking to send a message to anyone else who would dare take the Gospel to E.C. Glass, it has already done so through my own [Rev. Benham's] incarceration. John's actions certainly do not warrant six months in jail."

John Reyes Loses Court Battle in Virginia Supreme Court
August 18, 1999
On August 12, we received word that our wonderful friend in Christ, John Reyes, had lost his challenge to an absolutely outrageous sentence in the Supreme Court of the State of Virginia.