Agency honors Tulsan -Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries
Ellis Frazier of Tulsa was honored as Volunteer of the Year by Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries (CJAMM) of the Conference. The award was given March 27 during the agency’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, held at OKC-First. Frazier has volunteered for 10 years at St. Luke’s Redemption Church in Tulsa. He is the first African-American to receive the CJAMM award. A native of Tulsa, Frazier became interested in the church when his wife was incarcerated at Turley Correctional Facility, according to those who nominated him for the CJAMM award. When she was discharged, he became a volunteer. Frazier was certified as a volunteer when Tony Zahn was pastor at the church, now led by Brantley Tillery. One of Frazier’s favorite duties is transporting corrections center inmates who are attending funerals. He views that as an opportunity to engage in ministry at a time of special need. On two evenings each week, the Volunteer of the Year is a driver for Redemption Church’s prison ministry programming. He facilitates Alcoholics Anonymous classes and assists in other classes as the need arises. He is a seasoned handyman, working on vehicles and on maintaining the buildings at both Redemption Church and Exodus House. Frazier also assists with transportation for Operation Hope and New Day Camp. At the recent CJAMM luncheon, guest speaker was state Rep. Kris Steele, a Baptist clergyman. Other noted guests included Leo Brown, chaplain and volunteer coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. |
