Prison Yard Crusades

Bringing the Gospel onto Florida's prison yards since 1979

Since 1979, The Encounter has brought the Gospel onto Florida's prison yards. Each Prison Yard Crusade opens with praise and worship, followed by personal testimonies and world-class sports entertainment such as Bruce Crevier's basketball show. We close with an evangelistic message and small groups where inmates can ask questions and share their own testimonies.

2026 Schedule

Join a Crusade Team

Five crusades this year. Choose an upcoming date to sign up.

Crusade 1Feb. 26–27, 2026

Central Florida Reception Center

Completed

Crusade 2Apr. 24–25, 2026

Florida Women's Reception Center

Completed

Crusade 3June 26–27, 2026

Moore Haven CF / South Bay CI

Completed

Crusade 4Aug. 28–29, 2026

Jackson CF / Graceville CI

Completed

Crusade 5Nov. 6–7, 2026

Sign Up

Sign Up for All 2027 CrusadesAvailable when the 2027 dates are posted in January.

First time serving with us? You'll need a Florida Volunteer PIN before you can go inside.

See the Volunteer Steps

Remembering a Legend

Jack Murphy, "Murf the Surf" (May 26, 1937 – Sept. 12, 2020)

After being spared from the death penalty for his role in the J.P. Morgan jewel heist and the Whiskey Creek murders, Jack was given a new lease on life and released from prison in 1986, 258 years before his original parole date of 2244. For the next 34 years, Jack visited thousands of prisons worldwide, touching desperate lives with the Gospel of grace, forgiveness and mercy. We are eternally grateful for his many years of guidance, leadership and support freely given to this ministry.