THE GINGERICH FAMILY… Debbie, Mike, and Lars start the evening with some gospel music while guests await the arrival of their meals.
(PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
MERCY ROAD TEAM …Tyler, Kendal, Alexis, Jon, and Karleen put on a gospel show for the guests following dinner.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Gospel Echoes Team held its annual prison ministry banquet on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Pettisville Missionary Church. Doors opened at 6:00 p.m., with dinner being served at 6:30 p.m.
The church was beautifully decorated with round tables, setting a welcoming atmosphere for the evening. Local youth groups, dressed in their best Sunday clothes, served dinner to the guests, adding a special touch to the event.
Musical performances were given by Gospel Echoes Teams, Mercy Road, and the Gingerich family, who shared hymns and gospel songs with those in attendance. Throughout the evening, the teams also provided updates on their journeys and ministry work over the past year.
Gospel Echoes is a full-time prison ministry that travels to churches and prisons across the United States and Canada with the mission of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with inmates.
The Mercy Road Team is led by Jon and Karleen Sommers, along with their children, Alexis and Tyler. The group began touring in the summer of 2011 and has continued to minister across the United States and Canada.
Jon previously sang with the New Life Team in 1999, bringing valuable experience to Mercy Road. In 2013, Karleen’s brother, Kendal Eigsti, joined the team, adding his talents on the guitar.
The group is based in Goshen, Indiana, and remains committed to sharing the message of hope through music wherever they travel.
The Gingerich Family served with Gospel Echoes Northwest as the Crossroads Team for the past 20 years. Mike, Debbie, and Lars Gingerich are now assisting with various tasks at the Goshen office and supporting different ministry events, continuing their faithful service to the Gospel Echoes mission.
Since its founding, the Gospel Echoes Teams have ministered in more than 500 prisons. Their outreach includes a Bible Study Correspondence Course and the distribution of Christian literature, all provided free to inmates.
The ministry is supported by a network of over 700 volunteer graders who review the Bible courses and offer encouragement to prisoners.
The purpose of the annual banquet is to offer a “Praise Report” to supporters, celebrating the ministry’s work over the past year and giving attendees the opportunity to renew their support or become new partners in the mission.
Highlights from the past year included the completion of 110,852 Bible Study Courses, the distribution of 509,459 Scripture address booklets, the distribution of 8,181 New Life Study Testaments, recognition of 5,460 Bible Course graduates, and the efforts of 600 Bible Study graders who collectively volunteered thousands of hours.
There are many ways for the community to support the Gospel Echoes Teams and help continue their mission of sharing the Gospel with prison inmates. Those interested in volunteering or donating can visit the ministry’s website at www. gospelechoes.com/teams.