Missouri inmates told about power of redemption by a TV star: Dog the Bounty Hunter
Incarcerated people at a Missouri prison heard a message of hope from Dog the Bounty Hunter last week, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Duane Lee Chapman, known for starring in the reality show “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” visited the Western Missouri Correctional Center on June 7 to talk with incarcerated people about God, faith and life after prison.
Since his show ended, Chapman turned from tracking down criminals to preaching to them. During his stop in Missouri last week, Chapman talked about his own experience finding religion while incarcerated, and encouraged inmates to find a new life path through God.
“I hope I brought them some hope that their lives can be changed exactly where they’re at,” Chapman told The Star via email on Monday.
The Western Missouri Correctional Center is a maximum security prison in Cameron, Missouri. Karen Pojmann, communications director for the Missouri Department of Corrections, confirmed to The Star that Chapman visited with inmates.
Chapman is a TV personality who starred in a reality show chronicling his life tracking down criminals from 2004 to 2012. He recently made an appearance on season seven of “The Masked Singer” and has authored several books.
Chapman now visits prisons across the country to preach to inmates. He founded “Light Up the Darkness” ministry with his wife, who he married in 2021, according to his website.
“His name alone bring crowds, so we’re just thankful to have him with us,” said Bill Corum, president of Prison Power Ministries, which helped organize the visit, in a video of the event posted by The Cameron Citizen-Observer.
Prison Power Ministries is a national organization based in Bates City, Missouri, that brings Christian speakers to incarceration facilities.
“This was the first time I’d been back to prison since I got out,” Chapman said. “It was a life-changing experience for me to bring restoration and change through Christ into those men’s lives.”
Chapman was convicted of first degree murder in 1976 and served 18 months at a prison in Texas.
“God turned my life around in prison and I believe that no matter who you are or where you’re at, God can change your life,” Chapman said. “My goal is to use my platform to change as many lives as possible before I go to heaven.”
Chapman said during the visit, he talked about the decisions he made that led him to prison, and how he spent his time during incarceration to find religion.
“I wanted these guys to know that it’s never to late to turn your life around and I offered them the chance to do that by accepting Christ into their hearts,” Chapman said.
Chapman said 12 men at the prison found God during his visit last Tuesday.
“They got the healing they were looking for in their broken and wounded hearts,” Chapman said.
