Finally Free Prision Ministry

Finally Free, a prison ministry of El Bethel International Ministries, is dedicated to reaching inmates who struggle with addiction, anger, brokenness, guilt, shame, abandonment, and despair. While their physical freedom may be restricted, this ministry exists to show that true freedom is found in Christ, who breaks every chain.

The Lord placed a burden in the hearts of our pastors to bring the healing and delivering power of Jesus Christ into the walls of Otisville Federal Correctional Institution in New York. Although many hindrances initially blocked access, after much prayer, fasting, and spiritual preparation, the Lord opened the door for El Bethel International Ministries to minister inside the prison.

According to the leading of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Mike Palombi and his wife Heidi Palombi, members of ELBIM Church, were prayed over and appointed by Pastors, Dr. Pradeep Stephen and Dr. Kiruba Stephen, to lead the Finally Free ministry. Rev. Palombi is the author of How's It Feel, Tough Guy? From Prisoner of Pride to Prisoner of Hope, a memoir detailing his life of crime, addiction, and eventual spiritual redemption in prison. He is also the founder of Prisoner of Hope Ministries. Along with his wife, he has traveled extensively across the country, ministering in various prisons and sharing the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

On February 5th, 2025, following the laying on of hands by Pastor Dr. Kiruba Stephen, Rev. Palombi and Heidi led the first ELBIM Chapel service at Otisville. This marked the culmination of nearly two years of preparation and the extensive process of becoming official volunteers with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The inaugural service had over 62 inmates in attendance, who warmly received the team and eagerly listened to the Word God brought through them.

On February 26th, they returned to show a prison documentary they had co-produced, witnessing numerous salvations and recommitments to Christ. Since then, they have been faithfully holding weekly worship services, continually sharing the hope of the Gospel and demonstrating that no one is beyond God’s Grace.

Through the working of the Holy Spirit, Finally Free seeks to raise up restored men and women who become living testimonies of God’s mercy and valuable assets to serve in His Kingdom. This ministry stands as a declaration that bars, walls, or chains cannot prevent Christ from reaching prisoners. In Him, the guilty are forgiven, the broken are healed, and the captives are set free.