Our chaplains are prepared to serve in hospitals, nursing homes, emergency situations, times of crisis, and other places where people may be facing illness, grief, loneliness, fear, uncertainty, or difficult circumstances. They come prepared with the resources, ministry tools, Scripture, prayer, compassion, and encouragement needed to minister to people where they are. As ambassadors of Samuel’s Haven Ministries, our chaplains seek to bring the hope, comfort, grace, and truth of Jesus Christ to those who need it most.

We believe chaplaincy is more than simply responding to a need—it is an opportunity for discipleship. Our desire is to help chaplains grow in their own walk with Christ while equipping them to encourage spiritual growth in others. Through training, resources, guidance, prayer, and practical ministry opportunities, chaplains are encouraged to learn, serve, grow, and help others take their own steps of faith

Jesus commanded His followers in Matthew 28:19–20 to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,” making disciples and teaching them to observe His commandments. This is the heart of the Great Commission. Through our chaplaincy ministry, we seek to carry that mission into hospitals, nursing homes, communities, crisis situations, and wherever people need someone willing to come alongside them with the love of Christ.

Chaplain Willie Hendon devoted his life to reaching people in need and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. His commitment to ministry began after taking early retirement from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department in Florida, where he chose to become a full-time minister. Before accepting his first pastorate in Shelby, North Carolina, Willie served as a missionary, gaining valuable experience in serving others and sharing the Gospel.

After graduating from Fruitland Bible Institute, Willie became the volunteer chaplain of the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Department in 1989. He faithfully served in that role until the day he entered Glory. Throughout his years as chaplain, he continually sought knowledge, resources, and programs that would strengthen his ability to minister to others. His desire was not simply to offer spiritual guidance, but to help people grow, overcome obstacles, and become the best they could be, regardless of their circumstances.

Willie was especially dedicated to developing programs within the jail that addressed both spiritual and practical needs. These programs included literacy opportunities and *Glimmer of Hope*, his beloved Christmas ministry for inmates and their families. Through these efforts, he sought to restore dignity, encourage families, and provide hope to those who often felt forgotten.

His greatest desire was to lead people to faith in Jesus Christ. In every situation, Willie sought to live by two guiding questions:

“How would I want to be treated in this situation?”
“What would Jesus want me to do about this?”

These principles shaped every aspect of his ministry. Whether serving in the jail, establishing emergency housing, or helping individuals whom others had rejected, Willie remained committed to reaching the unreachable and touching the untouchable. He trusted God with the outcome while faithfully offering compassion, assistance, and a hand up to those in need.

Through his ministry at Samuel’s Haven, Inc. & Ministries, Willie’s vision and mission continue. His legacy lives on through the ongoing work of helping, serving, teaching, and reaching others with the hope of Jesus Christ. Samuel’s Haven is committed to continuing the work he began—meeting people where they are, offering practical support, sharing the Gospel, and providing opportunities for lives to be transformed.