Preaching at the Yakima County Jail

Michael and Margie Sgobba

HISTORY

Michael Sgobba, Founder of House of Hope Ministry has been ministering to inmates in jails and prisons since 1994.

Michael became a Christian in his teen years, and attended Bible College in Southern California from 1971-1973.  The first time he had the opportunity to serve prisoners was when he visited California Men's Colony near San Luis Obispo with other men from "Teen Challenge."

Michael was influenced by his relationship with his father, Michael Sgobba, Senior.  Michael Jr. was instilled with the understanding God wanted for the lives of men and women who were in prison and jail.

After visiting a close relative in King County jail in 1994, he began teaching small Bible studies at the Snohomish County Jail in Everett.

He taught Bible studies for several years.  With no formal training, the Lord surrounded him with His presence.  God was with him when he walked into those cell blocks where the inmates lived.  “There is nothing better than knowing you are right in the 'center of God's will' when you are ministering, whether you are in a jail or on a foreign mission field”, Michael states.

In July of 2001, Michael became Director of Prison Ministries at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission (UGM).  After five years with UGM Prison Ministry, God opened another door. ‘Unchained for Christ’ prison ministry was born.

During that time, he saw the need for transitional living after prison where ex-prisoners could learn about God and learn to transition back into the community.

Michael and his wife, Margie, prayed about this sister ministry.  In 2008 the Lord established ‘House of Hope’, a transitional living home where men could live after prison and receive Biblical Discipleship in a Christian family home.

Now, Michael and Margie Sgobba head up a team of volunteers.  ‘House of Hope’ is the name of the entire ministry which covers: Prison, Jail, and Aftercare ministry in Eastern and Western Washington..

Join us in this exciting ministry in touching lives for eternity.