NATCHEZ — In the eyes of the law, they are criminals. In the eyes of God, they are white as snow.

A quick dunk in a tub of water inside the walls of the Adams County jail and three inmates had a second chance, with or without the bars.

They no longer have the right to go out to lunch. They can’t work where they want. And most of their rights as citizens were locked up with their belongings until their release.

But life is different after a trip to the other side of the water.

You stand up straighter.

“I was tired of going down the wrong road,” said Isaac Garner, in jail on charges of selling drugs and burglary. “I’m only 17, and I was going down the wrong road. I want to get right with the Lord instead of doing the same things.”

The Adams County Jail sees roughly 30 inmate baptisms each year, Jail Administrator Maj. Charles Harrigill said. Many of those attend weekly Bible classes hosted by missionaries who visit the jail.

Emanuel Griffin, in jail on charges of burglary and assault, looked at his baptism as a shift toward a better life.

“I’m ready to be blessed and be a follower of Jesus,” Griffin said. “I feel it can really change my life.”

Reynaldo Machado, serving time on charges of drug possession, said although jail meant being behind bars, in a way, it brought him closer to God.

“Out in the world, we would probably never read the Word,” Machado said. “It’s sad to be in here, but at the same time, it keeps us off the streets and gives us an opportunity to read the Word.”

Before their baptism, the Rev. Dan Alexander, pastor of Zion Flower Baptist Church, talked seriously with the three inmates.

“You are going to be tested here,” Alexander said. “You are going to be surrounded by people who are not baptized. They might question you. This is a test of your faith.”

Alexander reminded them that studying and doing right did not stop at baptism.

Then, he led the solemn-faced men to a closed-off patio beside the jail.

After Alexander read from the Bible and led songs and prayers, each man took his turn being dunked in a large water-filled plastic tub.

After more singing and prayers, Alexander gave each a certificate saying they had been baptized. All three smiled broadly.

“Be proud,” he said. “You’re a part of God’s family now.”