He just happened to start thumbing through his belongings when he came upon a book given to him by his grandmother right before he was shipped out to World War II. He had never opened the book, which contained spiritual messages, even while enduring the brutal realities of war in the the Pacific. On Dec. 19, 1946, with every turn of a page, every question Shillinger ever wondered was answered. "I surrendered my life to the Lord," he recalled about that day Over 60 years later, religion is still a central part of Shillinger's life. The longtime resident of Warrenton and a member of Smith Creek United Methodist Church, now resides in St. Peters with his wife following a rehabilitating period after suffering a stroke and seizures. At Sunday morning's church service, Shillinger was honored by the congregation for his commitment at starting a weekly ministry inside the Warren County Jail. Warren County Sheriff Kevin Harrison presented Shillinger with an honorary key from the Warren County Jail Administration and a framed certificate recognizing him for his dedication and service to the jail ministry. The ministry program began in 1989 when the current jail location opened. Shillinger asked then-Sheriff Mike Baker if there were plans for worship services for inmates. Baker responded by asking Shillinger what his plans were. So, then, Shillinger began his weekly journeys to the local jail. "We who sit in the pews have to get out and we have to start ministering to our fellow men," he said. Nineteen years later, the ministry is still going strong. Twice-a-week members from area churches meet with inmates and hold worship gatherings. "We have a lot of loneliness in our jail," Harrison said. "We have some people who are lost and made bad decisions. They need people to give them direction. …(Bob) listens to people. Sometimes people need someone that cares." Two co-workers in the jail ministry from Warrenton-based Faith Christian Family Church attended Sunday's service to thank Shillinger. Loretta Parks said she has worked with Shillinger for around a decade and she has seen him help an estimated 40 inmates per week or 20,800 people during that 10-year period. "He used his talents very well," she said. "It's a tremendous ministry. So many have been saved and put back on the right track." Kathy Barrett hadn't attended church in about five years, but that changed after meeting Shillinger. "I want to thank you for touching and changing my life," Barrett gestured toward Shillinger. To this day, Shillinger said he's been the one rewarded for his worship with others. "It thrills me that they have found the Lord," he said. "The only reason it thrills me is because I had the same experience and I want to share it."