"Behind The Gates".
I am compelled by Jesus Christ to do Prison Ministry! Not because I have all the answers or that I am 'perfect'.
I have never served time, yet I have served 28 years behind the gates since 1998.
Many people ask me how can I go to "those people"? How can I not go? I can't not go! I must!
Jesus called me to serve though I have never done time in a physical cell. But I have been in the prison of sin, needing redemption from Christ. He paid for a full pardon for me on the Cross for my freedom. He has freed me.
From my bondage to habits, hang ups & negative behaviors. No longer do I have to lock myself behind doors of doubt or shame. No longer do I find myself behind a gate of condemnation.
I have been released from the captivity of inferiority. By His mercy & grace, I no longer have to believe the lies I tell myself.
Jesus has pardoned me from personal panic attacks & bouts of anxiety.
I am compelled to go into prison to serve because I know what it's like to lock myself away in an invisible cell of fear. I understand how it can feel like security to isolate ourselves. But Jesus Christ breaks down those walls. He rips away the mask I try to hide behind. No, I don't have all the answers but I know the One who does.
No longer do I feel 'less than' or have feelings of not belonging. I belong to Jesus.
From the very first day of stepping onto the prison yard, I knew I belonged. Not because of a crime committed or injustice done, but because my sisters were there. Even more importantly Jesus is there! I go behind the gates to visit Him.
I can't see them locked behind razor wire or locked in cells & not do anything about it. I must offer them freedom that Jesus gives. I must share that Christ has their full pardon waiting for them & how much He loves them.
For those who already know Him there is encouragement, fellowship, & connection.
The church of Christ is strong behind the gates. They need our support.
Compassion from Jesus sends me & I can't look away from my sisters. They have my heart & changed my life for the better.
Jesus gave me love for them even before I met them. He gave me dreams of their faces & His love for them.
Many years of time has been spent sharing laughter, joy, answers to prayers, as well as tears. Rejoicing over victories & hugs during heartaches.
These women mentor me more than I could ever mentor them.
Culture calls them offenders but we have all offended & broken God's laws. We are all bent toward sin & need Christ.
I have been under the death sentence on death row because of sin & guilt, but Jesus!
He is my Advocate, Defender, Redeemer. He has taken my place & given me eternal life.
He has done it for me & for these women when they call on Him.
Praise the Lord, there is freedom available even behind the gates. Nothing can separate us from Christ's love when we belong to Him, not even razor wire!
I am bound to these women by the love of Christ. His love is not bound by chains. He offers His freedom to all who will come to Him, even in a prison cell.
I am blessed to go behind the gates to watch Jesus work & to see His Spirit open their understanding & unlock their heart, transforming their lives.
I enjoy traveling this road to redemption with them. It's a powerful journey!
