God at Work in Ohio Prisons

God is doing great and mighty things in the women's prisons in Ohio. It was a joy to travel there and visit over 260 women in five facilities as the message on the power of prayer was shared. There were more questions asked by the women on this trip than what is usually experienced - and we had an opportunity to address many of those questions. We witnessed breakthroughs, learning, joy, and healing. There were tears, there was praise.

The Lord is raising up women of prayer behind the walls. There is an equipping and training going on to prepare them for their future and to make an impact upon the church. It is such a joy to watch the Lord at work and be a part of His plan!

God at Work

Our trip to six prisons in three states was great! We witnessed God at work through healing inner hurts, revealing truth to women in prison about their identity in the Lord, and some powerful breakthroughs. On the trip we visited two women's prisons for the first time, which was answer to a three year prayer.

We reached over 500 women on the trip with the Gospel message of forgiveness, love, and redemption and teaching on how to pray more effectively. Over 140 women asked for our correspondence Bible Study. And, we returned with 500 prayer requests.

At one facility we had a great team of volunteers who prayed with women, wept with the women, and worshiped the Lord together. Our thanks to their faithfulness and service.

What Will God Do?

I am getting ready for our next trip to six women's prisons and the day before heading out can be hectic with lots of last minute details. The big question is: what will God do on this trip? Who will He put in my path, what strategies does He have for accomplishing His purposes? Will women be healed, restored, saved? What about the officers, the volunteers - what does God have in mind for them? And - what does He want to show me? Who will I meet that is going to impact my life? What "God-moments" will I witness?

It's exciting and joy-filled. Whatever God wants to do, I pray He does it!

Welcome to PrisonPoints

Welcome to a blog about prison - a world I never dreamed of 15 years ago. Yet for the last five years, I've been a small part in going to prisons around the country and watching the Lord set the captives free. It has been nothing short of miraculous. Here I hope to share from my journeys, experiences, and connect with others drawn to prison ministry.

And so today's first prison point is this: the photo on this page was taken at Angola Prison in Louisiana a few years ago. In the yard I had the chance to listen to the man who was sharing his story. The photo captures what prison ministry is about for me. I didn't have great advice for this man, didn't rattle off five Bible verses to him, and I didn't have enough time to encourage him. It was my introduction to the ministry of presence. I learned so much about when to remain silent and listen. It was powerful and that day at Angola impacted my life.

And so I go to prison, and the Lord ministers to me there...............