We headed to Ellen Halbert Unit - Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in Burnet, Texas, alongside our dear friends Ron and Katie Brigmon, who have faithfully ministered to prisoners and their families since 1981.
Ron, affectionately known as "Rappin' Ron," (and I’m not kidding – he is an incredible rapper – and it’s all from God’s Word) -- uses his musical gifts, humor, and God's Word to reach hearts behind bars. And Katie? She's right there beside him, sharing the love of Jesus!
A few months ago, Carl and I attended a prison ministry conference that stirred something deep within us.
One speaker introduced himself by his former prison number: 44068. Fifteen years incarcerated! Today, he's helping restore families and rebuild lives.
Another man served six years behind bars. He's now spent six years returning as a chaplain!
And at our weekly House Church, a formerly incarcerated young man plays his guitar and sings God's praises, surrounded by his beautiful wife and four children!
THAT'S REDEMPTION! THAT'S RESTORATION! THAT'S OUR JESUS!
I'll admit I was a little nervous going into the Halbert Unit. I've known heartache, loss, and struggles, but never imprisonment. Yet I've learned that every testimony matters because every testimony points to our Redeemer, Jesus.
Jesus said, "I was in prison and you came to visit Me." Matthew 25:36 – Not because He harmed anyone or made mistakes – but because He paid the price for our salvation.
Carl and I were two heart-filled, excited and a little nervous because we didn’t know exactly what awaited us, but God did! Being able to speak about God's faithfulness and give those women hope for their future was such a blessing -- first by Carl and then, me.
I looked into those women's faces and saw brokenness -- yet hope for their future.
We have been approved to serve in Texas prisons because we're determined to make this prime-time season of our lives COUNT!
If God opens a door — even a prison door — we're willing to walk through it!
Our prayer? Fewer repeat offenders. More restored families. More lives transformed by God's amazing grace!
Because behind every number is a NAME. Behind every sentence is a SOUL.
And behind those prison walls are people Jesus loves enough to have died for!
NO ONE is beyond the reach of our chain-breaking Savior!
#Redemption #GodsAmazingGrace #restoration
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