Does God's transforming love extend to people in prison? Of course. However, for many, the idea of stepping foot inside a prison and building relationships with the men/women inside is unthinkable.
We've been inspired and challenged by a group of young college students who are setting out to do just that. They are about to embark on a ministry to inmates and could use your help. The core group setting this all up includes university student Josh Allison and two GO! counselors: Katelyn Collison and Whitney Pirtle. We spoke with Josh to get the details.
GO!: What led you to speak God's love to inmates?
Josh: We found out about this great idea from Katelyn. Her family started the TN Prison Ministry in 1984 and have been spreading the ministry all throughout the state. They are in their 80's and we are wanting to lend a hand and do what we can for God's work. We are led to do this ministry from the passage, Matthew 9:11-13. Jesus came for the sick and we are passionate about reaching out to people who don't have the chance since they are on death row. We know God is calling us to do this great work in his name.
GO!:What exactly goes into a prison outreach?
Josh: A prison ministry is not really that complex. All we have to do is set something up with the TN Prison Ministry and they handle talking to the prison chaplain. All we do is show up for the spreading Gods news. We are very excited about doing this and we are wanting to learn all we can about how they set up a prison ministry. So, we can spread it through more than just TN!
GO!: How do you prepare for an outreach to people on death row?
Josh: We prepare by prayer since we haven't ever done this yet and we don't really know what to expect. We also prepare by talking with our friends, studying the bible together, and coming up with a game plan to reach the lost.
GO!: What can the GO! family do to help?
Josh: We would love for GO! to help. We could use bibles (Any Version) sent to us at the school! We would also love notes of encouragement to us and the prisoners! It would be great to show the prisoners that people care about them and their souls!
We can't wait to get this started and have GO! experience this great work! We love all of you and we hope you can help!
Want to send Bibles for the team to hand to men and women in prison? Start up a collection at your church or in your garage. Bibles can be sent to:
Josh Allison, 158 East Main Street., Box 352, Henderson, TN 38340