As we enter the front gates of each prison, we are keenly aware that it is not enough just to visit the prisoners and share the Word of the Lord with them. Rather, while in "their house," we must quite literally "live the Great Commission," giving heed to the way we dress and conduct ourselves and alert to the fact that we represent the Church of Jesus Christ. As such, we are knowledgeable that many eyes are watching us--from the Warden’s staff to the Correctional Officers to the prisoners themselves. We arrive with a single prayer on our lips: "Lord, make us a blessing to someone today."

Prisoners are the least-reached people in America. Had they been reached prior to incarceration, they would not be locked up today. Unless they are reached while imprisoned, they will return to a life of crime. For over two million Americans, this statement is a reality. Our mission is to take the Gospel of Christ over these huge concrete walls, through the steel bars and into un-evangelized cells of men, women, boys and girls who, at this moment, are sitting in spiritual darkness without God, without Christ, and without a hope in this world.

Our goal is not to just convert, but to prepare prisoners for effective leadership and responsible service, equipping them for ministry. We want to see them embark on a sacred journey called "the adventure of a Christian life." That journey does not begin when they are released, but right now where they are (in jail), with those around them (other prisoners), and in their present circumstance (incarceration).

Some of God’s most beautiful gardens are grown in prison. It is true that they are surrounded daily by the foulest of men, with stony hearts and thorny tongues, who make it their life’s business to devour young Christians. Our converts, therefore, must be clothed with the armor of faith in order to survive the breath of Hell itself as it blasts against their newfound faith and the One for whom they have taken their stand. But that is why God has called us there—to be an encourager and an evangelist, exhorting them to follow in His footsteps that leads to that eternal Kingdom, whose King remembers them by name.

Joe R. Garman