David and Libby Duncan met at Ozark Christian College. Together, they learned aboutmany effective and entrepreneurial ministries in the Joplin area. Just a few are Christ InYouth, White Fields Overseas Evangelism, Good News Productions, International, andAmerican Rehabilitation Ministries – now, ARM Prison Outreach.
They recall, “We first learned about ARM when we were students, and have followed the work for decades. We’ve several times made contact with ARM because friends andacquaintances needed the ministry for themselves or family members.”
Their passion for ARM isn’t abstract – it is personal. Rewind to the 1980s in Seneca,Missouri, where David and Libby knew a man named Ernie Eads. Ernie served twentyyears of a life sentence for drugs, but authorities commuted his sentence. While in prison, Ernie enrolled in ARM’s Bible studies, which changed his life. “Ernie’s story moves us because we knew his family,” they say. Ernie is a reminder of how the Gospel is transforming real people behind real bars.
Knowing that the opportunities for prison ministry are changing, the Duncans said, “We value the longevity of ARM – more than 50 years is amazing. We also value leadership’s ability to adapt to the new realities of prison outreach. “We want to be effective givers,” they explain, “and in our experience, this follows quality ministry leadership.” At ARM, the Duncans see leadership rising to the challenge, adapting, and dreaming big for the next chapter of outreach and discipleship in prisons.
Ask them about their giving to ARM, and you’ll hear, “We can’t go into the prisons, but through ARM, we can bring the Gospel to the incarcerated and help them find life inChrist behind bars.”
Despair is often epidemic in prison, but the Gospel is the cure. Each gift to ARM ripples out through the cells and walls of prisons to deliver the hope of Jesus. Say the Duncans, “If you want to help reach prisoners who are often friendless and likely hopeless, join us in investing in ARM Prison Outreach!”
