Many inmates, like most of us, are in search for the truth as it applies to our lives. Unlike those of us who live outside of prison walls; however, their unfulfilled search leads to frustration and a lifestyle consisting of very poor decisions, which could not be tolerated by society. Remaining crime free for them can only come through a change of the heart. Through Alpha and relationships with trained volunteers they discover the answers to the questions of life and find for themselves inner peace, which is truly a gift from God. “May the God of peace….equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever." Hebrews 13:20-21
Patrick, Lake County, IL
Nikki Herron, North Carolina
Reverend, Dr. Tresia Henry
Nearly twenty eight years ago, strung out on drugs, alcohol I encountered a time of nothing but darkness. Being raped continuously by my legal husband at that time, dealing with a mother who had tried to kill me, from molestations to the feeling of being alone, it was truly a miracle that I had not taken my own life.
By the time I was nineteen or twenty, my life was completely out of control, and because I HAD BECOME A SUBSTANCE OF DARKNESS, I behaved in ways that I should not have. Those behaviors and choices under the influence of drugs and alcohol is what ultimately led me to prison serving a 15 to life sentence.
My prison experience has been full of ups and downs, but for the purpose of trying to compose a short story of testimony, I cannot delve into the meat of my rehabilitation. So I will move forward quickly, by saying that upon arriving to a place where nothing else mattered but total surrender of my life, I entered into the Faith Based program.
It was here, that I discovered that my life really did matter, and that if I continued to trust the process of change, I would eventually see the manifestations of true change. Although I had been a fervent student of the bible, by this time for nine years, I began to learn how to apply all the book knowledge that the Holy Spirit had chosen to impart within me.
The Faith Based Volunteers generously gave me their time, prayers, and understanding, in terms of assisting me with figuring out where I belonged in this vast world of incarceration.
As I began this discovery, Pastor Barbara Barker stepped up and took a stand, not only in my life but in the lives of all those who God had given her insight on who was really trying to move into another level spiritually. She became my closest mentor, in helping me to develop my spiritual gifts, and how to use them for the body of Christ. As time went on, I became one of the Faith Based Facilitators, and truly it is one of the most amazing opportunities anyone can be given, because you get the opportunity to watch God move upon their lives as He moved upon yours.
As of June 29, 2011 I paroled from the California Institution for Women, I walked out of that gate after serving twenty seven years. I don’t know which was more defying, walking out of a gate holding real money, or walking out of that gate seeing a row of cars, with Faith Based Volunteers standing there, with such joy at seeing my release, my heart still fills up with overwhelming emotions even now as I try and type this letter.
My body still shakes from the presence of God as I remember that day!!!
I don’t know how I would have ended that part of my journey, without the Faith Based Program, all I know is that those precious jewels that God sent to me, will be intricate parts of the puzzle of my life forever…
Today, I hold (3) Associate Degrees, ranging from Paralegal to Biblical studies, (1) Bachelor’s in Christian Education, (1) Master’s in Prophetic Ministry (1) Doctorate in Theology & Ministry. My dream is to become a Pastor over a church, or to Co-Pastor with another, but my driven passion is to move into full time prison ministry.
Thank you for allowing me to share just a small part of my journey. My heartfelt prayer is that whoever reads this, will be moved by the Holy Spirit, and compelled to take part in a life changing opportunity that could not only save souls, but change a community at large.
Ron Smith, KS
The first time Ron Smith went to prison, it was with a team of other law enforcement officers in the 90s. He describes the experience as intense and inhospitable. But he eagerly returned a few years later—this time as a volunteer from the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS.
Although prison ministry was in place at Leavenworth—helping inmates develop life skills and trying to prepare them for life on the outside—R on sought to bring something more to the prison. "I felt compelled to do something for the inmates in terms of my faith and giving back." Ron had experienced Alpha through his church. Working with the prison chaplain, Ron's team of 12 volunteers brought Alpha to Leavenworth Federal Prison for the first time in 2004. Ron has been coordinating the team for the past three years. Read more about Ron and his team at Leavenworth...
I was recently released to general population after spending almost 19 years on Administrative Segregation for gang affiliation. A friend told me about Alpha. I have never been a spiritual person but I was a bit curious about your program so I decided to attend.
I must admit that I have never been very spiritual and have seen so many people who say they are “Christian”, “Muslim”, etc. and never practice what they preach, that I found myself skeptical of the whole religious thing. But after going to the Alpha meetings for a while I found that I enjoy them. They aren’t anything at all like I expected.
I'm still not a religious person, but I have gained a lot of personal insight from your classes and feel that my view about spirituality in prison has changed. I now realize there are many true Christians in prison and maybe in time I will be able to lead a more spiritual life myself. If it’s not too much to ask, I’d also request that you remember me in your prayers.
Register/Update a Course
Contact Us
