Freedom in Christ

During the past two years, World Impact has been engaged in a new effort to offer inmates with potential a path toward ministry upon their release. Candidates for this new program must show a high level of promise in their Christ transformation as well as Godly training while behind prison walls. Prison seminary classes like TUMI provided by World Impact can offer such a path for destined ministry leaders. Upon the inmates’ release, World Impact has begun taking steps to house and train these men in local urban churches. With our training and assistance, these previously incarcerated men will champion the next generation of urban pastors and community leaders.

However, actively delegating this new venture has not been an easy task. The release of certain candidates, such as Kevin Gentry, has been delayed due to last minute state rulings and current political climates. So quite literally, World Impact has worked to establish housing and mentorships for men like Kevin, only to find out their release has been delayed another year or two.

Last week, after an 18-month delay, Kevin was finally paroled. He had served 23 years Folsom State Penitentiary for a violent crime. World Impact has two potential Siafu Leadership Homes for Kevin to reside. While plans are made to determine which community Kevin can best excel in, the simple experiences of freedom seep into Kevin’s existence. “My parents met me when I was released from Folsom,” Kevin shares. “We went to a discount clothing store and they bought me shirts, pants and shoes, because I literally had nothing when I got out.” Kevin explained that while in prison, certain restrictions apply to speech, especially with outside visitors. “If a volunteer or pastor came to our prison to teach a class, we were never allowed to ask them personal questions like where they lived or if they had a family.” Kevin recalls his freedom becoming real as he was able to carry on a full conversation with the person at the discount clothing store. “I was just so happy to have a normal conversation with the store clerk and hear about their family and life experiences.”

Most people might ask Kevin what it’s like to be back outside for the first time, if he has any fears or cultural shock. However, Kevin’s response itself is shocking. He maintains that a life submitted to Christ has no shock or fear. He described his walking out of prison as being the same as Apostle Paul traveling to another city. “When my parole officer asked me how I was doing, I had to say that nothing was overwhelming. When you are in full communion with Christ, nothing is too overwhelming. It’s just a day like any other day.”