For several years, we have been trying to bring The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) classes to the women at Topeka Correctional Facility (our Kansas State Women’s Prison). This vision was realized a couple of months ago!
Three informational meetings were held, and over 120 women requested applications for Fight the Good Fight of Faith, TUMI’s introductory curriculum. We were overwhelmed by the response, even though we realized many years of prayer and partnership had preceded the meetings. We anticipate that at least 80 or so of these 120 will be part of the first round of classes.
Those who complete Fight the Good Fight of Faith and have significant time left to serve will have the opportunity to apply for the TUMI Capstone seminary program. Some will graduate in four years. All of these women have the calling and potential to help advance the Kingdom of Christ in their own neighborhoods!
Among those who are the most excited about these classes are the women in our classes in Shawnee County Jail who will transfer to the Topeka Correctional Facility. One wrote this:
“Where I am housed in the county jail there are 20 women. We live in community together. Of these 20 women I know at least 14 are believers. Six of us are in the TUMI class. We hold Bible study together, we build each other up, we do not shun the unbelievers. We have even gotten a few girls to come to Christ and have watched them change before our very eyes. We share with each other. We love one another. We minister to one another…I can tell you that I have the faith in my Lord Jesus to continue His work through me and these ladies, to make a way for more women to come to Christ and the wonderful opportunity of the TUMI courses to be offered.”
Our prison has many great volunteers, and they will be able to refer women to the program when they are ready for a “next step.” I had a call recently from a volunteer who is excited about having a program into which her class can progress.
This has been a shared work of many people who have come alongside us in prayer and funding. We are grateful to see the body of Christ on the outside reach out to help the body of Christ on the inside. We know that the Kingdom of God will grow both inside and outside of our prisons because of this exciting step forward!
Pictured: Nell Ritchey, Glenda DuBoise, and Shampayne Lloyd, who all partner with TUMI Topeka or work with those impacted by poverty or incarceration. Read more about The Urban Ministry Institute.