Hope in Prison; Hope in Christ

In the Bible, we see that God exalts those who are small, restores those who are broken, and elects those who have been discarded. He has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom (James 2:5). At TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute), we have seen examples of this “principle of reversal” time and again, so we expect the Lord to continue to do great things among the students in our satellite program, particularly among the more than 1000 who are incarcerated.

Sixty-one of our 197 satellites are located in prisons and jails, and one of these is Folsom Prison in northern California. Recently Dr. Don Davis had the opportunity to visit Folsom along with several of our World Impact and TUMI leaders. They attended a chapel service, and Dr. Davis had the honor of presenting TUMI students with certificates of completion for their latest Capstone module. The visitors also had the chance to hear many of the inmates tell their stories. Tragic tales of messed-up childhoods, ruined adolescence, and criminal careers all led to thankful testimonies of God's grace in their lives. Man after man shared until time ran out. They shared of their new hope in Christ, their thankfulness for TUMI's presence in Folsom, and the prospect of sharing the Gospel with their families and with their fellow inmates.

One of the chaplains at the prison mentioned that since TUMI classes have started in Folsom, the students' ministry projects of sharing with other inmates have resulted in dozens of decisions for Christ in the yard. The “Church Inside the Walls” at Folsom is growing at such a rate that their services are standing room only.

Thank God with us for the way He is working through these men to share His love and advance His Kingdom in a place where discouragement and despair might otherwise reign. He alone can truly transform lives and redeem hopeless situations, and He is doing it! Please pray for the hundreds of TUMI students in our prison satellites across the nation. Pray for their heart for God, their love for Scripture, for Christ's healing and transformation in their lives, and the spread of His life, love, and grace to their fellow inmates.

“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them.” Hebrews 13:3 

Dan Hennings is the technology director for TUMI in Wichita, KS.