Largely Forgotten, Fully Forgiven

Randy Jones was bored. He paced back and forth across the concrete floor in his small cell with nothing to do. The never-ending prison sounds echoed off the walls into his cell, irritating him. He inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself, but the scent of stale air and cleaning supplies did little to improve his mood. He looked between the bars, then around the cell for anything to combat the boredom threatening to cause a mental spiral. As he surveyed the cell, his gaze landed on the Gideon’s Bible. With nothing else to do, Randy picked up the Bible and read a verse. For the next month, whenever boredom seemed to overtake Randy, he would pick up the Bible and read more and more. Randy’s attempt to escape boredom would eventually lead to a freedom he never expected.

Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, a state prison in Pikeville, Tennessee, is where all male offenders entering the Tennessee Department of Correction are initially taken. For incarcerated individuals like Randy Jones, Russell Freels, Charlie Green, Gary Aldridge, and Henry Shultz, Bledsoe is the place where their relationship with Jesus began, was restored, or grew stronger.

When Russell Freels was sentenced to life without parole in 1995, he had no relationship with Jesus. But, with urging from his earthly father to connect with the heavenly Father, Russell started reading the Bible. In his seventh year of incarceration, Russell accepted Jesus into his life. For several years, Russell has assisted in the chaplain’s office where he has regularly witnessed the transformation of others.

Unlike a typical church congregation that may need to be convinced they are sinners; prison ministries often face a different challenge: convincing incarcerated individuals that their sins do not make them unredeemable. After being told by guards, staff, and others that their mistakes are their identity, many internalize the belief that they are worthless. But, God shares a different truth — despite their faults, they are loved, forgiven, and never beyond His reach.

“Prison is just a geography. It is a place. It is nothing that hinders my ability to lead a rich meaningful life,” said Russell. “As a point of fact, I have spent more of my life in prison than I have a free citizen … and my life today is the best it has ever been.”

Charlie Green’s story is yet another example of effective prison ministries. Raised in a God-believing household, over time Charlie drifted away from his faith. Just a year before going to prison, however, Charlie had begun to reconnect with God. New to his rekindled faith, Charlie arrived at prison with several questions. When he attended the prison worship services, he asked Mike and Diana Halverson, prison ministries volunteers, his questions. Every question was met with a Bible story or verse, and a caring listening ear. Before long, Charlie was passionate about God.

“Prison ministries saved my life. It found me when I could not find myself,” said Charlie.

Charlie was released from prison, but after a probation violation he returned — this time in Montana. Seeing a lack of Christianity in the Montana prison system, Charlie started a meeting group on Saturdays. Before he was relocated (due to overcrowding), Charlie’s group had 20 regular attendees. Charlie is currently preparing to spread the Gospel in Arizona, where he is now incarcerated.

For Gary Aldridge, when he was given a 60-year sentence in 1997, his drug usage did not stop. He had a near-fatal overdose in 2015, that brought him face-to-face with mortality four times. It was only when his cell partner invited him to a worship service that Gary experienced a different kind of revival. There he met Mike and Diana, whose ministry was not defined by condemnation, but by “friendship, and compassion, love, understanding, and help.” From that day forward, Gary has only missed two Seventh-day Adventist services.

“I would probably still be using drugs today if it weren’t for the Seventh-day Adventist prison ministries and the chaplains like Mike and Diana Halverson, and the other volunteers at Bledsoe County Correctional …,” said Gary.

Henry Shultz always knew about and believed in Jesus. He knew what the Bible said, knew right from wrong — yet still ended up in prison. While there, his cellmate repeatedly asked him to attend Friday evening services. He refused over and over again until one night he gave in and went. There he met Mike and Diana and was encouraged to dig deeper into the Bible and examine his beliefs. Through Bible study, Henry met a loving God, reformed some of his beliefs, and was baptized. He pursued a doctoral degree in theology, and by the time Henry was released from prison, he had obtained it.

Henry’s interaction with prison ministries did not conclude when he was released. He stayed connected through a program Diana calls “Take One.” This program is an extension of prison ministries that offers mentoring to released incarcerated individuals. Before release, volunteers will meet with the individual and write to them, forming a relationship. Diana explained that without a church or mentor in the community, incarcerated individuals often return to the same environment they were in before prison.

“It’s a scary thing for them to step into [church], because they don’t know who’s going to be judging them,” said Diana, continuing. “… but when they have that relationship first, when they get out, they’re excited to meet their friends. They’re excited to go to church.”

The ministry’s consistent support and care for the incarcerated individuals, even after release, were a significant source of encouragement for Henry. He believes that without prison ministries he wouldn’t have the same opportunities to meet and deepen his relationship with Christ.

“I’m so thankful that [prison ministries volunteers] took the time and patience to talk to me … and have that relationship,” said Henry.

In a place often forgotten by society, where men and women are told they are beyond hope, God actively pursues them. Prison ministries act as the hands and feet of Jesus, helping incarcerated individuals discover that they are not defined by their past, but by the God who offers forgiveness, purpose, and a new identity in Christ.