Why I’ve Been In and Out of Jail for Over 13 Years

     When I tell people I go to jail every week to teach a Bible study, their reactions are usually the same: “Why?” and “Why do you keep going back?” To answer, I must go back to where my faith journey was shaped—at Christ Church in Memphis, Tennessee. Growing up under the leadership of Dr. Maxie Dunnam and Dr. Bill Bouknight. I was surrounded by a strong church community where works of mercies —tangible expressions of God's justice and compassion— were just part of life. Even as a youth, I had chances to serve the underserved in our city. But truthfully, I was still in my comfort zone—always with church family, usually in groups, doing good things in safe spaces.
     It wasn’t until I was married with children that I felt a clear call from the Holy Spirit—a nudge saying, “It’s time to step beyond what’s comfortable. It’s time to share Jesus in new places.” Living in the South, with a church on nearly every corner, it’s easy to assume everyone knows Jesus. But the reality is, many don’t go to church, and even those who do don’t always have a personal relationship with Him. One day, I walked into Neighborhood Christian Center, a local nonprofit, and asked a simple question: “What types of programs or ministries do you offer?” The director mentioned several, but one caught my attention: jail and prison ministry. At first, I was only curious—not interested in participating, just intrigued. Then he asked, “Would you like to visit a jail class?” Before I could come up with an excuse not to, the Holy Spirit answered for me: “Sure.”
     Walking into jail for the first time was nothing like I expected. After passing through five heavy, locked doors, I entered a cinderblock room—locked in with no way to run or hide. I sat at a table and waited for the women to come in. One by one, they filed in wearing striped jumpsuits. They didn’t look much different from anyone else I knew—though they had more tattoos than I was used to seeing. We sat down, opened the Bible, and dove into Scripture. I didn’t say a word that first time. Normally, I like to add my two cents, but I was intimidated and wondering why the Holy Spirit had sent me here. They looked at me, wondering if they would like this new “church lady.” I wondered what their stories were and what they did to wind up in jail. But something unexpected happened as I left that day: I felt peace and joy. Not emotions you usually associate with jail. I knew then I was exactly where God wanted me—beyond my comfort zone, in a place where many were hearing about Jesus for the very first time. 
     Since that first visit, I’ve gone back again and again—first attending, then helping teach, and eventually becoming the lead teacher. Over 13 years later, this is still my favorite place to be. Don’t get me wrong—it’s not always easy. Sometimes the jail goes on lockdown, and classes get canceled. There are times when a code is called, and you can end up stuck inside for a while. The personalities can be challenging too. Many of these women know each other from the outside, and living in such close quarters often leads to disagreements and sometimes even fights. I got to choose my college roommates and those I lived with afterward, and even then, it wasn’t always easy. But none of that deters me. I look forward to walking alongside these women through the highs and lows, the chaos and the mundane, the release dates and the sentencing. We all need people in our lives with whom we can be vulnerable, those with whom we can share in confession, intercession, and spiritual friendship, as part of Christ’s Body. For me, jail has become the unexpected place where I’ve found those kinds of relationships.
     Many of them are searching—even if they can't quite put into words what they're looking for. 
If they feel hopeless, I want them to know:
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
—Lamentations 3:21-23
If they feel unworthy, I want them to know:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
—Ephesians 2:10
If they feel alone, I want them to know:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
—Joshua 1:9
      That’s why I keep going back—because the gospel is for everyone. There’s nothing anyone can do that’s beyond God’s grace. Sometimes, stepping through literal locked doors becomes the way God opens spiritual ones—inviting souls into the eternal story of redemption. Is God calling you out of your comfort zone to share His gospel in new places? Say “Yes” and be amazed at what He will do—not only in the lives you serve but in your own life as well.