Prison ministry holds a special place in John’s heart because it is where his own journey with Christ began. While incarcerated and confined to solitary confinement, John encountered the saving grace of Jesus Christ. That experience continues to fuel his passion for sharing the hope of the Gospel with those who often feel forgotten by society.
Beginning in 2007, John served in one of Florida’s highest-security prisons through Kairos Prison Ministry and later as a volunteer chaplain. What started as occasional prison visits grew into years of discipleship, leadership development, and mentoring among incarcerated men.
As Christian inmates learned to walk in forgiveness, unity, and servant leadership, a vibrant community of faith emerged within the prison. Prayer meetings, Bible studies, evangelism efforts, and leadership training became a regular part of prison life. Many men grew into mature believers, discipled others, and became leaders within the prison community.
Through partnerships with churches, ministries, and educational organizations, opportunities were created for inmates to receive theological training, strengthen family relationships, and prepare for lives of service both inside and outside prison walls. Many of the men John mentored have since completed their sentences and now serve faithfully in churches and ministries throughout the United States. Others continue to minister behind prison walls, sharing the Gospel and discipling fellow inmates.
The impact of this ministry continues today. Several of the men discipled during those years now serve as spiritual leaders within the prison system, investing in the lives of other inmates and helping cultivate communities of faith where hope was once scarce. What began as a ministry to prisoners has multiplied into a ministry led by prisoners, reaching places few outsiders could ever access.
Although John and his family now serve in Thailand, prison ministry remains an important part of Hope to Share. John maintains ongoing relationships with several of these men through regular phone calls, letters, mentoring, and prayer. When he returns to the United States, visiting and encouraging these brothers remains a priority. What began as a prison ministry has become a lifelong discipleship ministry that continues to bear fruit through the lives of men who are now reaching others for Christ.
John believes no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Whether behind bars or living in freedom, every person has immeasurable value and the potential to become a powerful witness for Christ.
How You Can Partner
Pray
- Pray for the men John continues to mentor and disciple.
- Pray for spiritual awakening within prisons and correctional institutions.
- Pray for those who are sharing Christ behind prison walls.
- Pray for successful reentry, restoration, and continued Kingdom impact for those returning to their communities.
Partner
Your support helps us continue investing in these relationships through mentoring, communication, discipleship resources, and ministry travel. Together, we can help bring the hope of Christ to those who are often overlooked and support leaders who are impacting lives both inside and outside prison walls.
To support this ministry financially, please visit our Donate page and add Prison Ministry in the notes.