Second Chance Jail Ministry Volunteer: Latrisha-Denise

When I first heard of the Jail Ministry in Winona I was glad to know that people were available for it --other people. Of all the things that I was interested to volunteer for, I would say jail ministry was definitely not at the top of the list. To be honest, it probably wasn't even at the bottom of the list. The idea of jail ministry didn't really make it on my list at all. Why? Well, in short, I was afraid. What was I afraid of though? I think I was afraid that I wouldn't have anything to offer to people who were in jail. Their lives and mine had to be drastically different. They were bound to be older, and more experienced than me. What if they asked me a question I couldn't answer? Maybe they'd been through things that I could not possibly relate to. How could I tell someone about the freedom that Christ has brought to me while they were locked up? Wouldn't that only infuriate them more?

Of course those excuses weren't the ones out of my mouth. I wouldn't dare say those things out loud. I would say things like "Oh, if they just had more women volunteers I could be involved..."

Well, that must have been from my lips to God's ears, because very soon after about a half a dozen women signed on the dotted line. Well, I since I had nothing of my own to offer, I thought, I guess it's time for me to really depend on GOD.

And I did. I remember being excited, and nervous, when another young lady and I went in for fingerprinting and orientation with Mr. Obiegilo. Thank God, he is a friendly, funny guy. It really knocked the edge off of my apprehension. After introductions, a few words, and more paper signing, the other volunteer and I weaved through a series of very heavy doors --a consistent reminder to where we were with every slam and key sound.

Maybe you are thinking that thick steel clank-and-click was jolting for me. Well, it was, but not in the way that I thought it would be. The more I sat there with the other young lady and Mr. Obiegilo, the more my heart traded its apprehension for compassion, and its fear for faith, my self-righteousness for His righteousness.

Our first bible study with the women in jail was nothing like I imagined it to be. The women who come to the meetings take a step that puts them in a humbling position. They, in a way are asking for help --which is not always an easy thing to do. I know that in myself I have nothing to give to these ladies. However, I found that my testimony and theirs were really not all that different. In fact, the more I began to get involved in the bible study meetings, the more I realized that these women were simply trying to get back to the place that God is calling them to.

Many of them are believers needing a little prayer, and encouragement. Some have come to know Christ through Second-Chance Jail Ministry. Others are still not sure if they are ready to make that commitment. So, when I think about it that way, I have been in all of those places. I thank God for the people who have poured endlessly into my life. Now it is time for me to revel in this opportunity to return the overflow of blessings I have received.

Overall, this ministry is more than just fufilling to me, it is filling me. So, if you are one of those people like I was, afraid, doubting, glad that other people are taking on Jail Ministry, I challenge you to take a second look. Your time given could be someones Second Chance.

Latrisha Denise Green

from New Beginnings Church

Questions about this testimony?

Contact: thelittlemissgreen@gmail.com