Nearly a century ago, a weeklong celebration of Black history later grew into Black History Month. In 1976, the same year Charles Colson founded Prison Fellowship, President Gerald Ford urged all Americans to join him “in tribute to Black History Month and the message of courage and perseverance it brings to all of us.”
Prison Fellowship volunteer Jarell has strived to lead with that kind of courage and perseverance—both in the military and in prison ministry. He admires the life of Harriet Tubman and her leadership through a volatile time in American history. Tubman helped many enslaved African American people find freedom through the Underground Railroad.
A veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the National Guard, Jarell has volunteered with Prison Fellowship Hope Events and other ministry programs since 2015. He says he had a “unique encounter” with God while in the military—an experience that ignited the desire to serve and protect people in his own backyard the same way he does in the military.
Once he returned home from deployment, Jarell connected with Prison Fellowship and started doing ministry with people impacted by incarceration.
First I was doing this out of compassion. Then, I really felt like I was on a mission after God sent me home from my second deployment and have never stopped [volunteering].
—Jarell
At Hope Events, Jarell shares the Gospel and often uses comedy to connect with the men and women in prison. He sees similarities between those who experience military deployment and those who experience prison time—and his own story equips him to relate to the people he meets. He especially connects with people on the topic of “freedom,” whether it’s the freedom being fought for, the freedom sought by those in prison, or the true freedom found in Christ.
Jarell shares how his church seeks to serve those coming home from prison: “It’s just been about welcoming them into the church with welcome, open arms.”
Thank you for partnering with us to see lives restored! Please be praying about how you can join us to encounter Jesus with those incarcerated. If there’s any way we can be praying for you, please let our prayer team know.
Serving Him with you,
HEATHER RICE-MINUS President and CEO
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