Joel is not who you might
picture when you think of a Florida state prisoner. He is bright, articulate,
and well educated. A graduate in political science from a college in Atlanta, he
is now enrolled in the MINTS Seminary-in-Prison at Everglades Re-Entry Center. Joel
plans to earn a masters degree in theological studies.
The son and grandson of
pastors, Joel spent more time at church while growing up than he did at home.
He was there every Sunday, of course. But, he was also there several other times
during the week. He cannot recall a time when church was not at the center of
his family’s life.
He professed faith in
Christ at the age of 12 and by the time he was a teenager was leading Bible
studies and prayer meetings. Joel said, “I knew that I had a responsibility
that stretched much farther than just attending church services on Sundays. I
wanted to be a leader. It burned in my heart to be in ministry.”
One impactful experience
of Joel’s teen years was on a missions trip to Haiti. His father made a trip to
Haiti every year and preached there to thousands. Joel went along one year. He
said, “my heart was so filled with compassion for these people that I knew that
this was going to be part of my service of ministry.” After that first trip
Joel went back to Haiti three more times and worked in a clinic, serving some of
Haiti’s poorest, neediest people.
A few years ago, however,
Joel’s life hit a rough patch and he got off track. During a time of desperation,
he committed two unarmed robberies. He was arrested, convicted, and is
currently serving a five-year sentence. Since coming to prison Joel has
recommitted his life to Christ and the fire for ministry has returned to his
heart. When we started the MINTS Seminary-in-Prison at Everglades Re-Entry
Center in January Joel was one of the first to sign up.
“I believe that this
seminary is going to be valuable in helping me grow in the understanding of the
Gospel,” Joel said. “It will help me to minister to others and be able to join
a ministry when I leave this time of incarceration. I want to help those
suffering and be a blessing to the body of Christ.”
Please pray for Joel to
continue growing in Christ and to progress with his studies. Also, please pray
for additional qualified teachers for our classes at Everglades Re-Entry.
Will
you prayerfully consider investing in changed lives and donate to help support
this work? The State does not provide any funds. All funds come from the
generous gifts of our friends. Go to mints.edu and use the PayPal button to
donate. Designate your gift to Prison Ministry. Or, send a check to MINTS,
14401 Old Cutler Rd., Palmetto Bay, FL 33158 and be sure to write Prison
Ministry on the memo line.
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