"A slice of God's goodness."

I was a little incredulous.

To enter a prison (and leave one), you need your ID with you. Your ID is a big deal in prison. One Returning Hearts volunteer had forgotten her ID, the prison simply wasn't going to let her in. She had rode with a friend up to Walker, it wasn't like she could just turn around and go back home.

So we asked if she'd be comfortable joining our caregiver event at a nearby church for the families of the men participating in our Returning Hearts Celebration. She said yes. The next day, we received this email.

Yesterday was a “wrinkle in time” where I got to see a slice of God’s goodness, His love. 

Because of my snafu with my ID (so sorry about that!), I had the privilege of going to Center Grove Baptist Church. 

I drove country roads to this little Baptist church. I got out of my car thinking, well this should be interesting. 

But the spirit of the Lord was so evident in these beautiful people. They loved on these women (grandmothers, wives, etc) of prisoners. Once again I was amazed at God and His love. Several of the women said later how scared they were to come inside the church. Most churches are so judgmental and look at them warily. Not this church. 

The ladies cooked homemade breakfast, home made lasagna, created rooms for drivers to take a nap, (some drove from south Ga. so their kids could see their daddy), we sang songs, watched a movie and talked a lot. 

I met a new friend named T*****. She seemed very stand-offish at first. But we got to chatting and laughing. She had worked all night and then drove her daughter to visit because “it’s the best day of the year!!"  At the end of the day she shared that she wants to “give back” in 2026 when her boyfriend/future husband gets out of Walker. He became a believer recently and is sharing his Bible study notes with her. (I think his name is Chris). 

Now she wants to plan her visitations on Sunday afternoons so she and her daughter can go to church at Center Grove. That is a special church (many of the members have had children at Walker so they get it). 

Thank you for you both for your labors of love for prisoners and their families! I am so blessed by your ministry. 

Thank you to E.B. for sharing and to Center Grove Baptist Church for being so welcoming. Blessings to you all.

Spencer