A few weeks ago I was in a Florida prison, visiting the residents of a faith-based dorm there. As soon as he saw me, one man named Richard came up to me and gave me a bear hug, even though the prison regulations discourage physical contact between visitors and prisoners. He was just too excited to tell me his good news!
Richard was one of the first graduates of The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) in a Florida prison. TUMI is a rigorous, seminary-level program that prepares men and women behind bars to be Christian leaders in their facilities and back in the community after they are released.
Richard has been one of the leaders in the faith-based dorm since he graduated, but his life is about to enter an exciting new phase. He couldn’t wait to hug me because he was about to be released!
I have spoken with many prisoners who are terrified of the prospect of being released. They don’t know where they are going or how they will live. They don’t know what to expect. Richard’s joyful face told a completely different story. He had already made contact with a church that he planned to join, and where he would have an opportunity to serve. Instead of a jarring, nerve-wracking reentry experience, Richard was anticipating a smooth transition from one area of Christian service to another. He couldn’t wait to get started.
Programs like TUMI are true game-changers. As the TUMI program and other faith-based reentry initiatives expand across the country, more and more former prisoners are being prepared for lives of purpose and belonging after prison, instead of returning to lives of crime. That’s good news for everyone! Learn more today.
