On a brisk late-February morning, Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle arrived at Folsom Women's Facility. Invited by Prison Fellowship®, Lauren was here for a special face-to-face visit with the prisoners and a brief time of worship.
Folsom Women's Facility—yes, part of the same Folsom prison complex made famous by Johnny Cash—houses around 500 residents with five years or less remaining in their prison sentences.
The Folsom staff and Prison Fellowship made arrangements for Lauren to go deep into the prison to meet with the women in their "home," visiting with them in places few outsiders are authorized to go. Lauren and her tour crew brought light into dark corners of the prison and spoke directly with the women society often ignores.
For many of these women, hope can seem so far off, but God is near to the brokenhearted.
For many of these women, hope can seem so far off, but God is near to the brokenhearted.
LAUREN DAIGLE GOES TO PRISON
Many of Folsom's prisoners find healing and hope through art and music. They share their testimonies with each other, encouraging their fellow prisoners in their faith. Channell, a prisoner with a knack for poetry, often writes of her experiences behind bars. Her words reflect struggle, longing, and a sense of hope in Christ—all enfolded in the odd contradiction that even in prison, a person can feel free. Fellow prisoner Julie has experienced that same freedom, too. "If it wasn't for [the support of] Prison Fellowship, I wouldn't have the testimony of hope that I share today," she said.
Nyeta, who began following Christ a year ago, shared, "Before prison, I had everything, but I was miserable. My grandma prayed for me every day. I finally realized that God could love even someone like me, after all I've done."
Around a prison dorm table, Channell, Julie, and Nyeta shared with Lauren about their experiences. They bonded over their mutual hope in the Gospel. It was amazing to see Lauren and the women light up instantly upon meeting one another and how their uplifting conversation flowed easily. For a few minutes, the setting didn't matter—these were four sisters in Christ encouraging one another.
Channell, Julie, and Nyeta were among scores of others who later gathered on the prison yard to worship God with Lauren Daigle. The singer beamed as she stepped up to the microphone. Her words of encouragement were a welcome gift. She thanked everyone for coming and asked, "What song do you want to hear first?"
"Women received hope and the reality that they are seen by God and they are loved."
LOOK UP CHILD
As Lauren's voice filled the prison yard, her audience, garbed in their blue prison uniforms, accompanied her. They knew the words from hours of listening to radios and disk players in their cells. Together, their song soared above the razor wire. The presence of God rested heavily on the women who had come together.
"While working with Lauren's team, leading up to this day, it was clear Lauren wasn't coming to simply perform," said Topher Hall, senior manager of video strategy and production at Prison Fellowship. "Her intent was to spend time listening to and loving these women. And since that day, we're still hearing of the impact she had on the lives there at Folsom."
"I truly believe lives were changed forever that day," added Annie Goebel, director of programs and special events at Prison Fellowship. "Women received hope and the reality that they are seen by God, and they are loved."
Channell was invited to step up to the microphone to share a poem inspired by Lauren's song "Look Up Child." Channell's voice rang out strong and sure as she read,
From the mouth of one who looks up to find life in the blue skies outside of the cinderblock-barbwire entrapments,...
Posted by Lauren Daigle on Sunday, February 24, 2019
Look up and know the grandness, the beauty, the glory, the wonder, the pure created bliss of life. Look up and know the Great I Am is talking to you …
"Her poem was such a perfect encapsulation of the beauty and hope of the day," said Johanna Tropiano, director of strategic initiatives at Prison Fellowship. "What an encouragement for Channell and other incarcerated women to know they are seen, and their voices heard."
For the women of Folsom Prison, hope came alive that day on the yard, but Prison Fellowship and Lauren Daigle didn't bring God into prison. He was already there.
HEAR FROM THE WOMEN OF FOLSOM
Channell, Rose, and Julie share their stories with Prison Fellowship.
CHANNELL
ROSE
JULIE
CHANNELL'S POEM INSPIRED BY 'LOOK UP CHILD'
GOD IS NEAR THE BROKENHEARTED
Women are the fastest-growing segment of the prison population, but their voices are not often heard. Prison Fellowship is dramatically expanding its ministry to women in prison through the Prison Fellowship Academy®. In "Letters from Inside", a series by the incarcerated women of Minnesota Correctional Facility–Shakopee, Academy students find their voices. Through letters penned behind bars, these women share their personal experiences and reflect on prison life and restoration.
SAVED BY GRACE, A GIFT WITHOUT STRINGS
"God's amazing grace has brought me safely home."
HOW I DEAL WITH LONELINESS WHILE SERVING MY PRISON SENTENCE
"I was just doing time—until time began doing me."
COMPLETE FREEDOM IN PRISON
"I am forgiven and no longer in bondage. That is why I have freedom."
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