We are honored to share a powerful message from Dr. Sandra R. Stanley, CEO of Opening Doors for Women in Need. Her transformative re-entry organization empowers women and men to transition back into society with dignity, hope, and support. For over four years, my church, Morning Chapel CME, known as “The Rock Church,” and I have proudly partnered with Dr. Stanley through our community and prison outreach ministry, consistently providing hygiene products, food, spiritual care, and other essential resources to support their journey toward restoration.
In this newly released supporter video, Dr. Stanley reflects my passion and commitment to serving both individuals currently incarcerated and those returning to our communities. Prison ministry is close to my heart, one I have championed for over 25 years, beginning with my work as CEO of Hallelujah House Outreach Ministry Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit I founded while pastoring at North Park CME Church in Dallas, Texas. The prison ministry was born from my deep compassion, what I call a “roof of love,” extending covering and care beyond the church walls.
It all began when one of our beloved members shared her testimony in Sunday School that her daughter was serving a life sentence in prison. Her daughter, like so many others behind bars, still needed to know she was loved and remembered. That moment taught me that real ministry happens when we pay attention, when we see those among us and respond with justice, compassion, and grace.
Through the Hallelujah House, we created safe spaces, extended second chances, and brought hope to forgotten places. I look forward to sharing more about the impact of the Hallelujah House in my future blogs. This legacy and partnership with Dr. Stanley reflect the heart of my campaign and align with the five foundational pillars of my platform:
- Strategic Evangelism: Reaching the overlooked, both incarcerated and those re-entering society, with intentional love and spiritual care.
- Innovative Outreach: Extending ministry and resources to places many neglect, such as prisons and re-entry organizations like Opening Doors for Women in Need.
- Collaborative Leadership: Partnering with community leaders such as Dr. Stanley and other leaders, church members, and ministries to extend our reach beyond church walls.
- Training & Development: Equipping the Church to serve diverse populations with empathy, wisdom, and compassion.
- Community Engagement: Addressing real needs in our communities through service that brings healing, hope, and transformation.
Why Prison Ministry Matters to Me:
Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics at the close of 2022 reveals that Texas had approximately 139,600 inmates in state prisons, the highest of any U.S. state. Of that number, 32.5% were African Americans, equating to about 45,400 individuals, an alarming and sad figure given that African Americans make up only 12% of the general population of Texans. This disproportionate incarceration rate is more than a statistic; it is a reality for countless families, many of whom sit silently in our pews each Sunday.
As the Church, we cannot look the other way. This moment calls for strategic evangelism, innovative outreach, collaborative leadership, training and development, and community engagement that ministers intentionally to those impacted by systemic injustice. As Proverbs 31:8–9 (NIV) reminds us: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
This is evangelism in action.
This is why I am on a mission.
This is why your support matters.
Watch Dr. Stanley’s video below to hear how I live out evangelism and missions in real, tangible ways. Please continue to pray for me and support this campaign. Your encouragement and participation helps to move this vision forward.
Resources:
- Spitale, L. (2002). Prison ministry: Understanding prison culture and transforming lives. B&H Publishing Group.
- Bureau of Justice Statistics. (n.d.). Homepage. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. https://bjs.ojp.gov
- Prison Fellowship. (n.d.). Resource library. https://www.prisonfellowship.org/resources
