“A’s” STORY

No one plans to go to jail, but the experience of being incarcerated often opens individuals’ hearts for transformation and new life and a new plan. "A" was transformed when she encountered one of CIC's 'chaplains inside'

(some details of this story have been changed or omitted to protect the author’s identity)

“Growing up in a devout Christian home you would think I would have been the head of the Christian Club, but I was embarrassed about my faith. I started to care more about me and what I wanted than God’s plan and what He wants.

For a while I stopped believing in anything...

I was the cause of a fatal car accident. Someone lost their life because of my selfish actions, my recklessness, my ego, thinking I was ok to drive. There are no words to describe the pain and guilt this had on my heart and still does to this day. 

Going from something to nothing overnight, God knew I needed him. The day I came to Elmwood a woman [one of CIC’s chaplain’s inside] came to me. She told me that nobody’s opinion of me matters but God’s opinion. He began to open my heart.

Through the love that I received from this woman and the love of the chaplains, I began to pray.

God answered in a way that I could never have imagined... I was becoming the woman that God made me to be. He forgave me for every sin that I’ve ever committed. He guided me and protected me when the world hated me. He gave me hope that one day in this life or the next things would get better. 

My time in jail does not upset me because I know it is justice for the crimes I have committed in life.

I know that right now this is the Lord’s plan. That I am meant to be here and learn and grow as well as help others do the same.”

Please consider making a one time or a recurring gift to support ‘chaplains inside,’ staff and volunteers to share hope with all incarcerated individuals in our county.