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Walking into the jail isn’t scary — it’s sacred. I go in knowing I’m stepping onto holy ground, where hearts are open and healing begins. The women who come to the class often do so because, for many of them, I’m one of the few visitors they ever see — someone from the outside who looks different from the people they encounter every day.

Most of these women have lost contact with friends and family after years of substance abuse. Some have no one left who sees their value. Others come from entire families caught in addiction. When I walk in, I simply want them to know: You are seen, you are loved, and your life still has purpose. I’ve never felt afraid, because I know God goes before me, and His presence fills that place with peace.

Start by praying about it — then reach out to your local jail’s chaplain or volunteer coordinator. Many facilities welcome Bible study leaders, mentors, or people who simply come to listen. It’s not about fixing anyone; it’s about showing up with love, consistency, and grace. That’s where transformation starts.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” — Luke 10:2

Because I grew up with a substance abuse user — I’ve lived the pain, confusion, and questions that come with loving someone who’s trapped in addiction. When I sit across from those women, I see my mother. I see what could have been… and what still can be through God’s grace.

Sometimes I think, what if one word I say helps a woman realize, “My child is going to grow up without their mom if I don’t change?”
That one awakening moment can transform an entire family, a neighborhood, even a community.

I often wonder what life might have looked like if my mom had gotten clean — but now I get to bring that hope into the room for someone else’s daughter, someone else’s child who’s still waiting for their mom to come home.

“God uses the healed to help heal others.” — 2 Corinthians 1:4

It’s heartbreaking and humbling all at once. The distance, the glass, the waiting — it changes you. But it also deepens your compassion. You start to see the person, not just the sentence. That experience gave me a greater empathy for families walking through that kind of pain.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Jail is typically for those awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences (usually under a year). Prison houses those serving longer terms after conviction. But whether it’s a cell in jail or a block in prison, God’s love can reach both — there are no walls strong enough to keep His grace out.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36