Shortly after entering prison, Teresa discovered a Crossroads enrollment card lying on a table. Looking for something meaningful to fill her time, she signed up for the Bible study program, hoping for a way to reconnect with God and His Word.
Having grown up in church, Teresa described the early lessons as a refresher that reminded her of Sunday school. While she went to Sunday school because it was what was expected of her as a girl, in prison she found herself digging into Scripture herself. In exploring Scripture through Crossroads alongside her mentors, she noticed her faith becoming more personal.
Through handwritten responses to Teresa’s lessons, her mentors encouraged her with words that affirmed the spiritual growth she saw taking place. “Teresa, I sense that you are a loving person and that you have a deep desire to live as God wants you to live,” one mentor wrote. Though they had never met, Teresa said, “I feel like she knows me.”
As Teresa prepared for her release, she reflected on how Crossroads helped renew her relationship with God and gave her confidence to continue walking faithfully beyond prison. Rather than seeing her time in prison as the end of her story, she now views it as part of her testimony.
Inspired by the encouragement she received, Teresa hopes to become a Crossroads mentor herself after returning home. She wants to encourage others with the same hope she experienced, telling them, “I’ve been where you are, so it does get better. But if you definitely put God in your life, everything is possible.”
Looking back on her experience, Teresa shared deep gratitude to the volunteers who faithfully invest in Crossroads students through letters and prayer. “Thank you so much for your time, for your patience, for your love, and for your dedication,” she said. “We take to heart every single word that you respond to us.”
Be the encouragement someone is praying for. Become a Crossroads mentor and help people in prison grow in their faith through God’s Word and the power of a handwritten letter. Learn more today.