Jefferson Gathu has dedicated his life to serving incarcerated people. Raised in a Christian family, he made the decision to follow Christ in his early twenties and initially pursued a career in business management and printing before answering God’s call to ministry.
His passion for prison ministry began more than 20 years ago when he visited a friend wrongfully incarcerated. “I brought cakes and milk for him, but the guards took the food and shared it among themselves,” he recalls. The injustice he witnessed at the prison gate sparked a desire to not only reach incarcerated people but also to minister to those who cared for them. “Instead of feeling bitter, God spoke to me about reaching out to both the inmates and the guards. That moment changed my life, and I knew I had to help.”
In 2008, while serving in Kenya’s prisons, Jefferson recognized a desperate need for Bible study materials for those he served. His search led him to Crossroads Prison Ministries. “I found Crossroads online in 2009, and by 2010, we had our grand opening in Kenya,” he shares.
Now a regional director for Crossroads, Jefferson has helped mobilize churches to mentor incarcerated students across Africa. “I’m amazed by the growth of students in prison,” he says. “Mentors grow in their faith, and students are transformed through encouragement. We’ve seen lives changed, with former inmates reintegrating into society without fear of stigmatization.”
His drive is rooted in his belief in God’s calling and the Scripture in Hebrews 13:3, which urges people to “Remember those who are in prison.” “This verse drives me every day,” Jefferson says.
Looking ahead, Jefferson is optimistic. “We’ve seen great growth, and the future looks bright. I pray we continue engaging more people and expanding our reach,” he says.
Jefferson knows firsthand the impact that donor support has on this ministry. “The ministry wouldn’t exist without their support,” he says. Your generosity helps us distribute lessons and letters of encouragement to incarcerated people worldwide and ensures we can train mentors to reach even more people with the Gospel. Give today and make a global impact!