Craig had a promising future ahead of him. He earned degrees in film production, built a growing career, and became the proud father of two young children.
Then, his life took a disastrous turn. Choices that led to addiction, brokenness, and prison resulted in a ten-year sentence. Today, Craig is working to rebuild his life from behind bars through faith, Bible study, and the support of prison ministry.
“When you are growing up, you don’t say, ‘I want to go to prison,’” Craig shared. “I asked God, ‘Where did I go wrong? Show me how I can get back on Your road.’”
While attending chapel in prison, Craig discovered a Crossroads enrollment card and signed up for correspondence Bible studies. For the past year, he has studied Scripture with Crossroads Prison Ministries, receiving encouragement, prayer, and guidance from mentors who review his lessons.
The Bible study lessons have helped Craig reflect on the decisions that led him to prison while drawing him closer to Christ.
Finding Hope Through Faith in Prison
Craig’s childhood was full of instability and hardship. His parents struggled with substance abuse, and their divorce left him caring for his mother at a young age while fearing for her safety.
During those difficult years, a local church became a source of hope and stability in his life. As a teenager, he even considered pursuing seminary before stepping away from church after experiencing division within the congregation.
Instead, Craig pursued film production, built a career, and started a family. But eventually, his life spiraled in a different direction and led him to prison.
Now, Craig says prison gave him the opportunity to slow down, seek God, and rebuild his life through prayer and Bible study.
“I know I am walking out a different man,” Craig said.
The Impact of Mentorship and Bible Study
Since recommitting his life to Christ, Craig has become a source of encouragement to others inside prison walls. He participates in a daily prayer circle, helps organize Sunday worship gatherings in the prison yard, and encourages his parents in their newfound faith and sobriety.
He also continues to stay connected with his children through monthly visits, striving to be the stable and faithful parent he never had growing up.
Crossroads has become an important part of his transformation. Through lesson feedback, letters, and prayers from mentors, Craig has experienced the power of Christian prison ministry firsthand.
“It’s a corny saying, but you can make a mess into a message,” he said. “We have two jobs in life: to know Him and to make Him known.”
Craig is doing both as he shares the love of Christ with people inside and outside prison walls.
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