Before bringing the Crossroads program to Soroti Prison, Fred and his church faithfully shared the Gospel behind prison walls. They preached, encouraged, and prayed with the people who lived there, but they felt like something was missing.
“We used to teach them and then leave,” Fred said. “But they didn’t have a way to go deeper.”
When Crossroads launched its mentorship program in Soroti, Uganda, in 2023, Fred became one of the first mentors. Instead of only hearing sermons, students began working through structured Bible lessons, answering questions, and reflecting on what Scripture meant for their lives.
“The first lesson asks, ‘Who are you?’” Fred shared. “They begin to understand—not just their names—but who they are in Christ.”
Over the last few years, Fred has watched as students grow in confidence and faith. They share letters expressing gratitude and asking to continue studying—even after being released. Some began sharing what they learned with others in prison. Prison officials noticed the change, too.
“They said, ‘We see a great transformation.’” Fred said. “Crossroads is taking people deeper.”
But the transformation didn’t stop with the students. Fred found himself growing as well.
“I had never received formal theological training,” he said. “But through Crossroads, I became a student too. I’ve learned how the Bible is structured, how to study it deeply, and how to understand it more clearly. My love for God has grown stronger.”
Through mentoring, Fred discovered that discipleship is not one-sided—it is mutual. As he reads students’ answers, responds to their questions, and studies Scripture alongside them, his own faith continues to deepen.
“I have come to know God more while mentoring others,” he said. “Your love for God will never remain the same.”
What began with a small group of students at one facility has now expanded to multiple prisons. Today, dozens of men and women in Soroti are enrolled, and more are waiting. Fred and his fellow mentors are eager to reach them—but they need more support.
“Crossroads has helped us make disciples,” Fred said. “It has changed lives—including mine.”
You can help make stories like Fred’s possible.
When you support Crossroads, you equip mentors around the world with training and materials and give men and women in prison the opportunity to study Scripture, grow in faith, and experience Christ-centered relationships that transform lives.