Yesterday, I had the privilege of volunteering with Forgiven Ministry through their incredible program, One Day with God, held at Cottonwood Prison. This was my first experience with the organization, and I’m especially grateful to Justin Wiseman of New Directions Ministries for connecting me with this life-changing opportunity.
The day was filled with raw, beautiful, and heartbreaking moments.
I watched children’s faces light up as they reunited with their fathers. I saw tears in the eyes of men whose children couldn’t attend. I watched dads and kids play games, create crafts, eat together, and just enjoy precious time—time they rarely get. I listened to stories of pain, growth, and redemption from fathers who are trying to be better for their children. I heard the honest voices of volunteers and kids who shared how this one day made a lasting difference.
One volunteer I worked alongside said something that stuck with me:
“We don’t put crimes behind bars—we put people behind bars.”
That sentence echoed in my mind all day. Because it’s true—these are people, many of whom are fathers, trying to reconnect with their children and rebuild their lives. And while justice is important, so is grace. So is healing.
One Day with God is not just a program—it’s a bridge. A bridge between past mistakes and future hope. Between pain and reconciliation. Between separation and unity.
I left the prison that day emotionally full—grateful for the chance to serve and more committed than ever to supporting the hidden victims of incarceration: the children left behind.
If you’ve ever considered prison ministry or working with children of incarcerated parents, I can’t recommend this experience enough. It will change you.