In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Amber Keller—follower of Jesus, wife, mom of three girls, writer, and coordinator of a women's prison ministry—to talk about purpose, obedience, and what it really means to follow Jesus into hard and holy places.

Amber shares her story of growing up as a missionary kid in Peru during years of terrorism, navigating identity and faith after returning to the U.S., and experiencing God's tender pursuit during a season of wandering. That journey ultimately led her into prison ministry—an unexpected calling that has shaped her faith, her understanding of the Church, and her view of worship itself.

Together, Briana and Amber explore how God redeems every part of our story, why serving "the least of these" is central to the gospel, and how proximity—not perfection—is often what Jesus is inviting us into.

What We Cover

• Living on purpose: Why purpose is about connecting people to God and to one another

• Growing up between worlds: How Amber's missionary upbringing shaped her faith and identity

• Wilderness seasons: God leading us into the desert—and speaking tenderly there

• What prison ministry really looks like: Trauma-informed discipleship, emotional safety, and long-term transformation

• When God shuts a door: Being called to ministry just hours before the prison closed for COVID

• Redeemed skills: How Amber's Spanish and linguistics background launched a Spanish reentry program

• The least of these: Why Matthew 25 includes those who are incarcerated

• Belonging and reentry: The power of saving someone a seat at the table

• "Smelling like smoke": Why worship is not the end—it's the preparation to go into the darkness with the light of Christ

Key Quotes

• "My purpose is to connect people to God, and connect them to each other."

• "Their journey to prison starts way before they're ever in the backseat of a police car."

• "Broken people don't need a meme. They need a friend."

• "Jesus didn't stay clean or safe. He gave Himself—up close."

• "I think we are supposed to smell like smoke."

Scripture Mentioned

• Matthew 25:40–45 – Serving Jesus through serving "the least of these," including those in prison

• Hosea – God leading us into the desert and speaking tenderly to us

Connect with Amber

• Amber's Website: https://highnoonatthewell.com

• Amber's Blog: https://willnotbetaken.com

Join the Conversation

How is God inviting you to move closer—to step into places that might feel uncomfortable, messy, or unfamiliar? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community.

Follow Us

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/

• Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/

• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact

Take the Next Step

• Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home

• Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12

Final Notes: If this episode challenged or encouraged you, please follow the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that point people back to Jesus and invite us all to live with greater purpose.

Until next week, friends 💛