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A Story of Accountability, Grace, and Redemption

This is a story about a crime that many people will find disturbing, even difficult to comprehend. It is the story of Jessica Coz, a middle school band teacher and mother of two young children, who had a deeply inappropriate relationship with one of her students.

Jessica was sentenced to 15 years in prison and served more than 12 years of that sentence. She took full responsibility for her actions and her crime, without a trial or a plea agreement.

But this is more than a story about a crime and its consequences. It is a story about what happens when a person comes face-to-face with the seriousness of her choices—and begins the difficult journey toward accountability, purpose, and change.

During her years in prison, Jessica discovered strength through her faith in God. She began to understand how, even in the midst of the consequences of her own actions, God could help her find purpose again and experience His grace.

But leaving prison was not the end of her struggle. Returning to society presented challenges that many of us may never fully understand. Through those challenges, Jessica found that God brought people into her life who were willing to extend grace, offer help, and give her opportunities to begin again.

This is not a story about excusing wrongdoing or escaping consequences. It is a story about personal responsibility, the transforming power of faith, and the possibility of finding purpose after making devastating choices.

It is a story about accountability, God’s grace, and the people who help make a second chance possible.

It is a story you will want to hear.

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A Story of God’s Grace, Protection, and Transformation

Listen to the remarkable personal story of RJ.

RJ was once an accomplished and successful high school teacher and coach, investing in the lives of young people and experiencing many of the rewards that come with a successful life and career.

Yet beneath the accomplishments came a journey that would take him from some of life's highest points to its darkest depths.

At one of the lowest points in his life, RJ became so overwhelmed by defeat and hopelessness that he believed there was no way out except to end his life. In a desperate attempt, he lay down on a railroad track—only to discover that he had chosen the wrong track as the train passed.

Instead of relief, he was left feeling even more worthless. In his mind, he had failed even at ending his own life.

But that was not the end of his story.

Hear how RJ faced fear and danger while imprisoned for sexual offenses, including being targeted for death by other inmates. Time after time, circumstances unfolded in ways that protected his life—even before RJ recognized God or personally accepted Jesus Christ.

Looking back, RJ began to see something he could not see at the time:

God’s grace had been pursuing and protecting him long before he understood it.

This is a powerful story of a life journey—from success and accomplishment, to brokenness and despair, and ultimately to grace, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.

COME HEAR RJ’S STORY

Be encouraged by a testimony of God’s grace, protection, forgiveness, and transformation.

Sometimes God is working in our lives long before we recognize His presence.

Your darkest chapter does not have to be the end of your story.

To learn more or RJ Johnson and his Prison Ministry "Not My Will Ministries" check out the website.   

www.notmywillministries.com

You can all so purchase his book "God Doesn't Waste A Thing" at the web site.

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In this episode of Prison To Mission, we’re sharing something a little different from our usual stories of powerful transformation among those who are incarcerated or ministries serving people in prison.

This time, we’re hearing the story of someone who has been called to bring the Good News to the people of India.

Millions of people around the world have little or no opportunity to hear the message of Jesus. In fact, even people in America’s prisons often have greater access to the Gospel than many of the unreached people living in some of the most remote parts of our world.

In this episode, listen as LC shares his story—how God gave him a heart for reaching the unreached, and how that calling has led him to serve and share the Gospel in India.

This is the story of one servant who said “yes” to God’s call to take the Gospel where it is desperately needed.

We hope LC’s story challenges, encourages, and inspires you to see beyond the mission field in front of you and consider the millions who have yet to hear the Good News of Jesus.

If you have interest in wanting to support the Akash Orphan Project in India mentioned in the episode.  Here is a link to support the ministry.

https://newhorizonsfoundation.com/project/single-project/3168/

If wanting further information on this ministry send a message to: 

[email protected]

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What happens when one split-second decision changes the course of your entire life?

Steven Johnson was raised in a loving Christian home, but as a young man he found himself chasing the wrong influences and living a life far below his potential. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served four years with honor, developing the discipline and tactical skills that would later play a pivotal role in his life.

Following his military service, Steven battled alcohol and drug addiction until a church-based recovery program helped him begin rebuilding his life.

Then everything changed.

A violent confrontation inside his own home ended with both Steven and his attacker seriously wounded. The other man later died, and Steven was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

How does a man sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars find hope? What does faith look like when freedom seems impossible? And how did a life sentence eventually become a release after 17 years?

In this powerful episode, Steven shares his incredible journey through tragedy, prison, redemption, and the unwavering faith that sustained him through it all. You'll hear how God met him in his darkest moments, transformed his heart behind prison walls, and opened a door that many believed would never open.

This isn't just a story about prison. It's a story about grace, second chances, and the hope that can be found even in life's most impossible circumstances.

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Tracy grew up in truly dysfunctional home and tragic upbringing. She was abandoned as a teen, resulting in several foster homes.  She was arrested 22 times and looked at by others and herself as nothing but a total looser.  Then she understood who truly loved her and always had, Jesus.  Listen to this remarkable story of God's love and grace to this beautiful woman.

You can learn more about Tracy and her ministry, Cowboys and Outlaw Prison Ministry at   www.Cowboysandoutlaws.org

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Hear the story of, Melvin Jackson, a man who entered prison at just 17 years old. Sentenced to a minimum of 25 years, he served every day of that sentence. After his release, with no guidance or support to help him rebuild his life, Melvin struggled to adjust to life outside prison walls. Each time he violated parole, he was sent back to prison—four more times over the years.

In total, Melvin spent 45 years incarcerated.

It was during his final 8-year sentence that everything changed. Broken and hopeless, Melvin surrendered his life to God’s grace. Through faith, healing began. God placed people in his life who helped restore him, showing him love, peace, encouragement, and hope for the future.

Listen to Melvin’s powerful story and be encouraged by the way God works through people to bring light into even the darkest and most hopeless situations.

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Yuri Luckette spent 26 years in prison as a result of crimes connected to his involvement in the Crips gang. During his time behind bars, he experienced a profound transformation by surrendering his life to the grace of God and choosing to follow Jesus. Since then, Yuri has not only turned his life around but has become a powerful voice of hope and redemption. Forming a ministry, "Crip To Christ"

In this episode, we talk with Yuri about how his ministry began and how God is now using him to reach others. From prisons across the United States and internationally to his own local community, Yuri is dedicated to encouraging current and former gang members to encounter faith, change their lives, and walk a new path.

You can learn more at the web site listed below.

https://www.criptochristministries.org/

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In this episode of Prison To Mission, we sit down with Bruce Ketola, Director of Kairos Prison Ministries in Arizona.

Kairos Prison Ministries is a global organization devoted to serving incarcerated individuals and their families, sharing the love of Jesus as reflected in Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

But what does “Kairos” mean?

“Kairos” refers to a moment when conditions are just right for meaningful, decisive action. It’s a powerful concept centered on transformation at the right time.

That idea is at the heart of Kairos Prison Ministries: reaching people at a point in their lives when they are ready for change, offering hope, grace, and a path forward through faith.

In this conversation, Bruce shares his personal journey and calling to serve inside prisons. You’ll also gain insight into the mission of Kairos and the impactful work happening across Arizona’s prison system.

Listen in and be inspired by how lives are being changed—one moment at a time.

You can learn more about Kairos Prison Ministries at their Web Site, listed below.

Main Web Page     https://kairosprisonministry.org/

Arizona Page     https://kairosofaz.org/

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In this episode of Prison To Mission, we sit down with Bruce Ketola, Director of Kairos Prison Ministries in Arizona.

Kairos Prison Ministries is a global organization devoted to serving incarcerated individuals and their families, sharing the love of Jesus as reflected in Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

But what does “Kairos” mean?

“Kairos” refers to a moment when conditions are just right for meaningful, decisive action. It’s a powerful concept centered on transformation at the right time.

That idea is at the heart of Kairos Prison Ministries: reaching people at a point in their lives when they are ready for change, offering hope, grace, and a path forward through faith.

In this conversation, Bruce shares his personal journey and calling to serve inside prisons. You’ll also gain insight into the mission of Kairos and the impactful work happening across Arizona’s prison system.

Listen in and be inspired by how lives are being changed—one moment at a time.

You can learn more about Kairos Prison Ministries at their Web Site, listed below.

Main Web Page     https://kairosprisonministry.org/

Arizona Page     https://kairosofaz.org/

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Scott Gates leads a company that was born from a deep stirring God placed in his heart.

He felt called to build a business that would offer real opportunity to people coming out of incarceration—men and women who are so often denied a second chance simply because of their past. For many, a felony record is an automatic red flag, closing doors before they ever get the chance to prove who they’ve become.

But that’s not the story at Awake Window & Door in Gilbert, Arizona.

What started as an act of obedience has grown into a thriving company of over 100 employees in just five years, with nearly 60% of the workforce made up of individuals who have served prison time. Lives are being restored. Families are being supported. Purpose is being rediscovered.

You’ve got to listen to this incredible story.

Let God speak to your heart about what it looks like to offer grace, restoration, and a new beginning to those who are ready for it.

You can contact Scott if desiring more information on the application of hiring those with conviction record at their web site below.

 Awake Window & Door web page

www.awakewdc.com