Kathy Diaz – Director of Volunteer training (2004)
When I moved to Texas, I often asked Kathy to go to prison with me. She would smile and say emphatically, “NO!” Finally, she gave in to my request but had no intentions to speak. However, a situation came up, and I needed Kathy to share her testimony. As she started telling her story, I realized why our lives had intersected.
Her mother had been incarcerated in that very prison.
Kathy’s background was one of pain and abuse. She was rescued at the age of 12 and sent to her father, whom she had never met. But her stepmother was a loving Christian, and Kathy's life was transformed. Now she is dispensing His agape love to others.
Terry and Jean Strom – Directors of Recovery and Outreach (2005)
Terry and Jean moved to Texas to assist in directing the ministry and to start our first recovery program. Terry knows first-hand the freedom of being liberated from drugs. His worship is the worship of man with a heart overflowing with gratitude.
Now together with his wife, Jean, they continue to see those chained by hurts, habits, and hang-ups set free. Hundreds of women are in a program based on the 12 steps and the Beatitudes. Jean connects the women on the inside with Celebrate Recovery groups on the outside. Many are now leaders in Celebrate Recovery on the outside.
Carla Hooton – Director of Reentry (2006)
Carla was given a copy of Karla Faye Tucker Set Free in 2006. After reading, it she emailed me. She asked if she could come to prison with DU on our next trip to Texas. I immediately responded.
We had just dedicated the Murray Faith-Based Dorm and desperately needed volunteers. The rest is history.
She has a passion and vision for reentry. Our Reentry program, called Set Free, is expanding rapidly under her leadership. She directs our regional Refuels and our yearly Reignite retreat.
Edrena Smith – Director for Faith Based Dorms (2009)
Edrena came to prison to get the women in white to pray for “Just Give Me Jesus,” an outreach in Waco. But the Lord had an additional plan.
As it happened, we were starting “Experiencing God” at the Murray Unit. More than 100 women had signed up, and we needed volunteers. So Edrena, her husband Mike, and their friends said they would come for one “Experiencing God” class. They never left.
Edrena has a wonderful gift of administration. She keeps records of our Faith-Based Dorm graduates. As a former teacher, she developed curriculum for the seven dorms. She is a constant support to our team. How grateful we are.
God is a team builder. He brought this team together! He has brought more than 200 volunteers and many prayer warriors. He constantly supplies our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.
Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for your financial support.
We are so all very grateful.