Tammy and Lori Return to Hobby

Tammy Crawford and Lori Riggs recently spoke at the Hobby Unit where they were both incarcerated. Today, Lori is an intern at a treatment center. Tammy is very involved in her recovery church. They were bunkmates at Hobby and have remained close friends; they are also accountability partners.

Tammy was separated from her children for many years. Now, miraculously, their relationship is being restored. The Lord is restoring the years the locust has devoured.  When we surrender, He takes over for us. 

As we celebrate this Thanksgiving, let us thank our God for his grace and loving kindness.

Our staff and volunteers personally thank you. You are our prayer warriors and partners in this amazing work. 

Where Are They Now - Lori Riggs

Meet Lori Riggs, graduate of the Hobby Faith-Based Dorm!

Accountant, Toyota dealership East Texas Volunteer for Texas Department of Criminal Justice Volunteer Grace House of Cedar Creek Lake

Lori was rescued from darkness into a new life in Christ Jesus. She spent five years in prison where she was set free. She was a leader in our faith dorm at Hobby. She has a passion for telling others of the amazing work the Lord has done. Her story is now published in a book along with seven of her friends.

Lori

She has shared at the Henderson County Jail and is a leader in Celebrate Recovery. Her desire to help others has spilled over to her career choice. She will graduate in May as a Phi Theta Kappa honor student and begin an internship for Addiction Counseling.

“Everything that the enemy used to try to kill me has become my strength. My life no longer belongs to me. It is His.”

Lori spoke at our Reignite Reunion. Her life scripture is one of the many verses that she held on to while in prison.

Heb. 10:23 Hold fast, without wavering the confession of our hope. For He who promised is faithful.

Local Church Sponsors Reignite Retreat for Ex-Offenders

After reading Karla Faye Tucker Set Free, Carla Hooton emailed me asking if she could come into prison with Discipleship Unlimited. That was over six years ago, and today Carla is the inside coordinator of the Faith Based Dorm at Hobby. She also has a passion for aftercare. This April, their church under Carla and Randy's leadership hosted the second reignite reunion of faith dorm graduates on the outside of prison walls.

Update from Carla

6.13 Newsletter-1

When Randy and I first approached our Pastor about sponsoring a Discipleship Unlimited reunion, he immediately gave us a YES! From there, God orchestrated it all.

Beginning on Friday evening and going through Sunday, our church (First Baptist-Rio Vista) provided an opportunity for faith dorm participants who had been released from prison to come together with faithful DU Volunteers and also church members.

Thirty five ex-offenders gave updates on how God continues to work powerfully in their lives. They lead us in prayer and presented devotions. We had inspirational speakers and meaningful small group times. Church members volunteered to pick up ladies from the church Friday and Saturday nights so that they could shower in their homes since many were "camping out" in our fellowship hall. Love was shared, and believers became bonded.

6.13-Newsletter-2

Our Pastor invited DU to take the Sunday morning service. Our faith dorm women ministered in song and shared a testimony. Linda gave a wonderful message of love and Terry lead all of us in exciting praise and worship. The emotional finale was when the women and some of their guests presented their cardboard testimonies. Awesome!

God was most certainly glorified as there was much worship, healing, and loved shared. We look forward to next year.

God is doing a big work behind these prison walls. And we are seeing the results!

Thank you for your investment in this kingdom work!