by Jerusha Tiller, FCCW

COVID hit institutions hard: schools, childcare programs, hospitals. retirement homes, nursing homes and prisons were affected. At Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, we had additional challenges like staffing shortage of both officers and volunteers, and as a result, our religious programs were affected. Our program numbers dwindled as schedules shifted and older preachers refrained from entering the prison systems; inmates struggled to find the strength to beat these challenges. 

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. In Summer of 2023, after the worst wave of COVID passed, 38 inmates recommitted their lives to Christ. Some accepted Jesus for the very first time. Both Protestants and Messianic Jews reached out to me to be baptized in the “pool” we have in the Chaplain’s office. Today, 6 months later, looking at these pictures, I see Inmate Byrd who passed away last week after an illness. She testified to the saving grace of Jesus in her life while she was doing well. She gave her witness in our church of 100 inmates every time she was discharged from the hospital. He who began a good work in us, is faithful to complete it, in due season. Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.