At the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women, a partnership is catalyzing spiritual restoration. Incarcerated women are pursuing interdisciplinary degrees and experiencing the gospel’s transformative power. Several students share how their journey has shaped their understanding of grace and identity.

Another semester is underway at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women, where women are pursuing theological education through Judson College’s North Carolina Field Minister Program.

The program, which began in 2024, offers women the opportunity to earn bachelor’s degrees in interdisciplinary studies. North Carolina Baptists help fund the initiative and provide volunteer support, partnering with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Game Plan for Life to bring theological training behind prison walls.

The women have been convicted of felonies and are serving lengthy sentences. But as they progress through their coursework, they’re experiencing profound spiritual transformation. 

“The gospel change in many of these women is humbling and beyond words, as it points to the grace and mercy of our heavenly Father,” said Ashley Reffit, women’s leadership and discipleship consultant for N.C. Baptists. Reffit oversees a volunteer program that tutors and disciples the students.

Here’s what some of the participants shared about their journey this semester.

Learning God’s love

For Karen, the program has deepened her understanding of God’s love.

“One thing that I have learned from God in these last few years is that He really does love us,” she said. “The Bible is filled with dysfunctional families and individuals that fall so short of the mark, that anyone, coming from any side of the tracks can relate to and feel the full measure of His love and forgiveness.”

She admits the journey isn’t always easy. 

“The longer I am in this program, the more sinful behavior bothers me. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed because I feel like such a failure as a Christian,” Karen shared. Yet her faith has been significantly strengthened as she learns to keep going “in the face of all the pressures encountered within the prison system.”

Discovering purpose

Vania has learned that “all things are possible through Him, including being able to receive a college degree while incarcerated.”

“God is more powerful than I ever thought,” she said. “The more I know and understand Him, the more I can understand who I am in relation to Him and the rest of humanity.

“I trust more in the plans that God has for my life. I have learned to be humble and content and try to see the good in every situation. … I also have more patience with others because I see them as God’s people who are broken, just like I am.”

Changed hearts and minds

Crystal described her transformation simply: “God changed my heart, my mind, my soul, and gave me purpose.”

She’s grown particularly in her understanding of the Trinity and in how she relates to others. 

“The most evident change I can see in myself is my attitude toward others,” she said. “God commands believers to love Him above all, and to love others.”

Crystal is looking forward to completing her exegesis paper and learning more about Trinitarian doctrine and Christology.

From knowing about God to knowing Him 

Rose’s reflection captured a shift many students experience: moving from knowledge about God to relationship with Him.

“I always knew who God was, but it took coming to prison to know who Jesus is and have a relationship with Him,” she said. “When I feel utterly alone, frightened or forgotten, He is there. He is the only person that can fill the empty void I have been searching to fill since I was 8 years old.”

She described her walk with God as “a two-way adventure” and shared her hope for this semester: “To digest the Word and have the Holy Spirit ignite me and give off a pleasant sacrificial aroma unto the Lord. Prayerfully this will be the semester I truly learn to embrace His forgiveness and let go of hatred I have for myself.”

Looking forward

Other students are experiencing similar growth in different ways. Tammy has learned to trust that God’s will is perfect and that “fellowship and union with Him is better than any other treasure in the world.” She prays that the class will “become a strong force in advancing the gospel and the kingdom of God.”

Tina has found new patience with others. She has found herself “giving completely to God what I cannot change.”

As these women continue their studies, they anticipate new challenges and deeper growth. 

Karen said, “I am looking forward to the challenges I have yet to face, because once I have overcome them by the grace of God, the version of me on the other side of that challenge will be shaped even more into the image of Christ. That’s the best part of the entire program.”

After completing four years of courses to earn their degrees, the women will serve in facilities for another four years or more, through peer counseling, crisis ministries, mentoring, teaching, discipleship and more. 

N.C. Baptists can support the field minister program by praying for the students and the volunteers who serve them. Every gift through N.C. Baptist missions giving fuels this effort, making an eternal impact for the kingdom.

By Liz Tablazon, N.C. Baptist Contributing Writer