On April 21, 1976 my life took a dark turn when I left home for a reckless “joy ride” with some friends. Little did I know that it would be 15 years, 8 months, and 22 days before I returned home again, but this time not as the carefree teenager I once was. That fateful night, we engaged in an armed robbery, leading to my sentencing at the tender age of 15 to serve 30 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections. As I entered Parchman, I stepped into a brutal jungle where survival meant becoming part of the harsh reality around me or being devoured by it. I was left with no choice but to become a beast to endure the ordeal.

In the midst of this harsh environment, fellow incarcerated peers took me under their wing, teaching me the ways of their world, a world starkly different from the one I was torn away from. Tragically, in 1979, I made a grave mistake and stabbed another incarcerated peer. Miraculously, he survived by God’s grace, though I failed to recognize it at the time. The consequences were severe, resulting in an additional 15 years added to my sentence for assault and attempted murder, making it a total of 45 years. Unfortunately, my downward spiral continued as I became involved in a money order scheme, tacking on another 20 years to my already daunting sentence. My life flashed before my eyes, and the realization that I was now serving a staggering 65 years made the prospect of ever tasting freedom again seem unlikely.

After being transferred to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, I mistakenly believed that “the action” was centered around the Chaplain’s department. I even joked with the Chaplain, thinking that she must be handing out drugs because of the grinning incarcerated people coming from her office. I literally said, “this must be where the dope is.” However, I later learned that it was a different kind of “high” that they experienced.

It wasn’t until a profound moment, when I realized that I was just “tired of being tired,” that I sought solace with the Chaplain. I had not shed a tear for over 12 years, even when my father passed away while I was incarcerated, unable to attend his funeral due to my hardened heart, which equated crying with weakness. But in that Chaplain’s office, God touched my heart, and tears flowed uncontrollably, breaking the dam of emotions that had been held back for so long. It was then that I understood God’s power to change a person’s heart, a power that neither man nor the rehabilitation system possessed. Jesus accepted me in my brokenness and sin, and I have been walking with Him ever since, though far from perfect yet determinedly seeking His path.

Miraculously, I received parole, and God blessed me with a wife whose love for God surpasses all else. People doubted our marriage, assuming it wouldn’t last a year due to our shared past as both formerly incarcerated, but we have proved them wrong, celebrating 34 years of marriage. Through this journey, I have learned that it is God, not people, who makes the difference in our lives.

Since my release in November of 1991, I have been deeply involved in prison ministry, recognizing that Christ loved me when I felt unlovable. My life has been a reflection of the Biblical story of Jonah, running from God and disobeying His voice, but God has shown me that storms are part of the

Christian journey, akin to the “whale” experiences, during which God shapes us into the individuals He intends us to be.

My involvement in prison ministry and prison reentry has only grown over time, especially since my wife has become fully dedicated to this ministry she founded before we were married, which she spoke passionately about even during her time in prison where we first met. Witnessing her heightened excitement and joy has further ignited my own passion and involvement, knowing that this is God’s will for both of us and the population we aim to serve. The timing of her role feels like a direct answer to our prayers, guided by divine destiny, appointment, and the definite will of God. I proudly serve as her biggest and most devoted volunteer in every sense of the word! Literally!

As an ordained minister with 32 years of freedom behind me, my heart remains steadfast in serving the people of God while continually seeking personal growth in my relationship with the Lord. This journey has been one of transformation and faith, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be part of God’s work in the lives of others and within my own heart.

Petty Thief Snatched By Grace

From Aggressive Thief to Advocate and Activist:

The Remarkable Transformation of Pauline Rogers

Pauline Rogers’ life took a dramatic turn when, at just nine years old, she found herself testifying about her father’s tragic murder in a court room. Witnessing her mother shoot, him in an act of self-defense, she carried the heavy burden of assisting her mother in getting him to the hospital, where he ultimately passed away. Surprisingly, the court ruled in her mother’s favor, leading to no conviction

Following this devastating event, Pauline’s mother became a workaholic and was largely absent from her life. As the eldest sibling. Pauline assumed responsibility for her ten younger brothers and sisters. Desperate to provide for her family, she resorted to stealing items like rice, meat, hair bands, pajamas, and barber clippers from various stores within walking distance. Although she got caught at the age of 11, the authorities at that time let her off with a warning and a pep talk, which did little to dissuade her. She continued to steal and, eventually, faced more serious consequences in her late twenties, leading to a six-year prison sentence.

While in the cou

nty jail, even before being sent to prison, Pauline encountered a Prison Fellowship volunteer who introduced her to Jesus. Th

is encounter proved to be transformative as it shifted her perspective.  She realized that she wasn’t responsible for caring for her siblings and that she could rely on God’s support. Upon arriving at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility. Pauline was determined to seize every opportunity for personal growth, especially through Christian programs, life-skills training, and mentoring opportunities.

One significant figure in her journey was, Wendy Hatcher, the chaplain at the prison, who noticed Pauline’s unique qualities and trusted her. Pauline assisted Wendy in various tasks, and together, they provided spiritual support to other incarcerated individuals during difficult times. Their relationship grew so deep that when Pauline completed three and a half years of her sentence, Wendy welcomed her into her home in Brandon, effectively becoming her mother figure.

Life outside of prison was not without its challenges, over the next four years, while she was living with Wendy, Pauline was hired by a doctor—a volunteer whom Pauline had met when she was in prison, to work as a maid in the doctor’s office. Despite being overqualified for the position, she accepted the opportunity due to limited options for the formerly incarcerated. Over time, her capabilities were recognized, and her responsibilities expanded, leading her to work there for an impressive 27 years.

With newfound purpose and faith, Pauline also became involved with a local church, New Horizon Church International, and married Frederick, a man she had met while incarcerated. Her passion for helping others was evident as she continued to volunteer within the prison, organizing various activities, ministering to the incarcerated and providing essential support to children with incarcerated parents through the Angel Tree program.

Driven by a vision she had while in prison, Pauline established her own ministry to aid individuals transitioning out of prison. Alongside Frederick, she had provided reentry services, housing, and even summer camps for children with incarcerated parents, helping over 17,000 people reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.

One of those beneficiaries, Henry Daniels, experienced firsthand the positive impact of Pauline and Frederick’s efforts. After serving 34 years in prison, Henry received invaluable support from the Rogers, finding a temporary home with them and securing a job at a restaurant. Today, he operates his own successful landscaping and handyman business while actively volunteering for the RECH Foundation.

To Pauline, her life’s journey symbolizes the transformation of a seemingly worthless, discarded penny into a valuable asset that keeps gaining worth. Her prison ministry work serves as a shining example of how she continues to add value to countless lives, proving that redemption and positive change are possible for everyone.

Over three decades, Pauline Rogers’s ministry has achieved an incredible feat—maintaining zero recidivism among the individuals they have served. This remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to the transformative power of their work and the unwavering dedication they have shown in helping those transitioning out of prison.

Through their reentry services, housing assistance, and comprehensive support, Pauline and Frederick have provided a lifeline to countless individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after incarceration. Their ministry’s approach, rooted in faith, love and understanding, has empowered those once considered lost causes to find hope, purpose, and a renewed sense of self.

By nurturing a sense of belonging and acceptance, Pauline and her team have fostered an environment of trust and support that allows individuals to overcome the challenges of reentering society. They have ensured that the men and women they assist not only find employment but also develop essential life skills, access educational opportunities, and build strong foundations for a brighter future.

The zero recidivism rate achieved by Pauline’s ministry serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for criminal justice reform and rehabilitation efforts. Their success demonstrates that with the right support and guidance, individuals can break the cycle of recidivism and become valuable contributors to their communities.

As news of their remarkable achievements spread, more people have come forward to support the ministry’s work, recognizing its immense positive impact on society. Government agencies, philanthropic organization, and community members have rallied around Pauline and Frederick, enabling the ministry to expand its reach and help even more individuals turn their lives around.

The legacy of Pauline Rogers’ ministry is a story of redemption, compassion, and transformation. It stands as a testament to the profound change that can occur when one person’s journey of healing and growth inspires an entire community to believe in the power of second chances. With every life they touch, Pauline and her team continue to sow seeds of hope, breaking down barriers and building bridges toward a brighter and more inclusive future for all.