Our Why

With more than 40 years of pastoring, serving, and ministering to some of the greatest needs around us, we will never forget the moment when, after preaching to a group of offenders, a prison chaplain spoke these words to us: “We have all these groups who come in continuously for ministry to prisoners, while so many of our officer’s lives are falling apart.” Having seen firsthand for these many years the issues officers face everyday, from the units always being shorthanded to the stress of dealing with offenders who choose to make life a daily challenge, we knew we could not leave those who serve unseen the most alone when they need us the most.

(Pic) Mark has been in ministry for over 45 years, with 30 years spent pastoring churches in Texas He became involved in ministry to men in 1994 during the Promise Keepers movement, and for 11 years, from 2001 until 20012 he served as a denominational Men’s Ministries Director for the West Texas region. His involvement in prison ministry began in 1989 as a volunteer with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship Ministries. This ministry included ministry to prisoners in the TDCJ units, as well as in ministry to men making the transition back into the free world.

Janet has served as a worship leader and teacher in churches for over 35 years. Janet has been the featured speaker for ladies retreats and worship conferences across the Midwest. She has worked in a drug and alcohol recovery facility.

Together, Mark and Janet have served as interim pastors, travelled in evangelistic ministry in Texas and Kansas, ministered to men and women in drug and alcohol recovery settings, and have ministered extensively in West Texas TDCJ units through Freedom In Jesus Prison Ministries, based in Levelland, Texas.

In 2020, Mark and Janet were the recipients of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award. Mark and Janet currently reside in Ransom Canyon, Texas with their dog Patches, and are the co-pastors of Ransom Canyon Chapel at Brookhollow.