At Doulos Partners, we have the privilege of partnering with frontline ministries that are taking the Gospel into the most desperate corners of the world, including prison cells. One of those partners, e3 Partners,
recently shared a powerful testimony that reminds us of this truth: no place is too dark for the light of Christ to reach, and no heart is too far gone for Him to redeem. This is the story of Bill*, an inmate turned disciple-maker, and a divine encounter that turned a prison cell of despair into holy ground.
A Holy Takeover in a Texas Prison
Bill* is an inmate in a Texas prison. He came to faith while incarcerated and has been trained as a discipleship leader to reach other inmates with the Gospel and disciple them. “He has been walking out his calling inside the unit,” said Dave*, an e3 missionary who has helped disciple Bill. “His assignment one day? Sit with a man named Jim* on suicide watch. A hard place. But this wasn’t just a man wrestling with despair—Jim was an outspoken Satanist. And not quietly so—he was in a full-blown manic episode, preaching Satan’s gospel with intensity.” Jim had drawn three massive sixes on the wall. He claimed Satan had been cast to Earth to create chaos and raise up his “trinity”: witches, warlocks, and minions. He was evangelizing for the kingdom of darkness.
“But thank God our brother was an ambassador for the Kingdom of Light!” Dave said.
“Calmly, compassionately, full of the Holy Spirit, Bill leaned in. He began to share the true story—the story that changes everything. That God is love. That He created the world in perfect design and harmony. That we broke it when we joined Satan’s rebellion. But even then, God didn’t turn away. Instead, He stepped in.”
Bill told Jim about the hope of Jesus — how He came into the brokenness, went to the cross, bore our rebellion, died for it, then rose again to give us new life. “Then, in a most powerful reversal, Bill took a marker and drew the 3 Circles right over that demonic symbol.” Dave said. “A holy takeover. And right there in that cell, something broke. The man who once gave himself to darkness surrendered his life to Jesus Christ.”
Jim was eventually removed from suicide watch, because he had found hope in the only one who can truly save. Now Jim is sharing that hope with other inmates too.
That’s the power of the Gospel. That’s the mission we’re on.
“This is what happens when the Gospel is unleashed in the darkest places,” Dave said. “Being on mission is messy. Sometimes it takes us to tough, dirty places. Being obedient is costly, but it’s worth it!”
This is why we do what we do. Stories like Bill and Jim’s remind us that the Gospel has the power to break chains (both physical and spiritual) and bring true transformation, even in the darkest places. Through God’s provision and our faithful donors, we’re able to equip our partners like e3 Partners to carry the light of Christ into places most would never go.
Will you join us in this mission? Your support helps us strengthen partnerships, raise up leaders, and take the hope of Jesus where it’s needed most. Whether you pray, give, or help share the story, you are part of what God is doing through Doulos Partners. Click here to make an impact today.
*names have been changed for security purposes
