About the River of Life Ministry

The following is an interview with the founders of River of Life Prison Ministry. Please take this opportunity to get to know them and their vision.

Q. When did you begin the ROL ministry?

A. We held our first meeting at McNeil Island Correction Center in 1985. We were offered the third Monday of each month to hold services in the main chapel. This was our first opportunity to minister the gospel to the men in song and prayer. There were only three of us at that time so we took turns in bringing the Word and sharing testimonies.  It didn't take long and the services began to grow, it seemed like the men were hungry for fellowship and the Spirit of God.

Q. What caused you to feel that this was the will of God for you?

A. At the time our youngest son Bill was incarcerated at the Island and we attended his wedding in the chapel, while the service was being conducted I ( Garland ) had a vision of the chapel full of inmates.

A. I think that God birthed the vision then while seeing the need so personally.

Q. How did you get started?

A. We contacted the DOC (Department of Corrections) and went through the process of being cleared to volunteer at the Island. A woman who felt it was time for her to move on vacated the opening we were given. So we stepped out and believed God to move.

Q. What is the future that you see for ROL?

A. After 19 years at the island we see the need to continue to provide ministry to the inmates that are released as well as those new to the island. We have a hope to continue Bible studies out side where those that we have met and know over the years can come and fellowship as well as use their gifts and talents. We hope to see many grow and move into ministry themselves, as the Lord directs.

A. But only the Lord knows how much more we can and should do, our desire is to serve and let others serve also, however we can.

Q. How is ROL different from other prison ministries?

A. Our hope has always been to allow the inmates to serve the Lord. So we have testimonies and music ministry, prayer time and Bible study that involves the men as much as possible. Other ministries do the same I'm sure but we see men grow up in Christ and go on to serve Him using the time we share together as an opportunity to learn about body ministry and other areas of service to the Lord.

Q. How can others get involved in ROL?

A. Well there are lots of things that are needed, some can write inmates letters of encouragement, some may want to help families while there husbands, fathers, sons are serving time. You may feel you could help once an inmate is released, with help finding employment or maybe some further education.

A. There really are a lot of different needs. You may feel that buying something off of the web site is a great way to help.

Q. Can you tell us about the Web site?

A. Yes, the web site is one way in which we hope to be able to meet financial needs of inmates and their families. The idea is to use the funds from the site to help with needs that inmates wouldn't other wise be able to. I mean things like phone bills, school clothes for kids or maybe birthday gifts for someone special in the family. All the items are donated to ROL and we sell them with the sole purpose of funding these needs. It is just one of many things we hope to do.