Prison To Mission

Rod Peterson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Christianity

Discover powerful stories of redemption, hope, and transformed lives through the grace of God. This podcast shares firsthand testimonies from formerly incarcerated men and women whose lives were radically changed after encountering the love of Jesus Christ. There are also episodes hearing from ministries and organizations faithfully serving those impacted by incarceration, offering encouragement, restoration, discipleship, and hope to individuals and families both inside and outside prison walls. Join us as we hear inspiring stories, learn about impactful prison ministries, and explore how we can all help share the love of Christ with those often forgotten. These conversations will encourage your faith, challenge your perspective, and remind you that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy and redemption.

  1. 2d ago

    Life Sentence for Murder (Defending Himself in his home) but finding God's favor. Hear Steven Johnson share this remarkable story

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when one split-second decision changes the course of your entire life? Steven Johnson was raised in a loving Christian home, but as a young man he found himself chasing the wrong influences and living a life far below his potential. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served four years with honor, developing the discipline and tactical skills that would later play a pivotal role in his life. Following his military service, Steven battled alcohol and drug addiction until a church-based recovery program helped him begin rebuilding his life. Then everything changed. A violent confrontation inside his own home ended with both Steven and his attacker seriously wounded. The other man later died, and Steven was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. How does a man sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars find hope? What does faith look like when freedom seems impossible? And how did a life sentence eventually become a release after 17 years? In this powerful episode, Steven shares his incredible journey through tragedy, prison, redemption, and the unwavering faith that sustained him through it all. You'll hear how God met him in his darkest moments, transformed his heart behind prison walls, and opened a door that many believed would never open. This isn't just a story about prison. It's a story about grace, second chances, and the hope that can be found even in life's most impossible circumstances.

  2. Jul 10

    Tracy Smith, Arrested 22 Times

    Send us Fan Mail Tracy grew up in truly dysfunctional home and tragic upbringing. She was abandoned as a teen, resulting in several foster homes.  She was arrested 22 times and looked at by others and herself as nothing but a total looser.  Then she understood who truly loved her and always had, Jesus.  Listen to this remarkable story of God's love and grace to this beautiful woman. You can learn more about Tracy and her ministry, Cowboys and Outlaw Prison Ministry at   www.Cowboysandoutlaws.org

  3. May 12

    Melvin Jackson 45 years in prison, but a new person now.

    Send us Fan Mail Hear the story of, Melvin Jackson, a man who entered prison at just 17 years old. Sentenced to a minimum of 25 years, he served every day of that sentence. After his release, with no guidance or support to help him rebuild his life, Melvin struggled to adjust to life outside prison walls. Each time he violated parole, he was sent back to prison—four more times over the years. In total, Melvin spent 45 years incarcerated. It was during his final 8-year sentence that everything changed. Broken and hopeless, Melvin surrendered his life to God’s grace. Through faith, healing began. God placed people in his life who helped restore him, showing him love, peace, encouragement, and hope for the future. Listen to Melvin’s powerful story and be encouraged by the way God works through people to bring light into even the darkest and most hopeless situations.

  4. Apr 24

    Crips To Christ Ministry with Yuri Luckette

    Send us Fan Mail Yuri Luckette spent 26 years in prison as a result of crimes connected to his involvement in the Crips gang. During his time behind bars, he experienced a profound transformation by surrendering his life to the grace of God and choosing to follow Jesus. Since then, Yuri has not only turned his life around but has become a powerful voice of hope and redemption. Forming a ministry, "Crip To Christ" In this episode, we talk with Yuri about how his ministry began and how God is now using him to reach others. From prisons across the United States and internationally to his own local community, Yuri is dedicated to encouraging current and former gang members to encounter faith, change their lives, and walk a new path. You can learn more at the web site listed below. https://www.criptochristministries.org/

  5. Apr 18

    Kairos Prison Ministries, Interview with Bruce Ketola, Arizona Director

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Prison To Mission, we sit down with Bruce Ketola, Director of Kairos Prison Ministries in Arizona. Kairos Prison Ministries is a global organization devoted to serving incarcerated individuals and their families, sharing the love of Jesus as reflected in Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” But what does “Kairos” mean? “Kairos” refers to a moment when conditions are just right for meaningful, decisive action. It’s a powerful concept centered on transformation at the right time. That idea is at the heart of Kairos Prison Ministries: reaching people at a point in their lives when they are ready for change, offering hope, grace, and a path forward through faith. In this conversation, Bruce shares his personal journey and calling to serve inside prisons. You’ll also gain insight into the mission of Kairos and the impactful work happening across Arizona’s prison system. Listen in and be inspired by how lives are being changed—one moment at a time.   You can learn more about Kairos Prison Ministries at their Web Site, listed below. Main Web Page     https://kairosprisonministry.org/ Arizona Page     https://kairosofaz.org/

  6. Jan 30

    Scott Gates, President and Founder of Awake Window and Door Company

    Send us Fan Mail Scott Gates leads a company that was born from a deep stirring God placed in his heart. He felt called to build a business that would offer real opportunity to people coming out of incarceration—men and women who are so often denied a second chance simply because of their past. For many, a felony record is an automatic red flag, closing doors before they ever get the chance to prove who they’ve become. But that’s not the story at Awake Window & Door in Gilbert, Arizona. What started as an act of obedience has grown into a thriving company of over 100 employees in just five years, with nearly 60% of the workforce made up of individuals who have served prison time. Lives are being restored. Families are being supported. Purpose is being rediscovered. You’ve got to listen to this incredible story. Let God speak to your heart about what it looks like to offer grace, restoration, and a new beginning to those who are ready for it. You can contact Scott if desiring more information on the application of hiring those with conviction record at their web site below.  Awake Window & Door web page www.awakewdc.com

  7. 12/01/2025

    Mark Whitacre, From High Level Executive to 9 years in Prison. Then a new transformation.

    Send us Fan Mail If you have not heard of Mark Whitacre or his incredible story, you will certainly want to listen to this episode of Prison To Mission. Mark rose to an executive level within a Fortune 500 company and was even being groomed as a potential future CEO. His early life was marked by remarkable success. Then everything changed. A significant event—a nine-year prison sentence—completely altered Mark’s path and became the turning point that led him to discover God, the very God he had once been told did not exist. This is a story you need to hear. A Hollywood film starring Matt Damon was made about Mark’s case, but the movie doesn’t tell the whole story. You can learn more about Mark and other resources at the link below. https://www.markwhitacre.com/index.html

  8. 11/23/2025

    Review of Trip to Azerbaijan and Republic of Georgia

    Send us Fan Mail If you’re interested in hearing how God is moving in places many people know little about, take a few minutes to listen to Rod share his story. In this episode, Rod sits down with Jeff to talk about his recent trip to the Republic of Georgia and Azerbaijan—a journey where he witnessed God at work in powerful ways. He shares how people in both countries are experiencing transformed lives as they hear the Good News and encounter the grace of Jesus. It’s an inspiring conversation filled with encouraging testimony and a reminder that God is changing lives all around the world.

See All (21)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Discover powerful stories of redemption, hope, and transformed lives through the grace of God. This podcast shares firsthand testimonies from formerly incarcerated men and women whose lives were radically changed after encountering the love of Jesus Christ. There are also episodes hearing from ministries and organizations faithfully serving those impacted by incarceration, offering encouragement, restoration, discipleship, and hope to individuals and families both inside and outside prison walls. Join us as we hear inspiring stories, learn about impactful prison ministries, and explore how we can all help share the love of Christ with those often forgotten. These conversations will encourage your faith, challenge your perspective, and remind you that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy and redemption.

Information

  • Creator
    Rod Peterson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Prison To Mission
  • Show Website
    Prison To Mission