Why Should We Care?
2/28/2007

I am in jail for my 2nd prostitution charge. I was 16 when I was diagnosed with AIDS and ever since I just kind of gave up. I got back on drugs and went back to the street. I have been in and out of jail, raped and abused. I had gotten to the point in my life that I am physically, emotionally and mentally tired. I am 19 years old. Today I accepted Christ into my life and I want to work on my recovery and relationship with Him. Would you please send me a Life Recovery Bible and keep me in your prayers?
~ Cari

To understand why Sharing Hope Ministry is important, it is necessary to look at the external factors of influence on these women. According to statistics:

*57% of the women incarcerated in state prisons have been sexually or physically abused in the past. Almost half of those were abused as children.

*Only 17% of women were married at the time of her incarceration, but in state prisons 65% of the women have young children. Children who have an incarcerated parent have a 7 times greater chance of becoming incarcerated as adults.

*Only 39% of the women in state prisons have a high school diploma or GED.

*Only 4 out of 10 women had a full-time job at the time of their arrest. 30% of the women behind bars were on welfare.

*Nearly 72% of women convicted of felonies are convicted on drug offenses. Jail based research found that women reported using drugs for cooping with pain, both emotional and physical. She allows the substance abuse to distance herself from traumatic situations.



Statistics show that without any assistance, nearly 70% of women will re-offend within 18 months of their release. However, if these women receive and participate in a faith-based program while incarcerated, this recidivism rate drops to 64%, and if these women participate in a faith-based aftercare program as well, the recidivism rate has been reported to be as low as 38%.

Without addressing the underlying social issues that leads women to crime, punishment alone does little to reduce the chances of her re-offending. Upon release, the female offender’s situation often has not altered for the better and resources generally have not been provided to assist in facilitating a lasting change. A relationship with God changes the core of the women’s soul and her desires. Past crimes, abuse, relationships, guilt and forgiveness are issues that the Bible addresses. A relationship with Christ can help a woman develop hope and a direction for her future.


Those who live as their human nature tells them to live has their mind set by what their human nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6


Click here to read Margaret's story.
"Women in prison are drowning in rough waters, and Sharing Hope Ministry is that lifeboat that comes along with a friendly face who reaches down and stretches out a much-needed helping hand."
Margaret Barras

Click here to read Debra's story.
"Then late one night as I read 2 Timothy 2:9, “But the Word of God cannot be chained,” I heard God say to my spirit, ‘Who are you to stand in My way’?"
Debra Johnson