Page 52 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2020- Lubbock Online Magazine

OPPORTUNITY
TO Serve

Freedom in Jesus

MINISTRIES By Stephen Canup

as told to Jane Bromley

acing the possibility of 42
years in Federal prison, Don
FCastleberry was saved in the
Lubbock County jail over 40 years
ago. Since then, Don has devoted his
life to bringing the Good News to
prisoners, many thousands of whom
have found salvation, hope and a
new life in Christ. He is the founder
of Freedom in Jesus Prison Ministry.

Stephen Canup had reached the
pinnacle of success in the business
world at an early age but found
himself bored, restless and empty.
Searching in all the wrong places
for something to fill the hole in his
soul led to addictions of every kind,
unemployment and eventually
homelessness. He landed in prison But just like in the story of the passion to give others hope that, if
late in life, but he finally cried out to Prodigal Son, “Sometimes, God God can change me, He can change
God. His story of God’s forgiveness uses the worst of conditions, at the anyone!”
and redemption Jailhouse Religion bottom of our own miry pit, to get Without support, 67% of offenders
– From Park Avenue to Park Bench to our attention. Psalm 118:5 says, will return to some facet of the
Prison has given hope to prisoners ‘In my anguish I cried to the Lord, criminal justice system.
across the United States. and He answered me by setting me
free.’ When they finally wake up Since 1985, Freedom in Jesus Prison
Stephen is now the President of and realize they are sick and tired of Ministries has been committed to
Freedom in Jesus Ministries. He being in bondage, the Father is there sharing the Gospel and discipling
knows firsthand what challenges to welcome them ‘home’. In prison, and shepherding prisoners while
prisoners and ex-convicts face. inmates ... are ‘still’. If they listen, incarcerated and former offenders
“Having been incarcerated myself, they can hear Him! after release. Their ministry includes:
I know what society thinks about
prisoners – they deem them “Since my release from prison in • Evangelism and baptisms through
worthless, dangerous and incapable 2010, the Lord has given me the weekend crusades and revivals in
of changing their ways. Others are opportunity to minister to the prisons
ashamed or afraid of them .... They hopeless, helpless, hurting men and
are at the very bottom of the social women in jails and prisons across • Teaching and discipling through
ladder. America. It is my purpose and weekly services and Bible studies

52 Lubbock Senior Link