"What a gift it was to be invited to the Shakopee Women's Correctional Facility by Consumed Ministries! Not knowing exactly what to expect, I was eager for the evening as I sensed the Holy Spirit as I prepared a short testimony to share with the women. I anticipated that when I stepped out in faith, He would meet me and minister to the women through the words He gave me to share. God indeed was faithful! - as He always is! My heart was touched as I worshipped in song along with the women; I even stopped singing for a while to let the words the women were singing so powerfully wash over my heart. God never wastes our choices or pain, and though the women have made choices that have lead to their incarceration, I observed that God is using this time to draw them to Him. Our visit was a testimony to the work He is doing and I thank God for Jackie and the staff whose calling it is to bring the Word and God's truths to the women behind prison walls. I stand in agreement that through Christ, lives can be changed that show of His mercy and grace, that ultimately give God all the glory. May the Shakopee Women's Correctional Facility continue to be a place where Jesus is experienced, worshipped, and believed so as the women are released, they call upon Him in their future times of joy and trial."
Kim
Richfield, MN
---
"I don’t believe there’s anything that could have quite prepared me for my first experience within Shakopee’s Correctional Institution for Women, for I walked away with every expectation shattered. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting to find, but I never imagined I’d walk away having received more than I shared. Worshipping with my sisters-in-Christ, spending time in prayer together, broke all illusions of dissimilarity. God’s love is not proud or passive. He doesn’t pick favorites. His love sets captives free."
Anna
Eden Prairie, MN
---
"As I sat in the back, what came to mind was how much these women just want and need love. Perhaps their desire to feel loved was what prompted the action that ultimately landed them here in prison. These women, just like all of us, need to understand just how much the Lord loves them. People will let us down, but the Lord is constant. What a blessing to be able to be touched by serving these women and being reminded that we are all the same. My favorite part was praying over them how much the Lord loves them and that this is not the end of their story."
Laura
Richfield, MN
---
"It was such a blessing to be able to serve at the women’s prison in Shakopee. There were so many smiling faces and just an excitement from the group to have us there and to worship together. I was nervous to give my testimony, but the women were very encouraging. They were grateful for our time and to have us there to pray with them. What an awesome work Consumed Ministries is doing!"
Kasey
Richfield, MN
---
"I did not know what to expect going in. I found myself wondering what these ladies did to be in prison, and continued to pray that judgement and condemnation would not be part of our time there. My prayer for these ladies is/was that they would find complete restoration and repentance through Christ alone. It is this freedom in Christ that I wanted to share with them. As the night went on, my understanding of worship was stretched. The comfortability of a church setting is easier than I thought. These ladies were going to go back to a jail cell, not to their home and family. The atmosphere of authentic worship is so different when its not comfortable. I was encouraged and humbled by their desire to participate in worship."
Bryan
Savage, MN
---
"My time in the prison was very life-giving. The reality of the situation these women are in hit me when one of my sisters-in-Christ shared with me she was in the prison for life. But this didn't stop her, or the others, from singing of their freedom in Christ. The joy on their faces was clearly of Christ. All in all, God loves all of humanity and this includes inmates. I was reminded that nothing stops Jesus from advancing His church…even behind prison walls."
Jamie
Bloomington, MN
---
"I was really nervous going into the prison at first. My expectations of the women were totally NOT what I thought they would be. I expected to see tough looking, angry women who didn't really care much to be there in the program. Wow, was I wrong! They looked like your normal, everyday women. These women were appreciative and respectful women. I think the biggest thing I took away from the night is that these ladies may be locked up behind bars and lack that sense of freedom, but boy, do they have freedom in their heart. BIG TIME! As I was giving my testimony, they would yell out, "AMEN!" or "Hallelujah!".... And as we were worshiping the Lord in song, they were clapping and praising God, hootin and hollerin! It was so fun and freeing to watch and I wish church was more like that sometimes! People hootin and hollerin for Jesus with not a care in the world! Now that is freedom in Christ at its finest! And a lesson we can learn from these ladies! How to let go and just praise Him no matter what circumstances we may face! I would definitely love to go again!"
Chantel
Winona, MN
---
"I always leave Lino Lakes with many takeaways, but the one thing that I am always reminded about is the passion and freedom these men show in how they worship. To the world, it's so backwards. Here are men that are imprisoned, lacking physical freedom and under constant supervision, but when I see them in that room, they are no different from any other person who is seeking God and looking to bring Him glory. That's the truth about who Jesus is. He's greater than walls and cells. He can give freedom to all that's greater than any physical confinements. It is always a joy and an honor to go with Jackie on these visits and it has really helped me grow in my faith and obedience in the Lord."
Jake
Bloomington, MN
---
"Going into the prison I was really excited. I wasn't really nervous because I have worked with inmates in the past and I knew that God was going to keep me safe. But I didn't really know what to expect. My work with inmates has never been God-centered so I was intrigued to see what I was going to learn about the women and my relationship with Christ. When I got there I was able to see Christ in each and every one of the women. Sometimes I forget that just because these women are in prison doesn't mean that they don't know God. The Holy Spirit was moving through them during each song, testimony, and message. Let me tell you, it was beautiful. For many years people have asked me why I wanted to work with inmates and all I have been able to tell them is "I just feel called to work with them." But after my experience it helps confirm that calling. I don't know how much my presence impacted the women, but they touched my heart so much! I also was able to grow in my relationship with Christ and see Him in a different light. Overall, this was one of my best experiences with inmates and I can't wait until the next time!"
Katie
Northfield, MN
---
"Initially i was a bit nervous and I did not know what to expect. I thought the ladies in the prison were going to be rude, angry and scary and i thought there was going to be a fight. I had a completely different outlook of how it REALLY looked and felt. When i actually got to meet these ladies, it was so different from what I was imagining or expecting, I was shocked. These ladies were respectful, happy, full of energy to worship the Lord our God and Savior. As we shook their hands they were grateful that we were part of their community and that we were there for them. Jackie had mentioned to me that before her first experience with the ladies, she went to pour her heart out to them and be a blessing, but what she realized after was that the blessing went both ways. I felt the same way. I felt encouraged by many of the women in the prison. As I sat in the back row I observed and looked at many of the women singing, dancing, shouting praises, and shouting Amen! They all are so strong, humble and patient. As I looked at them I knew they all had a story they were representing. And I know if I was in their shoes I think i would be lost, scared and empty but to see what I saw last night in each of their smiles, it made me thank the Lord for His goodness and what He is doing in each of the women's hearts.
Alex
Bloomington, MN
---
"My first feelings about the experience was nervousness. After the checking in part I was surprised by the overall and overwhelming atmosphere of the inside. The inside room was open and inviting! Big windows brought the sunshine in! The highlights of this experience were the smiles on the inmates faces when the music traveled among the room. Personally impacted by the overall experience, my soul felt amazing and joyful after! I even got some information about becoming a regular volunteer! And the song "Help Me Believe" touched me deeply! Thank you for an amazing experience!
Jessica
Shakopee, MN
---
"I’ve never done anything like this before, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I wasn’t nervous—obviously Jackie comes back home in one piece every time, and continues to return to the prison, so I had no reason to worry! The biggest thing that surprised me was how friendly the women were. We shook hands with them as they entered. Nobody turned down my handshake or made a mean face; in fact, they were all extremely polite, smiling, and thanking us for being there! As the service went on, I saw a lot of enthusiasm from the crowd. They sang, they worshiped. I heard Hallelujah’s and Amen’s shouted throughout the evening. Their enthusiasm was encouraging for me. It was really great to see how God is working in the lives of these women."
Sonia
Minneapolis, MN
---
"I love seeing how our great God is working inside even our prison systems. I get so blessed from inside the prison because God the Holy Spirit is showing me He is alive no matter where you are at. It creates in me great joy and peace when God is revealing this to me in my heart. So I asked myself this question: Is visiting a prison a ministry to the inmates or is God using the inmates to be a ministry unto me? Or maybe it works both ways!"
Ed
New Ulm, MN
---
"I always find it a wonderful blessing to go into the Shakopee Women’s Correctional Facility. It is a place where God is alive in many of the women’s hearts. To listen to their voices as they sing out to God is a testimony of a changed life. The Innerchange Freedon Inititive (IFI) program in the prison has proven to be a wonderful discipleship tool for the healing and health of many."
Dave
St. Paul, MN
---
"As my friends and I were praying before I traveled down to the Cities I pictured myself walking down dark, dingy cement hallways. I anticipated a heavy wave of oppression, and extremely hardened women. What I entered into was in some ways different. No dark and dingy hallways, not necessarily a heavy wave of oppression but I sensed a weight of labels that the women wanted removed that only Jesus is able to.
I had the wonderful opportunity of leading a song of worship talking about freedom. The song references 2 Corinthians 3:17 "Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom." In the midst of us singing, I stopped and shared my testimony. I think the most powerful thing the women took away is that sometimes our choices cause us to have labels on us, but that through a heart of repentance and letting God wash us clean those labels no longer have effect on us or define who we are. After the first session of worship, a prisoner came up to me and shared that she has been in the prison for 8 years and was leaving in 62 days. She said she was so nervous that people would label her, but through my testimony it brought her much freedom and that she would never forget it.
Through that woman, as well as the overall experience, I saw God at work and felt utilized by God and His work in my own life. Sometimes we will surprise ourselves when we step out and step in someone else's shoes for awhile. If the opportunity arises and it works in my schedule I would definitely go back again!"
Brittany
Bemidji, MN
----
"When I went to the Shakopee Women's Prison I was about 20% nervous and 80% excited. After the women entered the worship space, I could feel the warmth of love in the space. I was amazed at the inmates' willingness to participate, say hello, and shake my hand as I extended it. Truly, for me, God was present in this place and each person present. I would encourage you to extend yourself in this ministry because it will change your heart and open your vision of the Gospel being lived out in a prison."
Molly
Shakopee, MN
----
"My wife, Sue and I were invited to attend a worship event at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee, a state prison for women. Jackie invited us to come and either observe or participate, no specific requirements, just to be a respectful part of the team. For us, it was an experience almost beyond words, to feel the inspiration that the music, the Bible references, and testimonies brought to these ladies, was both enlightening and motivating.
I would encourage anyone to accept this opportunity if you get the chance. All you really need is an open mind and to leave any judgments behind. My advice is to trust the process and enjoy the evening.
We are at a loss for words to describe our personal feelings. Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed the event and encourage anyone to accept an opportunity to see God work through Jackie and her team. The inmates were grateful to us for coming and many shook our hands and thanked us at the end of the event."
Jim and Sue
New Ulm, MN
Kim
Richfield, MN
---
"I don’t believe there’s anything that could have quite prepared me for my first experience within Shakopee’s Correctional Institution for Women, for I walked away with every expectation shattered. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting to find, but I never imagined I’d walk away having received more than I shared. Worshipping with my sisters-in-Christ, spending time in prayer together, broke all illusions of dissimilarity. God’s love is not proud or passive. He doesn’t pick favorites. His love sets captives free."
Anna
Eden Prairie, MN
---
"As I sat in the back, what came to mind was how much these women just want and need love. Perhaps their desire to feel loved was what prompted the action that ultimately landed them here in prison. These women, just like all of us, need to understand just how much the Lord loves them. People will let us down, but the Lord is constant. What a blessing to be able to be touched by serving these women and being reminded that we are all the same. My favorite part was praying over them how much the Lord loves them and that this is not the end of their story."
Laura
Richfield, MN
---
"It was such a blessing to be able to serve at the women’s prison in Shakopee. There were so many smiling faces and just an excitement from the group to have us there and to worship together. I was nervous to give my testimony, but the women were very encouraging. They were grateful for our time and to have us there to pray with them. What an awesome work Consumed Ministries is doing!"
Kasey
Richfield, MN
---
"I did not know what to expect going in. I found myself wondering what these ladies did to be in prison, and continued to pray that judgement and condemnation would not be part of our time there. My prayer for these ladies is/was that they would find complete restoration and repentance through Christ alone. It is this freedom in Christ that I wanted to share with them. As the night went on, my understanding of worship was stretched. The comfortability of a church setting is easier than I thought. These ladies were going to go back to a jail cell, not to their home and family. The atmosphere of authentic worship is so different when its not comfortable. I was encouraged and humbled by their desire to participate in worship."
Bryan
Savage, MN
---
"My time in the prison was very life-giving. The reality of the situation these women are in hit me when one of my sisters-in-Christ shared with me she was in the prison for life. But this didn't stop her, or the others, from singing of their freedom in Christ. The joy on their faces was clearly of Christ. All in all, God loves all of humanity and this includes inmates. I was reminded that nothing stops Jesus from advancing His church…even behind prison walls."
Jamie
Bloomington, MN
---
"I was really nervous going into the prison at first. My expectations of the women were totally NOT what I thought they would be. I expected to see tough looking, angry women who didn't really care much to be there in the program. Wow, was I wrong! They looked like your normal, everyday women. These women were appreciative and respectful women. I think the biggest thing I took away from the night is that these ladies may be locked up behind bars and lack that sense of freedom, but boy, do they have freedom in their heart. BIG TIME! As I was giving my testimony, they would yell out, "AMEN!" or "Hallelujah!".... And as we were worshiping the Lord in song, they were clapping and praising God, hootin and hollerin! It was so fun and freeing to watch and I wish church was more like that sometimes! People hootin and hollerin for Jesus with not a care in the world! Now that is freedom in Christ at its finest! And a lesson we can learn from these ladies! How to let go and just praise Him no matter what circumstances we may face! I would definitely love to go again!"
Chantel
Winona, MN
---
"I always leave Lino Lakes with many takeaways, but the one thing that I am always reminded about is the passion and freedom these men show in how they worship. To the world, it's so backwards. Here are men that are imprisoned, lacking physical freedom and under constant supervision, but when I see them in that room, they are no different from any other person who is seeking God and looking to bring Him glory. That's the truth about who Jesus is. He's greater than walls and cells. He can give freedom to all that's greater than any physical confinements. It is always a joy and an honor to go with Jackie on these visits and it has really helped me grow in my faith and obedience in the Lord."
Jake
Bloomington, MN
---
"Going into the prison I was really excited. I wasn't really nervous because I have worked with inmates in the past and I knew that God was going to keep me safe. But I didn't really know what to expect. My work with inmates has never been God-centered so I was intrigued to see what I was going to learn about the women and my relationship with Christ. When I got there I was able to see Christ in each and every one of the women. Sometimes I forget that just because these women are in prison doesn't mean that they don't know God. The Holy Spirit was moving through them during each song, testimony, and message. Let me tell you, it was beautiful. For many years people have asked me why I wanted to work with inmates and all I have been able to tell them is "I just feel called to work with them." But after my experience it helps confirm that calling. I don't know how much my presence impacted the women, but they touched my heart so much! I also was able to grow in my relationship with Christ and see Him in a different light. Overall, this was one of my best experiences with inmates and I can't wait until the next time!"
Katie
Northfield, MN
---
"Initially i was a bit nervous and I did not know what to expect. I thought the ladies in the prison were going to be rude, angry and scary and i thought there was going to be a fight. I had a completely different outlook of how it REALLY looked and felt. When i actually got to meet these ladies, it was so different from what I was imagining or expecting, I was shocked. These ladies were respectful, happy, full of energy to worship the Lord our God and Savior. As we shook their hands they were grateful that we were part of their community and that we were there for them. Jackie had mentioned to me that before her first experience with the ladies, she went to pour her heart out to them and be a blessing, but what she realized after was that the blessing went both ways. I felt the same way. I felt encouraged by many of the women in the prison. As I sat in the back row I observed and looked at many of the women singing, dancing, shouting praises, and shouting Amen! They all are so strong, humble and patient. As I looked at them I knew they all had a story they were representing. And I know if I was in their shoes I think i would be lost, scared and empty but to see what I saw last night in each of their smiles, it made me thank the Lord for His goodness and what He is doing in each of the women's hearts.
Alex
Bloomington, MN
---
"My first feelings about the experience was nervousness. After the checking in part I was surprised by the overall and overwhelming atmosphere of the inside. The inside room was open and inviting! Big windows brought the sunshine in! The highlights of this experience were the smiles on the inmates faces when the music traveled among the room. Personally impacted by the overall experience, my soul felt amazing and joyful after! I even got some information about becoming a regular volunteer! And the song "Help Me Believe" touched me deeply! Thank you for an amazing experience!
Jessica
Shakopee, MN
---
"I’ve never done anything like this before, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I wasn’t nervous—obviously Jackie comes back home in one piece every time, and continues to return to the prison, so I had no reason to worry! The biggest thing that surprised me was how friendly the women were. We shook hands with them as they entered. Nobody turned down my handshake or made a mean face; in fact, they were all extremely polite, smiling, and thanking us for being there! As the service went on, I saw a lot of enthusiasm from the crowd. They sang, they worshiped. I heard Hallelujah’s and Amen’s shouted throughout the evening. Their enthusiasm was encouraging for me. It was really great to see how God is working in the lives of these women."
Sonia
Minneapolis, MN
---
"I love seeing how our great God is working inside even our prison systems. I get so blessed from inside the prison because God the Holy Spirit is showing me He is alive no matter where you are at. It creates in me great joy and peace when God is revealing this to me in my heart. So I asked myself this question: Is visiting a prison a ministry to the inmates or is God using the inmates to be a ministry unto me? Or maybe it works both ways!"
Ed
New Ulm, MN
---
"I always find it a wonderful blessing to go into the Shakopee Women’s Correctional Facility. It is a place where God is alive in many of the women’s hearts. To listen to their voices as they sing out to God is a testimony of a changed life. The Innerchange Freedon Inititive (IFI) program in the prison has proven to be a wonderful discipleship tool for the healing and health of many."
Dave
St. Paul, MN
---
"As my friends and I were praying before I traveled down to the Cities I pictured myself walking down dark, dingy cement hallways. I anticipated a heavy wave of oppression, and extremely hardened women. What I entered into was in some ways different. No dark and dingy hallways, not necessarily a heavy wave of oppression but I sensed a weight of labels that the women wanted removed that only Jesus is able to.
I had the wonderful opportunity of leading a song of worship talking about freedom. The song references 2 Corinthians 3:17 "Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom." In the midst of us singing, I stopped and shared my testimony. I think the most powerful thing the women took away is that sometimes our choices cause us to have labels on us, but that through a heart of repentance and letting God wash us clean those labels no longer have effect on us or define who we are. After the first session of worship, a prisoner came up to me and shared that she has been in the prison for 8 years and was leaving in 62 days. She said she was so nervous that people would label her, but through my testimony it brought her much freedom and that she would never forget it.
Through that woman, as well as the overall experience, I saw God at work and felt utilized by God and His work in my own life. Sometimes we will surprise ourselves when we step out and step in someone else's shoes for awhile. If the opportunity arises and it works in my schedule I would definitely go back again!"
Brittany
Bemidji, MN
----
"When I went to the Shakopee Women's Prison I was about 20% nervous and 80% excited. After the women entered the worship space, I could feel the warmth of love in the space. I was amazed at the inmates' willingness to participate, say hello, and shake my hand as I extended it. Truly, for me, God was present in this place and each person present. I would encourage you to extend yourself in this ministry because it will change your heart and open your vision of the Gospel being lived out in a prison."
Molly
Shakopee, MN
----
"My wife, Sue and I were invited to attend a worship event at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee, a state prison for women. Jackie invited us to come and either observe or participate, no specific requirements, just to be a respectful part of the team. For us, it was an experience almost beyond words, to feel the inspiration that the music, the Bible references, and testimonies brought to these ladies, was both enlightening and motivating.
I would encourage anyone to accept this opportunity if you get the chance. All you really need is an open mind and to leave any judgments behind. My advice is to trust the process and enjoy the evening.
We are at a loss for words to describe our personal feelings. Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed the event and encourage anyone to accept an opportunity to see God work through Jackie and her team. The inmates were grateful to us for coming and many shook our hands and thanked us at the end of the event."
Jim and Sue
New Ulm, MN