WHAT WE DO

Prison Outreach (TEXAS)
We have several areas of outreach available to evangelical ministries in the state of Texas:

Note: Each individual system has its own requirements for volunteers. Background checks may be required to enter as a volunteer, a pastor, or a mentor.

We currently act in several capacities in different systems.

We are ONLY allowed to enter the federal system as visitors on an offenders approved visitors list. Federal law requires that all faiths be tolerated. Unit chaplains are unable to accommodate the requests of anyone who desires to volunteer for chaplain services for any faith. As a result, no visitor may carry a Bible, Koran, Torah, etc. No personal items may be on your person, including caps, studded clothing or any item that could be considered a weapon. Individuals are thoroughly searched, and electronically drug screened. We pray that the roadblocks to witnessing in the federal system will be taken down by prayer, obedience, and the will of God.

TDCJ requirements are less restrictive. Perspective volunteers must apply through the Rehabilitation & Reentry Programs Division in Huntsville, Texas. Applications can be downloaded here. The application is considered after a background check is run. The volunteer candidate is sent a letter with approval to proceed. Initial training MUST be completed at any unit listed in the letter before being placed on the approved master list in the individual unit requested for volunteer service. Individuals typically work through a church or faith-based organization such as Kairos.

County jail systems are run individually through the sheriff and the jail administrator. Background checks may be ordered or ministry credentials requested to authenticate individuals who desire to volunteer at chapel services or Bible studies. Be advised that each jail can operate completely different from one another due to local government. NOTE: Do not be discouraged by individuals who are not “friendly” with “faith-based” volunteers. Your strength, commitment, and perseverance in serving God will overcome the most stubborn obstacles.

Texas Youth Commission is undergoing MAJOR changes in administration. Volunteers must follow similar procedures to TDCJ to volunteer.

County Juvenile Boot Camps are similar to the county jail system. The requirements are normally less stringent. The administrators are typically the Chief Probation Officer in that county. We have found extreme favor locally in our mentoring initiative.

We have the unique opportunity to utilize a special ministry tool – our motorcycles. We have seen many breakthroughs in offenders who had been previously unapproachable. The biker culture immediately breaks down the barriers that stop effective ministry from operating behind these walls.

We are a stand alone ministry named Lightning Road Biker Outreach. We administer a mentoring initiative through Bill Glass Champions for Life called Ring of Champions. Champions for Life is a world-wide prison ministry affecting change for 37 years. Ring of Champions is the youth ministry arm of CFL. ROC is now almost seven years old at the Hays County Detention Center in San Marcos, Texas. We offer one-on-one faith based mentoring to youth offenders, 10-17 years old, male and female. The mentoring encounter is gender specific. We meet weekly in four time slots to facilitate the large number of offenders who desire a mentor, along with limited space. The time and availability is dependant on each unit. The extent of the program is dependant ONLY on the number of people who desire to establish one in their local communities nationwide. Contact Steve Moore @ smoore@lightningroad.org for more details.

In conclusion, we can witness in many areas utilizing many organizations. Your local ministry, church, or organization is a vital tool for co-laborers (such as Chariots of Light members, affiliated Christian bikers, pastors, and community leaders) to affect change at the adult and juvenile levels.

We hear a groundswell of revival is coming through the prisons. I am here to tell you it has already COME! Be a mentor. Do what Jesus commanded us to do.

When there are so many behind the prison doors - VISIT, TEACH, EXHORT, TRAIN.

Be blessed in everything you put your hand to as you go forth to do the work of the Gospel.


Email ~ smoore@lightningroad.org
Phone ~ (830) 708-2779

Mail ~ Steve & Rose Moore
          c/o Lightning Road
          P.O. Box 310897
          New Braunfels, TX
          78131