How Mike Barber Ministries Is Transforming Lives

Revival In Texas Prisons

Photo Credit: TDCJ-French Robertson Unit

Some balk at the idea that a group of men in a maximum security prison in Texas would "find Jesus" and turn their lives around, but not Mike Barber Ministries. For four decades the retired Houston Oiler tight end has gone into prisons and jails around the world sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with thousands of incarcerated people. In April 2025 I experienced this first hand. Even after a recent knee surgery, Mr. Barber walked throughout the entire prison complex his humble, approachable demeanor and hugged every willing individual reminding each one that God loves them and wants a relationship with them. A week before Mike Barber Ministries arrived to the unit a handpicked team of inmate ministers were sent from other units to get to know the people assigned here. Their job was to meet as many people living here as possible and make sure they knew what was coming. A weeklong revival consisting of two services a day for five days. Former inmates who are on a path of success shared their stories to encourage the residents of my facility that a good future is possible after incarceration. Musicians and singers filled the large tent with songs of worship to God. Several men assigned to the unit were invited to share their testimony and some were allowed to perform original songs before the services began. Over 600-men filled the tent to hear the message and many committed their lives to Jesus for the first time. Prayer time after the services were complete was some of the most powerful and dynamic ministry time I have witnesses inside the prison razor wire. Much of the New Testament was written by men who were in a physical prison. Most of Paul's letters were written from a prison cell. Having an encounter with Jesus inside prison is nothing new. There are a few reasons I believe God moves in the hearts of those who are incarcerated, here are three.

1.) When we're still we can hear God speak.

Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." When life stops and all the busyness halts we are able to tune in more to Gods voice. This is why prayer and meditation are so important. Prison forces us to stop and Gods voice grows.

2.) When we're broken we can receive God's comfort.

Psalm 51:17 says that God will not deny a broke or contrite heart. He embraces everyone who comes to Him with humility and in need of comfort. Prison is full of broken people who need comfort and peace from the only One who can give it perfectly.

3.) When we're weak God is strong.

In 1 Corinthians 4:10 Paul writes that we are weak but You are strong and many of us inside the prison walls recognize we need a God who is strong enough to take care of our burdens and pains, our families and fears, and to carry us when we are at our lowest point. Some might balk at men "finding Jesus" in prison, but the truth is that the same God moving inside prisons around the world wants to move in your life too. Will you choose to be still, be humble, and cry out to God? As Mike Barber Ministries models, the razor wire cannot stop the powerful move of God for all people. How has God moved in your life? I'd love to hear how your life has been impacted spiritually through incarceration.

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