From the King’s Table From the King’s Table
“So
Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table.” 2 Kings 25:29
Message from the Director
Dr. Bruce Perkins
God is so good!
A second cohort of students began their academic studies in the Fall 2023 term. We now have 30 sophomores and 30 seniors. Twenty of our seniors are enrolled in integrated master’s courses, which means they are earning credits toward a master’s degree while completing their bachelor’s degree.
Students began serving the first of two required internships in the Spring 2023 semester. We received permission from the warden for some of them to visit the maximum-security units with trained volunteer escorts. This past summer, students started visiting units (other than the one in which they live) in the medium-security yard. Some have formed an OBU choir, which is permitted to sing and share testimonies in various locations around the prison. Through all these initiatives and the personal witnessing of these men, over 400 men have made decisions to follow Jesus in the last 18 months!
Help has arrived!
Rev. Jared Lee is the new Assistant Director of the Prison Divinity Program and Assistant Professor of Christian Education. Jared arrived in September. He brings with him pastoral experience and teaching experience in a prison education program similar to ours. He will share in several administrative and teaching responsibilities. He is also taking the lead in publishing this newsletter. Thus, you can expect to hear from us on a regular basis.
Thank you!
Even though our communication with you via The King’s Table has been on hiatus, we know your communication with God on our behalf has not. Thank you for your prayers and continued support. We love and appreciate each of you!
The Prison Divinity Program transforms the lives of incarcerated individuals to redeem both the self and the system through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ by providing a learning environment and program of study that leads to a reformed perspective on life which results in a redirected purpose for life.
Message from the Assistant Director
Jared R. Lee
I'm thrilled to join the OBU-PDP team and excited to contribute to our program. When telling my friends and family about this opportunity, many responded with, “You WANT to go to prison.” I would laugh and tell them three reasons I felt God was leading me here. First, I would tell them about our students. We have some of the best college students in the nation in our prison divinity program; they are intelligent, diligent, and thoughtful. Second, Dr. Perkins, the OBU faculty, and the administration care about this program and its students and are a phenomenal group of people to work alongside. And finally, you all, our supporters, the people who give and pray to keep us doing this great work! Thank you for being a part of this journey with us as we try to transform lives and institutions. I find myself frequently saying:
“There is nothing else I’d rather spend my life doing!”
Just a little about me, I'm currently working on my Ph.D. dissertation at SBTS, focusing on biblical interpretation in the 4th Century. I have spent the last 10 years pastoring, and serving on church staffs. And, I'm blessed with a loving wife, Brianna. We have two wonderful children.
But most importantly, I'm a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. I envision an ODOC where every facility has OBU graduates serving as inmate field ministers, living all of life—in and out of incarceration—all for Jesus.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we transition to life in Oklahoma.
Bonhoeffer, Letters from Prison
The Church is only the Church when it exists for others... not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means
to
live for Christ, to exist for others
Table of Contents
Page 3: Penned from Prison
Page
4: Faculty and Student Spotlights
Page 5: PDP Highlights
Page 6: Events
Page 7: Prayer Requests
Page 8: Final Thoughts
The Prison Divinity Program transforms the lives of incarcerated individuals to redeem both the self and the system through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ by providing a learning environment and program of study that leads to a reformed perspective on life which results in a redirected purpose for life.
Penned from Prison
This section of our newsletter features comments written by our students shared with their permission from their journals and writing assignments.
Holy Father, thank you for not giving up on me when I loved the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. It is only by your grace that I love to do your will. It is only by your grace that I am able to see the goodness of your will, your good and acceptable and perfect will. -Siera L
True freedom is freedom from sin, death, and the devil. True freedom is slavery to righteousness. -Dylan R.
When we come to know Christ we are a new creation however the old tent is still the same so when people see you al they see is the shell. Too often people are prone to judge the shell without knowing the man within, who is a new man. Created by the father himself and He is still at work perfecting the brand new thing. -Stacey B.
Heavenly father, thank you for waking me up this morning, thank you for renewing your mercies to us each and every day. I thank you for your grace. -Robin H.
‘Partial obedience is disobedience…” Wow! That one will smack you right across the face and pierce you to the core… Lord help me to be obedient in everything I do. Let my every breath be used to glorify your mighty name. -Chris S.
All the time, the world is attempting to distract me from keeping my eyes on Jesus. I have many moments when I have fears and doubts. However, I keep my eyes on the prize and press forward each and every day. Give me strength, Amen.
-Jared B.
On Hebrews 12:6- Father, a thousand days under your discipline is far greater than a second of not being saved. -Johnnie H.
Dear heavenly father, today I ask for you to give me the understanding to perceive your love like never before. I pray that I will remain tentative to your voice.
-Nathaniel J
It wasn’t until I met Jesus did I realize what being a man really meant. As I fed my mind the word of God and started applying the wisdom that was on the pages, I realized that humility and kindness is the real strength of a man and that applying them in life is what makes a wise man wise. -Ronald J.
Thank you lord for your grace and love. Thank you, especially for Jesus Christ. Help me to gain the mind of Christ -Ray C.
The Prison Divinity Program transforms the lives of incarcerated individuals to redeem both the self and the system through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ by providing a learning environment and program of study that leads to a reformed perspective on life which results in a redirected purpose for life.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Edward
English
During the summers of 2022 and 2023, I had the privilege of teaching Western Civilization I and II in the Prison Divinity Program. These courses, central to OBU’s core curriculum, guide students through a comprehensive understanding of history and literature, from the Roman Empire to the present.
As an English professor, I aimed to show how literature and history shape our understanding of the human experience. Exploring past stories fosters critical thinking, empathy, and hope—illustrating how faith, struggle, and triumph have shaped both culture and individual lives. Literature offers insights into diverse human experiences, helping students grasp themes of struggle, redemption, and resilience—vital elements in both faith and ministry. By engaging deeply with these narratives, graduates are better equipped to minister to those facing profound challenges, using storytelling to offer hope, healing, and a shared sense of humanity.
Throughout my career, I have taught in various contexts, including China, Colombia, and Italy. However, teaching these men was the most transformative experience of my life. Their respect, thirst for knowledge, and "leave no man behind" mentality moved me deeply. Many tutored peers with less academic experience or offered prayer and support for personal challenges. This experience reshaped my understanding of Christian brotherhood and its role in deepening one’s faith. The love, faith, and wisdom these men shared remain a lasting source of inspiration and hope—gifts for which I will always be grateful.
Student Spotlight Christopher Whinery
Chris is a senior in our program and previously served in the Air Force. He is now involved in ministry, serving in the hospice ministry, infirmary church service, and math tutor/grader. His classmates selected him to deliver a response to Dr. Thomas’s challenge at convocation this year. He said, “This was a huge honor for me, and I wanted to accurately represent my peers. When I began to deliver the speech, the emotions hit me.
I was able to fight them back. This experience was a huge honor and something I will always remember.”
Below is a summary of his response at convocation:
“Dr. Thomas’ challenge was to address the neglected goal of education, becoming a better person. This brought more meaning to our quote by Socrates on the wall of our classroom; “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” We will do justice by leaving others better than when we first encountered them. We will practice self-control by holding each other and ourselves accountable. We will practice honesty by acting with integrity. Ultimately, our education is a gift given to us by God. We are not to keep it to ourselves, but to share it with others.”
The Prison Divinity Program transforms the lives of incarcerated individuals to redeem both the self and the system through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ by providing a learning environment and program of study that leads to a reformed perspective on life which results in a redirected purpose for life.
PDP Highlights
The Prison Divinity Program transforms the lives of incarcerated individuals to redeem both the self and the system through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ by providing a learning environment and program of study that leads to a reformed perspective on life which results in a redirected purpose for life.
Recent Events
Dates (Ex. May-August)
9/13/24 Convocation Ceremony
We had our annual convocation ceremony at LARC, Dr. Thomas gave a charge the students to pursue the main purpose of education: Becoming better people. Click here/scan the code to see a video.
9/6/24 PDP Chapel
The Chair of the Hobbs School of Theology, Dr. Brandon Smith shared God’s word with our students. He taught about the Triune God’s work in Saving, Empowering, and keeping us from Romans 8.
9/20/24 PDP Chapel
Rev. Kenny Mossman, Pastor of FBC Carnegie preached from 1 Cor 15:58, encouraging our students to stand firm on the gospel, and strive to the work God has called us to.
Amazon Christmas Wishlist
Throughout November and December, we enhance our PDP library through our annual book drive. Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming flyer detailing how you can contribute to our wellspring of knowledge.
Follow Us On Social Media
The Prison Divinity Program transforms the lives of incarcerated individuals to redeem both the self and the system through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ by providing a learning environment and program of study that leads to a reformed perspective on life which results in a redirected purpose for life.
Prayer Requests
Remembertheprisoners,asthoughyouwereinprisonwith them...Hebrews13:3
Rejoice with us!
Several students have reconnected with family & friends after y of separation. MC, TL, CS
“God has taken a heart of stone and replaced it with one of flesh, of thankfulness in all things pertaining to all life.” JL
“On the 6th of September, our church partnered with the Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s group and started the Another Chance Recovery Program every Friday. All glory be to GOD!” RJ
“I am thankful for the restoration God has done in my life. He has delivered my mother from lifelong addiction and has brought her into my life.” BC
Petition the Lord with us...
Dear God, there are many changes about to happen in the near future regarding your chosen students in the O.B.U Prison Divinity program. Heavenly Father I pray first for Dr. and Mrs. Perkins; Give them strength that you had given to him years ago to carry on the torch to teach and raise up faithful followers of God. I pray for Mr. Lee in his start out season here at O.B.U. Lexington campus. Give him the strength to learn the aspects of this system and help promote a change in culture and in men`s hearts overall. I pray for cohort one and the mission that we will all be in at the next season of our lives. I pray for cohort two and their dedication to the next two years, Lord fill them with unity and love for one another. And lastly, I pray for the new cohort; bring in the men that You choose and help them Lord because this is the toughest thing I have ever done and You have saw me through this tough time. Thank You Father for these last four years. In Jesus`s mighty name I pray. Amen. Written by: Demario L.
Ps 103:1-5 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
The Prison Divinity Program transforms the lives of incarcerated individuals to redeem both the self and the system through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ by providing a learning environment and program of study that leads to a reformed perspective on life which results in a redirected purpose for life.
Final Thoughts
Many good things are happening in our program this semester. Cohort 1 is enrolled in Moral Theology, World Religions, The General Epistles, and Intro to Psychology. Cohort II is enrolled in Contemporary Math, Greek I, Biblical Hermeneutics, and Being & Multiplying Disciples. Outside of the classroom, most of our students are engaged with ministry and service to their community. There are four established churches at LARC, each with leadership involvement from our students. There are six OBU-PDP affiliated worship groups that help lead several other church services. There is an active hospice ministry where our students sit with imminently terminal inmates around the clock, ensuring they are never alone in their final moments. Several students started the “Samaritan Project,” where they went to various parts of the facility and provided basic help and service with “no strings attached” as an example of Christian service. Another group of students is engaged in evangelism weekly in the assessment and reception area. There are many discipleship groups and bible studies that take place throughout the week and the yard. God is moving in this facility through our students, and it is exciting to witness our students being creative and engaging their community with the gospel and love of Christ.
This is not possible without you!
Thank you for your support and your giving.
Who
shapes the future? Those who are not just well-educated, but those who know their purpose, who know what it means to bring value to this world. The personal, intellectual, and spiritual transformation ignited at OBU continues for a lifetime. It carries you, it carries all of us, forward - to a better, more truthful, more just world.
The Prison Divinity Program transforms the lives of incarcerated individuals to redeem both the self and the system through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ by providing a learning environment and program of study that leads to a reformed perspective on life which results in a redirected purpose for life.