“In the past, 7 to 10 percent of the inmates at a facility might attend our meetings. Now we’re seeing 30 to 90 percent,” says Annie Goebel of Daughters of Destiny.
The ministry’s mission is to spread the gospel to women inmates. It holds Bible meetings and evangelism events in 203 detention facilities in 25 states across America. Based out of Colorado, Daughters of Destiny is run by founders Annie and husband Mel Goebel, and approximately 850 trained volunteer staff. They teach and nurture incarcerated women and continue to minister to them after they’re released back into the community.
“More than 1 million women in the United States are incarcerated,” Annie says. “The majority of them want to change, to make better choices when they return to society. They need to know that God changes all who ask Him.”
The Daughters of Destiny team strives to bring hope and healing to these women. Upon being released from prison, the women continue their development through a program called Discipleship Network. This provides face-to-face interaction with leaders who help ease the former inmates back into society. The volunteers also guide the women through the challenges of finding employment, housing, a local church and learning to develop healthy relationships.
“We are experiencing revival in women’s prisons through the U.S,” Mel says. “We see a movement of repentance, and as a result the women inside are passionate to share their faith with others in prison.”
