Trust the God of Commas
Two words have shaped both Ashley Collins’ personal walk with Christ and the NCC Jail/Prison Ministry: But God. What started as a simple “yes” to serving inside local jails has grown into a calling to share hope with men and women who feel forgotten. This ministry is not about programs or platforms; it is about people. We have watched participants surrender their lives to Christ, reconnect with family, and step into a new direction after release. Some who once attended as inmates are now encouraging others, reminding us that transformation is possible when Jesus meets someone right where they are. Ashley has witnessed firsthand the power of God to redirect lives. Each week through the jail ministry at NCC, she and other staff and volunteers meet individuals carrying heavy pasts—addiction, broken relationships, and deep shame. Yet inside those walls, we consistently see hearts soften, faith grow, and lives begin to change.
The call to write a book was no easy task, but Ashley obeyed and wrote ,but God: Stories of Hope and Grace from an Alabama Jail. She wanted to share real stories of changed lives and redemption that only come through God’s grace. And the place she found them was a place she goes to every week, behind bars at Morgan County Jail. The devotional connects Scripture with testimonies of redemption happening right here in our community.
Each day highlights a but-God moment from Scripture paired with authentic stories of second chances, practical encouragement, and biblical truth designed to strengthen faith. This devotional is not just for those who are incarcerated or walking through a difficult season — it is for anyone in need of encouragement, hope, and the reminder that God is still writing their story.
And the comma in the title is not misplaced. Be prepared, after the comma, God does amazing and miraculous things. We serve a God of commas, not periods. Your story is not over.
Ashley Collins is a first-time author with a passion for those incarcerated. With the sale of every book, she will make a donation to support NCC Jail/Prison Ministry. To purchase her book you can stop by the Neighborhood Christian Center or visit her website at www.ashleybcollins.com.
The call to write a book was no easy task, but Ashley obeyed and wrote ,but God: Stories of Hope and Grace from an Alabama Jail. She wanted to share real stories of changed lives and redemption that only come through God’s grace. And the place she found them was a place she goes to every week, behind bars at Morgan County Jail. The devotional connects Scripture with testimonies of redemption happening right here in our community.
Each day highlights a but-God moment from Scripture paired with authentic stories of second chances, practical encouragement, and biblical truth designed to strengthen faith. This devotional is not just for those who are incarcerated or walking through a difficult season — it is for anyone in need of encouragement, hope, and the reminder that God is still writing their story.
And the comma in the title is not misplaced. Be prepared, after the comma, God does amazing and miraculous things. We serve a God of commas, not periods. Your story is not over.
Ashley Collins is a first-time author with a passion for those incarcerated. With the sale of every book, she will make a donation to support NCC Jail/Prison Ministry. To purchase her book you can stop by the Neighborhood Christian Center or visit her website at www.ashleybcollins.com.
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If your church, conference, or ministry is looking for someone to share about jail ministry, redemption, and the faithfulness of God, Ashley would love to connect. Contact her at [email protected].
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NCC’s Journey in Prison Ministry
In December 2008, on the men's side of the jail ministry, the Neighborhood Christian Center began its work at Limestone Correctional Facility. Over the course of about 14 months, we taught four days a week, and during that time, 215 inmates graduated from the Jobs for Life program, each receiving 32 hours of training. However, in February 2009, changes were made to the Pre-Release program, which prevented us from continuing to teach Jobs For Life. We were able to teach from 2009-2016 Life’s Healing Choices, with 80 inmates graduating each year. Limestone Correctional Facility is also where Tim Bolding began working with Kairos and Prison Fellowship. We continued to participate in both programs until the onset of COVID-19, which paused our efforts at the facility. We hope to resume classes at Limestone Correctional Facility in 2025.
In 2012, we started teaching classes and hosting half-day seminars at the North Alabama Community Work Center (formerly known as the Decatur Work Release Center). At the request of Chaplain Baggett, we helped plan the start of Kairos at the Work Center, which has since become the most active Kairos site in Alabama since Covid. Jesus Lopez and Art Mann currently teach a weekly class for NCC at the North Alabama Community Work Center.
Following our work at the North Alabama Community Work Center, we expanded to Hamilton Aged & Infirmed Prison, offering classes and half-day seminars. We are expanding to three weekly classes at Hamilton A&I and will continue to hold five special events annually, with help from our volunteers, serving 55 male inmates. Jesus Lopez will start two classes on Tuesdays as part of the CORE program, while Tim Bolding will help lead a weekly Bible study at Hamilton A&I.
In 2012, we started teaching classes and hosting half-day seminars at the North Alabama Community Work Center (formerly known as the Decatur Work Release Center). At the request of Chaplain Baggett, we helped plan the start of Kairos at the Work Center, which has since become the most active Kairos site in Alabama since Covid. Jesus Lopez and Art Mann currently teach a weekly class for NCC at the North Alabama Community Work Center.
Following our work at the North Alabama Community Work Center, we expanded to Hamilton Aged & Infirmed Prison, offering classes and half-day seminars. We are expanding to three weekly classes at Hamilton A&I and will continue to hold five special events annually, with help from our volunteers, serving 55 male inmates. Jesus Lopez will start two classes on Tuesdays as part of the CORE program, while Tim Bolding will help lead a weekly Bible study at Hamilton A&I.
The NCC teaches and assists with classes in the local jail and prison systems 7 days a week. We are very fortunate to be able to teach as many classes as we do. Classes range from Bible studies to general life skills classes like relationships, job skills, and anger management as well as book studies including Boundaries, Purpose Driven Life, and Life's Healing Choices.
Once a class is complete, we have a graduation with certificates and delicious meal. Most of the time, the graduates can't wait until the next class begins. As you an imagine, with around 40-50 classes a week, there is a lot of curriculum and books that go with each class. The NCC chooses to provide, at no cost to the inmate, any books and supplies that are needed for each class. With our Education & Discipleship Ministry being our primary focus, we raise a lot of funds for this one ministry. If you would like to contribute to this ministry, you can donate below. Thank You!
