Our Mission: To serve our neighbors in need with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and provide hope and healing through education and discipleship.
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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For the 18th year, Soup for Souls returns as the longest-running fundraiser of the Neighborhood Christian
Center—and it’s a celebration of everything that makes our community so special. Join us on March 5, 2026, as we come together once again to raise critical funds that support education, discipleship, compassion ministries, and outreach throughout our community and beyond. Every bowl of soup, every bid placed, and every conversation shared helps fuel the mission of the Neighborhood Christian Center. Don’t miss your opportunity to paint your own bowl. Call the NCC at 256-351-7633 or email [email protected] to sign up (days and times are limited). And you can go ahead and purchase your tickets on our website, www.decaturncc.org. |
So Many Things Happening at the NCC
Current Needs
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Boys
-Clothes in ALL sizes -Shoes and Socks |
Girls
-Clothes in ALL sizes -Shoes and Socks |
Women
-Bras: All Sizes -Socks -Shoes -Underwear |
Men
-Boxers: All Sizes -Shoes -Jeans/Pants: sizes 28-36 |
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General Items
-Styrofoam plates -Napkins -Paper towels -Copy paper |
Hygiene Items
-Travel Shampoo -Travel Conditioner -Travel Deodorant -Travel Soap Bars -Razors -Tampons |
Food:
-Hamburger Helper -Peanut Butter -Pork n Beans -English Peas -Pasta Sauce |
To see all the memorials and honorariums please CLICK HERE
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