There is a movement of God with those in some prisons, possibly all of them. Angola prison in Louisiana is one example. Some hardened prisoners there, as inmates, repented, received Jesus Christ into their lives, are forgiven by God Himself, and are completely changed. This had a calming effect on the prison, which had a violent reputation. The impact was so great that other prison wardens around the country made requests to Angola officials that one or more Angola prisoners be transferred to their prison.
Several years ago, I did radio with the famed man of God, Dr. Henry Blackaby, co-author of Experiencing God bible study, titled: “FROM THE ARCHIVES: DR. HENRY BLACKABY (“EXPERIENCING GOD”); REGARDING HIS VISITS TO JOYFUL ANGOLA PRISONERS’ ON DEATH ROW!” Indeed, the power of God evidenced in the lives of, in this case, death row prisoners.
And some of them, as new “creations” in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17), are called of God into ministry to serve there in prison. Most of them are not going anywhere.
But, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Anthony Allen, President of Hannibal-LaGrange University in Mark Twain’s Hannibal, Missouri, college training for their prison ministry will be coming to them… online, as well as those on the “outside” called of God to minister to those in prison.
A MESSAGE FROM DR. ALLEN
“It is my great pleasure to serve as president at Hannibal-LaGrange University. HLGU is a rare institution of stellar quality sustained by a community of scholars that are deeply committed to academic excellence that is rooted in both faith and learning. It is an honor to serve by cultivating a shared vision of excellence that educates students to be well-prepared for and exceptional in their chosen professions. The character of the students, staff, faculty, and administration is impressive. At a time when many Christian universities have abandoned their mission, HLGU continues to be a distinctively Christian university with an unshakeable determination which values both biblical truths and promotes academic excellence.”
“HLGU is deeply committed to helping students discover, develop, and demonstrate God’s purpose for their lives. Our aim in Christian higher education is to help students find a vocation where they can use their God-given gifts and talents to accomplish a task which provides fulfillment and satisfaction for the glory of God. At the heart of Hannibal-LaGrange lies its commitment to its four core values—Christ Centered, Learner Focused, Globally Minded, and Service Oriented. Great joy and encouragement come from serving in a community of faith that is built on trust, service, and integrity.
Sincerely,
Anthony Allen”
More about Dr. Allen and Hannibal-LaGrange University
Perhaps a surprising aspect of Anthony Allen’s biography as an academic scholar and administrator:
”Allen was also a gridiron standout for Duke University and a member of the 1989 Atlantic Coast Conference Football Co-Champion team.”
“Anthony W. Allen, EdD Dr. Anthony W. Allen, 17th President of Hannibal-LaGrange University, serving since 2012, is a native of North Carolina. Dr. Allen received his undergraduate education from Duke University, where he graduated in 1990 with majors in history and religion. Allen was also a gridiron standout for Duke and a member of the 1989 Atlantic Coast Conference Football Co-Champion team. Dr. Allen then continued his education at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary located in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he completed two degrees, a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages and a Master of Theology in Christian Ethics. In 2011 he earned an Education Doctorate at North Carolina State University in Higher Education Administration, and his dissertation was entitled Resource Acquisition and Revenue Stream Diversification: A Qualitative Study of Research Extensive University. His research focus and interests are in Christian and adult higher education, finance, legal issues, and history of higher education. Dr. Allen is the author of two books, Christian Higher Education: Why It Matters (2013) and 7 Affirmations for Christian Higher Education: A Collection of Writings (2014). Dr. Allen’s work experience includes service at two Southern Baptist seminaries. He began as director of admissions and student recruitment at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, then became assistant vice president for institutional advancement. Allen became the vice president for institutional advancement at Southeastern in 2005. Dr. Allen was named vice president for administration at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2007 and served as the senior vice president for institutional advancement, and senior vice president for administration and chief operating officer. Dr. Allen also served as associate professor of Christian education. In addition to these experiences, Dr. Allen has also served as a pastor and has spoken widely both nationally and internationally. His mission experiences include work in Russia, Romania, Mexico, and Africa. Dr. Anthony Allen is married to Stacy Coyle Allen, and they have five children: Bethany, Evan, Leighton, Annaliese, and Brinley.”
Related radio recording from earlier …
To hear … “MANY MURDERERS, RAPISTS, AND THE LIKE IN PRISON HAVE RECEIVED CHRIST; SOME ARE CALLED TO SERVE THERE AS PASTORS. DR. ANTHONY ALLEN, PRESIDENT, HANNIBAL-LAGRANGE U TELLS OF UNIVERSITY’S MINISTRY DEGREE TO PREPARE THEM” … click on … Many murderers, rapists, and the like in prison have received Christ; some are called to serve there as pastors. Dr. Anthony Allen, President, Hannibal-LaGrange U tells of university’s ministry degree to prepare them. – Harold Hendrick;
To hear … “FROM THE ARCHIVES: DR. HENRY BLACKABY (‘EXPERIENCING GOD’); REGARDING HIS VISITS TO JOYFUL ANGOLA PRISONERS’ ON DEATH ROW!”… click on … https://haroldhehndrick.com/2019/06/20/from-the-archives-dr-henry-blackaby-experiencing-god-re-his-visits-to-joyful-angola-prisoners-on-death-row;