Lake Region —Romero Griffin, from Chicago's Beacon of Joy Church, can’t remember how old he was when he first heard the words “prison ministry.” He started attending prison ministry meetings with me, his mother, before he was weaned. I remember him playfully running with the other children while I packed prison ministry bags. Occasionally, he helped put the literature in the bags.

So it should have come as no surprise when he asked if he could be a prison ministry member. I didn't know what to say. I checked with Dorothy White, Beacon’s prison ministry leader and the I.A.P.M.O. area leader to see if he could join. They said, “Sure, I don’t see why not.”

So eight-year-old Romero Griffin completed his application and joined prison ministry. For him, it’s a family affair. His father, Michael Griffin, is also a member. He is quite possibly the youngest member of the organization. He plans to write letters and would like to visit the prisons. It is never too early to expose our children to Christian service.

Tanya Williams, Beacon of Joy communication leader