Parenting is challenging especially from inside a prison. On April 18, six San Quentin residents were recognized for the dedication, growth, and commitment to becoming godly fathers and leaders.

Since 2012, Malachi Dads, a self-help program, has helped individuals transform their lives in Christ through their dedication to a life of integrity, a practice of daily discipline and dependence on God, and a pursuit of godly character.

“My family knows there’s something different with me. We look forward to a future outside so we can continue to restore trust and I can show them my change,” resident Edwin Tucker said.

Minister Otis Cole introduced the biblical curriculum after he went to Angola. He said through his study his perspective on patience, compassion, and understanding scripture changed. “I allowed the word to get in me and then doing the word change my heart.”

“[The] word of God changes the heart of a father, we help facilitate that change. Many individuals have come through the program not knowing how to be fathers and love their kids,” Cole said.

At the end of the year-long curriculum, the goal for the Malachi dad is that not only do their children walk with the Lord, but that the God-given vision would impact family and multiple generations.

Staying in contact with family while incarcerated has become easier over the last few years with the introduction of tablets [a handheld device]. Individuals no longer have to stand in line to sign-up for a scheduled time slot to call home, nor do they have to hope their call goes through
the first time because they only have a 15-minute time slot. Most importantly, the violence and tension around the old school wall phones has dissipated.

“I want to be that example my dad was for me to my son so he will want a relationship with God,” Tucker said. He said when he was younger, he admired his dad because he would see him praying on his knees and this class helped him get back into a relationship with God.

“I have conversations with my parents about God and sow seeds of the word of God with my son. I encourage him to stay on a righteous path,” Tucker said.

Certificates were provided for inside facilitators Harold Bicknell and Damou Evans, as well as graduates Edwin Tucker, Richard Otto, Warren Corley, and recently paroled Augustine Rocha.