Parenting is challenging, especially from inside a prison, but a father’s role in their kids’ lives is extremely important. 

Since 2012, Malachi Dads, a self-help program, has helped individuals transform their lives in Christ through 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 this biblical curriculum after he went to Angola. He said that 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 changed my heart.” 

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

“[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. 

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 fist time because they only have a 15-minute time slot. Most importantly, the violence and tension around the old-school wall phones has dissipated. 

Richard Otto said the curriculum helped him to reintroduce himself to his child. After 20 years of incarceration, he said he could not wait to educate his daughter about the knowledge of God and how this program helped him open up and talk about things not normally discussed. 

“I missed out on her teen years and this class helped me fill in the spaces from my absence. When we come together, I could break into a conversation with my adult child and have difficult discussions,” Otto said. 

“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. 

While technology has greatly increased the connection between incarcerated persons and their families, the authenticity and sincerity of letter writing as part of the Malachi Dads curriculum resonated with some of the graduates. Many of them spoke about the roundtable discussions, and how hearing others reflect on their study and meditation of the word of God had changed their hearts. Others said that knowing and doing his will by listening to His voice will anchor you in his plan and set you free to live with boldness and freedom. 

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

“This program allows you to be a man led by the spirit versus worldly views and values. You not only strengthen your relationship with your children, but you can be a tool of God’s to introduce Him to others,” said resident facilitator Damou Evans.