The road from Manning to the corridors of prison as a field director for Prison Fellowship may not have been a part of Abigail Timmons’ original career path, but for the 2008 Charleston Southern graduate, prison is exactly where God wants her.
Timmons became involved with Prison Fellowship in 2006 after a visit to Charleston Southern by the staff of Prison Fellowship to recruit volunteers. A campus ministry team was begun, and Timmons served as the student leader.
Abigail Timmons“One of the things that I learned while at CSU was that ministry does not start and end inside of a church building,” she said. “Ministry is not only done by people who have the title of pastor or people who work for a ministry, but by everyone in the body of Christ. We all have ministry opportunities and are called to serve God with our lives.”
Timmons reflected on how her view of prisoners has changed. “Television and movies have greatly influenced our opinion of prisoners and what it’s like on the inside,” she said. “I have realized that this stereotype is not an accurate picture of many men and women behind bars.”
She says the notion that all prisoners are violent, untrustworthy and irresponsible adds to the misunderstanding. “These people are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, not just a number on a uniform,” she said. “They have made mistakes and are paying a price for those mistakes, and they are just as worthy of Christ’s love and redemption as the family across the street.
“Two years ago, when I first stepped foot inside the prison in Ridgeville for a Bible study, I was encouraged to see the devotion and joy in the faces of those men who knew Christ. Many of these men meet to pray with each other daily, hold each other accountable, and have a strong love for God and each other.”
Timmons’ ministry has taught her to trust in God’s provision. She is required to raise her own financial support to cover salary and ministry expenses. “This task has taken me out of my comfort zone, and helped me to learn to trust that God will provide for what he has called us to do,” she said.
“Abigail Timmons represents the best of CSU, given her commitment to lead by serving,” said Rick Brewer, vice president for planning and student affairs at Charleston Southern. “She exemplifies the university’s mission and vision as she intentionally integrates her faith in Christ with a hurting, needy population.”
Timmons continues to follow the path God has placed before her. “I am blessed to be constantly reminded of God’s redemption and grace,” she said. – CSU