Meet the 51st Jail and Prison Ministry Workshop “Conversation Starters“
Ken L Berry was added to the body of Christ in 1975. Ken was born in Selma, Alabama but grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Basketball was the vehicle that introduced Ken to a large diverse group of people from high school to college to community where he noticed the decisions some made led them to the path of incarceration or the grave. Ken passion for the ministry grew from a decision that kept Him from being a statistic as well…where his motto has since been “there but for the grace of God go I”. Ken has served Gray Road first as leader in the Youth Ministry then as leader of the Singles Ministry. Ken has also led devotions at national and regional events as well as teaching at the Ohio State Youth Conference. Ken currently serves Gray Road as the leader of the Gray Road Jail Team and member for over 28 years. As well as serves the congregation under the encouragement of senior minister Jeremy J Flowers as the worship leader. Ken is also leads the safety team and leads the Principal of Manhood ministry.
Joseph DeBose is a faithful member of the University City church of Christ in Gainesville, FL where he serves as one of the Recovery Ministers. His ministry is multi-faceted, working with local area homeless, VA, and alcohol recovery persons. He has created pear groups designed to created space for impacted people of the incarcerated system Building a healthy stable community.
For over 57 years of his nearly 69 years on this earth, Carlton McPeak has been a member of the Lord’s body. After spending nearly 20 years in the secular workplace, he made the decision to devote himself to full-time ministry. For twelve years he worked as an evangelist helping churches in Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Kentucky and Florida. In 2009, he changed his focus and began devoting all his energies to spreading the gospel among the incarcerated. To achieve this mission, he has taught classes in several Florida state prisons, written booklets and study guides which he has taught in various Bible classes. He has a 3-hour radio program which reaches approximately 10 counties where nearly 10,000 inmates are housed in 6 institutions. His latest effort is a work-in-progress where he hopes to write a “Through the Bible” curriculum that will take nearly 4 years to teach in the prisons. Within the last 12 months he has conducted a Zoom study with Christians in Ethiopia.
Recardo Reyes is a devoted father of four daughters and a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren. Once an ex-gang member and recovered addict, God transformed Recardo’s mess into a powerful message of grace and redemption. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” Romas 8:28. Recardo’s journey exemplifies this truth, as his trials have forged a steadfast faith that now uplifts others. With five years of missionary work in Mexico and seven years as a pulpit preacher in Texas, he brings a wealth of experience to his current role with Kings Crossing Prison Ministry in Corpus Christi. There, he ministers to incarcerated and addicted individuals in the Coastal Bend Area, offering hope through Christ. Recardo disciples ex-gang members and recovering addicts, providing guidance and support as they overcome their struggles, helping them build resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. He also extends his ministry to people living on the streets, sharing water, food, clothes, compassion, hope, and faith. Recardo helps individuals navigate the challenging transition back into society by providing practical resources— food, clothing, housing, and job search assistance—along with spiritual and emotional encouragement. He equips them with a foundation of faith to rebuild their lives, standing as a living example of God’s transformative power. Through his tireless efforts, Recardo shines as a beacon of redemption and renewal, embodying the call to serve and uplift the brokenhearted. Recardo Reyes received his Bachelor Degree in Biblical Studies in 2009 and graduated from the School of Missions in 2010 from Sunset International Bible Institute.
Dawn Stone, MBA, MA is a certified mediator, speaker, and founder of The Conflict Chick™, blending faith, lived experience, and evidence-based tools to support reentry and prison ministry. A faithful member of the Church since age 14, she has volunteered in prison ministry for 18 years. She holds an MBA from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville and a Master’s in Conflict Resolution from Lipscomb University. With over 25 years of rich experience in corporate and community leadership, training, and development, her passion lies in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications. The approach is grounded in evidence-based tools and processes, ensuring your team not only understands but also effectively applies these principles in day-to-day interactions. Learn more: www.theconflictchick.com
Dr. Dale Underwood has served in various ministry roles (youth, education, involvement, worship, and pulpit) over the past 35 years in Texas and Oklahoma. He has had the privilege to learn from and work with talented and dedicated people. He loves working with people and the study of the Word. Dale sang, wrote, and recorded with The Sounds of Glory gospel quartet for over 20 years. At his side (38 years) is Karlene, a beautiful and talented lady who is working in the prison ministry, as well. Dale attended Abilene Christian, focusing on music and missions. Working for years bi-vocationally, Dale also attended Texas A&M and Sam Houston State for degrees that put him into school leadership in various campus and district capacities. His last post was the superintendent of a school and CEO of a residential facility for adjudicated and foster care teens from every corner of Texas. Dale arrived July 2021 to be the director of our Kings Crossing Prison Ministry, working with Buck Griffith and our staff. “I have had longstanding friendships with many of you over the years. It is great to renew friendships and make new ones. I look forward to growing together.” -Dale
Oretha Walker is a lifelong resident of Gainesville, Florida. She is a graduate of the University of Florida, with a BA in Education. Oretha is a faithful and devoted member of University City Church of Christ in Gainesville, Florida. While working as a mental health case manager, Oretha saw that the number of women being incarcerated was increasing yearly. Oretha has over a decade of experience in motivating and inspiring people through her professional career as a teacher, supervisor and case manager. It was her love for helping people that prompted her after retirement to see if she could provide any help to decrease the number of women being incarcerated. She volunteers at the Lowell Correctional institutional in Marion County, the prison for females in the State of Florida, providing Bible Study and parenting classes.
Thomas Warren, Jr. is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and mental health advocate who bridges the gap between faith and wellness in communities across Texas. Currently serving full-time with Dallas ISD while operating TWJ Counseling Services, Thomas combines clinical expertise with deep ministry experience to help believers integrate mental health into their spiritual journey. As founder and former leader of “The CREW” youth ministry at City View Church of Christ, Thomas developed innovative programs targeting youth mental health and healthy lifestyle transitions. His extensive background includes Bible teaching, curriculum development, event planning, and mentorship programs that have impacted hundreds of young people and families. Thomas specializes in breaking down mental health stigma within faith communities through engaging presentations, practical workshops, and partnership development. His unique approach addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while equipping church leaders with tools to support their congregations’ mental wellness.
Gary Wyder has been a prison evangelist for the Lake Butler Church of Christ since 1982. Lake Butler has 15,000 inmates within 30 miles of the church building. They have been doing prison ministry since 1955. Gary is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Southeastern Biblical Institute. His wife of 53 years, Pat, does weekly jail ministry and works with released female inmates. Gary’s work is with State prisons and also with several re-entry programs. Gary provides training for new workers around the State and compiles the Florida Directory of Workers. Christopher Carter has taken over the full-time work since 2022, with Gary still active as a volunteer. They have a quarterly newsletter and website.