God of Hope Apologetics              Description & Menu of Teaching
Chris Knepp

              God of Hope Prison Ministries

History & Background

  • Founded in 2002 by Chaplain Robert Dorrough, after his compelling first prison visit in 1988 and a career change in 2000 to pursue full-time ministry. The ministry started in Dallas and moved to Austin in 2005.  
  • 2006: Opened its first men’s faith-based dormitory at Travis State Jail in east Austin—a six-month discipleship program.  
  • May 2009: Launched its first women’s dorm at the Lockhart (Coleman Unit) prison in Lockhart, Texas.  
  • As of 2025, the ministry has two dorms for men (each housing up to 48 inmates at Travis State Jail), and two women’s dorms at Lockhart Coleman Unit, accommodating up to 100 women.  

Mission, Vision & Core Values

  • Mission: Equip incarcerated individuals through biblical discipleship for a life of hope and freedom in Jesus Christ. 
  • Vision: To see inmates around the world living in the hope and freedom found in Christ.  
  • Core Values: Emphasizes Love, Truth, Hope, Prayer, Oneness, Discipleship, and Stewardship. (Summarized as Love + Truth = Hope.)  

                      Programs & Activities

Faith-Based Dorm Programs

  • Participants live in dedicated dorms for six months, forming close-knit communities.
  • Programs include Bible classes, small group discipleship, and one-on-one “life coaching”.  

Discipleship & Mentoring

  • Volunteers lead structured Bible teaching, spiritual formation, and life-skills training.
  • Discipleship groups meet weekly for shared testimonies, biblical discussion, and mutual encouragement.  

Life Coaching

  • One-on-one guidance where a volunteer supports an inmate using Scripture, prayer, and practical life planning.  

Reentry Support (Referral Only)

  • While they don’t provide direct reentry services, TGOHM offers recommendations and referrals to aftercare programs in the Austin area.  

Public Engagement

  • They host field trips, such as dorm graduations and tours, giving churches and community groups an inside look into the program. Example:
  • Men’s dorm graduation event at Travis State Jail
  • Women’s dorm BBQ and tour at Lockhart Coleman Unit 

Organization & Staffing

  • A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Austin, TX.  2023 summary:
  • Revenue: ~$262,689
  • Expenses: ~$282,631
  • Total assets: ~$243,684
  • Paid staff: ~3 (two ministers plus administrative staff)
  • Volunteers: ~120 Christian volunteers supporting the ministry.  
  • Leadership Team:
  • Robert Dorrough – Founder, President, and Chaplain (active in prison chaplaincy since 1988).  
  • Jesse Medina – Men’s Director; formerly incarcerated, converted in prison, now leads discipleship. Holds M.Div. as of May 2024.  
  • Sharon Hale – Women’s Director; professional background in accounting and auditing.  
  • Lydia Hill – Executive Administrative Assistant; manages administrative operations. 

Impact & Outcomes

  • Since founding, the ministry has impacted hundreds of inmates through intensive discipleship.
  • In 2022, approximately 300 inmates were mentored and discipled.  
  • Volunteers contribute around 10,000 hours per year, demonstrating a high level of commitment.  
  • Notable benefits include:
  • Lower recidivism among program graduates compared to general prison population.
  • Rich personal transformation and restored identity (evidenced in testimonial letter.

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