Joseph sent his first letter to our ministry on May 5, 2020 via Chaplain Russell Martin who was then the chaplain at R.J.Donovan. He wrote asking for assistance in completing 48 units (16 classes) of upper division undergraduate college coursework. Completion of this course work would result in him receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with an emphases in Criminology. The tuition cost was $660.00 per 3 units plus books. The degree would have prepared Joseph to enter a Master's Degree Program at SDSU in Criminal Justice and Criminology. 

In partnership with the Prison Ministry at Calvary Chapel Church in Oceanside we were able to raise funds to sponsor a course (math algebra) and books. Joseph sent an update monthly on his studies and shared the other tasks he had in prison. He was a clerk in the chapel in Charlie Yard, in a vocational welding program, college courses, rehabilitation programming, preached at a weekly worship service, and lead small bible studies a couple of nights each week. 

Joseph was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole. The parole board found him suitable for release and  in early 2023 Joseph was a free man. We connected on social media in April of 2023 and stayed in touch. He shortly started a bible study on U-Tube.