Telford Prison Ministries, Inc.

05/01/2026

I became involved in Prison Ministry when the Telford Unit opened in July, 1995, 30 years ago. One of the reasons I continue is positive experiences with inmate family members and inmates. Inside the unit there are some devoted disciples of Christ and there is an active body of Jesus inside the wire.
This week I had a positive experience with one of the inmate disciples. I had completed a delivery to the chapel and was in a hurrry to get out of there for another commitment in New Boston. I noticed Freddie, a Peer Educator, wanting to get me a piece of paper. He was sticking it through the fence, or cage outside the chapel. I was already outside the locked cage and hurrying away.
Our ministry had recently linked a church with the Peer Edcuators to get some needed equipment.
Here is what the thank you note said:
"Peer Educator is a term used in prison to describe an inmate in prison who has been trained to educate other inmates about infectious diseases, su***de prevention, cognitive behavior, skills, prison safety, and any skills needed to thrive in prison and not just survive.
"Peer Educators play a vital role in prison society. We teach classes in the morning and walk the prison tiers in the afternoon and evening hours doing self-harm and su***de prevention, becoming a life line to men who have lost hope and the will to live. Many men struggle with addiction, the loss of loved ones or the fact that they face an enormous amount of time or life without parole.
"Peer educator's encourage these men by holding events that include listening to music, co****le, domino and chess tournaments. All of these events are designed to bring hope and joy to men who feel hopeless. That is why we wanted to write this letter to thank you for your kind donation of the audio speaker and microphone set.
This kind donation is highly valuable and important tool that will greatly aid the work that Peer Educators do. We have a saying, "Reach one, Teach One." So know that with each life changed your donation will have made all this possible."
Sincerely, 4 Peer Educators

08/06/2025

July marks 30 years since the Barry Telford Unit, TDCJ opened near New Boston, TX. Our organization has been present for all those years. Our focus has been on inmate family members, the wives, children, parents, grandparents who visit our city. We have shown kindness and shared Bibles and the Gospel of Jesus Christ with thousands since July 11,1995. We also preach and teach “inside the wire” to inmates. A mission field moved to our community 30 years ago. We will continue our ministry to respond to this challenging need in our community.

03/04/2025

Wind damage at the Telford Unit this morning. Visible only from CR runnung East-West behind the prison. Kennels ruined. RVs demolished.

03/03/2025

February 25th. Ken Cox receiving a generous United Fund of New Boston grant from UF Director Julie Spears. Each year at the New Boston Chamber of Commerce banquet the United Fund of New Boston presents grants. The UF faithfully supports numerous community charitable efforts.

05/24/2024

Beautiful roses for the Day With Moms at the Telford Unit tomorrow.

12/24/2023

This week was Christmas candy distribution at the Telford Unit. Edna Walker coordinated assembling 2,500 candy bags for every inmate. The huge operation is possible due to a huge group of volunteers both free-world and inmates. Some inmates sing carols while candy is distributed.

10/27/2023

It was a great night for Telford Prison Ministries to honor our long time supporter Gwen Estill. Her daughter, Angela painted the beautiful portrait of Jesus with a child which will be displayed at the Visitation Center at the Barry Telford Unit. A special thanks goes to Sue Anderson and her crew for a delicious meal! Thank you Gwen for your love and faithful support. How great is our God!!!!

10/27/2023

Gwen Estill was honored by Telford Prison Ministries, Inc. in its annual volunteer recognition banquet on Tuesday, October 24th. A resolution was adopted for Gwen’s decades long participation in missions. Gwen is pictured with Mike Beck, First Baptist Church, Texarkana, and her daughter, Angela Melde. Angela painted the portrait of Jesus with a child. The artwork hangs in the new family room addition to the Haven of Hope in New Boston. Thanks Gwen!!!

08/03/2023

07/20/2023

We’re delighted that Chaplain Paul Farmer started serving the Telford Unit in April. Chaplain Farmer brings a Pastor’s heart to the unit after serving Missionary Baptist Churches for 10+ years.