Tennessee Conference Corrections Ministry

I was invited to host a group of four deaconesses from India on a tour of the Tennessee Prison for Women. They were principals and teachers in girls' schools in India and were also interested in working with a growing number of juvenile and adult females in the jails and federal prisons in their own communities. We visited the school in the prison and several work programs, including a large clothing "factory." I was surprised at how readily the deaconesses conversed with the inmates, in spite of some language difficulties, and how perceptive their questions were. They were amazed at the living and working conditions, which we think are pretty bad, but which are far better than what is provided in the prisons in India.

The chaplain at the newest Metro Nashville jail unit is a United Methodist clergywoman who has worked in other capacities in the sheriff's department. One of her volunteers, a United Methodist woman, organized and led an inmate choir. Their first program in December was Lessons and Carols. They presented it for inmate groups and for staff and visitors. The chaplain invited me to the latter, and I was not only impressed, but moved. The jail uniform is a dark green jump suit and the director had made red cravats for the choir. They had obviously worked hard on the readings and the music, and while it was not the greatest four-part harmony, they more than made up for any lack with enthusiasm and sincerity. I had been a little depressed going into Advent, but that afternoon's experience turned the season around for me.