In this episode Matt speaks with Pastor Jakob Kerlin of Victory Church and Dave Hall from the Pittsburgh/Greensburg Unbound team about ministering together at a maximum security prison. The conversation offers a rare and honest look at what it’s like to bring the light of Christ into one of the darkest places, and to witness deep spiritual freedom where physical freedom is absent.

Pastor Jakob and Dave share their impressions beginning with the security process, the sense of darkness inside, and the chaplain being a light leading to freedom.

We learn of the powerful ministry time, with inmates praying through their stories, listening to their hearts and seeing God work! The men receiving prayer were willing and fertile for Unbound—hungry to be free—saying they’d been counting down the days until the team arrived.

Dave was reminded of words from Luke 7, “Nowhere in all of Israel have I seen such faith!” He marveled at the openness and honesty of the inmates. “You can feel His joy in each and every one of them.”

Special thanks to the prison chaplain who invited and prepared the men, and to the donors who made this trip, and the free workbooks, possible. Your support directly impacts lives behind prison walls.

The Lord is near to the broken-hearted. Psalm 34:18

Find out more on our website, heartofthefather.com

See our upcoming events

Sign up for new episode drop alerts

Release: January 2026
Music by Christian Harper
Production by Christian Harper