Our Story
Let us show the truth by our actions
But I came, I saw and I stayed for 25 year
At first, my intention was to get involved in the Chaplaincy program and share the Good News with the men and give them Bibles. What I found out was that 60% of the men I met ended up returning to jail after they were released.
In 2003, a conversation with pastor Dr. Daryl Wilson prompted me to start an outreach that would change the mindset of the inmates regarding work. I had to shop around to find a way to change lives, because at that time, the number of people abandoning their faith was huge and still is a problem today. We did not feel like we were affecting enough change in the men at that time. We realized we had to put our words into action.
Today, Turn-Key is based on 1 John 3:17-18, “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
You can help us take action
God’s Word is powerful; there’s no denying it. What better way to show these men God’s truth and love than through physical action. When the men get out of jail, they often don’t have anything that will safely lead them down the right path. People need housing. They need employment and transportation to get there. They need to know how to control their finances. Turn-Key can provide these tangible things.
There is always good work that needs to be done—right here in our community of Fort Worth. These men are worthy of our time and effort. Will you partner with us to change their lives and our community?
Tom Sheppard
Tom Sheppard