Madeline Cano served as OCPM’s first Social Media Intern from 2024-2025. When she was asked to write a culminating essay on her experience, we were so moved by her reflections on the heart of prison ministry, that we asked to share her thoughts with our greater community.
Serving as a Social Media Intern at Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry has been one of the most profoundly transformative and spiritually enriching experiences of my life. What began as an opportunity to contribute to outreach efforts quickly became a journey of deep learning, faith, and vocational discovery—one that has not only strengthened my commitment to ministry but revealed to me an undeniable calling to serve in prison ministry.
Few experiences have impacted me as deeply as witnessing the power of faith behind prison walls. Through my work—writing posts, creating content, and engaging with followers—I found myself immersed in the raw and powerful testimonies of men and women who, despite their circumstances, discovered redemption and hope through Christ. Each story was unique, yet they all carried the same undeniable truth: God’s love is boundless, and His grace can reach even the darkest corners. Seeing dignity restored, brokenness healed, and souls renewed through faith was more than inspiring—it was life-changing.
This experience reshaped my understanding of ministry itself. I once envisioned ministry as service within the walls of a church—preaching, teaching, and guiding congregations. But prison ministry revealed something far greater: real, unfiltered ministry happens where hope feels scarce, where despair is tangible, and where people are yearning for redemption. “I was in prison and you came to me” (Matthew 25:36). This verse embodies the heart of prison ministry, reminding us that Christ is present among the forgotten and the marginalized. Ministry is not confined to a building; it thrives in prison cells, in whispered prayers, and in the unseen struggles of those the world often overlooks.
More than anything, this internship confirmed my personal vocational calling. For years, I felt drawn to serve others through faith, but this experience has given that calling clarity and direction. I now know that my heart is in prison ministry. The privilege of amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard, of witnessing the transformative power of faith, and of serving those seeking hope has left an indelible mark on my soul.
My desire to return and serve is not just a hope—it is a conviction. I feel compelled to continue sharing these stories, not simply as narratives of struggle, but as undeniable testimonies to God’s transformative love. I want to dedicate my life’s work to reminding the forgotten that they are seen, cherished, and redeemed.
Looking back on this experience, I am overwhelmed with gratitude—for the wisdom gained, the deepening of my faith, and the affirmation of my calling. Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry has opened my eyes to the depth and necessity of this work, and I know, without question, that my journey in ministry is only beginning.
If it is God’s will, I look forward to the day I return—not as an intern, but as a dedicated servant of this sacred mission.