When the Door Doesn’t Open

Sometimes the doors we thought would open get shut—quietly, unexpectedly, and without explanation. That’s exactly what happened to me recently with Stafford Creek Correctional Center.

I had been preparing my heart and my schedule to step into prison ministry through their volunteer program. I completed my paperwork, passed my background check, and was approved to attend orientation. Everything seemed aligned. I believed this was the next assignment the Lord had prepared for me.

But just days before the scheduled orientation, I received an email stating that my application had been placed on hold due to a prior interaction I had with one of the incarcerated individuals. It wasn’t during my time as a volunteer—it was before I had even applied—but their policy required a six-month gap before I could be reconsidered. I respected the rule, even though it felt disappointing. I replied with grace, trusting that if God had another plan, it would come to light.

Since then, I’ve followed up—but there’s been no response. No confirmation. No acknowledgment. Just silence.

And in that silence, I’ve had to remind myself of something powerful: silence doesn’t mean abandonment. It means redirection.

I’m still praying for Stafford Creek, for the inmates inside, and for the chaplains and volunteers who faithfully serve. But I’m also listening closely to the Holy Spirit. Maybe I needed this pause to be refined a little more. Maybe this delay is a layer of preparation. Or maybe my ministry is meant to start somewhere else entirely.

If you’ve ever felt overlooked or unheard—even when your intentions were pure and your heart was willing—let me encourage you: God has not forgotten you. The path of a servant is often paved with waiting rooms and detours. But the Lord uses even closed doors to protect, prepare, and reposition His people.

I don’t know what will happen next with Stafford Creek. But I do know this: My assignment is still active. My calling hasn’t changed. And Jesus is still leading the way.

Until then, I’ll continue building Streetlight Gospel, preaching truth wherever I’m led, and loving people boldly—inside and outside the gates.

If you’ve experienced something similar, drop a comment or reach out. Let’s keep encouraging each other as we walk in faith