Prison Ministry
Since 2005, Trace James has been actively involved in prison ministry at the Rochester Federal Medical Center, a federal hospital prison, in Rochester, MN. This facility houses up to 1,200 men, all but about 200 of whom are ill. This prison facility includes a mental health unit and hospice ward. Many of Trace's students are "work cadre," who serve the facility as orderlies, attendants, clerks, and groundskeepers, and others come to class with the use of canes, walkers and wheelchairs.
Trace has taught the entire A Year in the Bible (Terms 1-4) class twice in the prison, and is currently in the third round with about 20 students. He has also taught the InDepth: Revelation 13-week course and the five-week InDepth: Ruth class at the prison. Trace says of his students, "none are the same men now that they once were, and that is an amazing thing to watch happen. It has been my privilege."
Studies in Grace receives no funding from the federal government or any other governmental agency for teaching at the prison, and depends solely on donations for this portion of their ministry. The prison’s students cannot pay for their materials, nor for teaching time, effort, or for travel expenses.
We welcome your support to continue this important ministry in the federal prison system.