Though I'm physically incarcerated, I'm spiritually free
Written: 6/27/2008
By Holly McCray
Ladonna Pinto got lots of hugs May 27. She hadn’t seen her three young daughters for six months. She hadn’t seen her father in more than a year. That day provided precious family time.
That day, the young mother, who is incarcerated in Oklahoma City, spoke at the 2008 Annual Conference, in Tulsa. Her faith story was among several shared during the report of Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries (CJAMM). Her family was able to attend. Her father and sister are caring for Pinto’s children while she serves her sentence.
"We’re grateful to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for allowing Ladonna to be here today. One of the most rewarding parts of our ministry is to be able to work with parents and their children," said CJAMM Director Stan Basler.
Pinto, 27, participates in classes and worship at OKC-Penn Avenue Redemption Church, founded by CJAMM.
"I want to thank God for this opportunity to speak not only for myself but also for many of the other Methodist women who aren’t able to be here," she said. "When I think of Redemption (church), I feel love and acceptance. The people honestly care about us."
Pinto said she attended church as a child, but "that was just going to church." In prison, she called out to God.
"After everything was removed out of my life, I had time to sit. I found a close relationship with God, and I feel I would have never found Him in the world," she said.
She talked about her poor work history and lack of education. "I didn’t believe in myself. I was in a marriage that was bad. Upon my incarceration, my soon-to-be ex-husband got the out-of-sight, out-of-mind syndrome that sometimes happens," Pinto said.
"I was at my lowest point. I called out. Can you help me, God? I’m powerless over everything. I can’t control anything. I don’t want to do the things I’ve done before. You’ve blessed me with these little girls, and I need to be a mother to them.
"I just knew there had to be a change. I started trusting Him with all my heart; things started fitting into place. He made me be at peace with the situation, and I continue to grow. Even though I’m incarcerated, I’m spiritually free.
"Meth is a powerful drug… but my God’s more powerful," she declared.
Her desire to abuse drugs dissolved. "I left it in God’s hands. He let me see all the hurt and pain it caused me and my family. It’s not worth it," Pinto said.
She recalled praying as she sorted laundry one day in her cell.
"I sat myself on the floor. It’s a little bitty room, just big enough for a bunkbed and two lockers. I just started crying. Everything I owned was in this locker …"
Later that day, she learned she had qualified for parole review.
Pinto has earned a place in the Exodus House program, also part of CJAMM, when she is released.
(Editor's note: The Annual Conference story series will continue in the July 18 issue. Read about the faith of a military chaplain and Web technology for Church leaders.)
