Sister Gertha with TBCJ Chairperson
Christina Melton Crain's 2003 Keynote Address

It is a pleasure to be here today to represent the Board and express our appreciation to Sister Gertha Rogers and Joy Ministries.

Sister Rogers began her ministry work in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice over 22 years ago.  Focusing her work at that time in the Huntsville area, she visited offenders providing support and guidance.  Gaining the respect of agency and unit leadership through her devotion to her faith in the Lord, her group became the first woman ministry allowed on Death Row.  Over the last 14 years, Sister Rogers has expanded her ministry to serve facilities in the Houston and Gatesville areas.

Joy Ministries has been an effective ministry to the incarcerated.  Its success is greatly due to the compassion, love, and faith exhibited to the ministry's volunteers.  They reach out to all offenders, crossing over all ethnicities and religious affiliations.  Their work instills pride and helps the offenders develop a desire to improve their lives.

Sister Rogers has earned the respect of offenders, their families, wardens, chaplains, and agency administrators.  As the offenders talk about her work, Joy Ministries continues to expand.  At this time, through the recruitment of additional members, Sister Rogers is now able to send ministry members to other units simultaneously in various parts of the state.

Not only is Joy Ministries growing within Texas, it has expanded across state lines and is ministering to offenders incarcerated in Iowa and Kansas.  Sister Rogers even hopes some day to go international, a goal I am sure she will achieve.

The work of Sister Rogers and Joy Ministries have been a great benefit to the offenders.  It has also been a tremendous benefit to the Department of Criminal Justice.  Particularly now, as the agency has had to dramatically reduce the number of chaplains on the units, Joy Ministries and similar volunteer groups have allowed us to bridge the gap by providing ministry, worship, and counseling services.

Sister Gertha, you are a tremendous individual.  You radiate energy and compassion for your work with the offenders.  Your loving heart and your dedication to improving the lives of others have earned you the respect of many.  You have the appreciation of the Board, the agency, and the State of Texas.

Christina Melton Crain, Chairman

Texas Board of Criminal Justice

October 3, 2003