2007 TDCJ Volunteer Service Award
Gertha
Rogers of Coldspring was presented the Governor’s 2007 Criminal Justice
Volunteer Service Award today in recognition of her volunteer service in
providing ministry to inmates incarcerated within the Texas Department of
Criminal Justice.
The
award was presented by Christina Melton Crain, Chairman of the Texas Board
of Criminal Justice, and TDCJ Executive Director Brad Livingston during a
ceremony held in Austin. Rogers is one of 13 individuals and 6 organizations
from across the state recognized for their efforts to help inmates and those
who are on parole or probation.
Rogers, known to many as “Sister Gertha,” began volunteering in 1994 and
continues her efforts today as
president of the Joy Prison Ministry. She brings her ministry to a number of
TDCJ prison units, helping inmates find an alternative to a self-destructive
lifestyle. Last year, services were held at the Darrington, Eastham, Ellis,
Byrd, Young, Wynne, Lewis, Clemens and Duncan units, as well as in the
Lychner and Kegans state jails.
Rogers, an active member of Grace Christian Fellowship Church and former
registered nurse, began her prison ministry in 1981, shortly after her
husband died.
“My
husband died on July 19, 1981, and radio station KJOJ in October 1981
inspired me to call the station and take two prisoners in the Lord’s work.
I began prison ministry with those two inmates,” she recalls. “God has
blessed me with several hundred volunteer helpers since then, and I began a
radio, pen-pal and preaching ministry throughout the state.”
Rogers has received several certificates and recognitions from TDCJ units
honoring her dedication. She said that she is particularly proud that some
of her volunteers are also TDCJ employees and chaplains.
Rogers has eight
children, 23 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and by her estimation,
“15,000 spiritual children.”
