The LOCK Ministry: Newsletter Issue 14
The LOCK Ministry: Newsletter Issue 14 (1/5/2026)
The LOCK Ministry
THE MISSION OF JESUS
As a new year begins, many churches set the direction for the year through the first Sunday sermon. Likewise, the very first sermon preached at the founding of a church clearly reveals that church’s purpose and ministry priorities. In the same way, Jesus’ first sermon on earth reveals the mission He came to accomplish.
The first words Jesus proclaimed in the synagogue are recorded in Luke 4:18–19: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the captives and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Though it was more a direct reading from Isaiah 61 than a traditional sermon, this declaration clearly reveals Jesus’ mission. He came to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the captives, sight to the blind, liberty to the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s grace. Through this passage, we see clearly where Jesus’ heart was always directed. His love and concern were not focused on the center of society, but on those who were marginalized, wounded, and forgotten. Sinners and tax collectors, the sick, widows and orphans, the poor and the rejected—Jesus’ ministry was devoted to embracing them.
Inside this issue
P1 PROJECT..................................2
The New Beginning..........................2
P1 PROJECT Graduates........................3
P1 PROJECT Funds.............................3
P1 PROJECT Mentors......................3
The LOCK Ministry News............................4
Resume Jail/Prison Visits.....................4
Fruits of the Ministry.......................4
Volunteer Workers.......................5
Potter's Hands Project.....................5
Potter's House..........................6
As followers of Jesus, we cannot forget this mission. Even today, the Lord continues to seek the poor and the imprisoned, and God chooses to accomplish His work through us. It is within this calling that The LOCK Ministry exists.
The LOCK Ministry is a living expression of Luke chapter 4 in our present time. Through God’s Word, we help the incarcerated experience freedom of the soul, come to know the truth, and rediscover the direction of their lives. We seek healing for hearts crushed by guilt and deep wounds, and we share God’s hope with those who are poor—physically, emotionally, and relationally. Our work is not merely about copying Scripture; it is about restoring identity through the Word of God and helping individuals stand firmly as children of God.
Even in the past year alone, hundreds of incarcerated men and women experienced transformation and restoration as they wrote and meditated on God’s Word. Their stories will continue this year as well. In 2026, The LOCK Ministry will continue to follow the mission declared in Jesus’ first sermon—bringing the gospel to the imprisoned, binding up broken hearts, and proclaiming true freedom. And this journey is not one we walk alone. It is a shared path, walked together with you through prayer, love, and faithful support. We humbly ask you to continue walking with us this year in this precious ministry entrusted to us by God.
P1 PROJECT
THE NEW BEGINNING
One of the greatest joys of our ministry is witnessing firsthand how God’s Word transforms a person’s life. Dusty Dudley is one beautiful and moving example of that transforming journey.
Since joining the P1 PROJECT in October 2024, Dusty has faithfully and diligently continued in Scripture transcription and meditation. Every submission she sent—her writing, reflections, and applications—was neat, thoughtful, and filled with sincere effort to apply God’s Word to her daily life.
With each chapter, it was evident that she was truly encountering God and growing in her faith. As a result, over the past year Dusty completed the entire P1 PROJECT and became a P1 PROJECT Graduate, receiving a Certificate of Completion. Not only did she faithfully tithe from all the funds she received through the project, but she also set aside a separate tithe from the wages she earned through prison labor and sent it to us in the form of a U.S. Treasury check — an act of devotion that deeply moved us.
In late December 2025, Dusty completed her incarceration and was released. She is currently residing at a halfway house (County Rehabilitation Center) in Texas, where she will remain until June 17, 2026, as she prepares for her full reintegration into society.
We would like to share a portion of Dusty’s testimony: “I have walked in darkness my entire life. I started using drugs at the age of thirteen, and from that point on, everything only got worse. My life became filled with every kind of sin — not because that’s how I wanted to live, but because I didn’t know another way. Thirty-five years later, I was arrested on federal charges. I truly had walked in darkness my whole life. At that time, I believed the Lord had turned His face away from me. But now I understand — God was calling my name. It was time for me to stop, come to my senses, turn away from alcohol and drugs, and return to Him.
...
I pray that everyone who reads this will experience the love of Christ personally. Without The LOCK Ministry and the P1 PROJECT, I may not be where I am today. Through this work, I came to know Jesus more deeply and grow in Him, and I am truly grateful. Now that I know the joy and peace of knowing Jesus, I cannot imagine life without Him. Though I am still incarcerated, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. That peace cannot be explained by anything in this world — it is peace that comes from God alone. I thank the Lord for the peace and grace He has given me, and I now desire to live a life worthy of Christ’s sacrifice. He is the One who called me out of darkness and led me into His light. By His great mercy I have been saved, and not only me — my relationships with my parents and my daughter have also been restored. I am truly a blessed person.”
Dusty’s journey once again reminds us that God’s Word is alive and powerful—and that it is still transforming lives today.
P1 PROJECT GRADUATES
As of early January 2026, the cumulative number of participants in the P1 PROJECT has reached nearly 1,500. The P1 PROJECT is currently active in all 31 California state prisons, as well as in 7 of the 8 U.S. federal women’s prisons. At present, there are 213 female participants, with the most active participation coming from the Aliceville Women’s Prison in Alabama. A common characteristic among female participants is their exceptionally high level of engagement and the abundant spiritual fruit they bear through God’s Word.
Over the past six months, three individuals have completed the P1 PROJECT: the 19th graduate, Warren Allen; the 20th graduate, Jose Reyes; and Dusty Dudley, who is introduced on the adjacent page. Warren Allen, the 19th P1 PROJECT Graduate, began the program in January 2024 and completed the transcription of all 66 books of the Bible on July 21, 2025—finishing the project in approximately one and a half years.
Now 68 years old, he is currently incarcerated at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (CSATF) in Corcoran and is scheduled for parole in October 2027. He faithfully serves in a key leadership role within the prison church and is actively involved in evangelism. A particularly meaningful sign of transformation is that his two sisters have volunteered to welcome him into their homes upon his release, reflecting restored family relationships. At the heart of this change was God’s Word, planted through the P1 PROJECT. Pastor Key Han served as his mentor, and Elder Tae-Se Yi faithfully supported him financially. The 20th P1 PROJECT Graduate, Jose Reyes, began the program in December 2023 and completed the transcription of all Bible in approximately one year and ten months. Every ten chapters, and at the completion of each book, he wrote reflections and applications and shared meaningful fellowship with his mentor. Ms.Hyun-Hee Joen served as his mentor, and Pastor Andrew Lim provided financial support. Raised in a Sephardic Jewish family, Jose encountered Jesus Christ personally while incarcerated. After struggling with severe depression and multiple suicide attempts, he experienced a profound transformation through the P1 PROJECT. Today, he serves as one who shares the gospel and leads Bible studies within the prison.
P1 PROJECT FUNDS
There are two essential components to operating the P1 PROJECT. One is the mentors, who walk closely with participants as intercessors, encouragers, comforters, and spiritual coaches. The other is the financial support provided to participants. To complete the P1 PROJECT, one participant requires a total of $1,339, which includes compensation for transcribing 1,189 chapters of Scripture and a $150 for bonuses. To meet this need, we established the P1 PROJECT Fund, through which one account of $1,200 covers most of the cost for one participant. Support may be given as a one-time gift, monthly contributions of $100 for one year, or $50 for two years. Many supporters generously fund two or more accounts. To date, 67 accounts have been fully funded. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all P1 PROJECT Fund sponsors and to those who partner with us through generous mission supports.
P1 PROJECT MENTORS
Currently, 61 mentors are serving in the P1 PROJECT. However, this number is still insufficient to meet the needs of nearly 1,500 cumulative participants. More than 200 applicants are currently on the waiting list, and it typically takes 9 to 10 months before a new participant can begin the program. As a ministry team that witnesses lives being transformed through God’s Word, it is especially difficult for us to see this waiting list continue to grow. Our prayer is that God will raise up new mentors to meet the expanding needs of the P1 PROJECT. We are also praying for sufficient office volunteers to support communication with mentors. While financial support is important, the greatest need is for workers. We ask that you encourage those around you to join this ministry as mentors and volunteers. For those who may feel hesitant about writing letters in English, we encourage you to remember that recent advances in artificial intelligence—such as ChatGPT—can greatly assist in this important letter-writing ministry.
The LOCK Ministry News
RESUME JAIL/PRISON VISITS
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, our ministry faithfully carried out weekly worship services and counseling at five Orange County jails and the LA Twin Towers Correctional Facility. When individuals we met in jail were transferred to one of the 31 prisons across California, we continued to visit them in person—offering comfort, sharing the gospel, and helping them remain grounded in their faith.
When the pandemic began, however, all in-person visitation ministries were abruptly suspended. Even remote counseling was severely restricted, and the long-established pathway for reaching souls was suddenly cut off. Jail counseling typically takes place over the phone, separated by glass, with only 30 to 40 minutes allowed. Within that brief time, we must build rapport, understand current circumstances and struggles, assess spiritual condition, share the gospel or offer spiritual encouragement, exchange prayer requests, and engage in intercessory prayer—all in balance. Because these meetings are short yet deeply significant, we pray earnestly before every session: “Lord, open the way for this meeting. Holy Spirit, be with us. Save this soul.”
Even now, many of the restrictions introduced during the pandemic remain in place. Scheduling visits is still difficult, and phone connections are often hard to secure. Yet we cannot stop this ministry. There are still many young souls waiting to hear the gospel behind those walls.
Beginning in 2026, we plan to gradually resume jail and prison visitation ministries. This includes weekly jail visits for counseling and gospel outreach, as well as regular prison visits for encouragement, counseling, and strengthening of faith. Jesus said, “I was in prison and you came to visit Me” (Matthew 25:36). Often, standing beside them, listening with empathy, and simply being present brings greater comfort than a long sermon.
FRUITS OF THE MINISTRY
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
Dustin, a former participant, faithfully took part in the P1 PROJECT during his incarceration and experienced profound transformation before his release. On June 27, 2021, he drove more than four hours to attend a LOCK Community gathering, where he shared his testimony. Though he faced some challenges afterward, four years later he has sent us encouraging news: I am currently working full-time as a greens keeper at a country club while also studying full-time at a college in Santa Maria. By God’s grace, I made the Dean’s List for two consecutive semesters, and my current GPA is 3.9. My wife sends her greetings as well. We recently moved into a new home, and I can truly say that everything we have overcome has been by the Lord’s grace alone. I pray for peace and blessing upon you and your family. I hope to offer even a small donation to support the ministry soon.” He now continues to partner with The LOCK Ministry through mission support.
Young-Jun (age 28) was released from incarceration and deported to South Korea. Through Pastor Bon Lee’s connection, the World Cross Mission welcomed him at Incheon International Airport and helped him settle at their mission center in Yeoju. Because of the extensive tattoos on his face and neck, military service was considered unlikely. Surprisingly, however, he received a draft notice, completed six weeks of basic training, and has now been assigned to a unit. Though his limited Korean initially caused concern, he has been gradually adjusting with the help of fellow soldiers. With recent increases in military pay, he enrolled in the Soldiers’ Savings Program, setting aside 500,000 KRW each month. Upon discharge, he expects to receive approximately 11 million KRW, including government matching funds and interest. He dreams of rebuilding his family life with his wife and one-year-old son who remain in the United States. Please pray that Young-Jun will continue to grow in faith and live out a transformed Christian life.
VOLUNTEER WORKERS
Since its founding in 2018, The LOCK Ministry has carried out all of its work entirely through the dedication of volunteer workers. At our office in Brea, we are blessed with full-time workers who come in faithfully each day to serve, as well as others who commit to coming at least once a week to communicate and fellowship with mentors. In addition, many people serve as P1 PROJECT mentors from a distance, supporting the ministry through prayer and devoted care. We are especially grateful for the volunteers who regularly come to the office and personally support the mentors— their faithful service is a vital pillar that sustains this ministry.
Ms. Hyun-Hee Joen (pictured in the front row on the left) has faithfully served for many years as a mentor to several P1 PROJECT participants. Recently, she made the decision to become even more deeply involved by coming to the office weekly and taking responsibility for distributing P1 PROJECT materials to mentors. As the P1 PROJECT continues to grow rapidly, the need for more mentors is becoming increasingly urgent. At the same time, as the number of mentors grows, the role of office volunteers who support them and ensure the smooth operation of the project becomes even more critical.
All Scripture transcriptions, reflections and applications, and personal letters submitted by P1 PROJECT participants are first collected from the mailbox. They are then sorted by mentor and entered into our system. Each submission is carefully reviewed to confirm which Scripture passages were transcribed, whether the guidelines were followed, the appropriate compensation amount, and the method of delivery. Afterward, all materials are scanned, stored digitally, and emailed to the assigned mentors.
Currently, this entire process is carried out once a week. However, for the P1 PROJECT to operate more smoothly, we need to increase this to twice a week—and eventually even three times a week. To do so, we need more volunteers. We ask that you join us in praying that God would send more workers to serve in this ministry.
POTTER’S HANDS PROJECT
The Potter’s Hands Project was launched to provide vocational training for individuals beginning new lives after their release from incarceration, recognizing that stable employment is essential for successful reintegration into society. In 2021, we began a computerized embroidery business and purchased a Ricoma MT-1502 embroidery machine.
As we operated the embroidery business, we discovered that shirt printing was closely related, and in 2022 we expanded by purchasing an Epson FT-2100 garment printing system along with related equipment. We ran both businesses in parallel for a time. However, garment printing equipment requires continuous operation to prevent ink from drying. When order volume decreased, the ink hardened and damaged the printer heads, requiring costly replacements that could run into several thousand dollars.
Given the nature of our ministry—rather than being a professional printing business—these operational challenges proved unrealistic. As a result, we discontinued the shirt printing operation last year and sold the equipment.
At present, the embroidery business continues to operate steadily. We have ongoing uniform orders, including a large order for 180 employees from LA Insurance in Texas, a long-time customer. We have also received uniform orders from Value City in Detroit. As we continue the embroidery business, we are also prayerfully exploring new business ideas so that the Potter’s Hands Project may continue to grow and expand in the future.
POTTER’S HOUSE
Potter’s House—a residential facility designed to support individuals returning from incarceration, especially P1 PROJECT participants, by providing a place to stay while they seek employment and reestablish their lives—has been one of the key ministries included in our long-term vision since the very beginning of our work.
About two years ago, when our office lease came to an end, we began searching for a location that could serve both as an office and as Potter’s House. We believed that securing a single space for both purposes would reduce financial strain compared to maintaining separate leases. With this in mind, we looked for a property that could accommodate four to six residents and function as an office during the daytime, and we eventually found a location that seemed very suitable.
However, as we were preparing to sign the lease, the property owner learned that the intended residents would be formerly incarcerated individuals and decided not to proceed with the lease agreement. We continued searching for other options, but repeatedly encountered similar obstacles. Ultimately, we concluded that leasing a private residence to operate Potter’s House was, in reality, extremely difficult.
Last year, we were greatly encouraged when someone who understands our ministry well offered to purchase a property and lease it to us. We even found a suitable house in the Carbon Canyon area. However, as discussions continued, we discovered several differences between the sponsor’s expectations regarding the property purchase and the direction of our ministry. As a result, we made the difficult decision to postpone the Potter’s House project for the time being. Since the timing also coincided with the renewal of our office lease, we decided to continue operating the office separately while prayerfully waiting for the next step. Duane Bennett, who had agreed to serve as the manager of Potter’s House, continues to wait patiently for this ministry to come to fruition. He is currently operating a construction business in the Blythe area and is preparing to obtain his General Contractor’s license. We ask that you continue to pray for the emergence of a sponsor who can provide a location for Potter’s House, or for God to supply sufficient financial resources within our ministry to make this vision possible.
Prayer Requests
1. That a sufficient number of P1 PROJECT mentor volunteers will be raised up.
2. That additional volunteers to support and assist P1 PROJECT mentors will be established.
3. That the P1 PROJECT Fund will be filled abundantly.
4. That through God’s intervention, the lives of many participants will be transformed.
5. That we may discover a new direction for the Potter’s Hands Project.
6. That we may be able to launch the Potter’s House Project.
The LOCK Ministry
2903 Saturn Street, Unit B
Brea, CA 92822
P.O. Box 9693
Brea, CA 92822
(657) 275-9070
thelockministry@gmail.com
www.thelockministry.org
www.pottershandsproject.com
