"If I’m honest, I knew the name of Jesus, but I didn’t have any understanding of who Jesus was."

Ben grew up without a Christian background. After leaving boxing at sixteen, he lost the discipline and direction that had shaped his life. Looking for happiness elsewhere, he became trapped in destructive patterns that left him carrying deep regret.

“My life had just become a complete and utter car crash,” he recalls.

After committing several crimes, Ben was sent to prison in 2021. It was there, unexpectedly, that he began to encounter Christians.

“I remember going in the chapel on a Sunday and all the Christians in there, they had this peace and this joy. It just made me curious to what they had.”

At Easter 2024, everything changed. Listening to the message of Jesus’ death on the cross, Ben was overwhelmed by the reality of the gospel.

“It’s just like God gave me revelation. I know Jesus is the Son of God and he died on the cross for me.”

Returning to his cell, Ben surrendered his life to Christ.“I was a prisoner outside and I’ve ended up in prison and I’ve been set free from inside my prison cell.”

Church inside prison

Ben’s journey was supported by Luke and London City Mission’s Prisons & Resettlement team, who work both inside prisons and with people after their release.

Through chapel services, Bible studies, one-to-one conversations and partnerships with local churches, the team helps prisoners encounter the gospel and become part of a Christian community.

“We work both inside prisons and when people have been released from prison, sometimes when they’re going through really difficult times,” explains Luke.

This continuity is vital. While many men and women come to faith in prison, release can be one of the most challenging stages of their journey. Returning to old environments, unhealthy relationships or social isolation can quickly undermine the new life they have begun to build.

For this reason, Luke and the team start preparing for life after prison long before release day arrives. Their aim is not simply to share the gospel inside prison walls, but to connect people with churches and Christian communities that can continue supporting them outside.

Even while Ben was still in prison, that support was already bearing fruit.

“Ben started having an impact on his family through sharing his faith, not just when he got released from prison, but even while he was still inside prison,” says Luke. “Family members were a bit shocked at the change in him.”

A bridge to the outside

As Ben’s release approached, Luke helped him think about what life would look like beyond prison.

Together they explored the possibility of moving into Corner House, London City Mission’s residential community for men at risk of homelessness.

“They put me in contact with Pancho while I was in prison,” says Ben. “We talked about the opportunity that me possibly coming from prison and coming to live at the Corner House.”

For many people leaving prison, having safe accommodation and supportive relationships can make all the difference. Corner House exists to provide both.

“Corner House is a home and an opportunity for a fresh start,” explains Pancho. “We provide nourishment, a roof over their heads and opportunities to move forwards.”