Finding Faith in the World's Toughest Prisons | Gary Franz | Behind & Beyond the Bars

In this episode of Behind & Beyond the Bars, host Jeff Shafer sits down with Gary Franz, Vice President of International Ministry at Good News Global, to explore the challenges and opportunities of prison ministry around the world. Drawing from his work in 24 countries, Gary shares the harsh realities of overcrowded prisons, the unique challenges of international chaplaincy, and powerful stories of faith and transformation from Malawi, Egypt, and Pakistan. Together, they discuss how prison ministry extends beyond those incarcerated to impact families, communities, and even correctional officers. Discover why Gary believes prisons can become places of extraordinary spiritual growth and how Christians can support international prison ministry through prayer, giving, and service. Learn More: https://www.gnglobal.org TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 00:46 Gary's Missionary Background 03:08 Son's Disability & Ministry Impact 04:47 El Salvador Prison Trip 05:40 Overcrowding & Brutal Conditions 10:40 Compassionate Prison Leadership 12:48 Evangelism & Large-Scale Discipleship 14:52 Spiritual Warfare in Prisons 17:18 Powerful Stories of Transformation 22:50 Pray, Give, Go 26:55 Hope Packs & Muslim Officer's Faith 29:22 Prisons as Gospel Gold Mines #BehindAndBeyondTheBars #PrisonMinistry #ChristianMinistry #GoodNewsGlobal #PrisonChaplaincy Learn more about CMCA and find resources for correctional ministry at https://cmcainternational.com --- Are you in correctional ministries or have been curious about serving and don’t know where to start? Correctional ministries, one of the most important ministries of our times- is about bringing hope, dignity, and transformation to men and women impacted by incarceration, their families, and the communities they return to. This podcast exists to equip, encourage, and connect those called to this work, so their ministry flows from compassion, wisdom, and lived faith. Join Jeff Shafer as he explores what it means to serve in one of the most rewarding and challenging ministries, through honest conversations and stories of transformation - helping to equip those who are called for restoration of lives and educating others in their role in redemption, and second chances. --- FOLLOW ➡️ Instagram -   / cmcaintl   ➡️ Facebook -   / cmcainternational   ➡️ LinkedIn -   / correctional-ministries-and-chaplains-asso...   --- Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA) is a professional organization, founded in May 2011, through which Christians can celebrate their faith and passion for correctional ministry with other individuals, organizations, and churches. © 2026 Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association. Affiliated with the Correctional Ministries Institute of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.