God Saved Me While In Prison
An interview of Gerriun Culver, guest, by Devaughn Williamson, host.
“God saved me in jail” would sum up Gerriun Culver’s story. Her journey is a powerful testimony of God’s grace in the midst of hard times.
Gerriun was simply going about her day and it was interrupted when she got pulled over by a police officer. What you would think would be a simple ticket quickly escalated into an unexpected stay in jail for five days over an $80 ticket. Even in the midst of the confusion and chaos, God’s plan of grace was still unfolding.
Once she was placed behind bars, Gerriun’s first mission was to figure out how to get out of jail as soon as possible. But things, outside of her control, caused that stay to be longer than she had hoped. She was placed in jail right at the start of a 3-day weekend. Because of that, she had to be transferred to a holding cell until the next business day. However, the interesting part is that during that entire time Gerriun was on a 21 day prayer and fasting journey with her church. And in the most unlikely way, she began to see God’s hand at work.
Gerriun was surrounded by people with various charges such as murder, and robbery. But in the midst of it, she kept her faith. She was constantly praying and worshipping even while in a cell. In the midst of that, she would have women who had no hope approach her asking for prayer. Gerriun was able to witness the manifestation of those prayers. Women who had been waiting for news from their lawyers or bondsmen suddenly got responses. The atmosphere in that jail shifted, not because of anything she did, but because of the presence of God working through her. God was using Gerriun’s faith in prison.
In reality, that was not easy. She struggled with the thoughts of fear, but had to overcome those with her faith in God. Gerriun still didn’t know where she was there. While behind bars, she worried about her finances, and if she would have a job after being released. But even in that uncertainty, God was still moving. Her job was secured and she had financial increase come in a way she couldn’t see coming. Through it all, she learned that faith is just for when things are good. It is about trusting when nothing makes sense. It’s about trusting God in hard times.
The biggest take away for Gerriun was trust. She realized she had a habit of trying to take control and do things her way. But this experience showed her that God’s plan is always bigger and better. It has ignited a faith in her that has continued to carry her no matter what life throws her way. Now, Gerriun is focused on staying obedient, and surrendering to God’s will.
Gerriun realized that God’s grace, His faithfulness, and His power to redeem is greater than any mistake, fear, or struggle. So if you’ve ever felt left, hopeless or like you’ve hit rock bottom, be encouraged that God’s grace will meet you where you’re at. And like he did for Gerriun, He can turn your prison into purpose.
If Gerriun’s story moved you, consider sharing it with someone who needs encouragement. And I encourage you to partner with Faith Ignite to help bring more stories of hope to the world. Together, we can spread messages of redemption, grace, and God's faithfulness to those who need it most.
Devaughn Williamson President, Faith Ignite Inc
