Bringing the Gospel behind bars, one life at a time
God is moving in powerful ways behind prison walls
Large outdoor gathering reaching hundreds of men with the Gospel
Men lifting hands in worship, encountering God's presence
Standing together in faith during a chapel service
Women celebrating with joy during a ministry event
The incarcerated expressing faith through art
This incredible 3D paper diorama was created by an incarcerated individual, depicting the scripture that reminds us of the tender care we are called to show one another. The attention to detail and craftsmanship speak to the transformative power of Christ in even the most unlikely places.
Art like this is a testament to the creativity and spiritual depth that exists behind bars. We are honored to share these expressions of faith with the world.
Where the message comes to life
Behind the scenes setting up for the next episode
Reaching prisoners through every screen available
Real Vida TV is available on Securus tablets in approximately 3,400 correctional facilities across 46 states, reaching roughly 1.2 million incarcerated persons. The response has been overwhelming, with tens of thousands of letters from prisoners nationwide.
On the Pando App, Real Vida TV consistently trends in the Top 10 out of dozens of ministries — often ranking as the #1 most-watched program. Pando is available in 458 facilities in 34 states with over 1.3 million user accounts nationwide.
Real Vida TV is the only Christian programming available on Viapath tablets, adding 1,500+ facilities in the U.S. plus prisons in Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and Puerto Rico. This brings our total reach to nearly 100% of the 3.5 million prisoners in America.
In-person ministry where it matters most
Real Vida's prison team ministers almost every month in prisons across Texas and other states such as Florida. We focus on reaching prisoners often considered the "toughest to reach," including restrictive housing, medium custody, and Death Row.
Our team has shared the Word in many units including: Allred, Beto 1, Billy Moore, Bradshaw, Coffield, Ferguson, Hilltop, Hughes, Mountain View, Polunsky (including Death Row), Ramsey, Robertson, Telford, Wainwright, and Wynne.
We receive requests daily from prisons all across the country requesting us to come in person. While the podcast reaches many more inmates, we frequently hear that there is no comparison between the podcast and ministering in person. In-person ministry remains the most effective way to see transformation begin on a unit.
Real stories of real transformation
"Dear Real Vida, I'm at East Arkansas Regional Unit. This is my first time writing. I was told about Real Vida so I started watching. And I've been hooked ever since. I listen to every episode faithfully. I've been locked up for 35 years and I still have 8 left. I have no living family, so watching you helps with loneliness. I don't receive mail. I came to prison at 20 and I am now 55. Thank you to all Real Vida family because of you I have come to know Jesus."
"Real Vida Family, I am an inmate at Onslow County Jail in Jacksonville, NC. A few months after being locked up I accepted Christ as my lord and savior. He gave me a new heart, a heart of flesh not a heart of stone... I thank God for your podcast and for you guys. Please continue to let God use you. I have achieved a greater relationship with God through your podcast. Because of your podcast, I participated in communion for the first time ever. We used a tortilla and some orange juice."
"Dear Real Vida family, I want to start off by giving Mama Eve a shout out. You are such a blessing to us. You remind me so much of my mom, praise the Lord. Real Vida has been a blessing to my life and has led me to give my life to the Lord. I am currently in seg as a confirmed member of a gang. But my loyalty lies with our Lord now... Watching your podcast, I have been led to deliverance. You taught me how to forgive myself. I have never felt such a sense of peace in my life."
"Real Vida Family, it's said that the thing that indicates success is results. I'm smiling because if you could spend an entire day inside these walls, from sun up to sun down, you'd see the results of your ministry. All day I hear Real Vida music and conversations and see how much your podcast has impacted perspectives and lives. This is Crip, Blood, Piru, Folk, Tango, Mexican mafia, Aryan and solos alike. Ten years ago if you would have told me we would all become consolidated under the Real Vida Ministry stamp, I would have said you're tripping! Many have embraced Christ because of you."