In 1998, through an unforeseen encounter with a retired prison warden in New Mexico, Pastor John discovered that the Celebrate Recovery model was being used in a local prison. He visited that program eight times over the course of a year.

Prison ministry came to be a very responsive place for the Celebrate Recovery principles as many incarcerated people are looking for healing from their hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Celebrate Recovery is now integrated into 42 state prison systems, not just in the United States, but worldwide!