They Were in Prison and I Visited Them: Reflections on Mercy, Redemption, and the Men I Met Behind Bars (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781456684105)

This book is not about crime. It is about what happens after. For over two decades, Terry Olson walked weekly into a maximum-security prison--not as a judge, not as an advocate, but as a pastor and friend. They were in prison, and he visited them. What he discovered inside those walls changed him as much as the men he served. Through stories of restoration, letters from inmates, and reflections forged in suffering, this book bears witness to a truth often forgotten: no human being is beyond redemption. "Terry Olson's work reminds us that mercy is not sentimental -- it is transformative. His decades of faithful presence inside prison walls reflect both courage and compassion. This book bears witness to the power of redemption." -- Jennifer Smith, Co-Founder, Seattle Clemency Project "By reading this book, you will have the rare opportunity to be mentored by this same exceptional man of faith who has shaped my life in countless ways." -- John Merritt, Founding Pastor, CrossWinds Church "My life is much richer with Terry Olson as my friend. Whenever I see his name on a text, email or phone message, it makes me smile. His positive energy is infectious. He is a tireless crusader for the most downtrodden among us, and an incredible inspiration. I hope to have him in my life for a long time to come." -- Amy Mann, Attorney and Clemency Advocate, Washington State "I am beyond blessed to have had you in my life. Thank you for believing in me when hope was thin. Thank you for giving me tools to grow, faith to stand on, and a vision to live toward. And thank you for showing me what true leadership, compassion, and integrity look like. Your impact will stay with me for the rest of my life." -- Douglas Gallagher -- 6 years free from a life-without sentence; today leads addicts out of addiction, visits prisoners to give hope, works hard to provide for himself, lives simply and morally "He visited me. He visited me in jails, he visited me in hospitals, he visited me in institutions, he visited me in rehabs and across state lines. He visited me when no one else would." -- Adam Knight -- former addict and prisoner, now a free, productive man of faith and a leader in his community