While reading The Register last week (and yes, I do read it) I came across a story that was on our Neighbors page that should have been on the very front page.

If you missed it go back and read it.

It was a fabulous story about the prison divinity program between Oklahoma Baptist University and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

The first paragraph of the story said, “Commencement ceremonies are taking place across the state, but this one marks a historic first.”

The story explained how four years ago OBU partnered with DOC to launch the Prison Divinity Program at the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center.

In a ceremony at OBU, nearly two dozen incarcerated men earned their Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies.

What an amazing feat and what an awesome accomplishment for those individuals. It not only has helped change their lives but now gives them an opportunity to change others for the better.

Gov. Kevin Stitt called the first graduating class “history making.”

The divinity program gives Oklahoma another No. 1 ranking as it is the only such program in the entire country.

Whomever came up with the idea in the first place deserves a world of appreciation and applause.

ODOC Director Steven Harpe said, “You encourage me and inspire me every time I see you.”

OBU President Dr. Heath Thomas called it “an absolute milestone day in the life of Oklahoma Baptist University in partnership with the DOC.

The men will now serve as field ministers in correctional facilities across Oklahoma offering pastoral care, mentorship and moral guidance to fellow inmates.

What an exceptional and inspirational concept and program.

And the next best thing is the next cohort of the OBU Prison Divinity program is already underway, with those students set to graduate in about two years.