It's another Wednesday, and the doors to McPherson State Correctional Facility in Newport, Arkansas, open as the "Bible Study Lady" confidently enters carrying a bundle of books. When the doors close with a loud clang, she barely notices. She proceeds down a concrete corridor to the room where her library cart awaits her. She deposits the books in the cart and wheels it out.

After passing through security, she emerges onto the prison grounds. The structured cluster of 14 "pods," or living quarters, houses McPherson's population of about 600 female prisoners.

She walks up the entryway to one of the pods, steps inside, and announces to every prisoner within earshot, "Bible studies!" Instantly, she is greeted by a group of prisoners who crowd around her cart, eager to see which study materials she's brought this week.

A male guard standing nearby eyes the scene with suspicious unease. Should he let this lady alone or be concerned with her safety? After all, she's just one lady standing in the midst of criminals who are incarcerated for crimes varying from theft to murder.

One prisoner notices his apprehension and speaks up, "Don't worry, Officer. We won't hurt her-she's the Bible Study Lady!"

Debra Thompson, an accountant in Newport, Arkansas, graduated from both Arkansas State University and Berean School of the Bible in 1997. She was a children's pastor when she felt a call from God to minister to people who were downcast and in deep trouble. Yet she said to the Lord, "I'm not around that type of people very often."

God's answer: "Oh, but you will be soon."

Debra instantly knew He was referring to the new state prison under construction in Newport. She visited the work site and prayed around the perimeter. God immediately gave affirmation. "It had to be covered in prayer," she said. "No one needs to go unless they know God is sending them. It definitely has to be a ministry ordained by God."

When McPherson became operational and its first group of inmates arrived, Thompson volunteered as a Christian Religious Assistant. Her clearance gave her extensive access to the facility and its population. There, she started the prison's one-room "church library." She served in this capacity for about 18 months, cataloging books and helping inmates work through Bible studies.

In 2001 the prison changed management, and the "church library" was closed. This did not change Thompson's ministry. She continued visiting each pod, passing out Bible study courses every Wednesday. Needing additional material, she contacted Charles Benton, director of Global University's Prison Ministries. Benton assured her that Global University would be glad to get involved.

"Global University is now [supporting] the Bible studies," she said, and her ministry accelerated afterwards. Thompson has had anywhere from 50 to 300 prisoners involved in her Bible studies at any given time. Her students complete Christian Life courses and take the exams. She then mails the exams to Benton, who grades them and sends certificates of completion for distribution to the inmates.

Over 900 McPherson inmates have completed or are currently studying 490 Christian Life courses. Global's evangelism booklet, Great Questions of Life, is also shared with inmates. "It's exciting, for me personally, to know I've helped someone … have a positive effect on nearly 1,000 women," Benton said.

Thompson has earned the respect, trust, and confidence of many inmates. Apart from leading Bible studies with Global University courses, Thompson has given impromptu counseling and has even led several prisoners to the Lord.

She testifies that many prisoners are truly looking for answers to life's great questions. "Some of them are doing [the studies] for the certificates," she said. "Some are doing them because they truly just want the Word. God knows how many have actually come to Christ. I feel like each book that is given … God's going to use each one to touch a heart."

Thompson said her studies are serving her well in McPherson. She is routinely challenged to explain what the Word says. Thanks to her education, she knows how to respond.

Benton hopes Debra Thompson's experience will be an example for others. "We look forward to helping other prison ministries by equipping them with effective ministry tools and techniques for working with new and growing Christians," he said.