Syndeo Ministries is a non-profit organization focused on helping women who are incarcerated and transitioning out of prison. Too often women who are convicted of crimes are forgotten by everyone, including their own family. We are compelled to remember and be a demonstration of Christ’s love. Without a support system, these women often feel hopeless. Our goal is to change that dynamic so they can flourish! We feel called to achieve this goal by; “Remembering those in prison as if we were bound to them.” (Hebrews 13:3) The term Syndeo is a Greek word meaning bound with them. This word has two meanings:
- bound as one prisoner is to another
- bound, connected in heart, as all should be!
Prison Ministry
Our on-going ministry includes a Bible Study and a Pen Pal ministry, connecting Christian women on the outside with our sisters in white. The ministry began with Hannah teaching 2 women, and currently over 1,000 incarcerated women are involved in studies. Holiday cards are sent to all ladies involved in Bible Studies, and a Pen Pal program is available to connect them with Christian women on the outside, for encouragement and discipleship. Syndeo is continually growing. We also visit and disciple a group of these ladies in prison, who in turn disciple those inside. We maintain communication through visitation, email, mail, and phone calls.
Discipleship Home for Women Coming Out of Prison
Syndeo Ranch is a 6 bedroom-4,000 square foot house on 3 acres of property in East Texas. Our family and ministry team lived there for 5 years, doing all of the ministry out of this location while renovating the home. We added a workshop, and began building a bunkhouse in order to have more space for women who would later transition out of prison and join Syndeo Discipleship School.
In 2021, we moved onto a separate location, Syndeo Family Center. That move enabled us to begin accepting women for Syndeo Discipleship School. The school is going great! The schedule is pretty packed, and the classes have been so helpful. Some of the classes take place at the ranch, while others take place at the family center. The women enjoy family-style meals, and together are involved in Bible Studies, crafts, game night, and ministry.
In 2021, we moved onto a separate location, Syndeo Family Center. That move enabled us to begin accepting women for Syndeo Discipleship School. The school is going great! The schedule is pretty packed, and the classes have been so helpful. Some of the classes take place at the ranch, while others take place at the family center. The women enjoy family-style meals, and together are involved in Bible Studies, crafts, game night, and ministry.
Edifying and Encouraging
Larry, Hannah and the Syndeo team travel and speak to churches and other venues about God's love and faithfulness and the directive to “Remember those in prison as if we were bound with them” (Hebrews 13:3). The documentary film, “Until Proven Innocent: The Hannah Overton Story,” is being shown at various locations followed by a question and answer time which gives opportunity to share God’s faithfulness even through difficult times.
Hannah also speaks at women’s conferences across the country, gently conveying the hope and trust she encountered in Jesus throughout exceptionally hard and fearful times, and His character in our pain. Larry is available to speak at men's conferences to share his story and challenge men to follow God’s call to lay down their lives.
Hannah also speaks at women’s conferences across the country, gently conveying the hope and trust she encountered in Jesus throughout exceptionally hard and fearful times, and His character in our pain. Larry is available to speak at men's conferences to share his story and challenge men to follow God’s call to lay down their lives.
Refresh Summer Outreach & Christmas in White
Twice a year, we hold outreaches into prisons, with the help of volunteers from all over where we distribute needed items while encouraging 10,000 women with the love of Christ.
In the summer, women receive cooling towels and water bottles/cups, and at Christmas, they are given hygiene products and Christmas cards.
In the summer, women receive cooling towels and water bottles/cups, and at Christmas, they are given hygiene products and Christmas cards.