Philadelphia: Working behind bars

At the Philadelphia Detention Center, MCC East Coast supports the work of a peace worker in this minimum- to medium-security prison. The majority of the prisoners here are awaiting hearings in lieu of bail for crimes such as driving under the influence or burglary.

Ron Muse, of North Philadelphia, checks a chaplain request box for new letters. Muse works at the prison 10 hours a week, meeting with prisoners and leading a Bible study. Muse, by building relationships in prison and on the streets, is laying a foundation for peace in an area where arrests and addiction are common.

John Doerr, right, takes a break while sharing with Muse some of the challenges he has faced.

Muse counsels Doerr in ways to grow spiritually during his time in prison. As a youth, Muse was involved in illegal activity. He feels this experience helps him identify with the inmates.

Muse greets an inmate in a cellblock while talking with Angel Correa, right, who is Muse's childhood friend. Muse keeps in touch with Correa's family to make sure they are doing well.

Muse organizes the inmate requests he received. Prisoners ask for material such as Bibles and study guides as well as the opportunity to meet one-on-one.

An inmate looks through some of the resources Muse offers. Muse also makes the materials available at a Bible study he leads.

Inmates follow along as Muse reads Scripture during a weekly Bible study. More than 30 prisoners attended the two-hour meeting.

Muse easily keeps the inmates’ attention as he talks about staying off drugs, treating others with kindness and being faithful to God.

Inmates say they look forward to coming to the Bible study because of Muse’s intensity, candor and sense of humor.

Muse encourages the inmates through prayer at the end of the Bible study.

Muse walks with Henry Murray, an inmate, who often helps Muse with his duties. Across the U.S., MCC workers serve alongside local churches and church organizations, sharing God’s love as they carry out practical ministries of peace and justice. Muse’s position grew out of MCC’s connection with local church leaders who saw his passion and commitment for working with prisoners and urged MCC to partner with a faith-based organization, Crossroads Community Center, to fund his work in prisons and outreach in his neighborhood. Read more about Muse and his work in A Common Place magazine.