Learn About
Discipleship Unlimited
DU relies on the generosity and dedication of scores of volunteers and benefactors to reach the incarcerated and preach the Gospel. Their hard work, plus the support of the chaplains, officers, and staff of the prisons in which we minister, helps ensure His hands and works are displayed to those who need it most.
Our Staff
Linda co-founded Discipleship Unlimited (D.U.) with her late husband, Dallas, in 1974. Together, they conducted in-prison marriage seminars for inmates and their wives. In 1987, Linda was invited to do a seminar at the Mountain View Women’s Unit in Gatesville, Texas.
On that weekend, Linda was introduced to death row inmate Karla Faye Tucker. They were friends for eleven years, and Karla was a vital contributor to the ministry of D. U. When Karla received her execution date, she asked Linda to be her spiritual advisor. Karla’s final days were spent working on a plan for Faith Based Dorms for women. Linda wrote a book about their journey entitled Karla Faye Tucker Set Free.
In 2005, D. U. collaborated with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to start the first Faith Based Dorm in Central Texas. Now with eight dorms operating, thousands of incarcerated women have completed the program. D.U. began having Reignite and Refuel Retreats for Dorm graduates who were released from prison. Some of these graduates have now been filmed to create Reentry material for those soon to be released from the dorms. The state of Texas has endorsed this material and is using it in their reentry program.
In May of 2021, D.U. opened a transitional ranch for women just released from incarceration. It has become a gathering place for volunteers, the previously incarcerated and their families.
Linda says, “I’ve loved the journey. It’s always been an adventure. I am so glad the Lord invited me to join Him.”
Terry joined the staff of Discipleship Unlimited in 2006 and serves as our worship coordinator. Additionally, he and his wife Jean coordinate our Alpha and Celebrate Recovery programs and are involved weekly in the ministries at Woodman and Marlin N1. He is a songwriter and speaker, creatively sharing his testimony at churches and in prison outreaches.
Jean Strom is the Discipleship Unlimited office manager alongside Terry coordinates our Alpha and Celebrate Recovery programs on the inside. She's also a spiritual advisor on death row and is involved in DU's growing aftercare program for those who have been released.
Kathy is the volunteer coordinator for current and potential volunteers and serves as the TDCJ liaison for all unit studies. She is also a gifted speaker who uses her gift to minister at Mountain View as well as churches and retreats.
Edrena is the director of curriculum for our Faith Based Dorms and serves as a dorm coordinator for the Lane Murray unit. Additionally, she is an active member of the DU board.
Carla coordinates Refuels in multiple regions across the state. Refuels are gatherings of our alumni for the purpose of equipping and encouraging our women on the outside. She also plans and organizes our annual retreat for volunteers and alumni, Reignite.
Board Members
Active Board
Bev DeSalvo
Marcia Endicott
Skip Endicott
Patti Paine
Lucy Needham
John Needham
Edrena Smith
Linda Strom
Terry Strom
Emeritus Board
Bob MacQueen
Terry Meeuwsen
Ken Bigler
Andy Friedrich
Discipleship Unlimited relies on the generosity of donors who help us spread His Word inside and outside prison walls. All contributions are fully deductible under 501(c)(3) status.
