From the Projects to the Pulpit: Project Pat Preaches Hope Behind Bars

"Perfect love casts out fear. Perfect love casts out anger. Perfect love casts out hatred. God is love—and He loves you perfectly," proclaimed Project Pat from the pulpit at Evans Correctional Institution.

Word of his visit swept across the yard days in advance. Echoes of “Bwok bwok, chicken head” filled the air—nostalgic shouts of excitement from men in orange jumpsuits who grew up on the rapper's iconic lyrics. The anticipation was real.

Patrick Houston—better known as Project Pat—is a 90s rap legend, founding member of Three 6 Mafia, and older brother of Juicy J. He’s no stranger to the streets, or to the pain and prison time that often come with them. Pat lived what he rapped about: crime, violence, incarceration. But the man who walked into the chapel that day wasn’t the same man from the early albums.

The chapel was packed with men doing time for everything from drug charges to murder. Yet Pat’s presence was felt long before he ever spoke. And when he did, few expected what they heard next.

He didn’t rap. He preached.

With passion and humility, Pat shared the love of God and the power of redemption through Jesus Christ. He spoke about responsibility, identity, and purpose—backed by Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. His words weren’t fluff. They cut through the noise. They pierced hearts.

Weeks later, his visit still lingers in conversation. Men are still talking about the possibility of change. “If he did it, so can I,” echoes in the dorms.

As someone incarcerated myself, moments like these remind me that transformation is possible.

Too often, society views us as nothing more than our worst mistake. But Pat sees something different. He sees our humanity. He believes in our capacity to change. And he uses his story to show us a better way.

May God continue to bless his path, expanding his platform to reach not only those behind bars—but also those on the outside who still accept the current justice system without question.