GOSPEL MUSIC RANG out Friday from the small chapel at San Quentin State Prison as seven inmates celebrated their graduation from the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary's prison program by singing and praying — and one even proposed to his girlfriend.

About 20 inmates and 10 members of the public gathered in the chapel to commemorate the milestone, standing in the pews and singing along with the prison's "Praise Team" choir. The inmate graduates, who donned black graduation gowns over their prison-issued blue uniforms, reflected on their educational experience.

"This journey was more than just a few theological classes. I had an encounter with Jesus," said Ferrari

Moody, of Los Angeles County. "I learned within all of us lies the power to help someone in need."

Moody, who is serving 40 years to life for second degree murder, said he initially had some reservations about participating in the program, which the Mill Valley seminary has been holding at the prison since 2010. He said he soon discovered a team of objective teachers who wanted to help him spread God's word, while also helping him grow as a person.

James Cavitt said he'd given up on asking others for help before discovering the seminary and its teachers, who he said never judged him for his past. Cavitt, of San Mateo County, is serving 25 years to life for first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, second-degree burglary and grand

"I had given up on God when I was a young boy. I can remember crying and pleading to God to change my life," Cavitt said.

With tears streaming down his face, Cavitt thanked his girlfriend of 11/2 years for supporting his 31/2-year seminary journey, stating he hopes to someday do youth ministry. In an unexpected turn of events, Cavitt got down on one knee during the proceedings and proposed to Char Williams, who excitedly said "yes."

Williams, a Southern California resident, said she and Cavitt began exchanging letters after she wrote him a note thanking him for a religious post she saw online about his childhood. As an adoption and child advocate, Williams said she was touched by his words and six months later they met.

"He's an answer to my prayers as well," Williams said. "We're both involved in bettering young people's lives."

Cavitt and four of the other graduates received diplomas in Christian ministries, which constitutes 24 semester hours of basic training for people who want to lead a ministry group. The other two received diplomas in theology, which is an advanced leadership degree that takes 52 semester hours to complete. All the diplomas were issued as part of the seminary's Contextualized Leadership Development Program, which is designed for those without a high school or college diploma.

Jeff Iorg, president of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, said the prison program reveals the true heart of the seminary.

"We provide a serious academic education, and we also recognize each person individually, acknowledging how God has worked within each to help him grow and develop as a ministry leader," Iorg said.

William Dew, of Riverside County, hopes to be paroled early next month and continue his studies at the seminary. He is serving four years for corporal injury to spouse. He received one of the theology degrees after 31/2 years and aims to live and work on the Mill Valley grounds, maybe obtaining a master's degree in the future.

"I'd like to someday be a chaplain and come into a place like this," Dew said.

By participating in the program, Dew said he learned he could stick to a goal and achieve it. He said he also learned how little he actually knew about Christianity.

Frank Taylor, of Sacramento County, said he's been studying with the seminary for four years and teaches a religion class at the prison for 16 men. He is serving 26 years to life for disregard for public safety. He said he came from a negative background and is thankful for the positive changes in his life.

"My journey has been a beautiful thing," Taylor said. "I'm just so thankful."

Other graduates included Kenneth Brydon, Eric Johnston and Garrett Martin. Martin received the other theology diploma.

In his closing sermon to the graduates, Iorg said some of the inmates will end up serving in ministries outside and some of them will be ministry leaders at the prison. He said God will use them to spread the gospel wherever they are.

"We do it for the good of others," Iorg said.

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