Angel Tree Stories
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Read about the lives that are changing through the Angel Tree stories brought to you by the churches, children and families involved in this ministry of reconciliation. |
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 The Girl Next DoorNine-year-old Bailey is a lot like many little girls her age, but her heart carries some unimaginable burdens. more >> |
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Lockdown Freedom
Chris Cleveland smoked his first joint at age 12, the initial step in a 30-year journey with drugs. He remembers his age because that year his father, an ex-Marine, and his mother, president of the New Mexico Broadcasters’ Association, finally divorced. Even before the divorce, his parents worked long hours. “I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted,” he recalls, “And it wasn’t a good thing.” By 16, his high school asked him to leave. more >>
On the Other Side of Angel Tree
Common reports show that children of prisoners may be up to seven times more likely than other children to go to prison themselves one day. When Angel Tree® volunteers give a gift at Christmas, or mentor a child, or send a child to summer camp, they're doing so with the hope that even just a few of these kids won't be swept away by the tragic trend of generational crime. more >>
Angel Tree Delivers
On December 1, 2008, our dear friend and brother Jose Abreu went home to be with the Lord. Jose was, as Chuck Colson has said, a true "Living Monument" to God's grace, mercy, and love. Jose gave his life to the Lord while in prison, and, along with his dear wife Mayra, devoted the rest of his days sharing the love of Christ with prisoners and their families. We will miss him very much, and we invite you to read his story, first written in 1993. more >>
Colorado Cory
Twinges of fear plucked at 16-year-old Cory's mind as he jumped in the family car for a week of vacation with his parents and younger brother. He tried to shove away images of a similar journey years earlier-a journey that began with itches of excitement for a week of fun with his family and ended in a child's nightmare. more >>
Going Beyond Christmas
Continue your Angel Tree ministry year-round and God will use your church to help these children and their families grow in their faith, strengthen their relationships with imprisoned parents, and fulfill the purposes that God has for their lives.
Camping
Camp can be one of the most life-changing experiences that children of incarcerated parents can have. more
Mentoring
Studies show that mentoring by a caring adult is the most effective strategy for building character and curbing destructive behavior. more