I recently came across a story in the “Good Deeds” section of the Gaston Gazette (Gastonia, NC). In it, James Bodenheimer talks about receiving two mailings soliciting contributions for the holiday season—Prison Fellowship and Special Olympics. Both are programs that the Bodenheimers have supported in the past. Alas, Mr. Bodenheimer is currently unemployed, and decided that he would be unable to support either cause this year.
Enter Mr. Bodenheimer’s seventh-grade son, Jameson. He asked his father why he was throwing out the two mailings. When his father informed him of his decision, the younger Bodenheimer produced two dollars — one each for Prison Fellowship and for Special Olympics.
But Jameson’s generosity didn’t stop there. The young boy took the two flyers to his class at school in an attempt to gain financial support for both programs. The class took a vote on which one to support . . . and chose to give to Special Olympics. (The Bodenheimers have since decided to produce fliers to raise funds for both ministries.)
Those of us here at Prison Fellowship understand that there are many good and worthy ministries and charities deserving of support this Christmas season. Truth be known, many of us receive multiple requests for support ourselves, and have to make the same difficult decisions as the Bodenheimers.
There are many ways to support a ministry like Prison Fellowship — volunteering, a commitment to prayer, even by spreading the word to friends and family. For those who have contributed in any way to changing the lives of prisoners and their families, our heartfelt and sincere thanks! And to those like the Bodenheimers, who have given sacrificially to the cause — may God bless you! Know that even the smallest of gifts can have an eternal impact.
If you would like to support Prison Fellowship or Angel Tree financially, please feel free to do so safely and securely on our website. If you would like to contribute your time and efforts, visit www.www.www.prisonfellowship.org/get-involved to see how you can volunteer in your community.