Sports and Prison Ministry Join Forces

There are a few things in life that nearly everyone likes – food, music, a good laugh. And most people enjoy some form of sports, too, whether it be playing or spectating. Athletic events have proven to be a successful channel for encouraging all different kinds of people to get involved in prison ministry.

Since 1987, The Saints Prison Ministry has been bringing the Good News of God’s saving grace to prisoners who might not be too excited about walking into a chapel to hear a sermon. The Saints have several Christian sports teams – softball, volleyball, soccer, and basketball – that travel around the country, visiting prisons and playing ball with prisoners. Rather than holding a church service inside the chapel, The Saints hold a service out on the field or on the court. They focus on bringing prisoners hope for the future and faith that God has a purpose for them despite being behind bars.

One inmate interviewed in the video below notes that playing softball with The Saints makes him feel free from prison for a few moments. The Saints have had the opportunity to bring this feeling to prisoners in more than 400 prisons around the country and in Canada. According to their website, more than 26,000 prisoners have professed their faith through the sports ministry.

In Ohio, the Far Hills Community Church zumba class raised over $5,000 to purchase an old house and transform it into a transitional home for women recently reentering society after being incarcerated or facing other difficult situations. The zumba class and other members of the community are working to restore the old house so that it can be ready to welcome a group of women this weekend. At the home, women will be able to learn life skills, receive counseling, and take part in educational classes.

Prison Fellowship^® has also been providing sports lovers with an opportunity to invest in the lives of prisoners and their families with its growing program PF Racing. Runners all over the country can cross the finish line, not just for themselves, but also for the 2.7 million children who are growing up while one or both of their parents are in prison.

Runners can register online to join or create a PF Racing team for an upcoming race. Prison Fellowship then helps each team set up its fundraising webpage. While the team is training, the members raise money for Angel Tree^® – Prison Fellowship’s program to help prisoners’ children know that their parents behind bars haven’t forgotten about them. The program helps to provide Christmas gifts and a message of the Gospel for prisoners’ children.