The Angel Tree program sounded too good to be true to Lisa. Would people in the free world really give Christmas presents to her son and daughter while she was incarcerated?
She signed Coleby and Cortnie up for Angel Tree with a small hope that her children would receive a gift that let them know she still loved them so much. She lost her children … her freedom … what more did she have to lose?
Months passed and she forgot about the promise that Angel Tree made to her. Christmas finally came and she called home to hear her children’s excited voices.
Coleby answered the phone. “Mom, I love you forever and ever!” he said. “Thanks for getting me what I wanted!”
“What do you mean, Coleby?” Lisa couldn’t believe it; Angel Tree really did keep its promise and delivered gifts and the Gospel to her precious children.
It was then and there that Lisa made a vow. When she completed her 10-year sentence, she would serve God and give back to Angel Tree.
Just like Angel Tree kept its promise, Lisa kept hers!
The church she attended when she was released asked for Angel Tree volunteers and Lisa’s hand shot up. “You don’t need to explain,” she told them. “I once was one of those incarcerated parents. I’ll do anything.”
Now, six years later, Lisa is her church’s coordinator for Angel Tree. Every Christmas she delivers God’s love to prisoners’ families in her area and helps to heal the relationships between incarcerated parents and their children!
Coming Full Circle
Lisa brings Maya gifts on behalf of her incarcerated father.
Lisa recalls one Angel Tree visit that holds a special place in her heart.
Nine-year-old Maya grinned from ear to ear when she saw Lisa at her door with a big present from her dad. He had been in prison for such a long time, but the Maya hoped that she’d hear from him – especially at Christmastime.
Maya couldn’t take her eyes off the present as she listened patiently to Lisa sharing her testimony about how she had been in prison and how Jesus changed her life.
If God could change Lisa, Maya thought, He could change her dad, too!
Finally, Lisa handed Maya her Christmas present to open. She looked at the angel-shaped gift tag and read the special note her father wrote just for her.
“Daddy really did send me this!” she smiled at her mom. She tore through the wrapping paper; her little hands couldn’t open it fast enough.
She pulled out some colorful shirts and held them close. “He even knows my size!” she laughed.
Lisa watched the happiness shine through on Maya’s face and thought about the excitement her children must have felt when they received their Angel Tree gifts while she was in prison. Although Lisa couldn’t be there when her kids got their presents, now she’s able to help bring joy to other prisoners’ children each Christmas.
Edited by Rebekah L. Stratton
