Breaking the cycle of crime can be difficult. Prisoners have a 40 percent chance of returning to prison when they are released. But, in Anthony’s state, 85 percent of the inmates who go through Prison Fellowship’s “pre-release” discipleship and training program never return to prison.
Anthony Walker was denied parole eight times. After more than two decades behind bars, he didn’t think he would ever get out of prison.
Anthony had become a Christian, but his prison — the largest in Texas — was violent, and prisoners had to be tough. It just wasn’t a place to learn a new way to live. He’d seen a lot in prison. And it had taken its toll …
Following in His Father’s Footsteps
When he was 4 years old, Anthony’s dad went to prison, leaving his mom to care for three little boys.
He loved his mom and, at just 11 years old, started looking for ways to help his mother support the family — so he hit the streets. By the time he was a teenager, he was breaking into cars and stealing.
At the same time, he was becoming a star athlete, talented in basketball and football. Scouts came to watch him play when he was just a freshman.
But in spite of a few great coaches making efforts to pull him away from risky activities and behavior, Anthony had no vision for the future.
“I had a few positive role models in my coaches,” says Anthony. “But the guys in my neighborhood were more influential — pimps, drug dealers. I idolized them because they had flashy cars, women, money — and I wanted it all right then.”
His life spiraled out of control and at 16 he was charged with murder and sentenced to prison.
“It all began so noble — helping my mom,” says Anthony. “I never thought I would kill anyone.”
Fast forward many years to Anthony’s story today.
Prison Fellowship Makes a Difference
For the first time in his life, Anthony’s learning values about living and being productive.
“They’re teaching me the tools I need to be successful,” he says. “I know I’ve been given the gift to preach, and I can preach a hole in the wall. But I can’t balance a checkbook.”
Over his remaining months in the program, Anthony will learn not only how to balance his checkbook, but how to prepare and present a business plan.
Since he started the program, Anthony has changed. His family sees it, too. He used to preach at his family. But, now he says, “it’s not just religion. It’s about the transformation that has taken place — the hope that I have, and my expectations for the future. I never thought that way before. I just wanted to get out of prison. I didn’t plan on what to do when I got out or how I would act … I never thought I would get out.”
He’s reconnected with his family and God is beginning to restore broken relationships. Through counseling and classes, Anthony is learning how to be a husband, a father, and a grandfather and how to lead his family when he gets out.
A Family Restored
“God has truly changed my life through this program,” says Anthony, “and that change is also going to impact my family.”
The impact he’s had on his family is evident already. He’s re-established the broken relationship he had with his father, and has reached out to help his son who was in danger of repeating the generational cycle of crime.
Anthony can’t wait to use the failures of his past to help other prisoners get on the right road the way he’s been helped. “I’ve been to prison three times,” he says, “and the only time I will come back to prison is as a volunteer.”
Anthony Needs Your Continued Prayers
Please pray that Anthony would continue to demonstrate God’s grace and power as he nears release. Pray for the complete restoration of his family.