Albert and his son.
Albert has an amazing story.
The day after he was released from prison, Prison Fellowship’s community reentry team in Antelope Valley, California, assisted with his placement in a transitional home. Albert started volunteering to do odd jobs around the home to keep himself busy during the times he was not out looking for work.
The community reentry team connected Albert with Paving the Way, one of Prison Fellowship’s reentry partners that helps former prisoners in their search for employment. Albert showed up to Paving the Way faithfully every day, always dressed for success as Prison Fellowship staff and volunteers had taught him in his pre-release program at the California Institution for Men. He worked diligently with Paving the Way staff to submit his resume for every employment opportunity available, whether he qualified or not.
Albert admits he got a little frustrated that it was taking so long to find a job, but his mentor encouraged him to stay the course because the reentry team and others were praying for him. And soon, God placed it on the heart of an employer to give him an interview. As usual, Albert showed up dressed for success. He says the Lord gave him the confidence during the interview to present himself as a good choice for the job. By the end of the interview, he was gainfully employed and started the next day as a solar panel installer.
Albert’s mentor reminded him, “If we do our part, then God will do His part and the outcome will be a miracle!”
Debora Postell is a Prison Fellowship field director in California.