Over 3,000 prisoners at the Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California, joined with Prison Fellowship staff and volunteers in celebrating Jesus’ victory over death on Easter weekend. Musicians, a comedian, and other performers entertained those assembled in the prison yard, while Pastor Tim Rolen shared the Good News of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
“Of all the events I have put on in my sixteen years with Prison Fellowship, I was totally amazed how God had orchestrated the day without one glitch or distraction,” said Joe Avila, the regional executive director for Prison Fellowship in northern California, Hawaii, and Nevada.
George Carter II performs at the Easter celebration at the Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California. (Click image to see video.)
“It’s always really encouraging to have people come from “out there”—outside these walls—and come to minister to us and encourage us,” George Carter II, a prisoner at the facility, says in an interview with the Merced Sun-Star. “There really isn’t any other way to get through this prison life without having a faith in God and working on that relationship, because there is so much we get hit with every day.”
During the event, Carter performed a song he had written called “War,” inspired by conflicts taking place in Middle East. “With my faith, I felt moved to express it. … It’s okay there’s craziness going on all around you. I have peace, so I don’t have to worry about what’s going on around me.”
If you are interested in being one of those “out there” people who seek to encourage and minister to people like George Carter, visit our action pages and find out what opportunities to serve are in your area.