For 40 years, Prison Fellowship® has been going into correctional facilities, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those behind bars, and offering the hope of true transformation. Through the use of Bible-based programming, and with the help of thousands of committed volunteers, lives are being changed, hope is being restored, and darkness is being replaced with the promise of a future.
As 2016 draws to a close, we look back on some of the stories that meant the most to you and to us. Thank you for serving with us as we "remember those in prison."
The following article was originally posted February 24, 2016.
WHEN DO WE HEAL?
by Steve Rempe
Last fall, Prison Fellowship® teamed up with singer-songwriter Idalee to create something unique—a music video, shot entirely inside a corrections facility, with a band composed of men from the prison.
"I had the amazing opportunity … to bring this song, 'Heal,' into prison and perform it with prisoners," Idalee says. "It's really cool. The song is about these guys, and it is cool to do it here."
In the video, Idalee tells his bandmates a little of his personal story—his struggles with drugs and alcohol, his waking up in an emergency room following a car accident, and, ultimately, his second chance. "That second chance, man, that's like the theme of my life."
The song struck a chord with several of those in attendance.
"When I heard that song today, it just resonated in my spirit," says Aaron, who is completing a sentence for aggravated robbery. "That sometimes, your spirit has to be healed, and your soul has to be healed, and that physical part is going to come later."
The song is already receiving attention from several media outlets. The Huffington Post was the first to highlight the song, offering an exclusive release of the "Heal" video. Idalee was also interviewed by AXS.com about the project. Other sources that have featured stories about Idalee and "Heal" include the Music Industry News Network, Caesar Live n Loud, and Jazz Corner.
Idalee is offering a free download of "Heal," as well as some behind-the-scenes video, at https://idalee.com/heal/.
Prison Fellowship believes that we can all be restored. To find out how Prison Fellowship is working in and out prison, visit our In-Prison Ministry page and our Prisoner Reentry Support page.