‘I Have Hope for the Future’: One Woman’s Letter from a Nebraska Prison

January 5, 2021 by Emily Andrews

Prison Fellowship Academy takes incarcerated men and women through a yearlong, transformational journey to replace criminal thinking and behaviors with renewed purpose and biblically based life principles. With targeted curriculum, compassionate coaches, and restorative community engagement, participants develop and practice values of good citizenship: community, affirmation, productivity, responsibility, integrity, and restoration.

Sammi is an incarcerated woman in Nebraska and an Academy participant.

I HAVE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Before joining Prison Fellowship Academy, I was so lost and broken. The little faith and hope I had left were fading fast.

Being in the Academy has lifted my spirits. Even though days are still hard at times, I have a lot of hope and optimism for the future. I have learned how to communicate effectively. I also know what a healthy relationship should look like. Before, most of my relationships were toxic. Now I know what it requires from both sides to make it work.

Being involved in a community has helped me find purpose—something I felt I never had before. Affirmations from my Academy sisters have boosted my self-esteem, which was my worst issue. Most of all, I have become closer to Jesus than I have ever been.

I have learned more about myself through Prison Fellowship Academy than I ever could have imagined! It truly has been life-changing. I couldn’t be more grateful.

I press toward the goal to win the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14, NIV).

Thank you,

Sammi

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