Our Top 12 Inspiration Series Stories for 2023: A Year of Transformations

Rochelle was convicted and jailed for theft of tens of thousands of dollars. Prison was not where she wanted to be, but as time went on, she realized it was where God needed her to be. After her release, she discovered God’s grace in the unexpected second chance He opened up for her. Now she serves to help others find theirs.

Eddie was sent to death row for his crimes. He eventually surrendered his life to Jesus, but it wasn’t until he began corresponding with Prison Fellowship founder Chuck Colson that the weight of his crime grew heavy on him. In an incredible act of obedience to God, Eddie took a step that few others would—and for which God blessed him generously.

Aimee discovered the power of community when her husband went to prison, and she began caring for their four sons on her own. That was when Prison Fellowship Angel Tree^® arrived in their lives. When she and her boys began attending church, Aimee became the Angel Tree coordinator to help deliver gifts—and hope—to other families with a loved one in prison.

To some, the friendship between Jonathan, a resident of North Dakota State Penitentiary, and correctional officer Dan may seem an unlikely one. But Jonathan experienced a radical change in behavior thanks to the Prison Fellowship Academy. While some might see Jonathan’s past write-ups and intimidating stature, Officer Dan sees a disarming smile, a friendly demeanor, and a wealth of leadership potential.

Pastor Darron Edwards and his church in Kansas City, Missouri, have supported Prison Fellowship Angel Tree since the mid-1990s. “Because God has afforded us a sense of abundant living,” Pastor Darron says, “… we wanted to pour it back into the least, the lost, and the left out.”

2023 marks the 10-year anniversary of Warden Exchange. While it has grown and changed over the years, its heart remains the same: to see transformational leadership create safer prisons for those who live and work there—now and for decades to come.

Today, Helen has served 41 years of a life sentence—and the woman she is now is nearly unrecognizable compared to the “insecure, insignificant … naïve country girl” she remembers being when she was first imprisoned.

Over the course of her sentence, Helen has dedicated herself to taking part in every program she could, from Bible studies and church services to educational and mentoring programs—including the Prison Fellowship Academy. During that time, God has also provided her with a family behind bars.

Angie wouldn’t have chosen prison, but she believes God used it to bring her a peace she would not have found otherwise. Prison Fellowship Angel Tree allowed her to remain close to her children despite her incarceration.

While incarcerated, Stephen sent gifts through Angel Tree for two years and says that the program helped him maintain the important parent-child bond. Allowing him to stay connected with his children despite his setbacks and struggles, Angel Tree was a way for him to let his kids know their dad still loved them.

Former pro baseball stars Darryl Strawberry and Willie Mays Aikens both were at the top of their game—and both served time in prison. The former athletes came together to encourage incarcerated men at two correctional facilities in Missouri with the hope that can be found in putting their faith in Jesus.

Pam and Aaron had been friends for years, fell in love, and before they knew it, were on the run from law enforcement. Both eventually served time in prison but credit Angel Tree with blessing them with a connection with their children during a time of separation.

“I bet they could tell you what they got from him with Angel Tree because it's not the gift,” Pam says. “It's the thought behind the gift. It's love. It's the thought. [Angel Tree] can be life-changing, not just for one child, but for a whole family.”