The power of the Gospel never fails to transform.
As this year comes to an end and we welcome 2025, Prison Fellowship® invites you to be inspired by the following stories of transformation—each celebrating what happens when a surrendered life is placed in the hands of our gracious and merciful God.
1. WRAPPED IN COMMUNITY
THE PEOPLE KERRI MET AT LAKE VIEW CAMP CHANGED HER LIFE FOREVER.
“[Angel Tree camping] gives you an opportunity to change a kid’s life. Not just one time, but forever.”
Camp changed Kerri’s life. And the staff at Lake View Camp are still pouring into her today, providing both wisdom and a safe space for her to belong.
“If it wasn’t for camp then I would not be the person that I am today, and I would not be where I am today, for sure,” Kerri says.
2. THE PRISON CELL, THE CALLING, AND THE CITY COUNCIL
GOD USES IMPERFECT PEOPLE TO CARRY OUT HIS PERFECT PLAN.
“Literally when we needed a place to live, my pastor provided a home. When I needed a job, my pastor provided me a job and an opportunity to work at the school. I became the janitor, and that covered my rent. So when I tell people the church was my reentry, it really was.”
Jermaine spent seven years in prison. After his release, he struggled—but eventually, he spent two terms in the mayor’s seat. How does his story inspire you to rally for second chances?
3. DETERMINED TO PROVIDE
WILLIAM ALWAYS WANTED TO TAKE CARE OF HIS FAMILY, BUT IT WAS HARD TO ESCAPE A CYCLE OF INCARCERATION.
“Dad, I know you say your family is your top priority, but that's not true. Because if we were your top priority, you would be out there with us and not in here.”
William had been in and out of prison for years, but his son’s jarring words made him decide to work hard to stay out. Now, he is a successful barber.
4. A SHATTERED IMAGE AND THE CHURCH THAT STAYED
WHEN SHAMEFUL SECRETS COME OUT, WILL THE CHURCH STICK AROUND?
“If you have contact with the justice system, you keep it like a deep, dark secret. It’s just really humbling and shameful to admit. But that’s changing. The more people start to understand this more, the more things shift.”
In her darkest days, Joy’s church kept her—and her marriage—from falling apart. Now she helps its members navigate a Christian perspective on justice.
5. THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS
RUSTY LEFT BEHIND A STRONG FAMILY FOR A LIFE OF CRIME. GOD’S GRACE BROUGHT HIM HOME—AND TO MINISTRY IN PRISON.
“God restored everything: my kids, my mom and dad, my grandma, all of them, everybody that I've burnt the bridges with.”
Rusty rebelled against his family and God but eventually found new life in Christ. He now ministers in prisons in the same state where he did time.
6. SENTENCED TO LIFE, FREED BY THE GOSPEL
ALBERT DISCOVERED NEW LIFE THROUGH GOD’S PROMISES.
“I'm just hoping that the second half [of my life] gives honor and glory to the God who allowed me to survive and learn from the first half.”
At only 18, Albert was a father-to-be facing life in prison and the reality of missing the birth of his child. But God had a plan and a purpose for his life.
7. GOD’S MERCY WOULDN’T LET GO
JOSE MADE ONE BAD DECISION AFTER ANOTHER, BUT GOD USED THE CHURCH TO SHOW HIM A NEW WAY TO LIVE.
“I did 13 1/2 years. I had been to prison before that. I was a drug addict, all kinds of stuff. Now when I talk to new people at church, eventually I let them know about my past, and they’re surprised. That’s something only God can do. It’s really humbling and a glory to God, of how He transforms people.”
Drugs and bad choices eventually landed Jose in prison. When he looks back at it all, he sees how God used the Church to bless him with purpose and hope.
8. STAYING TOGETHER WHEN BARS KEEP THEM APART
CANDACE AND WILLIE MAY BE SEPARATED BY PRISON BARS, BUT THEIR DEVOTION TO THEIR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY HAS NO BOUNDARIES.
“Early on, Willie and I made a decision that we were going to lean on God to help us stay together as a family and pour out of whatever grace that He gave us.”
When Willie was sentenced to 48 years in prison, Candace decided to make their marriage work, no matter what. Together with God at the center, their love has thrived.
9. FROM SHOCK AND DISBELIEF TO FINDING PURPOSE
MATT TOOK A LIFE. THEN HE FOUND LIFE AND PURPOSE IN JESUS.
“My calling is through Christ. It’s to be able to make disciples of others and just to be able to pour myself into other people and be a servant.”
Matt drove home drunk from a bar one night. He passed out and ran a stop sign, resulting in a fatal collision. Sentenced to serve 25 years, Matt was determined to make the most of his time in prison. Prison Fellowship helped lead him down a road of faith and healing.
10. A SWEET TOOTH LEADS MATT TO A SAVORY TRUTH
MATT THOUGHT HIS LIFE WAS OVER. GOD GAVE HIM A BETTER ONE.
“[Some men were] locked up longer than me and getting out after me. They were happy, joyful people, and I was not. … I started to learn from them and just realized that it was a relationship with Christ in their life that was different for them.”
After a sports injury, Matt made a choice that cost him his freedom. God used doughnuts to get his attention—and eventually, Matt’s life would change completely.
11. LIE DOWN TO DIE, GET UP TO SERVE
AN OVERDOSE COULD HAVE CLAIMED SHEAVEAL’S LIFE, BUT GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY PREVAILED.
“[Angel Tree] changed my children’s lives. It changed my life. … I looked forward every year for Angel Tree to come around.”
Sheaveal’s addiction was costly. She lost custody of her kids and nearly died. But Angel Tree helped her rebuild her family and inspired her to serve.
12. HOW ONE GIFT MADE GENERATIONS OF IMPACT
SHE FOUND LOVE WRAPPED IN A GIFT. NOW SHE’S PAYING IT FORWARD.
“A prayer of mine is that God would touch the hearts of people to help children. Children deserve a safe place to play and to learn and be tucked in at night. Angel Tree will absolutely help put them on that path. Angel Tree will give them a glimmer of normalcy and love and hope that these children may not have otherwise.”
Jasmine felt alone and unloved, but an Angel Tree gift changed her entire life. The impact inspired her to pay it forward.
THE INSPIRATION SERIES
We are so thankful that in an ever-changing world we serve a Savior who remains constant and who—amid chaos—still offers restoration. We look forward to another year of powerful stories of God's faithfulness and grace.
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