Troy's act of kindness was an effort to please God, no matter the consequences.

Cindy Sanford is a self-proclaimed "tough on crime" advocate whose accidental meeting with a juvenile lifer strengthened her faith and led her into prison ministry. She is a registered nurse and the wife of a retired law enforcement officer.  Cindy and her husband Keith are both official visitors for the Pennsylvania Prison Society. 

In prison, Rubin lost his hope and his sense of personhood. He lashed out in pain, until one officer took the time to listen and show him grace.

“Do you want the man getting out of prison to be in the pew next to you—or in the alley behind you?”

That was the question posed to me the other day by a prisoner I will call Tom. Tom has served over 30 years behind bars and is currently incarcerated at State Correctional Institution—Mahanoy in Frackville, Pennsylvania.

Cindy Sanford is the author of  Letters to a Lifer: The Boy ‘Never to be Released.’  Visit her website at letters2alifer.blogspot.com.

He sat in the front row, a light skinned black man with long, slender braids streaked with gray. There was a gentle, compassionate energy about him that touched me.I

The week of April 10-16 has been declared National Volunteer Week—a time to honor and appreciate men and women who are making a difference in the lives of others. Prison Fellowship is greatly appreciative of all those who offer their time and efforts on behalf of prisoners and their families, whether they are mentoring and training prisoners, providing support to children and family members of those behind bars, or offering prayer and encouragement to those affected by crime and incarceration.