PRISON FELLOWSHIP BLOG:

Chew wanted to live free from rules and consequences, but his poor choices led to his incarceration. Could Chew learn how to live free in prison?

Each time in prison was supposed to be her last. Jeannie understood why letters and phone calls to her son went unanswered.

For Anh, stepping into a California prison felt like the end of a long, dark road. She was stunned when a stranger told her the meaning of her name—and even more shocked when she discovered the secret to peace behind bars.

Tammy was surprised at the Academy participants’ dedication. “They began to truly care for one another, standing up for each other, encouraging one another. After all the conflict, I was so amazed and relieved.”

Angel Tree volunteer Nedra has 21 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren—but there’s always enough love for more.

Peyton struggled to speak to her dad after went to prison. But the night she returned from camp, she surprised him with a phone call he will never forget.

Seventy percent of prisoners’ children have caregivers who are over the age of 50. Many of these caregivers are grandparents. This Grandparents Day, we want to honor those family members who care for youth while their moms and dads are away.

At camp, Joseph can set his worries aside and be free to just be a kid. Every day at camp is a new adventure for this child and so many other campers. And after this summer, he will have plenty to share in his next letter to his dad in prison.

What’s the Prison Fellowship Academy all about? Part 1 of this new blog series highlights integrity, one of the six core values of the Academy. The Academy allows participants to embrace a Gospel-centered worldview and take ownership of their transformation—even in prison, where positive change might otherwise seem impossible.

After Shay’s first year at camp, she couldn’t wait to tell her mom the stories of fun and fellowship. The best part wasn’t horseback riding or laser tag—it was meeting people who shared her challenges and reminded her she wasn’t alone.