PRISON FELLOWSHIP: Chuck Colson

After his career in hardball politics ended in flames, Chuck Colson emerged as one of the most influential evangelical leaders of the twentieth century, influencing countless prisoners, public figures, and everyday citizens. When he found himself in hell, he kept on walking; and through his obedience, God turned an unmitigated disaster into an unbounded blessing.

Patty Colson reflects on how her husband's friendship with Tom Phillips changed the world.

Director of cultivation and engagement at Focus on the Family John McKeever shares what he has learned about God’s transforming power while volunteering with Prison Fellowship behind bars.

Prison ministry volunteers Dave and Judy McElyea reflect on decades of volunteer experience and how faith-based organizations can make a positive impact on prisons.

In this tribute to Chuck Colson, former prisoner Marty Angelo shares how Chuck Colson had a direct impact on his own life and transformation from disgraced producer to follower of Jesus Christ.

"Our outreach to the prisons can't overlook the families in our own church."

Going to prison was a harsh awakening for Audrey. She couldn't relate to the other prisoners, and felt as though she was trapped on an alien world.

Obedience can be a tough lesson to learn. Especially since our society upholds willfulness as a sign of strength. Willfulness can lead people to ruin, but there is Someone who is willing to forgive and forget. And He extends the offer of a better way to those who submit their will to His.

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Mat. 28:20, NIV)

In Paul's letter to the Hebrews, he tells them to "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many" (12:15). 

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

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One of the most endearing stories Chuck Colson shared is found in his book Loving God. He wrote of Myrtie Howell—a 91 year-old woman he met in an “old folks’ home” in Georgia.

Myrtie was born poor, had only one year of schooling, and was married at age 17.

A version of the following article originally aired as a BreakPoint commentary on August 18, 2016, and is reproduced here with permission. 

Charles W. “Chuck” Colson was packing his bags to go home, having served his time for a Watergate-related offense.