"Sitting in a small group in prison isn't any different from sitting in a small group in my living room."
As Prison Fellowship celebrates our 40th anniversary, we are reminded how important our ministry partners are in bringing about transformation in the lives of prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families. From in-prison volunteers, to prison officials, to local church ministries and transitional housing, there are many people that continue to “remember the prisoner” and seek to restore them to their communities.
It is no secret that the last several decades have not been kind to the city of Detroit. Once a thriving center of industry and the undisputed champion of automobile manufacturing, Detroit has seen its population shrink, its unemployment rates skyrocket, and its infrastructure crumble.
On a lovely spring evening in the Detroit area, men and women from throughout metropolitan Detroit came out to celebrate a very special occasion at Orchard Lake Presbyterian Church—Prison Fellowship’s 40-Year Anniversary. Volunteers, donors, former prisoners, and ministry partners joined Prison Fellowship staff for this special occasion.
Building a new life is a real challenge for anyone returning to their communities after a period of incarceration. There is the need to find housing, employment, and support; to avoid past mistakes and old acquaintances, while making new connections to help ensure future success.
Across the nation—and around the world—Angel Tree parties and house deliveries are in full swing, both blessing the children and families of the incarcerated as well as leaving a mark on the volunteers that make it happen.