By the time she turned 27, Mary Kay Beard had established herself as one of the most notorious criminals in the country. Along with her husband, Mary Kay was wanted in four states for a string of bank robberies and was the target of a mafia “hit” for double-crossing the mob on a diamond heist.
As we walk into the chapel, the dreary images do not change. The walls are chipped, faded, and need painting. The lighting is haphazard and stark. But the dreary, colorless, neglected images are contrasted with 19 prisoners all dressed in their blues—light blue smocks with “CDCR” emblazoned on the backs with dark blue pants. Blacks, Latinos, and whites. Beards, shaved heads, and cornrows.
Last week, ABC News’ “Nightline” program aired a story about the “One Day with God” program at E. C. Brooks Correctional Facility in Michigan. Forgiven Ministry, a ministry partner with Prison Fellowship, organized the program. To watch the video, click here.
On paper, my nephew should never have become addicted to drugs. He was a bright young man raised in a wonderful home by godly parents. And yet, he traded it all in for his substance abuse, leaving his heartbroken family behind when he went to prison.
On Friday, November 20, WUSA9 aired interviews with Prison Fellowship’s Jesse Wiese and Craig DeRoche about the landmark Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act currently before the Senate.
The legislation has been named by some as the biggest criminal justice reform bill in this generation.
Ron and Phil sat side-by-side on a platform, sharing about the decades that their life stories have intertwined. The journey began when Ron, then a drug addict desperately seeking cash, shot and killed Phil’s father.
After Ron pulled the trigger, he went to prison.
This Thanksgiving, Beth will be celebrating how God has continued to transform her and use her during this year since her release.
One of the most beautiful churches in upstate New York is the Church of St. Dismas, The Good Thief, in Dannemora. Built between 1939 and 1941, this Neogothic-inspired stone chapel boasts massive oak doors and an impressive spire.
The church stands on the grounds of Clinton Correctional Facility, a short distance from the prison’s outer walls.
As concert goers were serenaded by Casting Crowns, Newsboys, Crowder, and many more Christian artists, they also got to witness a very touching moment.
The community reentry team connected Albert with Paving the Way, one of Prison Fellowship's reentry partners that helps former prisoners in their search for employment.
Hayden’s life collapsed the day his daddy went to prison. But today, Hayden is getting the love and support of caring Angel Tree volunteers and the church community where it all happens.
Bobby calls it a privilege to “lead those in prison to a life-changing encounter with the one and only living God.”
Jim Liske (l) with Chuck Colson
When I was still a pastor in Michigan, Prison Fellowship founder Chuck Colson came up for a visit. He attended a lunch celebrating those involved in a church-based reentry program for the formerly incarcerated. Men and women came up to thank Chuck for his work with prisoners, and as they did so, tears sprang to his eyes.
