I am thrilled to share with you that our campaign to host Easter Hope Events across the country was a huge success. I’m so proud of our team, who organized 59 events to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Prison Fellowship staff and volunteers presented thousands of men and women in prison with the chance to respond to the Gospel. Prisoners who already believe in Jesus were encouraged to grow and share their faith with others.
Volunteers were on hand to pray with those who attended, and each event had both an inspiring Easter message and worship music. I wish you could have seen all the hands raised heavenward to praise the Lord who sets us free—inside prison or outside of it! We are grateful for all the speakers and performers who showed up to share Christ’s unconditional love, and thank you to all who have been praying for these events over the past weeks. God answered mightily!
Here is some of the feedback we’ve already received from those who attended:
It was very refreshing to my soul. A reminder that God is almighty and can do amazing things, even for us inmates. God bless everyone at Prison Fellowship.
–Hipolito, Texas
It reminded me that as a prisoner, I am not forgotten. The skit about being redeemed was amazing. Very powerful! I am encouraged in my calling that God has place on my life.
–Lanny, California
This event was very impactful. It helped me to realize that I have a purpose and that God has a plan for my life and my time is coming. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Prison Fellowship.
–Roy, Florida
If I never had the understanding of the word ‘HOPE,’ I truly do now!
–Anthony, Illinois
And for all those who didn’t have an opportunity to attend a Hope Event in person, we filmed a special Easter program with Hillsong San Francisco that we made available on our Floodlight platform, available in prisons across the country via television and tablets. (You can watch the program yourself on our YouTube channel!)
We continue to partner with other ministries to make digital and print content accessible to men and women in prison, and I’m thrilled to share that the Come and See Foundation has generously made their blockbuster program, The Chosen, available on Floodlight. We’re so grateful for their partnership and know that many will be blessed through that portrayal of the life of Christ.
I would also like to give a shout-out to all our faithful volunteers, without whom we simply could not do the work God has called us to. Last week we celebrated National Volunteer Week (April 16-22) by thanking the thousands of volunteers around the country who minister to our incarcerated brothers and sisters and their families. Whether they’re serving as Angel Tree coordinators, Hope Event volunteers, or Prison Fellowship Academy volunteers, their perseverance in leading people to true freedom in Jesus is inspiring—and life changing.
We just shared the story of Reverend Charlie Bench, who helped launch the Prison Fellowship Academy—originally called InnerChange Freedom Initiative—at Lino Lakes Correctional in Minnesota. He has been facilitating classes there for more than 20 years! What a show of faithfulness!
We can never predict just what kind of impact we will have on those we’re serving. We recently spoke with Aimee, a mom whose kids received Angel Tree gifts when her husband was in prison. She was so grateful for that support that she now serves as an Angel Tree coordinator. Her church has hosted Angel Tree Christmas parties for the past two years. Talking about Angel Tree families, she shares, "They're just so alone and they're drowning. And for them to get connected, and come to the church, and have a party, and who knows what can happen, ultimately receive the eternal gift to Jesus. It's just such an amazing ministry."
Aimee’s willingness to give back after being a recipient of the program is exactly the kind of full-circle restoration we strive for in our work.
From all of us at Prison Fellowship, thank you for being a part of the Prison Fellowship family and making this work possible through your prayers and support. We are grateful for you.
JAMES J. ACKERMAN President and Chief Executive Officer
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