It’s hard to believe, but the end of summer is in sight, and it’s back-to-school time for many of you with school- or college-aged children. As notebooks, pencils, and other school supplies fly off the shelves, there are men and women in prisons across the country who are also preparing for or continuing their own learning journey this fall.
Prison Fellowship has long supported a variety of higher education options in prison. Studies show that participation in education programs while incarcerated has resulted in a 43% lower recidivism rate. Thanks to the hard work of our advocacy team and partners, people in prison can access secondary education through Pell Grants, the funding for which was restored by Congress in 2021.
Many colleges and universities are making their degree programs available in prisons nationwide, and I hope you’ll join us in praying for those who are seeking to grow through continued education this fall.
Due to the research and experience that stand behind the Prison Fellowship Academy,
we also have a long history as a subject-matter expert in programming that brings about life transformation. We know individuals and communities are never static. Influences and interactions—both productive and destructive—shape who we are. Left unaddressed, the brokenness that leads to criminality will continue to cause a spiral of harm. But doing time doesn’t have to be this way. We believe it can be a life-changing journey—and that’s what the Prison Fellowship Academy offers.
After nearly 40 years in prison, Melvin is putting all he learned in the Academy to work in his new life on the outside. Now married and running a nonprofit ministry, Melvin is giving back to the community as a husband and leader. And he recently received approval to return—as a volunteer—to the prison in which he was once incarcerated. Melvin, referring to 1 Corinthians 9:22, shared:
It’s like the Apostle Paul said, ‘I have become all things to all men so that [some] might be saved.’
What’s more, Melvin’s amazing life transformation is no exception: We see lives and generations being changed every day. In fact, we recently received a donation from a group of incarcerated men. They have been impacted directly by Prison Fellowship programming and gave to say thank you and to ensure others continue to benefit from the ministry the Lord makes possible. Praise Jesus!
Would you consider adding your own offering to the sacrificial gift of those incarcerated men? And would you join us in praying that lives would keep being transformed through the work of Christ in prisons across the country?
The Lord’s Spirit continues to move in prison, and I’m so grateful that you’ve joined us on this journey of restoration.
Following Him,
JAMES J. ACKERMAN President and Chief Executive Officer
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