As you read this, we are in the middle of Angel Tree Christmas. Churches in all 50 states are gearing up to purchase and wrap gifts for children on behalf of their moms and dads in prison. Soon, thousands of dedicated volunteers will deliver these gifts, the Gospel, and a personal message through home deliveries and Christmas parties—giving parents in prison a special way to connect with their children.
For many families, Prison Fellowship Angel Tree is the highlight of the holidays. I think of parents like Alex, who shared:
“My stepchildren light up each time y’all bring gifts to them from me. This has really touched my spirit, knowing that there are people out in the world who care for others like Jesus cares for us.”
My family has had the opportunity to volunteer with Angel Tree for several years through our home church. My daughters love to help, and it’s a beautiful way to serve together. While delivering gifts one year, we met a grandmother whose son is incarcerated. After we handed her the Angel Tree gifts for the children, she gave my daughter a stuffed animal. A few months later, that grandmother called to see how I was doing and asked if I needed prayer.
It was such a beautiful thing for my family to be blessed by people that we went to bless. My husband, Paul, and I have become close with another Angel Tree family that lives down the road. Their teen daughter is now our favorite babysitter, and our families love spending time together. This program provided an open door to families right here in our community.
Angel Tree is not just a Christmas-gift ministry. It can make a difference all year, long after the last present is unwrapped. When families attend parties or receive deliveries, they learn there’s a church nearby that cares. Some begin to attend a youth group or Sunday school. Others discover additional means of church support, like a food pantry, tutoring, or simply a listening ear. And as lives become entwined, the Gospel is spread to families who need hope and healing in Jesus.
We’re so thankful you are part of the Prison Fellowship family. If there’s any way we can be praying for you, please let our prayer team know. We’d love to lift you and your family up this Christmas!
Joyfully,
HEATHER RICE-MINUS President and Chief Executive Officer-Elect
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