One of my favorite times of year is right around the corner: Second Chance Month! Every April, Prison Fellowship leads this nationwide effort to unlock opportunities for millions of Americans with a criminal record.
We’re passionate about seeing God move in the lives of men and women in prison. As we witness His transforming power at work behind bars, we’re compelled to bring the values of the Gospel to the public square as well. We have hundreds of Christians who heed that call and volunteer their time as Justice Ambassadors, like Aisha.
Aisha felt moved to get involved with Prison Fellowship after reading Born Again by Chuck Colson. Though she’d always been interested in volunteering behind bars, her busy schedule—and COVID pandemic prison closures—made it difficult. That’s when she decided to channel her passion as a Justice Ambassador to advocate for justice from a Christian worldview in the halls of power and in her community.
As a Justice Ambassador, Aisha has spoken to her senators about ending unjust disparities in federal sentencing laws. She has also had opportunities to volunteer at many Angel Tree events. Last year, she gave a Second Chance Sunday message at her church, sharing how we serve a God of second chances and how we can apply that teaching by advocating to eliminate barriers to housing, employment, and other opportunities that are often out of reach for people with a criminal record.
“Prison Fellowship makes it easy for anyone to get involved, because you can become a part of something that's going to impact the lives of many people. That’s how we change the world one person at a time.”
—Aisha
Back in 2017, we first claimed the month of April as Second Chance Month, and the movement has since taken on a life of its own.
Every U.S. president since then, along with a majority of state governors, has issued an official Second Chance Month proclamation year after year. Thousands of people across the country have joined us through prayer, Second Chance Month branded clothing and accessories, social media campaigns, and other special events to raise awareness and advocate. We’ve encouraged churches to host a Second Chance Sunday by setting aside a Sunday in April to share a message on second chances.
One of these congregations is Chicago City Church, which will host a special service with a message by Pastor Kent Munsey on April 7. You can tune in live or watch the recording here.
Just last year, more than 880 businesses, churches, and organizations joined us as Second Chance Month partners. And this year, with resources, toolkits, and more, Prison Fellowship is mobilizing even more churches to take this movement forward. Together we’re unlocking second chances for people all over the country, in your neighborhood and mine, who dream of a better tomorrow!
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