For nearly five decades, Prison Fellowship has seen the amazing grace and power of Jesus Christ transform lives—and that includes all of us, inside and outside prison.
I’m grateful that our supporters take ownership of this mission, as our friends at Hobby Lobby have done in Oklahoma. This fall, I had a chance to speak to hundreds of employees at Hobby Lobby, and we celebrated the incredible changes they are fueling in their state. With their partnership, we’re helping create peaceful, Gospel-centered communities in Oklahoma prisons and helping to make broken family relationships whole again.
The changes we’re seeing in places like Oklahoma seemed impossible not too long ago. In fact, Oklahoma once had the highest rate of incarceration in the country. In 2016, Oklahomans were 65% more likely to be in jail or prison than someone who lived in another state. As a result, 1 in 6 children in the Sooner State has an incarcerated parent.
Now, we’re seeing a major shift. The state prison population has significantly declined (dropping 20% since 2016!). As a result of the impactful ecosystem of programs offered there, we consider it a model state for what a public-private partnership can look like. It’s changing the landscape of the criminal justice system for the better—and with your help, we can replicate this kind of restoration all over the U.S.
Several board members alongside guests representing states from across the country joined us to visit Mabel Bassett Correctional Center and to hear from church partners and staff about the holistic transformation happening in Oklahoma. At the end of the day, we asked the group, “What’s something you’re going to take away from this experience, in one word?”
One of our guests said, “Champion. I want to champion the incarcerated and Prison Fellowship.”
This was the greatest takeaway for which I could pray as an outcome of this trip, and you too are answering that calling. Thank you for all the ways you help champion the work of Prison Fellowship. As we encounter Jesus together with those incarcerated, may we all strive to be champions for human dignity and second chances. Through our biblically based programs, many thousands of men and women who have been judged and condemned by society have experienced the saving grace and unconditional love of our Lord!
May you and your family have a happy and restful Thanksgiving!
Serving Him with you,
HEATHER RICE-MINUS President and CEO
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