Dear John,

Although the COVID-19 situation remains uncertain, we are grateful to share the bright spots that we are seeing around the country. We have been able to continue the innovative work the Lord has given us during this unprecedented time, because His favor opens doors no matter what’s happening around us.

• We are continuing our work through the Prison Fellowship Academy^® in earnest. A number of the prisons hosting our Academy program have re-opened to our staff, with classes resuming under proper social distancing protocols. In places where prisons remain closed, our Academy managers have found creative ways to stay in touch by writing letters, sharing new materials via chaplains, or encouraging Academy participants to meet on their own in small groups.

• Our work advocating on behalf of those who are incarcerated is also marching on. The devastating spread of COVID-19 has resulted in increasing deaths among those living and working behinds bars. Encouragingly, since the passage of the CARES Act, over 2,500 people have been released from federal prison and placed in home confinement. We recognize, however, that there is still much work to do to ensure the protection of all those in prison. As Congress prepares to pass another major COVID-19 response bill, I urge you to use our pre-written letter asking the president and federal lawmakers to include measures to prevent and respond to outbreaks in correctional facilities and to ensure those with a criminal record have access to reentry services during these uncertain times. To learn more about how the current public health crisis is impacting men and women in correctional environments across the country and in your home state, visit our interactive map. And please pray for the men and women who live and work behind bars.

• We are carrying on with our work to provide thousands of children scholarships to attend an Angel Tree Camping^® partner camp. With some states easing restrictions, many camps are still hoping to safely host children this year. Some are shifting their camps to late summer or early fall. In the meantime, as an expression of support and encouragement, we are distributing care packages to Angel Tree families containing a $150 grocery gift card, a One Hope Booklet, a choice of athletic equipment to encourage outdoor play, and either a children’s or adult Bible. As we’ve made calls offering these packages to caregivers, we’ve had so many tell us that they were questioning what they could do to provide, and then our call came just in time. We also spoke with one mother who shared this heartwarming story:

“I am very thankful for the camp and the people that call to check on him or send us letters to see how he is doing. They send literature with verses from the Bible. He looks forward to going to get away from where we live for the three days. When he comes home, he loves telling me about his experience. It helps Isaac to respect me more, because he didn’t before. His manners have improved. He is maturing into a wonderful young man. … Thank you again so much! Angel Tree camp has played a big part in our lives! I thank God for Angel Tree.” –Adeline, mother of an Angel Tree camper

All of this work is only possible because of your continued, faithful support.

Morale is high within our team, and we have heard many stories about how the Lord has used this pandemic to strengthen our staff spiritually, emotionally, and professionally, even as they feel a holy longing to remain connected to the men and women in prison. One verse close to our hearts during this season is Philippians 1:8, “God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

As always, if you are personally affected by COVID-19, please let us know how we can pray with and for you.

In Him,