I hope you had a wonderful Easter! I am so looking forward to worshipping alongside those incarcerated at a Hope Event in Virginia this week. Over the last several days, members of the outside Church have joined together with those in prison to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, praying and worshipping in unity with hundreds of brothers and sisters in Christ behind bars. I’m thankful that our founder, Chuck Colson, started this tradition many years ago.
Chuck went home to be with the Lord on this day in 2012. With each passing year, I remember him with more gratitude, for his God-sized vision and his heart for those impacted by incarceration. Although I never had the honor of meeting him, I’ve been able to read many of his writings. It’s beautiful to see how the Lord has carried Prison Fellowship through seasons of growth and change, and how one man’s calling turned into decades of fruitful ministry.
Prison Fellowship exists to be a ministry of presence. We seek to encounter Jesus with the incarcerated and help others do the same. Every Hope Event has a special focus on unifying the Church inside prison with the Church outside. Amazing things are possible when we walk in step with one another as we pursue life with God!
[I experienced] rejoicing. Music from the soul. It gave us hope and joy ... the Resurrection is the most important thing in the world.
—Ricardo,
Hope Event attendee
Amen, Ricardo.The Church is alive and well in prison! Our brothers and sisters inside are undistracted in their pursuit of Jesus. They understand His grace more deeply than many of us do on the outside. God has ignited within them a fire, and I believe He can use them to spark revival not only within prisons, but also beyond the gates.
Will you join me in praying for those God is raising up in prisons right now? When people awaken to new hope and purpose, there are ripple effects in every community they touch. Each transformed life can impact so many others, especially when that person has a chance to thrive. (Read more about Second Chance Month here—we’re celebrating all month long!)
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