This past Father’s Day weekend, I felt so thankful for the good dads in my life. My own dad, who is now home with the Lord, gave me a wonderful example of what it means to follow Jesus. And my husband, Paul, is the most caring, dedicated father to our two girls.
Thousands of children across the country have an incarcerated father. At Prison Fellowship, we want to see these families experience healing and stronger relationships. Dads in prison can still become who God created them to be. They can have a meaningful role in their children’s lives even from prison.
This month, we have a number of Hope Events happening in men’s prisons across the country. My friend Carmelle will be sharing her powerful story during one of these events at Coffeewood Correctional Center in Virginia. Her dad was incarcerated, and her testimony is all about family restoration and second chances—and how the local church can come alongside families impacted by incarceration.
I’ll share a glimpse of her story with you. Her father was incarcerated for more than 25 years. The separation took a toll on the entire family. From the day he returned home, the family needed support and resources. Then, after her dad’s release, Carmelle and her parents quickly found a church home that loved and welcomed them. (I’m so thankful, because that’s where we met and became friends!) That supportive church community has made all the difference with their reentry journey.
Everyone who is justice impacted has a place in God’s family. Churches have such a special opportunity to meet people where they are, just like my church did for us. No shame, just open arms.
—Carmelle
Carmelle is passionate about prison ministry and serves as a Justice Ambassador with Prison Fellowship. I’m so grateful for her work. And whether you’ve been impacted personally by the justice system or not, there’s a place for you to get involved, too.
What would it look like for your church to be a place of welcome? What would it look like for your church to help these families know they are loved and cared for, both by the Church and by God?
Right now, dads behind bars are beginning to sign up for Angel Tree Christmas. Then, churches across the country will purchase and deliver gifts to each child in their parent’s name. Angel Tree is one of my family’s favorite traditions—and it can become one of your family’s, too.
If you haven’t registered to be an Angel Tree church yet, there’s still time! You can register your church today.
Thank you for joining us in this Kingdom work! As always, if you have any prayer requests for us, please share them with our prayer team.
Serving Him with you,
HEATHER RICE-MINUS President and CEO
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