Prison Fellowship’s advocacy work is close to my heart. It’s what first drew me to working at Prison Fellowship more than 12 years ago. I had recently graduated from law school and came to serve as policy advisor. As a Christian, I want to see the hope of the Gospel touch hearts behind bars. I also want to make sure our Gospel values are lived out in the public square. This work impacts real people every day.
For example, in just the first half of 2025, Prison Fellowship celebrated some momentous wins for more restorative approaches to incarceration. In Virginia, the governor signed several bills that we advocated for. These reforms will ensure that sentences are proportional to the crime, that more people with a criminal record can access jobs and provide for their families, and that sentences end upon release.
We also saw victories in Oklahoma. Their governor signed a bill to reduce fees that are assessed in criminal cases and to ensure restitution to a victim is prioritized. He also signed a bill allowing people in jail who are sentenced to prison to receive earned time credit for obtaining their high school diploma or GED. This means more people will be encouraged to use their time in prison in a meaningful way that is proven to reduce recidivism. Another new law ensures driver’s licenses will be provided to an incarcerated person prior to their release when possible, lessening challenges to successful reentry.
One of our many faithful Justice Ambassador volunteers, Sara in Oklahoma, knows the personal impact of incarceration. After she experienced years of childhood trauma, a simple pain pill prescription led her to a years-long battle with addiction—and eventually to prison.
But God wasn’t finished with her story. You can read Sara’s remarkable testimony in her own words here on the blog.
Today, as a Prison Fellowship Justice Ambassador, Sara serves alongside other trained volunteers who share their stories, advocate for justice reform, raise awareness on key issues, and more.
Prison Fellowship strives to support safe and constructive prison environments because every person, including those incarcerated, is made in the image of God with value and purpose. Are you interested in learning about advocacy? Read more here.
We stand for the God-given dignity of every person, and we work to see “justice roll on like a river” (Amos 5:24). Isn’t that a perfect picture of God’s justice? It’s a constant, powerful force for good in this weary world. And it’s our privilege to be a part of that work. As we make second chances more attainable, we can help prisoners leave the past behind and truly become part of the community.
We can’t do this Kingdom work without you! Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers. If you would like to share a prayer request, please let our prayer team know so we can lift you up.
Serving Him with you,
HEATHER RICE-MINUS President and CEO
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