Dear John,

When I joined Prison Fellowship in 2016, I wasn’t aware that nearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults has a criminal record—nearly 70 million people. After paying their debt to society, too many of the people represented by that number are prevented from reaching their God-given potential because of some 44,000 documented legal restrictions placed on them, not to mention the widespread social stigma of having a criminal record.

Americans love the idea that hard work brings success. And, that if we just put in the effort, we can achieve our goals. For our neighbors with a criminal record, however, there are overwhelming obstacles that stand in the way of a full and productive future—despite their hard work and best efforts. Usually having no bearing on community safety or public good, too often these hindrances prolong their punishment, despite the returning citizen’s desire to make good on their second chance.

And those are just some of the reasons we’re asking you to join us again in celebrating Second Chance Month this April. Since launching Second Chance Month in 2017, Prison Fellowship has spearheaded the nationwide effort to raise awareness about these barriers and unlock brighter futures for people with a criminal record.

This year, we have a variety of ways for you to engage, from encouraging your pastor to host a Second Chance Sunday, to participating in a virtual prayer walk, to creating your own fundraising campaign, to sharing your own second chance story. We would love for you to join us in celebrating the contributions of those who have returned from prison and raising awareness of the need for second chances.

For many in prison, the power of a second chance begins with meeting Jesus for the first time. And thanks to your continued support of Prison Fellowship, we have been able to share more than 83,000 copies of the Inside Journal Life Recovery Bible with people in prison this fiscal year! There seems to be no end to the need for Bibles in prison, and we are thrilled that God’s Word continues to change lives and provide the eternal second chance for so many people.

As we prepare for Easter and the many Hope Events that will be taking place across the country, would you join us in praying that the Lord’s Spirit would begin moving even now in a mighty way to prepare the hearts of those who attend and to create opportunities for the Gospel to change lives and set people on a path to hope and redemption?

Celebrating Easter in prison is a longstanding tradition at Prison Fellowship started by our late founder Chuck Colson. Nothing captures that moment of stepping into new beginnings and second chances like launching into new life with Jesus on Easter. I’m anticipating we will have amazing Easter celebrations, and I look forward to sharing great stories of the Lord’s work in the weeks to come.

Rejoicing in Him,