Dear John,

Holy Week is such a special time, as we follow Jesus from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the Last Supper to His trial and crucifixion—and ending with the amazing celebration of His resurrection. It’s an emotional week, and one that culminates for us at Prison Fellowship with our longest-held and most anticipated traditions: celebrating Easter in prison!

With last year’s in-person events having been canceled due to COVID-19, I have been looking forward to this year’s celebration with even more enthusiasm and excitement. We are finalizing our preparations for live Hope Events in South Carolina, Tennessee, California, and Alabama, and I would covet your prayers for protection as we enter these last few days. I look forward to sharing the amazing stories of God’s work at these events in the coming weeks.

We did, unfortunately, have to cancel our Hope Events in Florida due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Please join us in prayers of healing and protection for all those who live and work in those prisons.

One of the great joys of attending Hope Events is being able to share the written Word of God with people in prison by providing them with their very own copy of the Inside Journal Life Recovery Bible in English and Spanish. The Spirit of God is moving in prison, and requests for Bibles continue to grow. Each time I have the opportunity to meet or speak with a jail or prison chaplain, I ask them if they have a need for Bibles. Nearly always the answer is a resounding yes!

I met Frank Mastrolonardo of Only Hope Prison Ministries at Twin Towers Jail, the largest jail complex in the world, near my home in Los Angeles. Only Hope is focused on declaring God’s Word in the jail system. Not too long ago, Frank reached out to me and asked if we could help them get Bibles, especially for Spanish-speaking prisoners. Thanks to the generosity of Prison Fellowship donors, we were able to provide not just a few copies, but hundreds of the Inside Journal Life Recovery Bible in an easy-to-read Spanish translation.

Frank told me the Bibles are very popular among prisoners because of their high quality and devotional resources for those recovering from addictions. A couple weeks ago, in response to a special request from new followers of Christ who are hungry for the Word, we were even able to provide 150 Bibles for a volunteer chaplain to bring down to Baja California, Mexico, four hours south of the border! “I just love the way God orchestrates all things for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose!” shared Chaplain Lalo Torres. And all of God’s people said, “Amen!”

As we celebrate Easter this week, I want to take this opportunity to remind you that lives are being eternally changed because of your continued support of Prison Fellowship. On behalf of all those we serve—thank you! You are always in our prayers, and we would be honored to lift up any specific concerns or needs you have for you and your family.

He is Risen!