Dear John,
Thank you all for your prayers for the Easter Hope Events that took place last weekend. I’m not sure I have ever been more excited to go into prison as I was for this year’s Easter celebrations. While I am grateful for the many ways we’ve been able to continue to host Hope Events virtually, there is nothing like spending Resurrection weekend in prison celebrating the gift of salvation that our Lord Jesus brings to all those in captivity.
Martha and I attended a Hope Event in South Carolina, where Chris Colson, Chuck’s son, joined us to celebrate with the men inside. We had amazing music from Lecrae and an unforgettable message from Jeff Walker, an Academy graduate. It was such a special time, and as we approach the anniversary of Chuck’s passing on April 21, I am grateful we continue to live out his legacy by celebrating Easter with the men and women living and working in prison.
It seems appropriate that Easter weekend kicked off Second Chance Month, during which we raise up second chance success stories to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power and potential of returning citizens. Chuck’s life was the very first second chance story Prison Fellowship shared, and as we continue the work of raising awareness about the barriers people with a criminal record face, I would love for you to join us in unlocking brighter futures for those who have paid their debt to society.
I’m especially excited to host keynote speaker Bryan Stevenson and musical performer Lecrae at our Virtual Second Chance Month gala on April 29 at 7 p.m. ET. Registration is free, and you will not want to miss this amazing celebration!
We also would love to have your support for these additional Second Chances Month events:
- April 17 at 1 p.m. ET we’ll convene our Road to Second Chances Virtual Prayer Meeting, an opportunity to cover our nation with prayer for people affected by crime and incarceration. Sign-up here and pray with us for people in need of second chances.
- Join our Second Chance Challenge to raise your digital megaphone, get creative to raise awareness, and make an unforgettable impact by raising funds!
Every day I am awed and humbled by the work being done and the lives being changed through this ministry. All of this work is made possible by your continued support of Prison Fellowship. On behalf of each person whose life you’ve touched with your faithfulness—thank you! You are continually in our prayers, and if you have any specific concerns or needs for you and your family, we would be honored to pray over them.
Glorifying Him,
JAMES J. ACKERMAN
President and Chief Executive Officer
