Dear John,

One week from today we will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the founding of Prison Fellowship—praise Jesus! The vision our founder Chuck Colson had for serving those affected by crime and incarceration is alive and flourishing. I have fond memories of driving Chuck around Nashville when he travelled to Tennessee. And the time I spent with Chuck during those visits cemented in me a commitment to being a part of that vision.

A volunteer and donor at the time, I certainly couldn’t have imagined the plan that God had for me eventually to become the president and CEO of Prison Fellowship. I am daily humbled and honored to be at the helm of this great ministry. There is much to be excited about at Prison Fellowship today, including the continuation and growth of the work that Chuck started so many years ago.

Prison Fellowship Angel Tree was an important part of Chuck’s vision and work and an important tradition for his family as well. Each December, Chuck and Patty delivered gifts to families served by Angel Tree. And this year, we’re committed to ensuring that as many parents in prison as possible sign up their children for Angel Tree Christmas.

That’s why we’re building on Chuck’s legacy by piloting Angel Tree Parent Days in prisons across the country. These events feature worship and entertainment, but the main event will include speakers sharing how critical it is that parents in prison stay connected to their children and the importance of connecting their children to a church family that can provide support and love.

Signing up for Angel Tree Christmas is often the first step that moms and dads in prison take to rebuild or strengthen their relationships with their children. That’s why, at these Parent Day events, local church members will share with parents the Angel Tree Christmas experience awaiting their kids as well as the encouragement and support they’ll receive year-round. Volunteers will be on site to help parents fill out the applications.

The stories of redemption and transformation we hear each day are another wonderful legacy of our founder. Michael Vander Horst has one of those stories. Michael went to a maximum-security prison in Muskegon, Michigan, for his part in an armed robbery. While there, he joined the Prison Fellowship Academy, and as a result, Michael left prison with new purpose and values. He joined a church, found a job, married his wife Alisha, and started a family.

Even though he faced challenges, he continued to grow and develop and forge ahead. Eventually he was accepted into a management training program at Biggby Coffee and was a successful leader there until the pandemic hit. That was a blow to Michael and his family. But I’m happy to report that as of April 5, 2021, Michael is now the Prison Fellowship Academy graduate manager! Michael has come full circle, and his words couldn’t be more true: “That's not just a dream fulfilled. It's a dream expanded.”

Stories like Michael’s are only possible through your continued prayers and support. Thank you for your faithfulness in changing the lives of those affected by crime and incarceration these past 45 years. May God bless and keep you and yours.

In His Name,

JAMES J. ACKERMAN

President and Chief Executive Officer

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