We believe that the Church is the best channel for ongoing ministry to families.
Dear John,
As you know, Prison Fellowship Angel Tree has for decades brought hope to incarcerated people and their families. Connection usually begins through Angel Tree Christmas, which gives incarcerated parents a way to provide their children a Christmas gift and a personal message, delivered by caring, local volunteers, as a tangible representation of their love.
We are in the throes of planning for an amazing Angel Tree Christmas season for kids and their families as we speak. We are thrilled that so many of you have stepped up to get your churches involved in sharing the hope of Christ with families this Christmas. And we want you to know that the hope you’re bringing doesn’t end when the Christmas celebration is over.
Churches are encouraged to continue to connect with Angel Tree families throughout the year, and we see this happening more and more. In fact, we just hosted a sports camp in Atlanta as a kick-off to our new Opportunity Kids Collaborative. At this event, volunteers from local churches and the Atlanta Police Athletic League gave more than 100 children a day they’ll never forget.
The kids who participated got to brush up on their football skills, receive an inspiring message from 2005 National Football League Most Valuable Player Shaun Alexander, and hear from Christian hip-hop artist Avila. But most importantly, they all heard the Good News of Jesus and were given their own Bible to take home and read. In addition, the parents who attended were able to connect to local church hosts, who can come alongside them, offering additional ways to engage and receive support all year long.
We at Prison Fellowship believe that the Church—the manifestation of Christ’s body here on Earth—is the best setting and channel for ongoing ministry to families. Families with an incarcerated loved one face particular challenges, and they also possess unique strengths. When churches welcome these families into fellowship, everyone benefits. And we are so grateful to see that happening at events like the one in Atlanta and across the country all year round.
As we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with our loved ones this week, I wanted to share with you a note we received from Rowena, a Prison Fellowship Academy graduate:
“Thank you. You're doing so much—not just to change individuals but to change the world. Because, one by one, you're making a difference. [The Academy] took me, who was broken and could not contribute to society or my community because I was lost. And now you put me back on solid ground and gave me the foundation that I need to build a solid life recovery on. And now I'm actually a person that others can count on. And a person of integrity, which I did not know what that word meant even before I came here. So, you've made such a difference in my life, and now I'm making a difference in other people's lives. And on and on it goes. I wish everybody had the opportunity to take Prison Fellowship Academy. Your support means so much.”
We will be rejoicing and giving thanks for you and your family, as your faithful support and ongoing prayers are changing both lives and generations. From our Prison Fellowship family to yours, may you have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
Celebrating Him,
JAMES J. ACKERMAN President and Chief Executive Officer
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Prison Fellowship P.O. Box 1550, Merrifield, VA, 22116-1550 US
