Dear John,

Every day I have the privilege of hearing stories of lives being transformed through the work the Lord has given us to do at Prison Fellowship. It’s particularly encouraging when those stories are not only about individual transformation but also family transformation as well.

Lazaro was the devoted father of 9-year-old Jessica when he went to prison facing 41 charges for everything from kidnappings to aggravated assaults. Despite the separation and the realization that her father was in prison, Jessica never stopped loving her dad. And Lazaro, who had given his life to Christ and was leading a thriving church on the prison yard, was determined to remain present in his daughter’s life despite facing 104 years in prison.

Lazaro sent Jessica a Bible, and he signed her up for Angel Tree Christmas. Lazaro and Jessica remained in touch during his 10 years in prison. Today, they’re closer than ever. Lazaro not only walked Jessica down the aisle for her wedding—he officiated the ceremony! Only through the grace of God do we get to tell such stories of transformation.

Lazaro’s journey hits even deeper for me because he is now a field director for Prison Fellowship and is living out his commitment to the Lord by helping others find new life and transformation through Jesus Christ. Nearly 15% of Prison Fellowship’s staff are formerly incarcerated, and I’m so grateful they are sharing their gifts with the ministry. It’s an honor to lead this team of faithful people so dedicated to doing the Lord’s work.

Another way Prison Fellowship is reaching those in prison is through our quarterly newspaper Inside Journal. Launched in 1990, Inside Journal is full of inspiring and engaging content on topics like parenting, conflict resolution, trauma, and addiction recovery. Each issue offers the hope of the Gospel, relatable stories of prisoners with transformed lives, practical advice about making the most of a prison sentence, as well as other free resources. We recently received a letter from, Glenda, an Inside Journal reader:

“I just read your reentry edition of the Inside Journal and prayed the [sinner’s] prayer you had in that issue! Let me first fill you in a little about me. I am 40 years old and lost my son to being murdered February 14, 2021, because he followed in my lifestyle of selling drugs, and I’m having problems with forgiving myself. But with that being said, I have chosen to change my lifestyle and use my tragedy to help others. I have plans to open a recovery house in my son’s name. And I would greatly appreciate your free correspondence Bible study.”

Your prayers and support of Prison Fellowship make possible the transformations we are blessed to see and hear about every day. You are impacting individuals, families, communities, and eternity. Thank you for caring about those impacted by crime and incarceration. If you’re interested in experiencing firsthand what God is doing through Prison Fellowship, learn more about getting involved here.

Thank you for being part of the Prison Fellowship family!

Praising Him,

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