Dear John,

One of the things I love most about the team here at Prison Fellowship is our deeply held belief that everyone is made in the image of God. No one is beyond redemption. There are no throwaway people. Everyone is worthy of a second chance.

Those beliefs undergird all of our work, and they were the driving force that compelled us to launch Second Chance Month in 2017. Since then, we’ve declared each April Second Chance Month, where we celebrate the stories of those who are living out their second chances and invite others to join us in our work to unlock second chances for those who are working hard to turn their lives around. There are a variety of ways to get involved, from hosting a Second Chance Sunday at your church, spreading the word on social media, attending our Second Chance Month gala, or sharing your own second chance story. Will you join us in celebrating this year?

We’re passionate about this topic because when returning citizens find their second chance, everybody wins. We’ve just launched the first of a three-part video series detailing the unlikely friendship of Jesse and Quovadis. They met while they were both participants in the Prison Fellowship Academy, and though they are as different as two people can be, their friendship has endured through their prison sentences and beyond.

Over the years, they have supported and encouraged each other through challenges and dashed hopes, as well as joys and successes. Their enduring friendship is a testament to the love they have for each other.

Jesse shared about his friend Quovadis, “When you win, I win.” And isn’t that the truth for all of us? When we help others succeed, we all win. That’s the amazing love of Jesus at work.

Another way you’re helping create second chances is through Prison Fellowship Angel Tree. Though it’s been more than two months since Christmas, the letters keep rolling in from families impacted by this important program. We heard recently from one father in California, who shared:

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! That is all I can think to say. My name is Joshua, and I am an inmate. Back when I was in reception, I filled out your form to have gifts given to my kids. Then five months later, you delivered and made my Christmas. I am a father of three beautiful daughters. I call my children twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. A couple days before Christmas I called in the morning, and the first thing my daughters exclaimed was, “Thank you for all the presents, Daddy!” I went from feeling like garbage for not being there and not being able to give them presents to feeling like I made their Christmas. All thanks to your wonderful ministry. I cannot thank you enough.”

And I can’t thank you enough for your continued prayers for and support of Prison Fellowship. You are making second chances possible every single day. We couldn’t do it without you!

Honoring Him,

P.S. To continue receiving these ministry updates in your inbox please add prison_fellowship@email.prisonfellowship.org to your address book or safe list. Learn how here.