Dear John,
We’re just days away from beginning the celebration of our sixth annual
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Second Chance Month , and I couldn’t be more excited. Second Chance Month was born out of the belief that everyone is made in the image of God, and so all deserve a second chance.


This month we’ll be honoring the stories of those who are living out their second chances,
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like Jon Kelly . Jon grew up in a troubled area in Philadelphia and was arrested for the first time at a mere 13 years old. He cycled in and out of juvenile facilities before finally, at 19, he landed in prison for robbery. He was sentenced to six to 15 years in prison and five years of probation. But behind bars, he found hope in Christ.


Since getting out of prison, Jon has turned his life around. He returned to church, and after getting his bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute, he decided to follow his passion for second chances. Today, he’s the pastor of Chicago West Bible Church and a
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Justice Ambassador for Prison Fellowship. He advocates for cultural change and legislative reform. Jon is living out his own second chance by working to ensure that others get one, too. Praise Jesus!


I’m thrilled to announce that Prison Fellowship can now make even more second chances possible through a recent grant from
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Just Trust . The grant will allow us to launch a specialized training track to equip Prison Fellowship’s formerly incarcerated Justice Ambassadors, like Jon, to become more effective advocates for justice that restores. Simultaneously, they’ll advance their own professional and personal development.


Our formerly incarcerated Justice Ambassadors are among our most passionate volunteers. However, they face stigma, skill gaps, and barriers that weigh heavily on them. This specialized track focuses on developing communication and soft skills in the context of community with others who have shared values and experiences. With this training, Justice Ambassadors can grow more confident and persuasive. When they are equipped to share their personal experiences of incarceration and redemption, they become incredible catalysts for changing the hearts and minds of lawmakers and their communities. The first cohort of this specialized track just started and will run through July. Will you join me in praying for all those who will participate?


Speaking of prayers, could I also ask you to
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pray for our upcoming Easter Hope Events? We’ll be hosting 53 events in 20 states over the Easter weekend, and I am already anticipating how the Holy Spirit will be moving in prisons. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross—the very thing we celebrate each Easter—is about each of us receiving our own second chance. How beautiful is it that we get to celebrate Easter during Second Chance Month? I ask for your prayers for lives to be changed and for people to step into their own second chance story. And I look forward to sharing some of those stories the next time I write.


You have helped change lives and families through your faithful prayers and
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support of Prison Fellowship! We are so grateful you have made it possible for us to serve the Lord through this important work.


Praising Him,

JAMES J. ACKERMAN
President and Chief Executive Officer

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Prison Fellowship P.O. Box 1550, Merrifield, VA, 22116-1550 US


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