Ministry Spotlight: Prison Fellowship
Continuing with the ministry spotlight, WordJourney turns its focus to Prison Fellowship Ministries, a Christian outreach to the incarcerated and their families.
Founded: In 1976 by Chuck Colson, a former aide to President Nixon who himself was involved in the Watergate cover-up and was imprisoned. Prison Fellowship International (PFI), the global umbrella organization for Prison Fellowship groups, is headed by Ron Nikkel. Today, there are more than 100 Prison Fellowship ministries reporting to PFI. Mission: “To seek the transformation of prisoners and their reconciliation to God, family, and community through the power and truth of Jesus Christ.” Projects: The main thrust of Prison Fellowship is to minister to men and women who are in prison. Prison Fellowship gains access to prisons around the world, by holding Bible studies and prayer groups for those who are seeking God. Through their work Prison Fellowship says that they are able to restore broken lives, bring crime statistics down and make communities safer. Additionally, Prison Fellowship runs Angel Tree — a program to provide Christmas gifts and year round help for children of prisoners — and Justice Fellowship — a faith-based training program for prisoners and a reentry program in Iowa. You can hear Chuck Colson on his Breakpoint program where he discusses faith matters as related to current news. Budget: $40 million for its U.S. operations alone Notables: In the U.S., 8,000 churches and more than 11,000 volunteers partner with Prison Fellowship. Group claims that recidivism rates drop by 66 percent for people who participate in their programs. Prison Fellowship is active in all 50 states and is in more than 1,400 correctional facilities. National Headquarters: Prison Fellowship Ministries World Headquarters: Prison Fellowship International Dallas Observer: Prisoner Re-Entry Supporters Tie Into National Faith-Based Out4Life Network WHSV.com: Working to Keep Former Inmates “Out4Life” Popularity: 16% [?]
44180 Riverside Parkway
Leesburg, VA 20176-0176
877-478-0100
pfm.org
PO Box 17434
Washington, DC 20041
703-554-8664
pfi.orgResources
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