If you’re a part of a local church, you know nothing compares to belonging to a community that is built on the solid rock of Christ. With Father’s Day coming up, I’m thinking about the countless incarcerated dads who have experienced that hope—all because people like you believed they mattered.
That’s exactly what happened for Jermaine. He took steps to break the cycle of crime and incarceration that began with him and his father. Jermaine enrolled in the Prison Fellowship Academy, where he embraced new values and purpose. One day, he cried out to God from his prison cell and surrendered his life to Christ.
With a new mindset and a changed heart, Jermaine strived to be a better father. He also signed up for Prison Fellowship Angel Tree, which equips local churches to personally deliver a gift and the Gospel to children on behalf of their incarcerated parents. Jermaine eventually moved to a minimum-security facility that helped him prepare for employment. He began to pay child support so that he could provide for his son.
After leaving prison, Jermaine sought out godly relationships as part of his reentry plan.
“I knew that I was going to need a church community,” Jermaine said, “a church group I could connect with, where I could learn, where I could really start to build a foundation—and not just me, but also my family as well.”
Jermaine’s family joined Harvest Christian Center International in Leavenworth, Kansas. The church members’ love and authenticity drew him in. He enjoyed the relatable sermons and quickly connected with his pastor. Jermaine says, “I wanted to go somewhere where a lot of people didn't know me, where they’re giving me a new start, and they’re accepting me for the man that I am today—and not the person I was yesterday.”
Today, Jermaine serves as a mission ambassador at Prison Fellowship, a key spokesperson for the ministry. He is regularly welcomed by many churches and forums to share Prison Fellowship’s story through his own powerful story. I’m so thankful for churches like the one that first welcomed him. And I have no doubt that his church has been blessed to have him as part of their family.
Do you attend or serve at a church with a heart for those who are underserved or overlooked? A church that intentionally welcomes those like Jermaine who need the love and support of an authentic community? If so, we’d love to see your church leadership represented at Restore, a conference in Birmingham, Alabama, this September 9–11. Come dive into ministry best practices, discover how to embrace your God-inspired vision, and learn what it means to mobilize those you’ve been entrusted to lead. Please share this opportunity with your church leadership or register here today!
And this Father’s Day, will you remember families like Jermaine’s in your prayers? If you have any prayer requests for us, please share them with our prayer team.
Thank you for joining us in this Kingdom work!
Serving Him with you,
HEATHER RICE-MINUS President and CEO
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