Embracing Freedom in Love: Meet Prison Fellowship

As we celebrate the theme of "Freedom in Love" this July, we recognize the profound impact of love and compassion on individuals and communities. Prison Fellowship, an organization founded in 1976 by Chuck Colson, exemplifies this impact by bringing hope and restoration to those affected by incarceration. As the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, Prison Fellowship’s mission is to encounter Jesus with those impacted by incarceration.

Matt grew up in a quiet rural town in central Minnesota, where the social scene was minimal. While some families sought inspiration and fellowship through church, Matt’s family attended services only occasionally. Faith wasn’t a significant part of their lives. For Matt, sports were his primary focus, shaping his identity and providing a sense of belonging.

In high school, Matt formed strong bonds with his teammates through football. The camaraderie and shared experiences on the field provided him with entertainment and a sense of purpose. However, his life took a drastic turn during his freshman year when he suffered a severe knee injury. The lengthy recovery process isolated him from his friends and left him longing for new connections.

In his search for companionship, Matt made some poor choices, including attending parties where underage drinking was common. These new friendships were shallow and couldn’t replace the meaningful relationships he had developed through sports. One fateful decision to help a friend obtain a gun led to a series of events culminating in Matt’s arrest and conviction for second-degree murder. At just 17, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Facing an uncertain future behind bars, Matt initially rejected the idea of attending church. However, the promise of free doughnuts lured him to a service where a volunteer's message of love and forgiveness resonated with him. This marked the beginning of Matt’s spiritual journey, even though he didn’t fully understand its significance at the time.

Church volunteers continued to mentor Matt, guiding him through his time in jail. Despite transferring to different facilities, Matt struggled with guilt and shame over his crime. He observed other inmates who seemed to possess a sense of peace and joy despite their circumstances. He realized that their faith in Christ made the difference.

When Matt transferred to Minnesota Correctional Facility-Lino Lakes, he had nine years left on his sentence. He began to fully embrace his faith, participating in the Prison Fellowship Academy®. This program, which combines targeted curriculum, compassionate coaches, and a supportive community, helped Matt develop values that transformed him into a positive influence within the prison.

After graduating from the Academy, Matt stayed on for an additional year to mentor other inmates. He led small groups and encouraged others to make the most of their time in prison by finding purpose through faith. His commitment to helping others demonstrated the profound impact the Academy had on his life.

Matt’s journey didn’t end there. He was transferred to MCF-Moose Lake, where he continued to apply the values he learned. Pastor Joel of Westwood Community Church invited Matt to start a microsite at the facility, an extension of Westwood’s ministry led by an incarcerated individual. With support from Westwood volunteers, Matt embraced this leadership role, bringing the church’s message to his fellow peers even during the COVID-19 pandemic when external volunteers were barred from entering the prison.

The pandemic brought personal challenges for Matt, but it also opened new opportunities. When his work release program was delayed, he visited Westwood Community Church and was offered a job as an evening janitor. His dedication and work ethic led to rapid promotions, and within six months, he became the facility manager. Today, Matt serves as the director of multiplication for Westwood, training and equipping others, including incarcerated men and women, to be faith leaders in their communities.

Reflecting on "Freedom in Love" this July, Matt’s story is a powerful example of how love and compassion can transform lives. Prison Fellowship’s commitment to restoring individuals, families, and communities through faith exemplifies the true essence of freedom found in love. Inspired by their work, we can extend this same love and compassion to those around us, fostering a society where everyone experiences the freedom and hope that come from being truly loved.

For more information about Prison Fellowship and how you can get involved, please visit Prison Fellowship.