Prison Fellowship was started in the USA in the 1970s. It was founded by Charles Colson, a senator in the Congress when Mr Nixon was the President. Colson was imprisoned for his part in the Watergate cover-up, and whilst he was in prison he became a Christian and started a ministry to prisoners. It is now a worldwide organization, of which we at Lowdham Grange are a small part. The Chaplain is the Revd David Clarke.
Prayer is the most important aspect of our ministry, and undergirds everything we do, which includes:
Sycamore Tree: a restorative justice course based on the story of Zacchaeus; how he had an encounter with Jesus and then restored four-fold everything he had stolen from his community. The course brings to the prisoners an awareness of how crime affects their victims and their needs, the importance of accepting responsibility for their own crimes, and the value of forgiveness and reconciliation. This is a five-week course, when both victims and members of the community are welcomed onto the course.
Angel Tree: we send gifts to children at Christmas, as from their Fathers. We also send a Christian book with the gift. The Churches in Southwell and round about are very generous to this cause. There are around 100,000 children in this country with parents in prison, and Angel Tree helps some children to feel that they have not been forgotten.
Letter Writing: Many prisoners do not have contact with anyone, and to receive a letter is very important. Prison Fellowship gives guidelines to help those wanting to be a letter-writer.
Some of our members also lead Sunday services at the prison, and also Bible studies.
Prison Fellowship has been at Lowdham Grange for about 20 years now. It is so rewarding to see lives transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. We always welcome new members to our group, and we hold a prayer meeting once a month.
If you would like more information, please contact:
National Office:
Prison Fellowship, P.O. Box 68226, London SW1P 9WR
Tel: 020 7799 2500 | Email: Prison Fellowship
www.prisonfellowship.org.uk