Jan, an Angel Tree Co-ordinator From the UK, shares a touching story of a cashier who still cherishes the Angel Tree gifts she received as a child, highlighting the program’s lifelong impact. Visit their site to read more and make a difference this Christmas—because every gift matters, and so does every child. 

17 Dec 2024

Have you ever wondered where exactly all the prions are in your surrounding region? Here is a great resource that has mapped out prisons all round the world. Is there one that we may have missed? Let us know!

12 Dec 2024

The TLW program is running strong in Kazakhstan. They are already in 6 prisons and looking to grow and expend in more. Check out the video of pictures they've put together. 

11 Dec 2024

3 Dec 2024

Come check out some November highlights from around the globe!

2 Dec 2024

Christmas Hope is Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland’s annual initiative to support families impacted by crime during the holiday season, offering food hampers, toys, and hope to those feeling alone or under financial pressure.

This year, they're committed to continuing this tradition of love and support. Will you join them in making a difference? Find out more by clicking here. 

2 Dec 2024

Amidst the highly secular backdrop of France, the Sycamore Tree Project is thriving, a testament to the power of faith and community. This dedicated group of 25 young volunteers passionately celebrates as they sow the seeds of the Sycamore Tree Project, nurturing its roots with hope and prayer. Their vision extends beyond Paris, aspiring for this transformative initiative to take root and flourish across the entirety of this beautiful nation. 

29 Nov 2024

PF Spain (CONCAES). Last weekend they celebrated the volunteers with a meeting in Madrid. Over 80 volunteers came from all over Spain! On Saturday, the day ended with a beautiful Eucharist.

See you soon, in Romania. Many blessings

29 Nov 2024

26 Nov 2024

PF Scotland had a fantastic start to Prisoners Week with the launch service on Sunday at Letham St Mark’s Church in Perth, Scotland. It was a meaningful time of reflection and fellowship, centered around the theme “Hear My Voice.” If you missed it, you can watch the service on the website. 

21 Nov 2024

Over the past several months, The Prisoners Journey has been abl eto continue in Ukraine, even in the midst of war. Countless voluneers sacrifice their time and energy to minister to those incarcerated. We thank God every day for Viacheslav and his entire team as they continue to serve god and their country. 

21 Nov 2024

15 Nov 2024

Emerging trends we need to keep an eye on!

See what's going on around the globe with our latest ministry minute video!

5 Nov 2024

Dorothy Day’s powerful words, “I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least,” challenge us to reconsider how we express love and compassion, especially towards those we find hardest to accept. Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, devoted her life to serving marginalized communities, and her message encourages us to extend love to all people—not just those easy to love. Prison Fellowship's work echoes this, calling us to embrace every person’s humanity and potential for redemption, even in difficult contexts. Through this lens, true faith means confronting our biases and reaching out in love. 

Check out the entire devotional at PF England & Wales site.

1 Nov 2024

This past week, I had the privilege of spending time with Prison Fellowship Romania, an experience that left a profound impact on me. I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the TPJ (The Prisoner’s Journey) program at two of the 17 participating prisons. It was a remarkable opportunity to join their dedicated TPJ coordinator, Romeo, and a team of compassionate volunteers, as they walked alongside inmates during their lessons. Seeing lives touched and hope renewed within those prison walls was deeply moving. May God continue to bless Prison Fellowship Romania and the incredible work they are doing to bring light, healing, and change where it is most needed.

1 Nov 2024

Here is a short documentary about Faith Comes By Hearing visiting a prison in Cambodia where PFI is using their devices to run a bible listening program called The Listeners Way.

28 Oct 2024

This is an article about smart prisons and artificial intelligence systems in Finland. It discusses the implementation of these systems in two Finnish prisons. The systems allow inmates to access digital services, communicate with the outside world, and participate in e-consultations. The systems are also designed to help with offender rehabilitation and reintegration. There are some security concerns associated with the use of these systems. However, the Finnish Prison and Probation Service believes that the benefits outweigh the risks. 

25 Oct 2024

During our visit to the Czech Republic, the Europe PFI team had the privilege of touring Jiřice Prison. We met with prison officials to discuss the potential for implementing APAC-style prison models and had the unique opportunity to witness one of their "open" prisons firsthand. It was an inspiring experience, and I truly believe God has amazing things in store for Jiřice and beyond, impacting the entire Czech prison system. 

24 Oct 2024

The end of October brought together three of PFI's regions for prayer, devotion and unity. What an incredible time we shared as Europe and Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa united as one. 

Please be on the lookout as more of these combined virtual prayer meetings will take place through the coming year. 

23 October 2024

Last week, Prison Fellowship Czech Republic hosted a remarkable evening to honor the dedicated volunteers and generous donors who have supported their mission over the years. Set against the stunning backdrop of an 18th-century palace, the atmosphere was one of elegance and gratitude. Classical music filled the air, creating a harmonious ambiance that perfectly complemented the occasion. It was truly a night to remember, celebrating the heart and soul of a community united by compassion and a shared vision for transformation. 

22 Oct 2024

Seehaus (Prison Fellowship Germany) recently held a symposium where the topics of conversation were "New considerations for victim support and criminal law." Of course, these all build around the theme of Restorative Justice.

I have roughly translated the seven considerations, as they are equally relevant to Germany as to most other countries around Europe and Central Asia. You might find these well articulated considerations useful to introduce into your own ministry thinking as well.

10 October 2024

2 October 2024

Come check out the Autumn 2024 edition of our News Focus. This season, they reflect on the theme “Establish the Work of Our Hands” from Psalm 90:17, which beautifully encapsulates the heart of Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland's (PFNI)ministry. 

1 October 2024

"It meant the fulfillment of a certain dream, when I could meet especially my child in a relaxed and very friendly environment. An incredible experience that cannot be expressed in words.”

convicted father in Czech Republic

27 Sept 2024

Form many years Ankerstiftelsen has been support the work of PF Colombia. Indeed it is through this support that Ankerstiftelsen learned more about PFI and finally became a member in 2021.

Great to see this exchange visit which happened in August.

26 Sep 2024

Check out what's happening around the globe!

25 Sept 2024

Seehaus has organized a symposium on Restorative Justice with a range of influential and highly experienced speakers.

20 Sep 2024

For the first time in five years, the field team was able to meet face to face in Washington.

There is nothing like a real encounter to inspire and energise!

9- 13 September

Come check out what's going on around the world. 

Dimitris: "Attending TLW course helped me listen to the Gospel of Mark for the first time and understand why Christ died. I was able to read the gospel for myself. My knowledge of the Word of God was negligible."

Selim: "When I heard the gospel, it was the first time I learned that the God of Christians also loves Muslims and calls us to believe in Him through the cross and the sacrifice made by the Messiah, Christ."

Ivanov: "The program helped me take God seriously and pray every day before going to bed. This helped me endure the prison routine and improved my psychology and comfort in communication. The program is a small break from the daily life we experience as prisoners."

Enjoy some testimonies from our region

Ministry updates from around the globe

I really liked the enthusiasm of the managers who devote a week of their summer vacation to childcare. I was also moved by the children's gratitude, which the youngest were able to express very directly, and the older ones by how they often said goodbye on the last day with tears in their eyes. This year I am looking forward to new experiences and challenges that such a camp always brings.' 

"Now, after my prison journey with Jesus, I no longer see Him as a prison guard with a key who has to unlock my cell door, but as the One who has unlocked my heart's door towards freedom from sin and shown me the way to live a sin-free life. That's the difference that makes sense."                                                                    Konstantin 

....meeting the sunset with PF Bulgaria tram in the middle of Sofia city. 

10.07.24

PF England & Wales is delighted to announce that Catherine De Souza will be joining the team from Monday 2nd September as the new CEO. 

You can read more about it on there website.

Check out the journey of a volunteer with PF Albania

Famous musical West Side Story performed by incarcerated men from Příbram Prison and women from Světlá nad Sázavou Prison challenges established myths about working with prisoners. Instead, it reveals their talents and boosts self-worth among the inmates.

This unique theatre performance premiered at Příbram Prison on Friday, 6th June, as part of the Night of Churches. We had the opportunity to attend, and it was an amazing experience! 

Come read more about it on their website.

Congratulations are in order for Ingvald Viken who is the founder and Chairman of PF Norway. 

He has recently been presented with the King's Medal of Merit for founding PF Norway back in 1989 as one of the first members of the PFI family. Since then, Ingvald along with a growing network of members has continued to bring the love of Jesus into prisons across the land.

Ingvald recently handed over the Executive Director position of PF Norway to Kjell Arne who is continuing the charge!

May God continue to richly bless Ingvald and all the great work to come!

Check out the latest from around our region! 

In 2001, Charity Navigator was founded with the vision of empowering generous individuals with valuable resources to make informed decisions about their charitable giving. Since then, they have evaluated more than 20,000 organizations, providing donors with essential insights into the impact of their contributions.

We recently submitted data to obtain a rating on Charity Navigator's "Impact and Measurement" beacon, which evaluates the impact we have on the lives of those we serve and how well we track progress toward our mission's outcomes. 

The results were resoundingly positive and we scored 97 out of 100 points for the Measurement assessment, which evaluates:

- Program planning and design

- Program development

- Data collection and analysis

- Result reporting and distribution

- Use of results

This rating is a testament to the efficiency, stability and sustainability that you enable this ministry to maintain, as assessed through a rigorous evaluation process based on clearly outlined criteria. Learn more by checking out our rating page.

Billy, who is a volunteer with PF Scotland, shares his candid reflections and insights into the transformative power of volunteering within the prison community.

Check out some incredible testimonies from the women who have gone through the Sycamore Program in France. 

Check out an awesome opportunity to support Prison Fellowship Albania and experience the majesty of the Albanian Mountains. 

From 9 till 15 October PF Albania will organize their 2nd Charity Hike. There will be 4 days of a serious hike through the stunning beauty of the Albanian landscape. The goal is to combine an unforgettable experience with supporting an organization that helps prisoners and their families. 

Last week, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office had the pleasure of hosting Yan Volkov, Prison Fellowship Russia's Executive Director. While visiting, the team had a guided tour of Seehaus (Prison Fellowship Germany). Let's thank Jesus for the continued ministry in Russia and ask God for peace!

This is a short video of 3mn46 recorded by the communication director of la Seine et Marne region, near Paris. She came to film session 6 on Tuesday 2nd April 2024 when we delivered the course to the women sentenced to long term prison. The inmate, Christine who speaks has been on many TV programmes. She talks of her experience with Sycomore since 2021.

13 May 2024

Natalia Pacheco Rojas (left) is my new boss - and she lives on Los Angeles and leads the Global Field Development Team with Young Life that I joined full time in October.  She is also a wise and compassionate leader and it’s been a privilege to get to serve on her team. Here is a picture of Naty and Clarissa (right) - a college student from Tirana, who is a part of our Developing Global Leaders (DGL) program for Young Life.  DGL college students go to school for four years and receive mentoring, leadership development, and a scholarship to cover school costs - and they serve and lead in the local Young Life area. Clarissa Shared her testimony on the Friday night in Tirana, and her story is brutal and yet hopeful. 

Clarissa’s father was an abusive alcoholic - and he would often physically abuse her and her siblings and mother. At one point it got so bad that he pushed her mother off of a balcony and she broke both her arms and legs, which got him arrested and sentenced to prison and allowed their family to find safety. She didn’t really believe in God but she was concerned for her father in prison and began to pray he wouldn’t get hurt in prison - even though she was angry at him and wounded from the abuse. While he was in prison, her father wrote down a list of all the people he was angry at and who he blamed for him being on prison, and who he wanted to hurt when he got out. But, while he was in jail he got connected to a group called Prison Fellowship who works with prisoners doing Bible studies, and helping into them learn to heal and change their lives by following Jesus. Her father got involved in the group - and as Clarissa began to visit him in jail he apologized, tried to make amends and started to change. He got out after many years and when he did he tore up the list of people he wanted to hurt and began living a changed life - and when she saw the changes in his life she knew there had to be a God and that he could change even the worst people with no hope. Around this time she started getting to know her local YL leader in Tirana and got involved in a Bible study and started to grow in her own faith. A future leader of Albania blessed by the Body of Christ in prisons and neighborhoods who were seeking out the lost and powerless in Jesus name. What a gift! 

"When sharing their story in prison, Denise reveals, ‘There are two big shocks; the length of the sentence the driver received—four months in jail with ten years’ probation. And that we have forgiven the guy!"

Chek up our April Video Newsletter!

The recent E&CA Regional Forum was designed to equip NMs to communicate better in an ever-changing world. Regardless of their ministry's maturity, participants were challenged to use various communication tools as a force for change and growth. Representatives from Prison Fellowship Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Albania, Scotland and Northern Ireland were all guest speakers. 20 of the region's 32 NMs (60%) participated with 25-35 participants daily.

For more details see our forum web page

Rev Jo Davies, a chaplain in London, is delighted that Sycamore Tree is running again in her prison. She says,“Sycamore Tree is transformational! I am always impressed by the speed with which men become aware of their victims and recognise the impact of their crimes. Such is the positive reaction to the course that it was the first activity we were allowed to reintroduce in our prison after the complete lockdown during Covid-19. Our entire Senior Management Team recognised that it was essential to allow Sycamore Tree to run again. They prioritised making it happen because it prevents reoffending and transforms lives—not only of people inside prison but also of possible future victims on the outside.”

2024 marks 10 years of running this powerful program and we are excited to share our celebration video to mark this momentous achievement. The impact, stories and transformation you will see are a testament to the work of God and our brothers and sisters around the world. 

15 March 2024

We are out to break the cycle of crime through the love of Jesus. Our starting point is you! Our network of affiliates.

When we see how many other connections there are, you will be encouraged to know we are on the right path towards changing the world!

Click on this link to explore the live map on DataHub

Check out the latest updates from PFI.

WASHINGTON and FORT WORTH, Texas, March 26, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- Prison Fellowship International (PFI) and Eastern European Mission (EEM) have signed a new agreement to provide 71,000 adult, 8,500 teen and 34,500 child-friendly Bibles to seven PFI national affiliates across Eastern Europe

I have just added PRISONS AROUND THE WORLD to our PFI Data Hub. 

This is a beautiful new feature which has the capability of showing exactly where we are working to the exact prison location all around the world!

Chek up some higlights on the upcoming events!

Restrictions to religious freedom are not simply a matter of law, some are also through social hostilities. In many post-Christian countries across Europe, these social hostilities are on the rise and are heavily impacting NM ability to conduct Bible-based, prison ministry.

Pew Research Center's 10 point index considers the following for all faiths:

• Hostilities related to religious norms

• Inter-religious tension and violence

• Religious violence by organized groups

• Individual and social group harassment

53 countries have a hostility score of greater than 5. PFI has NMs in 28 of those countries.

Since PFI's focus is on freedom to conduct Christian ministry, our picture is complex. It's even more complex when we account for divisions amongst powerful Christian denominations.

Pray that as Christians, we may unite and show strength in the face of a rise of secularism turning to radical atheism. Pray that our NMs will reap a great harvest to turn the tide.

Claudia, a prisoner from Netherlands said: ``It is so important that there are volunteers in prisons. They show you that you are not just a monster that needs to be locked up. It's nice that there is someone who looks after you. That you know you matter. That you too are of value.  We can pray together and talk about faith.”

• Anti-conversion laws can be split into four categories:

  • Anti-proselytisation laws (cannot attempt to convert people's religious beliefs) 

  • Anti-interfaith marriage laws (cannot marry someone of another religion)

  • Anti-conversion laws (cannot convert faith from one religion to another) 

  • Criminalisation of apostasy (refusing to follow, obey or recognize national religion)

• 46 countries globally have one or more of these laws. 10 of these are outside of the 10/40 window that we detailed last week – you will be surprised by some! We have 20 NMs in these countries.

• These laws provide an additional level of challenge to the ministry of our NM partners. Let's praise God for our NMs and their volunteers who risk so much to bring the love of Jesus to those ready to hear. 

Read more HERE. 

Get the latest info on what happening around the world!

• There are about 67 countries in the 10/40 window.

• Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Animism, Atheism, and Sikhism are the principle religions.

• 67% of the worlds population live here and the majority are considered the poorest of the poor.

• WE as PFI have 31 NMs within this window. 

• It is extraordinarily tough to bring the gospel directly into prisons in the window.

• Let's praise God for the opportunities we are already using and pray for new creative methods!

20 February 2024

14 Feb 2024

``We continue to grow in TPJ, we recruit new volunteers and train them monthly. This is important in order to sustain the program`` TPJ coordinator in Romania

To check more what PF Romania team is doing, go to their website. 

6 February 2024

Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th of April

30 January 2024

PF Romania has closed their first TPJ quarter with 73 graduates!

23.01.24

23.01.24

Discussing future plans for Ukraine

10 January 2024

2 January 2024 

PF Ukraine organized a strategic presentation for prison directors and heads of prison departments in Ukraine

18 January 2023

11 December 2023

We light another candle 🕯 for each Sunday of Advent. In order, they represent Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The Bible Project has put together 4 short 4 minute videos explaining the biblical basis for each. They have these in most languages. 

I especially like the one on Shalom/Peace as this resonates with our concept of restorative justice. 

Enjoy🕯🕯🕯🕯

"I AM GLAD THAT GOD OBSERVES ME, GOD KNOWS ABOUT ME EVERYTHING"

 "THIS IS FANTASTIC WHAT I HAVE HEARD HERE DURING THE COURSE"

 "WHEN JESUS DIED, HE KNEW THAT I WOULD LIVE ON THIS EARTH"

 "WE ARE ALWAYS GLAD TO ATTEND THE COURSE, IT FEELS SO GOOD"

                         What a miracle!               PF Kazakhstan graduated another TLW group in the country. 

Arben Shkurti: "I often thought that God was angry with me because I made mistakes in life, but it is not true. He likes that I seek to know more about Him. I no longer want to live my previous lifestyle. Thank you so much for providing a Bible lesson that helps people grow their faith and stay grounded in God's Word. You have encouraged me to go forward and share the Gospel with more people``

Gholam Sarvar:  “It's crazy how lost and blind I was. I understood that Jesus is not only a prophet but also the Messiah. I had to go through a lot in life in order to be able to hear these things about God here in prison'' 

Igor : “I wish I knew God before I went to prison, I wish I had made this choice earlier. If only that was the only way for me to know that God forgives me and died for me on the cross. I am so grateful to have taken this course and learned so much about Him while serving my sentence. I learned so much about myself and about God. I want to be a better person for my family and I know I'm on the right path. Thank you so much, that you care and pray for me.

September 4, 2023

Biserica Filadefia (PF Moldova) website

• The team at Baylor University has a paper under review in the Journal of Crime and Justice titled "Virtuous Effects of Religion on Negative Emotions among Offenders in a Colombian Prison." 

• The study provides empirical evidence of the virtuous effect of religion on mental health among prisoners. More specifically, that a prisoner’s participation in religious programs and practices leads to 1) the development of positive virtues including forgiveness, self-control and gratitude and 2) a reduction in anger, depression, and anxiety.

• This study affirms the mission of our in-prison programs, including The Prisoner’s Journey (TPJ). Read it in full here!

Children from the Angel Club from Brno had a great weekend in nature in the Highlands. The leaders took them to a farm with a huge garden and set up games, creative workshops and trips for the children. 

21 May 2023

April 19, 2023