Welcome to David Buick!

CEO and President Andrew Corley shares three core truths about "Shalom" and why it's important to PFI. 

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ALSO! PF Hungary has been able to connect with some prisoner groups over Skype to help them continue their ministry during lockdown. 

"I am pleased to tell you, that after much intercession and discussion, one of the answers to our prayers is Prayer Line. This brand new service allows anyone in prison to call a free number and leave a confidential message with their personal prayer request. Our team of volunteers then commits to pray for each person who calls on that day and during the following month."

On my announcement day as Bishop of Gloucester, I visited HMP Eastwood Park—a women’s prison— because I wanted to say something about becoming a bishop not being about the “good and the great”. My great passion is that we are all equal, we are all called by God by name, we are all different, and we all have a different role to play. 

PF Northern Ireland profiles this in their latest newsletter

PF Israel is doing remarkable work in very difficult circumstances. In the last year, House of Grace helped 33 released prisoners to be rehabilitated through their residential program. It is the only such facility for Arab prisoners in the country. Read more 

Esther Klaassen shares how she and her colleagues chose to see the "God-possibilities" and opportunities as their circumstances and work changed in Albania.

During this unprecedented time globally, Prison Fellowship International has been exploring new ways to serve the association. We are now excited to introduce a series of live online trainings specifically for PF National Ministries, to take place between June and August 2020.

Themes to choose from: Leadership principles; Scenario planning; Major gift fundraising; Digital communications; Adaptive leadership; Governance; Mentoring & coaching

"Although the activities of prison programs are affected by the pandemic, with the help of our 280 volunteers, we continue to support both detainees and their families (78% women and children), providing them with food and personal hygiene products. Our volunteers are also close to the families of the detainees, offering them counselling in order to cope with these times." 

Read more

With the help of Prison Education Staff all men received a copy of our chaplains’ letter for the inmates. They use this for discussion groups. Juveniles used the letter from their youth chaplain and celebrated Easter together; Last week in Durres prison two man have decided to follow Jesus. Many more stories came back to us.

One prisoner wrote: ‘In a time where everything was cut off, family visits, airtime, free time,  your letters kept coming with words of Hope from God. Thank you for valuing us’.

See also their Annual Report

At Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland we care about families of prisoners. Our two Family Workers. Tracie and Sandra, are committed to making regular visits. Last year 557 family visits were conducted across Northern Ireland offering ongoing support to 287 families, including 83 new families. This is a vital part of our ministry. As one mum said 'The relationship I have with my family worker has been crucial to getting me through this awful time. My family member in prison is supported by PF staff and that's helped us stay connected as a family.' 

Who could have imagined how fast our best made plans could lie in ruins? Just when the year was gaining momentum, suddenly our plans are in tatters!

We are privileged to be children of the King and he says to us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. Furthermore, he recommends, “Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

I am praying for you and our ministries across Europe and Central Asia - for all the decisions that need to be made and the prisoners, their families, and victims who are once again more alone than ever. I am praying that when this is over we will return stronger and more focussed than ever, towards fulfilling the vision God has laid on our hearts.

Stay strong and courageous.

Many blessings

Hugh

In Italy at least six inmates died and at least 50 others escaped from an Italian prison in the southern region of Pugilia. Overall there was extensive rioting in 27 prisons across the country after visitation rights were restricted due to the rapid spread of coronavirus.

From 3 - 6 Feb, Hugh completed the TPJ annual review for Portugal. Since the program began, some 283 prisoners have graduated through the program.