They treat everyone with equality knowing and understanding that the ground is level at the foot of the cross and they desire the success of all inmates . 513FREE is devoted to breaking the cycle of broken lives , broken homes , and broken relationships .
The Pen Project is just one of the ways they are working to blow the roof off the misconceptions and fears the public has about prisoners and unite Christ ’ s body by working with inmates . This publication provides an opportunity for inmates to have a voice , work with the public , and participate in the body of Christ as a whole . The Pen Project provides inmates with a chance to minister to others who may be in the same situation as they are . The majority of the content in The Pen Project is from inmates who are real people with real life experiences . The authors of its pages have collided with the Gospel of Christ head on and have experienced life transformation because of it . These pages reveal the fruit of their changed lives . It is their pleasure to share the hope that they have with you , so that you may have that same hope , be encouraged , and strengthened .
V O L U M E 1 I S S U E 2
foreword
by Anthony Scholfield , Jackson Correctional Institution
513FREE has been bravely going where many in the body of Christ today would rather not go – the prison system . They have tossed aside the rumors , stereotypes , misconceptions , and fears and replaced them with love . By the ministry going in and experiencing the system and those that reside there , they have been bringing hope to the hopeless and freedom to those in bondage through the Gospel of Jesus Christ . They have answered the call of God on their lives personally as well as being part of the body of Christ by doing what Jesus talked about when He said , “ I was in prison and you came to me ( Matthew 25:36 ).”
With this statement Jesus signals that He has children who are in prison and by caring for them you are caring for Him . 513FREE has been an instrument in God ’ s hand to encourage and strengthen the body of Christ behind the prison fences . They have had a large impact on my life and in this institution as well as other institutions around the United States . They come in with a genuine desire to care for the men and women they are ministering to .
We need things that unite the body of Christ together , especially in our culture today where division and separation run rampant in the church . We need each other more than ever to stand firm in our faith , we weren ’ t meant to do it alone nor can we . This is why The Pen Project is so important . You will no doubt be encouraged by the contents of this publication and even challenged by it . The Pen Project is sure to inspire growth and a deeper conviction in submit- ting all of our resources and abilities to God ’ s kingdom for His glory .
I am thankful that 513FREE has answered God ’ s call in seeing the need for this unification of Christ ’ s body and have not forgotten those who are easily forgotten . I have been working with the ministry for the past year and it has been a pleasure and an honor . They truly embody Galatians 5:13 , they use their freedom to serve others in love . I have experienced this first hand and it ’ s contagious . I ’ m privileged to call them my brothers , sisters , and friends . We are excited to share this with you and encourage you to join us . Glory be to God ! pictured : Anthony Scholfield
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