By faith we will continue
Have you ever taken a moment to count how many times Paul writes the words ‘by faith’ in Hebrews 11?
Why not read the passage now and see for yourself—you’ll find 23 instances of ‘by faith’! That’s 23 incredible examples of what happens when God’s people act in faith, often without any visible evidence, only the promise of God’s faithfulness.
This passage reminds me of Sylvia Mary Alison, who, in 1979, founded Prison Fellowship in England and Wales. Her vision for the ministry was one born out of faith—faith in a God who could transform lives, even in the most unlikely places. When she began, there was no Angel Tree, no Prayer Line, no Letter Link. But there was a small group of people who trusted that God had a plan for people in our prisons.
Sylvia Mary’s vision was simple but powerful:
‘All of us, of all denominations, of all sectors of society, with different gifts and skills, brothers and sisters in Christ, met together and prayed for the prisons and prisoners. There would be small gatherings, groups of twos and threes, scattered throughout the country, each one carrying the responsibility to spread God’s love in the prisons of England and Wales.’
By faith, that vision began to grow. And, by faith, we continue to witness God at work in every prison.
Over recent days, I’ve heard of people in prison who, for the first time, were moved to tears by the message of forgiveness—something they had never encountered before. I’ve heard of others who, after engaging with our programmes, are now reading the Bible with fellow prison leavers in their communities. And I’ve heard of yet more people in prison supporting each other in ways they never thought possible, finding peace, joy, and love in the midst of their struggles.
Like those early believers, we know that we will encounter challenges along the way. Yet, through every season, we trust in God’s perfect plan, knowing that His Kingdom is never shaken. Even when circumstances evolve, He is still at work, bringing restoration and new opportunities.
As we press on, your support is vital in ensuring this life-changing ministry continues to flourish. By acting in faith, we can ensure that our programmes, our prayer ministry and our work with the families of people in prison continue to touch lives and bring hope to those who feel forgotten.
Your regular gifts allow us to plan for the future with confidence, ensuring that we can always say ‘Yes’ when a prison requests support. Your partnership ensures that those in prison know they are never beyond hope, never alone and never forgotten by a loving God.
By faith, this ministry began. By faith, we will continue.
Please prayerfully consider making a regular gift today to help us move forward with hope and faith in God’s perfect plan.
With heartfelt thanks,
Catherine De Souza
Chief Executive, Prison Fellowship
P.S. Regular gifts allow us to plan ahead, responding to the demand for our programmes, and bringing hope to more people in prison. Please consider setting up a regular gift today.
Your gift will help us support people in prison, through the faithful presence of our Volunteers, and through our programmes: Sycamore Tree, Angel Tree, Letter Link and Prayer Line.
Thank you!
