There is a terrific article in th Phila Inquirer today about redemption – and it doesn’t even mention Michael Vick!  As excited as I am about what God has and is doing in Vick’s life, there are plenty of other men who are struggling with returning to a life after prison.  There are several groups which support this RTW effort (Prison Fellowship, a recently passed “Second Chance” law) but apparently enough was not being done.  Cudos to Mayor Nutter in Philly for promoting this program to help those men struggling to rebuild their lives.  My heart asks the question – but where is the church?  I have previously written about how even some faith-based managers have a difficult time giving ex-cons a second chance, according to survey data.  This is not an easy process…but it’s not been easy for Jesus to secure my redemption, or for me to allow Him to work out His perfect plan in my life.  But I am the woman at the well (John 4:29 MSG): “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” Then the passages finishes – “And they went to look for themselves."  What a marvelous work He wants to do in all of our lives!

Find the Phildelphia Inquirer article here: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/What_works_to_keep_ex-cons_from_returning_to_prison_Work.html

See what othe communities are doing here: http://www.secondchanceprogram.org/