Prison Fellowship Canada remembers Chuck Colson
Kingston, ON—Prison Fellowship Canada is collecting condolences on the passing of Chuck Colson for a special book which will be presented to his wife Patty on Canada Day.
The founder of Prison Fellowship died in April from a brain hemorrhage following surgery to remove a blood clot.
Colson was the first member of President Richard Nixon's administration to serve prison time for charges related to the Watergate scandal. He founded Prison Fellowship in 1976 with the goal of helping inmates and ex-offenders spiritually transform their lives. Prison Fellowship Canada was founded as the first international branch of the organization, which is now active in 112 countries.
"Chuck was a good friend of Canada's," says Eleanor Clitheroe, executive director of Prison Fellowship Canada. She adds that Colson regularly visited Canada, for speaking events and team support. He was also actively involved in spending time with Canadian offenders.
"When he spoke to inmates he had a powerful impact on them," she adds. "He was able to speak to people across economic and social backgrounds.
"We will miss him."
Condolences will be collected on Prison Fellowship Canada's website. Those making a donation in Colson's honour can also add a message for inclusion in the book.
There are about 70,000 inmates in Canada—about half of which are youth—as well as 100,000 ex-offenders under supervision. An estimated 25% of those have mental health challenges, and over half have learning disabilities.
Prison Fellowship Canada works to help inmates, ex-offenders, and their families, in partnership with over 500 Canadian churches. Clitheroe adds the ministry has been highly effective worldwide in preventing criminal recidivism as much as 90% in some places.
"That's transformed lives," she says, "That's lives lived for God. That's people welcomed—maybe for the first time—in community. It's a huge success when people can find a new path and transform their lives, and have the support both within and outside of the community to do that."
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