True transformation happens through relationships , and our friends coming out of prison often face deep loneliness . Community was our prayer from the beginning as we built Amanecer together with Margarita Madalena and Girlesa González . More than a program , we desired deep transformation , and we dreamed of seeing men and women rising up to serve one another . We saw God knit us into a genuine , Christ-centered community with people that many would prefer to reject . Father Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries ( ministry to former gang members ) in Los Angeles talks about the importance of kinship and sincere love . We prayed that God would help us foster that , and he answered those prayers abundantly . Here are a few of these stories …
A handful of women got out of prison , and each one faced an even worse reality outside prison walls : a prison within her home , with an abusive partner . We answered multiple desperate phone calls from women , and we saw some of them get to safety , receive support , and start a new chapter in their lives . Some of them have engaged in free counseling with volunteer psychologists and have experienced deep healing . One of these women took a fellow survivor under her wing and mentored her in her start-up manicure business . What a blessing to see both of these women thrive as they supported each other .
One man was on house arrest , isolated and not able to work outside the home . With encouragement from Amanecer and a microloan investment from a Prison Fellowship program , he started an at-home bakery and began to support himself within just a few months . He sends treats to the Amanecer office when he is able , which provides snacks for the Tuesday night support group . He mentors and encourages other returned citizens who have bakery skills . He is so eager to give back that he has never let us pay him for the treats .
Finally , I remember our first women ’ s retreat , several months after launching Amanecer . I gave a talk and took photos . From behind the camera lens , I saw these women ’ s faces and posture change throughout the day as God worked in their hearts . I saw God freeing them and restoring their joy . By the end of the day , I was reminded of the stark contrast I always saw when I went with Girlesa to minister in the Pedregal prison . As soon as you walk through the gates , you can tell who knows Jesus — they have a visible lightness about them amidst heaviness and darkness . I saw that contrast occur in one day as women took to heart the truth that Jesus is their Living Water .
The soil of a transformative community holds sincere love , kinship , and grace that cultivate growth . Jesus called all sorts of people to himself , with all sorts of pasts . He was more interested in where they were going than where they ’ d been . Would you pray for more men and women to experience God ’ s light after their dark seasons of life ? photo : One of many joyous faces at Amanacer ’ s first women ’ s retreat in 2022 , this precious woman participated in the program , always making everyone feel welcome .
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