Prison Fellowship presents The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk, a 5-part documentary film series following one man as he re-enters his community after 15 years in prison. It demonstrates in imagery, powerful storytelling and social interaction what it means to be human and the shared need of all people to see communities restored.
Though America is home to only 4% of the world’s population, we house more than 20% of its prisoners. Recidivism–the tendency of a criminal to reoffend—is out of control. The Restoration Series tells the story of men and women who have experienced The Academy, a revolutionary in-prison program that is combatting incarceration and recidivism head on.
For years, Jonathan has been in prison. As a result, he has missed milestone moments with his family. He wasn’t there for his daughter’s first day of school or a thousand little experiences with his wife and as a father, he is devastated to be separated from those he loves most.
Jonathan has been looking forward to his release from prison for over a decade. So many life events have been missed and he is now ready to be with his wife and kids again. Of course, this transition isn’t going to be easy. The odds are against him: with over half of prisoners returning to prison within two years, Jonathan is aware of the challenge set before him.
Still, he is determined to take the skills he has learned into the world outside of incarceration and stay there, helping build the community that he is part of for years to come.
My Thoughts:
I can remember as I was growing up that my dad was involved in a prison fellowship and ministering to those who were and/or had been incarcerated. It was something of which I knew very little, and there always seemed to be the concern that once these prisoners were allowed out of prison, they would continue their former life of bad choices and crime. My dad and a friend of his were committed to ministering to these individuals and telling them about the Lord in anticipation of this being the answer to what was missing in these prisoners’ lives.
In addition to this, I can recall my church choir visiting a prison and leading them in a worship service years ago. I have to admit that it was one of the most amazing experiences and one that is firmly embedded in my brain. Ministry in a prison is one of those unique experiences that I believe every Christian should have the opportunity to experience. I’ve also visited a prison in the country of Yemen–something I shall never forget as well.
As far as this series goes, I highly recommend it. What could be better than witnessing someone give his life to Christ and completely turn his life around to serve the Lord? There is enough bad news in this world of ours, and this is a refreshing concept that shows that genuine repentance is possible. I honestly would like to know more, and I hope the series continues to chronicle Jonathan’s life for years to come. I would definitely watch.
For those who might be interested, you may watch the first episode below and then visit the link I have provided below for the opportunity to watch the entire series. Even if you are not a Christian, this series is not overly “preachy,” and it focuses more on what Jonathan and his family have experienced as he comes out of prison and strives to make a new life for him and his family. I find it quite uplifting and encouraging, and I hope my readers will agree!
Sign up to watch the entire series here.
