“Whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”
John 13:20
Dear friends,
I want to share with you the great joy we experienced this February. We successfully launched the project “Preparation for Release” at Stráž pod Ralskem Prison. We have already been working closely with this prison, especially with Chaplain Martin Škoda. That’s why I am very pleased that I will now be able to travel there every 14 days to work with incarcerated men.
I went to the first meeting, and from the morning, I felt tense, wondering what awaited me in the prison and whether anyone would even show up. Participation is entirely voluntary, so we never know how many inmates will attend—or if anyone will come at all. In the chaplain’s office, I sipped my coffee and watched as he wrote a long list of inmates expected to join our session. With a smile, he reassured me not to worry, saying that not all of them would actually come. We moved to the visiting room, and after about fifteen minutes, to my surprise, a lively group of fourteen men entered. It was completely unexpected and brought me great joy. The chaplain briefly introduced me and then left me alone with the group. I explained who we are, how we view the inmates, and what they can expect from our sessions. In the end, they all confirmed that they wanted to take part. I was also delighted to learn that about two-thirds of them had already completed our Prisoner’s Journey course, and some had even used the Angel Tree project to send Christmas gifts to their children.
Yesterday, I visited the prison again, this time with a program on the topic: “Who am I, and what is my identity?” This is an incredibly important subject, and during conversations with 15 men, I became even more aware of its significance. Almost every one of them, when assessing themselves, agreed that they were “nothing,” “zeros,” or “trash.” Their surroundings had also played a major role, reinforcing the idea that they would end up in prison. And so, here they are. I told them that I see them with my heart, and we talked about the story of King David. By the end of the session, the men were able to view themselves from a different perspective and recognize their strengths and talents – what they are good at and where their gifts lie…
I look forward to our next meeting and thank our God for answered prayers.
Vláďa Brukner
Head of Penitentiary Care, Mentor for Released Inmates
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THANK GOD
For the launch of the Preparation for Release project at Stráž pod Ralskem Prison, as well as for the ongoing courses in other prisons and the entire team leading them.
For the timely submission of reports and financial statements, and for the whole team that processed everything.
For the trust our clients place in us, which allows us to support them in their struggles.
The book The Way of the Cross supports the Prisoner’s Journey project
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Artist and musician Rudolf Brančovský has been supporting our work for a long time. Most recently, he released a book of his illustrations titled The Way of the Cross. He has donated all of the proceeds to our Prisoner’s Journey course, of which he is also an ambassador.
Rudolf Brančovský’s illustrations are known for their vibrant colors and optimism. This is also true for The Way of the Cross, where he seeks to make the traditional path more relatable to today’s world. For example, you can find elements like phones, airplanes, and cars in his work. At the same time, however, the artwork still carries a deep spiritual message.
Each pause in the book is accompanied by a reflection from well-known figures in the field of theology, such as Tomáš Holub, Marek Vácha, Ladislav Heryán, and others.
Rudolf Brančovský also spoke about the book The Way of the Cross in the Christian Magazine on Czech Television.
The book was published by Cesta Publishing and is available for purchase through regular distribution channels.
We thank Rudolf from the bottom of our hearts for his creative spirit, open heart, and support of our work in the prisons!
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The Angel Tree doesn’t end with the sending of the last gift
In the last edition of the Angel Tree project, we gave presents to 2,600 children of 453 incarcerated mothers and 890 fathers from 31 prisons. For all the incarcerated parents, it temporarily restores a sense of parenthood, as they could arrange a gift for their children, even from a distance. However, the project definitely doesn’t end with the last gift sent at the end of the year!
At this time, we are sending feedback letters to the inmates, informing them whether we were able to connect with their families and send the requested gift to their children. We also include a photo of the specific gift their son or daughter received under the Christmas tree. At the same time, we ask the incarcerated mothers and fathers for feedback on how the project has personally impacted them and their relationship with their children or family.
“My children had their first Christmas without me. My husband is taking care of all three of them. He’s handling everything on his own. The gifts under the tree, even from their mom, helped them get through this sad time.”
The Angel Tree would not have been possible to implement without your support and the help of many donors.
The project was also supported by: the City of Brno, South Moravian Region, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic, and the Connecting Hearts Foundation.
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PRAYERS
FOR THE CLIENTS
For the released man who also attends our Club Two Fishes and has psychological issues. Lord, give him the strength he needs to face the challenges of the world and society.
For our long-time client L., who stole from her friend and doesn’t realize that she has betrayed both his trust and ours.
For the incarcerated client A. from Pankrác, who struggled with drug addiction. May he succeed in the rehabilitation program and find the strength to attend our meetings.
FOR NEW TEAM MEMBERS
We ask for God’s guidance and wisdom, especially for Kristy and the leadership of MVS, during the selection process for new positions, that the Lord may send us “the right servants.”
FOR OUR PROJECTS
For the visit of our volunteers next week at Světlá nad Sázavou Prison, that the incarcerated women may gain the hope and joy they need from this visit. May the volunteers be blessed with the gift of speech and respond appropriately.
For all the employees and volunteers who regularly enter the Jiřice Prison, that the Lord may bless them and grant them wisdom in their words.
For Club Two Fishes in Brno – may the club be guided in the right direction, and may we welcome new clients.
FOR HEALTH
For the health of all employees, volunteers, clients, and their families.
Prison Fellowship Czech Republic
info@mvs.cz
www.mvs.cz