Friends,
Today we had the opportunity to conduct a graduation ceremony for Malachi Dads at High Desert Prison. Thanks to technology, families were able to participate from around the country by video. While a video conference graduation is never ideal, it offered a unique perspective of the families on the outside. Each of the dozens of families that participated had their own video screen picture (like we normally see in zoom calls). What this offered was a glimpse of the pride, tears, happiness, and longing these people showed when their inmate received their diploma.
The ceremony began with the men ushering in, singing hymns along with the song leader. Key verses from scripture helped to open the joyous time. But I was especially moved by the kids who clicked off their mute buttons to shout congratulations followed by “I love you Daddy”. Moms, wives, brothers, and sisters were on hand to help celebrate the accomplishment these men had reached in their studies and work to be better men and better fathers.
Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving that we could host a graduation like this after such a long time of isolation. But also please be praying that volunteers and families can once again get behind bars to help celebrate this transformation in person.
In His Name,
RR
