Dear friends in Christ,
A few weeks ago, my predecessor as Forward Movement’s head, the Rev. Dick Schmidt, reached out to me. He was going to be in town, and he wanted to come by the office with a friend of Forward Movement to meet me and other staff.
Mike (pictured here) first got in touch with Dick when someone gave him a free copy of Forward Day by Day. Mike was in prison at the time. He was one of thousands and thousands of incarcerated people who receive free materials from Forward Movement.
Mike noticed the address inside, and he wrote to Dick. They corresponded for years. They’ve stayed in touch after Mike got out of prison, and Mike wanted to meet some of the people who work on Forward Day by Day. So Dick brought him by when they were on their way to see a Reds game.
We had a wonderful chat. I got to tell Mike about our work, and he was able to share with me how much it meant to him to receive free materials—and for someone to take the time to write. There’s not much dignity in prison, so when someone pays attention and shows respect, it matters.
Forward Day by Day—and the time to answer a few letters—offered Mike hope. The acts of simply human compassion paired with the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a powerful combination. It changes lives, and that means the world gets better one person at a time.
It was so gratifying to hear the impact of Forward Movement’s ministry on one person years ago—and continuing today. It is the work our Lord gives us: the offer honor and respect, to visit the prisoner, and to offer hope and healing.
Our work with Mike and many thousands of others is made possible by the generous support of donors and through the prayers of our friends around the world. Please pray for our work, and give as you are able.
At a time when the world seems dominated by bad news, it’s especially important to proclaim Good News wherever and whenever we can.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
More from our ministry:
In case you missed it: Meet our new staff
Give the gift of Forward Day by Day to someone you love
Join us tomorrow to discuss Psalms with the Good Book Club
Rethink stewardship, wealth, and community: The Unjust Steward