Chris is six two, slim build with powerful muscles. He works out a lot and loves boxing. He has been in and out of jail since he was 14. He’s now 32.

I first got to know Chris when he was on remand for yet another crime. About ten years previous to our meeting Chris had run away from the police after being arrested. This meant from that moment on he had an escape record and would serve all his time in prison in maximum security.

This meant Chris now had very limited access to programs designed to help offenders rehabilitate. In maximum security, locked in a cell for a minimum of eighteen hours a day, there is limited opportunity to participate in these programs. There is no stepping down security levels as trust is gained. There is no works release for integration back into the community.

Every time Chris was released from prison it was straight from maximum security onto the street. He never coped. Despite being a man who had come to believe in and trust the Lord Jesus, Chris always failed outside jail.

As he was nearing release again I arranged for a pastor who had a boxing gym at his church to come in and meet Chris. They established a good rapport and Chris planned to go to the gym. The day he was released I arranged to meet him at the church. He never made it.

He told me later that when he got to the suburb he would be living in he saw people he knew of almost every street corner selling drugs. The temptation was too great and Chris was in trouble again.

Chris’ story is typical of many people being released from prison and not having the supports in place to help them break the cycle. There are numerous agencies working to help provide housing, employment and all sorts of support. Have a look at the “Through Care Jigsaw” web site.

A major part of the jigsaw that is missing here is integrating men like Chris into Christian churches. He needs a mentor and circles of accountability to support him. Are you and/or your church willing to be trained and to reach out to men like Chris?