Follow forward by showing up
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ChatGPTI've visited prisons in a few countries, and the challenges of incarceration, rehabilitation, and reintegration seem to be universal. Upon release, those with a criminal record are often stigmatised as a danger to society, with reoffending considered an inevitability. Employers can be very reluctant to hire someone who has previously been incarcerated. Reoffending rates remain high in many countries. However, if, upon release, someone receives proactive mentoring, a supportive community, and practical pathways towards employment, we can see dramatically different outcomes.
Paul and Stacey del Favero live in Orlando, Florida, and run a ministry called The Penitent Thief.They have an active in-prison ministry and a program that connects with offenders on the day they are released. Their impact is remarkable as they provide housing, training, and support towards finding work. However, Paul has unique insight into these challenges—because he was once there.
From prison cell to purpose
Growing up in South Florida, surrounded by addiction and broken family dynamics, Paul's life spiralled quickly as a teenager into substance abuse, crime, and incarceration. By the age of 20, he was staring down a 120-year prison sentence.
Sitting alone in a jail cell, addicted, disoriented, and overwhelmed, he came face to face with the person he had become.
"I couldn't even recognise myself… I couldn't stand to be in my own skin anymore."
In that moment, with nowhere else to turn, Paul cried out to Jesus. He wasn't asking to be rescued from prison, but from himself. His prayer was desperate:
"Fix me… I just couldn't live like this anymore."
That significant step marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of following forward, one day at a time.
Transformation isn't instant—it's daily
Paul still went to prison. His sentence was 25 years. There was no miracle escape. No sudden rewrite of consequences. Rather, in prison, he experienced a process of internal transformation.
Day after day, year after year, Paul committed himself to reading Scripture, renewing his mind, and allowing God to reshape his thinking.
"I still read my Bible every day… I just show up and ask God to help me not blow this."
It took years. In fact, Paul says it took nearly a decade before he began to see real evidence of change in his life.
"It took my first 10 years in prison to even start showing fruit."
Although Paul was healed from addictions instantaneously, the development of Christlike character is a journey that he admits he is still on. And isn't that true of all of us seeking to follow Jesus? Becoming more like Him happens one decision at a time.
Paul had to unlearn old patterns, break entrenched thinking, and confront the harm he had caused.
"I had to develop a conscience… I started to realise I hurt people. I hurt my family."
The hard road of freedom
After 18 and a half years, Paul was released. But freedom wasn't a bed of roses. He stepped into a world with no support, limited opportunity, and overwhelming barriers.
"They give you a check for $100 and tell you good luck."
The odds seemed stacked against him, yet rather than returning to old patterns, he chose a different path. The resilience he had learned put him in good standing for when the Lord made it clear that he now had to dedicate his life to supporting others on their journey of reintegration.
This is when The Penitent Thiefwas born.
What began as a small step of obedience has grown into a thriving community—housing dozens, mentoring hundreds, and creating pathways for lasting change.
Paul is seeking to follow Christ's example, who actively engaged people on their turf:
"Jesus didn't sit in the temple… He went and met people where they were."
The power of showing up
Paul recognises potential where others don't see it. He doesn't claim to have a master plan, but he makes sure he does one thing:
"I don't know what I'm doing… I just show up every day."
Often, those coming out of prison are defined by their past rather than their potential. Paul believes their leadership capacity is often overlooked:
"You have a bunch of people with spectacular DNA… natural leaders."
Through mentoring and support, that leadership potential can be channelled to bring about tremendous good in the world—particularly when it is submitted to faith in Jesus Christ.
Where might you be in danger of stigmatising people rather than seeing their untapped potential?
Who in your world needs more than your good intentions—and how could you show up practically in their life this week?
Paul's life reminds us that transformation doesn't begin with having all the answers—it begins the moment we choose to show up, stay faithful, and take the next step with Jesus.
 | Dr. Tim Tucker is the Africa Development Director on the global leadership team of The Message Trust. He has a PhD in Practical Theology from North-West University (South Africa) and has written four books, including Grab a Towel: Christ-centered Servant Leadership for the 21st Century (Message Books 2018), Grief and Grace: Facing the Future I Didn’t Choose (Message Books 2019), and The Pace Setter: Paul, Timothy and the Art of Multiplying Leaders(Message Books 2014). Learn More » |
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