Commentary: Looking Back at Easter

Before choirs proclaimed that He is risen, before church bells sounded around the world celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and before children skittered across lawns for multicolored eggs, I saw history’s greatest moment patterned in a quiet Fort Worth neighborhood.

It’s a place where tattered lives are transformed by Christ, these parolees who earlier chose the craggy streets of ungodly pursuits, inevitably crashing into barriers, their lives splintered.

Chandler Fozard founded HOPE Prison Ministries in 2009. It offers Christ-centered HOPE, counseling and living.

He was born into a dysfunctional family, raised in boys’ homes and incarcerated by age 22. But God’s judgment was just the beginning of his redemption. Completing his incarceration early, he likewise was granted early release from supervised probation.

Thirteen years later in 2001, he was married, with a thriving business in full swing. Then, he felt “led of the Lord” to help others released from prison. There’s a reason why he’s often contacted by the Texas Juvenile Justice System, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and countless others for help.

HOPE’S founder presses on relentlessly.

I’ve known Chandler for about two months, believing that he embodies the poetic lines on the Statue of Liberty that proclaim: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

‘Tis true, ‘tis true.

His passion exceeds life’s highest bar. At age 55, he’s on task constantly as he prays, works, and plans, all the while dealing with folks who are intellectually, mentally, and/or physically challenged.

After 5 p.m. one Friday, he drove to Houston for retrieval of a parolee who was off to a bad start upon his release after 21 years in prison. Arrival back home was after 4 a.m.

Stricken with multiple illnesses, the “newbie” had been denied health care by another alternative housing program, kicked out because he was physically unable to work. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Is it any wonder that he had been unable to work?

In the early days, Chandler and his wife, Barbara, housed clients in a renovated garage, depending heavily on faith and funding from a few donors. In addition to monetary donations, the ministry is in constant need of mentors, vehicles, household items and more.

Today, housing 44 men and a few women (separately), the ministry operates multiple, Christ-centered transitional homes in west Fort Worth. Its leadership includes people who’ve received ministry from HOPE, and others who’ve known Chandler and been associated with HOPE for many years.

Clearly, the Lord has provided. An article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram touched the hearts of several eventual donors, one of whom—a CPA and wealth manager—continues to provide significant support so critical to the ministry’s continuance.

Though it might be an overstatement to describe facilities as modest, therein HOPE abounds, love thrives, and victories are many.

In a computer lab, clients worked on scripturally-bathed curricula.

I met six clients—most in their early 20s—who’ve put multiple drug issues behind them. Two of the couples are soon to be married, with Chandler—founder of the program’s More Than Redemption Church—officiating. The couples will reside in the house recently established for married couples. Their comments about HOPE were tearful; I joined them in joyous boo-hooing.

With almost two decades of service, HOPE is gaining momentum but remains in constant need of regular donors. Learn more on its Facebook, YouTube and Instagram channels.

Hundreds of clients have been served to date. Among those mentored by HOPE during and after incarceration, not one has returned to prison. One recently completed his GED and is seeking college admission!

Their church attracts some 50 worshipers most Sundays. Guests are welcome; understandably, few attend. I was chilled by Chandler’s parting comment. “Each year, we participate in North Texas Giving Day. We are grateful for gifts received, but pet charities receive more.” (HopeGivesBack.com provides more information.) Perhaps it was providential that I visited on Maundy Thursday, reflective of Jesus’ Last Supper, when he urged His disciples to love one another.

Dr. Newbury is a speaker in the Metroplex. Contact: 817-447-3872. Email: newbury@speakerdoc.com. Column audio at www.speakerdoc.com.