Dear Saints,

It is such a Joy to sit and write to you every Friday. Hope you ALL are having a wonderful week.

Ever since we started Proverbs226, one issue has weighed heavily on my heart — the limitations we face with visitations in several states, especially South Carolina.

When we enroll 100 children into the program, only about 15 or 20 are able to show up. The rest are left behind for various reasons — logistical, legal, or systemic. But the ones who suffer the most in all of this are the children. They are the silent victims, carrying the pain quietly while the world moves on.

When we’ve spoken with leadership in the correctional system, their #1 challenge has consistently been the absence of the father’s name on the child’s birth certificate.

For various personal, social, or legal reasons, many families choose not to include the father’s name. But when it’s missing, it becomes extremely difficult to officially connect children with their incarcerated fathers.

As a result, we were losing over 80% of the children who couldn’t even make it for a regular visit.

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You might wonder — why is this such a big deal?

One of the key leaders on our Proverbs226 team lived through this very struggle for 12 years. And you know what she did? The day her son was released from prison, she had him kneel, wash his daughter’s feet, and ask for her forgiveness.

If it hits this close to home for us, imagine what it’s like for countless other families — especially the mothers. No matter what he’s done, he’s still her son.

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We’ve raised this concern time and time again.

But the truth is — it takes a policy change to fix it.

About two years ago, we finally had the opportunity to sit down with the director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) and several key leaders to directly address this issue and work toward a lasting solution.

After much discussion and back-and-forth, SCDC agreed to a crucial step forward:

They will now allow children under the age of 18 to visit their incarcerated parent — especially fathers — even if the child’s name is not on the official visitation list, as long as they are brought in through Proverbs226!

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Here is the copy of the policy change:

9.1 Proverbs 226 – Forgive me Dear: Proverbs 226 is comprised of four separate components. This component is called “Forgive me Dear.” Forgive me Dear gives fathers/mothers the opportunity to interact with their child(ren) in a healing environment that allows the parent to apologize to the child(ren) and ask for forgiveness. The event is held in the visiting room or gym and is attended by Proverbs 226 volunteers, children, adult caregivers, and inmates. The event includes icebreaker games and a picnic style meal as part of the healing process. During the event, the father/mother will get on their knees and wash the feet of their child(ren) signifying a new beginning.

9.1.1 Minor children (under 18 years old) can participate in this event without being approved on the inmate’s visitation list. An inmate must meet the criteria to participate in the Proverbs 226 Family Event.

The criteria for the Proverbs 226 Family Event are as follows:

Inmates must be disciplinary report free for 6 months to participate in first event

• Inmates must remain disciplinary report free to participate in subsequent events
• Children must be 18 years old or less
• Children must not be the victim of the offender

Finally… after years of prayer, persistence, and countless conversations, the policy was officially put in place earlier this year. And just two days ago, it became a reality — with a directive sent out to every warden across the state!

Can we just pause and give God the glory? What a powerful reminder that no prayer is wasted, no effort unseen.

Isn’t our God amazing? What a mighty, faithful, and miracle-working God we serve!

This is more than a policy change — it’s hope restored, families reconnected, and futures rewritten.

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Yesterday, we were at Lee Correctional, and when we shared this news with the fathers, the room erupted with shouts of joy.

For so long, many of them have carried the silent pain of being cut off from their children because of this hurdle. But God, in His perfect timing, has miraculously opened the doors — making a way for them to reconnect with their sons and daughters.

Hope was restored in that room yesterday… and heaven rejoiced with them.

I may not know what you’re facing right now, but I do know this — God is only a prayer away. Whatever the burden, whatever the battle, call on Him… and watch what He can do.

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Continue to lift this Tribe in your prayers!

Wishing you ALL – a very joyful and hope-filled Weekend!

Regards,

Cyril Prabhu

Founder | Proverbs226 | 5&2 Training Institute.