Phil Griffin has been to prison twice. But programs and ministries, like Crossroad Bible Institute Australia, helped him turn his life around. During his time in prison and even after he was released, he was involved in Crossroad Bible study lessons, completing every course the ministry has to offer.
Now back in society, Griffin is serving his local church and his community. In addition to leading a prayer ministry, serving on the preaching team at his church and volunteering for Prison Fellowship, he is also helping school children in his community.
Griffin is one of several former prisoners who bakes treats for Ararat North Primary School in Victoria, Australia every month. The baking program was recently featured on an ABC (Australia Broadcasting Corporation) News segment.
“None of us are master chefs, none of us are pastry cooks, and I think it’s been a trial by error,” one of the former prisoners told ABC News.
Griffin said he got involved because he remembers receiving homemade biscuits from Prison Fellowship when he was incarcerated.
“It was lovely getting homemade biscuits, something we just don’t get,” he told ABC News. “I’ve seen it myself – grown men cry when they receive these biscuits. It shows somebody cares, and a lot of these guys have got nobody on the outside.”
Griffin considers baking for the students, many of whom come from low-income families, a way of giving back to his community. He credits Crossroad for helping him transition back into society and developing a heart of service.
“The courses have given me a better understanding of God’s Word and how it relates to society,” Griffin wrote to CBI in a 2009 letter. “I have faced many temptations, trials and tribulations over the years, but I know my God has never left me or turned his back on me. I thank God, CBI and my Instructor for giving me encouragement and guidance.”
For the full story from ABC News featuring Phil Griffin, click here. For more information about Crossroad’s ministry in Australia, click here.