Matthew 25:35-36

          "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I WAS IN PRISON AND YOU CAME TO VISIT ME."

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I’ve been so incredibly blessed in my life. Blessings like a healthy body, great parents, and a safe home and neighborhood to grow up in. I didn't earn these blessings. They were simply given to me by God. Luke 12:48 "...to whom much is given, much is required."

 

In the spring of 2014 I was asked to join a group of guys going to a prison to play an exhibition basketball game against inmates. I was shocked at what I saw behind those steel doors. There were hundreds of inmates, the gymnasium packed, standing room only, an electric atmosphere...just for a basketball game?

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99% of the inmates that I visit have had a completely opposite upbringing, but there is one thing we have in common: a love of basketball. Basketball doesn’t care what color your skin is, who raised you, what city you grew up in, or how old you are...you can either “ball” or you can’t. When I get on the court there is an instant level of respect with these men. I have their attention, I have their eyes and ears. Maybe I could use basketball for God?

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That's how Break The Mold began.

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Psychologists and Sociologists agree, the two most important factors that dictate human behavior are one’s parents and one’s environment. In other words, we have absolutely no control over the two most important things that shape us during our youth. While not excusing any behavior or action that any convicted felon has done, the cold, hard truth is that some people were born with their back against the wall and on the other hand, some people have just made bad decisions, Lord knows I have.

 

But I also know this truth, Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." so it doesn't matter if you're a convicted felon or a 'perfect' law-abiding citizen, you've sinned and you need Jesus to bridge the gap back to God.

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According to the Bureau of Justice, within the first six months of being released, 37% of ex-prisoners are rearrested, 57% rearrested within the first year, and 77% are rearrested within 5 years. These statistics are sad and tragic. These men need to know that God loves them, that there's a different way to live their life, and that God created them on purpose for a purpose. They need to build their life on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.

 

I believe that your past doesn’t dictate your future and since 95% of all inmates will be released back into society at some point and time, they need Jesus and they need Him now.

                                    - Drew

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What We Do:

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Exhibition Basketball Game: Our most popular program. We take a team of players inside the prison walls and on their court, play against an All-Star Team of inmates. These games regularly draw hundreds of inmate spectators.

At halftime of the game, the gospel of Jesus Christ is boldly shared. To date, we have played over 35 games in multiple institutions across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Connecticut.

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"Change Your Autobiography": For the first half of this unique program, the inmates have a chance to volunteer for ball-handling, jump-roping, and agility ladder drills. The second half is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the understanding that "if there's breath in your lung's, your story is still being written."