Scroll through this page for Videos, Press Articles, Radio interviews, articles and testimonials about the Sycamore Project. In over 20 countries, Sycamore Tree Project (STP) brings victims and unconnected offenders together for eight 2 hour sessions, over a period of 8 weeks. Almost one third of Aussies have been victims of some kind of crime. Chances are, you know a few. We would like them to know about our remarkable program called the Sycamore Tree Project. Help us locate crime victims in your area.

Download STP fact sheet/poster 

• Talking together about the consequences of crime
• Exploring Responsibility, repentance, forgiveness, & reconciliation
• Symbolic restitution by the prisoners
• Understanding reconciliation together
• Enthusiastically endorsed by Inmates, Victims and Prison staff
• Based on biblical story of Zaccheus

Read on for more details and first hand accounts of Sycamore Tree Project in Australia and around the world.

Sycamore Tree on 96.5fm Talking Life Peter Janetzki interviews Martin Howard and two crime survivors from the Sycamore Tree Project. Download Podcast

FREE eBook about Sycamore experiences Download “Shafts of Light“: Experiences of the Sycamore Tree Project in Western Australia. Letters from crime victim participants and inmates (pdf)

15 minute video: Australian survivors of violent crime talk about their experiences in the Sycamore Tree Project.

The recent STP pilot has been featured in the Courier Mail Saturday Magazine.

Download Article from Courier Mail Magazine PDF

“A year later, as the van turns onto the Bruce Highway ferrying Queensland’s first group of Sycamore Tree Project volunteers to Woodford, Howard has every reason to smile.

“The project is about restorative justice,” he says. “Instead of the alternative idea which is retributive justice – a crime happens, we find the perpetrator, punish them by putting them in jail and that’s the end of the process.

“That process ignores the fact the crime has a lot of impacts across the community,” Howard says. “It starts with the immediate people involved in the crime. It affects the victim. It affects the victim’s family. It affects the offender. It affects their families and on it goes. Instead of one thing that one person did wrong we look at all of those elements. What impact has it had on the victim’s life? Have there been medical repercussions? Are there practical financial repercussions? How does it affect their relationships?”

It’s a faith-based project, but it’s not preachy. It’s about sharing stories. It’s about empathy. Putting oneself in another’s shoes.”

Press article:  Toowoomba man Martin Howard lobbied governments to introduce the project into Queensland, believing it could offer a more effective long-term solution to reducing crime, and giving victims a voice in the community. “Science has proven that we can do better than simply locking people away,” he says.  Download Article

Sycamore Tree Project interview from ABC Radio (612) Wednesday Feb 8. STP Participant Ross Thompson joined Martin Howard to talk with Steve Austin. “If your son was brutally murdered, could you take on the task of helping to rehabilitate criminals? The Sycamore Tree Project aims to bring victims of crime and perpetrators together in order to help prisoners to understand the impact of their deeds. The Sycamore Tree Project aims to bring victims of crime and perpetrators together in order to help prisoners to understand the impact of their deeds.” Listen and Download the podcast here

There are five core features which make up the Sycamore Tree Project. Each of these directly relate to five parts of the Zacchaeus story. Crime victims are given the opportunity to tell prisoners how they have been affected, and the hurt that they feel. The prisoners are given an opportunity to consider how they can try to make things right with their victims. The prisoners and victims are given the chance to explain – in a public celebration – what they have learned about the meaning and importance of healing the hurt and making things right.

Quotes from Australian participants

It’s success in engaging both victims of crime and offenders is well acknowledged, providing the opportunity to explore important life issues through Teamwork and cooperation… I have personally viewed the victims and offenders address their own personal issues and develop a greater understanding of “empathy”.

Graham Bond, Assistance Superintendent
Prisoner Management, Karnet Prison Farm, Western Australia

There have been ten programs run at Acacia with over 60 offenders participating. The Sycamore Tree project is highly regarded within Acacia and is seen as a major pillar in our desire to deliver prison services from a Restorative Justice perspective. The Prison Fellowship Sycamore Tree Project is an integral element of the resettlement strategy. Acacia strongly supports this funding application.

Andrew Beck, Director ACACIA PRISON, Western Australia

I only wish that other secondary victims of crime could experience what I have and see that we don’t need to be prisoners of pain and hate… and fear. There is a better way to experience life in the aftermath of violent crime…. and it is really the only way we will ever be free… This course has helped me to forgive myself for past transgressions and has helped me to move to a place where I can see that forgiving the person who killed my daughter is possible.

Karen – STP Participant WA 2006

In the last 15 years, I have spent 13 1/2 years within the system. I have done countless courses – some good, some bad. Without a shadow of a doubt the Sycamore Tree Project is the best thing that could ever have happened to me. The sheer rawness of emotions it delivers and the understanding and compassion it releases within people gives you a sense of hope for the future for everyone involved. Jeremy – Inmate STP Participant WA 2006

The Sycamore Tree Project is like nothing I have participated in before. Although the course has a structure, I feel that it is the participants that take the course on its journey. It tests the edge and pushes the boundaries. It truly is based on honesty, trust and respect. There is no judgement and definitely no `BS’.

Elizabeth STP Participant WA 2008

At the conclusion of one of our sessions, as everyone was politely shaking hands, I received an almighty shock…. one of the victims hugged me! I think she surprised herself more than me because she said ‘I shouldn’t do this… ahh, who cares!’

Sam Inmate STP Participant WA 2008

Prisoners need to be involved with restoring what they have damaged whether through work, education or other means. We are too far removed from the reality of our actions. Punishment is only a small part of rehabilitation and courses such as the Sycamore Tree Project go a long way to connecting the perpetrators to his role in the suffering he has caused.

Gerald Inmate STP Participant WA 2008

The Sycamore Tree Project has changed my life. Now I have friends coming and going from my house all the time. I am excited about the next project and I have cut back my work hours to be part of it. I have a reason to go on with my life. My thoughts have stopped taking me down the dark alley and mugging me. Life is definitely worth living.

To be able to sit among complete strangers who had been direct victims of crimes and hear their stories and see the pain in their eyes was truly confronting and gave me the determination never to be the person I was before. It also showed me through the passage of time the path to forgiveness could be reached.

Read by Gordon (also convicted of murder), at his graduation.

Do you know a crime survivor in Brisbane who would benefit from taking part in the Sycamore Tree Project this year? We need to contact candidates in the NEXT FEW WEEKS. Please contact Martin Howard through the PF Qld Office.

15 minute video: Australian survivors of violent crime talk about their experiences in the Sycamore Tree Project.

MERRYL MILLER MEETS TWO MEN MAKING GREAT STRIDES IN REHABILITATING SOME OF QUEENSLAND’S VIOLENT CRIMINALS…. Former Toowoomba man Martin Howard lobbied governments to introduce the project into Queensland, believing it could offer a more effective long-term solution to reducing crime, and giving victims a voice in the community. “Science has proven that we can do better than simply locking people away,” he says.

Download Article

STP Participant Ross Thompson joined Martin Howard to talk with Steve Austin. “If your son was brutally murdered, could you take on the task of helping to rehabilitate criminals? The Sycamore Tree Project aims to bring victims of crime and perpetrators together in order to help prisoners to understand the impact of their deeds. The Sycamore Tree Project aims to bring victims of crime and perpetrators together in order to help prisoners to understand the impact of their deeds.”

Listen and Download the podcast here

9am-4pm Saturday 24^th March

Broadwater Road Uniting Church

481 Broadwater Rd Mansfield Qld 4121

The recent STP pilot has been featured in the Courier Mail Saturday Magazine.

Download Article from Courier Mail Magazine PDF

“A year later, as the van turns onto the Bruce Highway ferrying Queensland’s first group of Sycamore Tree Project volunteers to Woodford, Howard has every reason to smile.

“The project is about restorative justice,” he says. “Instead of the alternative idea which is retributive justice – a crime happens, we find the perpetrator, punish them by putting them in jail and that’s the end of the process.

“That process ignores the fact the crime has a lot of impacts across the community,” Howard says. “It starts with the immediate people involved in the crime. It affects the victim. It affects the victim’s family. It affects the offender. It affects their families and on it goes. Instead of one thing that one person did wrong we look at all of those elements. What impact has it had on the victim’s life? Have there been medical repercussions? Are there practical financial repercussions? How does it affect their relationships?”

It’s a faith-based project, but it’s not preachy. It’s about sharing stories. It’s about empathy. Putting oneself in another’s shoes.”

The gospel is for all people, not forgetting those who are the least of these including those in prison, the survivors of crime, the families affected, and all those impacted by crime.

Matthew 25 describes that in this, we are unknowingly ministering to Christ himself and receiving His mercy.  Amazing Grace!

We invite you and your church to continue, or even increase, your involvement in this amazing ministry.

Below are some quick updates of what is happening so far this year and upcoming events and needs.

1. Angel Tree 2009 & 2010

The distribution of 1300 presents to the children of incarcerated parents through the 2009 Angel Tree program was again well received.  The 2010 program starts in late August and is a great opportunity for local churches to bring God’s love to the little ones often forgotten by society.  Queensland Corrective Services continues to support the Angel Tree Program on the proviso that the program coordinators and volunteers are suitable persons for contacting children.  Could you recommend to your Minister or Pastor or Church Administrator that they consider formally adopting this program as a significant part of a Christmas outreach?

Please pray and get involved: SUITABLE (with Blue Card) VOLUNTEERS AND CHURCH COORDINATORS NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS 2010

1. Circles of Support & Accountability (COSA)

In 2009 a small group of mature Christians committed to support and mentor an ex-inmate from a high-risk category to ensure a smoother re-integration into the community and their local church.  The COSA is also supported by appropriately trained and experienced professionals.  The results of this type of program is to significantly reduce the risk of re-offending.  We are moving to make this program available to more individuals where there are churches willing to welcome and closely mentor them.  The Government is acknowledging the need for this program.  PF can respond with more COSA’s only if church-based supporters and financial supporters commit to this.  Could your church or home group consider this?

Please pray and get involved: CHURCH-BASED VOLUNTEERS AND FINANCIAL SPONSORS (FOR PROGRAM COORDINATION) NEEDED

1. Sycamore Tree Program (STP)

Prison Fellowship continues to make representation to the Government to approve the pilot commencement of STP in Queensland.  In Western Australia and overseas prison official endorse this pre-release program as the single best way of ensuring ex-inmates do not re-offend and return to jail.   Where other programs fall short, STP is able to develop empathy and deep remorse (and even repentance) by bringing together the offender and an unrelated survivor/victim in a controlled, supervised setting.  Usually for the first time in their lives, the offenders gain a deep understanding of the impact of their crime on others.  The evidence elsewhere is that STP combined with COSA following release will reduce re-offending in Queensland from over 50% to under 15%.   Please pray that this program is given approval as it is in the final stages of consideration by the relevant authorities.  If approved, we will then be carefully and prayerfully seeking the participation of appropriate individuals who have been survivors/victims.

Please pray and get involved: CHURCH-BASED AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS TO PARTICIPATE AND FINANCIAL SPONSORS (FOR PROGRAM COORDINATION) NEEDED

1. Prison Chaplaincy

PF continues to be a part of the approved core delivery of chaplaincy-based ministry inside Queensland prisons.  This is a direct ministry opportunity unique in the world.  Currently 22 PF Chaplains serve in 28 positions across 16 prisons and watch-houses from Atherton and “T.I.” in the north to Palen Creek near the NSW border.    PF Chaplains are officially approved and trained volunteer members of a prison Chaplaincy team.  They are rostered for one/week to visit inmates and conduct Chapel services about every 6 weeks.  Chaplains receive a small payment towards their out of pocket/petrol expenses only.  If you are a mature Christian and interested in Chaplaincy ministry or in encouraging another please contact the PF office.   Currently, we have 9 vacancies in Brisbane, Woodford, Maryborough, Townsville, and Atherton.   Or perhaps you and your church might consider “adopting a chaplain” with prayerful and financial support to help the Chaplains cover all their ministry expenses (from $100 to $400/mth).

Please pray and get involved: NINE VOLUNTEER CHAPLAINS NEEDED, AND MORE CHURCHES TO “ADOPT-A CHAPLAIN”.

1. Prison Fellowship International President Ron Nikkel visiting Brisbane 23-24 May

Ron Nikkel has been the President of PFI for almost 20 years and has the distinction of spending time (visiting) in more prisons around the world than any other person!

Ron is regarded as an international expert in restorative justice and chaired the UN NGO Alliance on Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice for 8 years.

He will be in Brisbane city on 23 and 24 May and we are lining up as many contacts and meetings as possible, including PF supporters, government officials, church leaders, and media.

Please pray and get involved: More details about the meetings will be sent as soon as possible.

1. “Art From Inside” 19-23 June

The 2010 PF Art Exhibition will be held in the Foyer in the Queensland Parliamentary Annexe.

Donated works from inmates will be exploring the theme “Lord Remember Me”.

The Patrons Morning Tea is on Monday 19 July and the official opening is 7pm for 7.30pm Tuesday 20 July.  There will be speakers, a fund-raising auction, and an opportunity to mingle with supporters from throughout the community.

Please pray and get involved: Please reserve these dates in your diary and tell your friends to do the same.

1. Resource Needs

We hope and pray for more funding to be made available to cover all of the expenses involved with the above ministries.  Most of the programs are and will continue to be undertaken by church-based volunteers.

Without the Lords resources being made available through supportive individuals and churches, the ministry cannot grow.

We are very conscious that these resources are threefold and in this order: Prayer, People and Finance.

If you are already involved, we hope you are encouraged to continue supporting this ministry.

If you or your church are not deeply committed to a “Matthew 25” ministry, and would like to be, here are some options:

Contact the office and register your interest:

1. as a prayer supporter
2. as a volunteer in one of the existing or proposed ministry programs and events
3. to become a Prison Chaplain
4. to find out more about you or your church “adopting a Chaplain”
5. to find out more about “Project 200”.  Project 200 is a program designed for individuals and churches who haven’t financially supported PF before or for those who want to substantially increase their ongoing support level to $1000/yr or more.
6. to make a bequest or living will.

Please pray and get involved: Please select one of the options and respond to the office contact details below.

1. Easterfest

If you are coming to the Gospel Music Festival in Toowoomba this Easter, call in to our stall and say hello.   We are operating a stall there for the first time.

We will have PF T-shirts, books, and DVDs to give away to those who make donations to support the PF ministry at Easterfest.

$25 Donation – Pin

$50 Donation – DVD of inspiring stories

$100 Donation – Broken Chains book

$200+ Donation – T Shirt

Please pray and get involved: And come prepared.  Cheques and credit cards also accepted.

1. Make a Donation

If you feel led or inclined to make a new or ongoing donation to support these ministries, there are some online options below, or send a cheque (with your name and address) to the address below.

The Lord is with you as you love and serve Him.

David Way                                &          Daryl Myatt

State Executive Director                     Chairman

Prison Fellowship Queensland