"There are so many people that I did time with, most of their family, died. They had such a long sentence, like most of the family was dead, so they were coming home to nothing," said Jones. "So having somebody be able to walk beside you to say you're not alone." 

While incarcerated, both Jones and Colbert came to know Jesus Christ. 

Colbert says he has since experienced true transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit.

What is his message to others? "Just stay strong. You've come this far. It's not over. God is with you, and He will be," said Colbert. "He'll open the door for you, he brought you this far for a reason, for a purpose. Believe that and keep going forward."  

Meanwhile, Prison Fellowship wants all of us to do our part all year round to make a difference. First, by limiting use of certain labels like "felon," "convict," or "offender."  We can also help by writing lawmakers urging the removal of legal barriers for people with criminal records who have already faced their consequences.