Ep 19: Prison to Purpose 🇺🇸 Paul Del Favero

In Episode 19 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by Paul Del Favero for an honest and deeply hope-filled conversation about redemption, incarceration, mentorship, and the transforming power of Jesus. 

After growing up in South Florida surrounded by addiction, violence, and brokenness, his life spiralled into drug dependency, crime, and eventually a 120-year prison sentence at just 20 years old. Sitting alone in a jail cell, overwhelmed by the weight of who he had become, Paul cried out to Jesus for the first time—and everything began to change. 

What followed was not an instant fix but a long process of transformation. Through years of reading Scripture, wrestling with his past, and allowing God to renew his mind, Paul slowly discovered purpose in the middle of prison life. After serving 18 and a half years behind bars, he was released into a world that offered little support, few opportunities, and overwhelming barriers to reintegration. 

Rather than returning to the life he once knew, Paul began building a new future rooted in faith, community, and service. Today, alongside his wife Stacey, he leads The Penitent Thief ministry (https://www.thepenitentthief.org/) in Orlando, Florida—providing housing, mentorship, discipleship, employment opportunities, and practical support for men and women coming out of incarceration. What started as a small step of obedience has grown into a thriving ministry impacting hundreds of lives every year. 

Together, Tim and Paul explore the realities of prison systems, addiction, rehabilitation, and the stigma formerly incarcerated people often face. 

🔑 KEY THEMES 

Redemption and transformation through Jesus 

Addiction, incarceration, and rebuilding identity 

Prison ministry and reentry support 

Mentorship as a catalyst for lasting change 

The importance of community and belonging 

Servant leadership through humility and presence 

Breaking stigma around formerly incarcerated people 

Faith, discipleship, and renewing the mind 

Restorative justice and rehabilitation 

Meeting people where they are with the Gospel 

👤 ABOUT THE GUEST 

Paul Del Favero is the founder of The Penitent Thief ministry in Orlando, Florida, a Christ-centred organisation serving formerly incarcerated men and women through housing, mentorship, discipleship, employment support, and reentry programs. After serving more than 18 years in prison, Paul experienced radical transformation through faith in Jesus and now dedicates his life to helping others discover hope, purpose, and restoration. Alongside his wife Stacey, he is passionate about practical ministry, community involvement, and creating pathways for lasting life change. 

👤 ABOUT THE HOST 

Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond. He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast. 

🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD 

Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose. 

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