On Oct. 02, 2011, Albert “Al” Lewis Featherstone, 59, walked into San Quentin State Prison. He was there to give the Sunday night message at the Garden Chapel Fellowship. Al wore a black suit. “Black represents humility,” he said. His wife, Janice, was with him.
On Oct. 30, 1987, Featherstone paroled from San Quentin. He’d served a four-year term for assault with a deadly weapon. While on bail fighting these charges, he came to the Christian faith, and chose to accept his guilt. “I submitted to the police report,” he said. “I had to stop lying.”
The judge, impressed but skeptical, sentenced Featherstone to a lesser term. At sentencing, he stated, “I am somewhat suspect of your newfound Christian religion, but if God has truly touched you, you will be able to help others. And, if this is just a ploy, we will see you again. And the next time you come, it will be for the rest of your life.”
Featherstone first returned to the streets and shared his faith with the addicts and hustlers that had taken his place.
Now he consults the Richmond Police Department’s lieutenants and chief of police on what can be done to change the crime landscape of the city.
“Once I only stayed out (of prison) 30 minutes!” These days, Featherstone also comes to San Quentin twice weekly, teaching a Bible study on Friday evenings, and facilitating IMPACT on Mondays.
His wife commented, “My niece says she wants to marry a man just like Uncle Albert.”
Featherstone speaks at churches, teaches IMPACT in two cities, and is a Life-Skills instructor.
His Sunday night message ending, Featherstone invited those wanting prayer to come forward. Everyone came. Janice was a bit scared the first time visiting San Quentin, but said she approves of her husband’s activities.
“If men really want change,” he said in closing of the interview, “the Spirit of God must convict him of his evil lifestyle.”
