The Penitent Thief, Inc.

06/02/2026

Our good friend, Tim Tucker, is here visiting from South Africa. Tim is a missionary with The Message, and has a servant’s heart. Please take a moment to read his latest blog.

Discover how Paul Del Favero’s journey from prison to purpose reveals that lasting transformation begins by showing up and following Jesus one day at a time.

05/15/2026

05/13/2026

Hey Friends and Family. We have a guest/missionary coming into town from South Africa for 9 nights, May 30-June 8th. Tim is a Godly man, huge servant’s heart, and runs a prison ministry much like Paul and I do, but over in South Africa. He will be here in the US visiting mission partners. We are always super excited to get to spend time with him while he’s in town, and he would typically stay with us. However, due to Paul’s mom living with us now, space is a bit tight. We were going to rent him an Airbnb local to us in the Maitland/Altamonte area, but wanted to put this out there first to see if anyone would have a guest cottage or spare room they’d be willing to host him for his visit. He’s very quiet, and will be out and about most days connecting with people in the community….and we are lending him a car to drive. Let me know if you feel like you’re able to offer some assistance here before I rent the Airbnb. Thank you!!!

04/17/2026

Matthew 12:43 reminds us, “When an unclean spirit goes out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest…”

At The Penitent Thief, we see this truth lived out every day. Freedom isn’t just about leaving the old life behind — it’s about filling the empty spaces with something stronger, truer, and life‑giving.

When someone steps into our community, they’re not just “cleaning the house.” They’re rebuilding it. Brick by brick. Choice by choice. Surrounded by people who refuse to let them walk alone.

Accountability. Structure. Faith. Purpose. Brotherhood and sisterhood. These are the things that fill the house so the old chains have no room to return.

We don’t just celebrate the moment someone gets free — we walk with them as they stay free. That’s the heart of this mission. That’s the heart of transformation. 🤍

03/25/2026

Tonight was something really special.
Two of our ladies and I joined a beautiful group of Godly women at Lazy H Ranch in Kissimmee. We spent unhurried time in prayer, shared our hearts, and experienced a peaceful, almost sacred connection with the horses.

There’s something powerful about slowing down, breathing deep, and letting God meet you in the quiet places—especially surrounded by women who are seeking Him too.

Grateful for tonight. Grateful for these women. Already looking forward to the next time we gather. 🤍🐴✨

“He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:2–3

03/14/2026

Today, several of our Penitent Thief participants took a bold, beautiful step of faith — publicly declaring their new life in Christ through baptism. And Paul and I had the incredible honor of baptizing them ourselves.

Watching these men and women rise from the water, renewed and unashamed, reminded us why we do this work. Grace is real. Transformation is possible. Jesus still meets people on their crossroads and calls them into freedom.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

What a special moment. What a faithful God we serve. Here’s to second chances, restored purpose, and the journey ahead.

03/10/2026

This morning, we were featured on WESH 2 News as part of the Victory Cup Initiative Story Showcase Breakfast, an event celebrating nonprofits doing transformative work right here in Central Florida.

But awards don't change lives. People do. This moment is a reminder of why we show up every single day for returning citizens and their families in Central Florida. This recognition belongs to every person who has walked through our doors, every volunteer who has shown up, and every donor who has made this mission possible.

The work continues. 🙏

Nine nonprofits will now embark on new journey toward transformative work, unrestricted funding and a new voice to share their mission following the 11th annual event

03/09/2026

“Helping Those Ready for Real Change”

At The Penitent Thief, we focus on men and women coming home from jail or prison who are truly ready for something different. We’re not the easy path — we’re the committed path. The path for those willing to put in the work, take responsibility, and rebuild their lives with integrity and purpose.

We often say we serve the “Ivy League” of returning citizens — not because of status, but because of effort. Because choosing transformation takes courage. It takes humility. It takes consistency. And the ones who are ready for that? We pour everything we have into them.

For those who aren’t ready yet, we hold no judgment. We pray they find their moment of clarity, their turning point, their “enough is enough.” When they’re ready, we’ll be here.

Every day, we witness what’s possible when someone decides to fight for their future. And we’re honored to walk with them as they do.

03/08/2026

02/28/2026

Winning the 2026 Victory Cup has been an incredible and humbling experience for myself and Stacy and everyone who pours their heart into The Penitent Thief. We’re grateful beyond words for the support and belief in our mission. At the same time, this moment is bittersweet. Standing alongside so many amazing nonprofits reminded us just how hard this work really is. Most of what they do happens quietly, behind the scenes, without applause or recognition. Getting to know them throughout this process was one of the best parts of the entire journey. Their missions matter. Their people matter. And our community is stronger because of the work they do every single day. I’m sharing a link below so you can learn more about the other organizations who presented. Please take a moment to check them out — they’re doing work that deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

https://www.victorycupinitiative.org/