Resourcefulness vs. Wastefulness "Finding practical uses for that which others would overlook or discard"      RESOURCEFULNESS– A One-Minute Testimonial Announcement Faith Committee, Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Contributed by B. E. Tumbleson Librarian, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Cincinnati, OH December 9, 2001 ELIZABETH FRY, ENGLISH PRISON REFORMER Elizabeth Fry, 1780-1845, English prison reformer, proved a resourceful activist. She instituted prison reforms that are still in place today. Fry saw value in rescuing women prisoners from brutal, indecent conditions. At 18, Fry rededicated her life to Christ. At 20 she married a wealthy dealer in tea. She had eleven children. At 33 she began working on behalf of female prisoners in London’s Newgate Prison. Fry risked exposure to violence and disease as she visited inmates daily. There she witnessed women who were guilty of stealing apples sharing cells with murderers, children living with mothers who were awaiting trial, and deplorable living conditions. Fry comforted prisoners, read the Bible to them, taught them hygiene and a trade. She served as an advocate for those on death row. She campaigned successfully for prison reforms: “separation of men and women prisoners, paid work for inmates, women guards for women prisoners, and the housing of criminals based on their crimes.” (p. 287). Through her efforts, seemingly incorrigible inmates were transformed into orderly, disciplined, and devout women. In 1818 Fry’s testimony before the House of Commons contributed to the Prison Reform Act of 1823. In time these prison reforms spread to other European countries. Fry’s resourcefulness was instrumental in reclaiming lives that otherwise would have been wasted. [Adapted from 131 Christians Everyone Should Know, Mark Galli, Broadman & Holman, Nashville 2000] This material is published by the Faith Committee of the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Reproduction and Adaptation is encouraged.