Fathers incarcerated in Angola prison, Louisiana, have been reunited with their children for a fishing trip, through a Christian restorative justice initiative.

Louisiana State Penitentiary is the US’ largest maximum-security prison.

God Behind Bars organised the dad-and-son day out, which saw families reconnect to fish, play games and share a barbecue.

Instead of wearing prison jumpsuits, the 46 fathers were given t-shirts and snapback caps, so their children could see them as simply a parent, rather than an inmate.

“I’m having the best day of my life,” said Damario, who has been in prison for ten years. “Spending time with my son, we’ve been working on practicing patience.”

Some fathers had been imprisoned before their sons’ births, meaning it was the first time they spent a full day with their child.

Kevin came to faith whilst serving a 17-year sentence. “My son’s heard stories about me, and they were pretty rough stories,” he said. “Being able to talk about God with him, it’s awesome. I’ve been able to talk about what God’s done in my life, and what I hope God will do in his life.”

It's not the first time God Behind Bars has partnered with Angola prison. The organisation has hosted worship nights for inmates, as well as a father-daughter dance. 

"Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are incarcerated at any given time, representing one of the most unchurched populations in our country," the charity stated. "We are on a mission to change that.

"We will stop at nothing to ensure every inmate in the U.S. has direct and personal access to the Gospel. We want to help them grow their faith, heal trauma and emotional wounds, break addictions and cycles, and allow every person behind bars to step into their calling as sons and daughters of the Most High."