When I was presented with the idea of becoming a pen pal for prison inmates, I was a little apprehensive at first. There were lots of concerns clouding my thoughts in fear of what I was going to do. What if I say the wrong thing? What if the inmate doesn’t want to write to me. I decided to take the chance and I am so happy I did. I have been doing this for almost a month now and I am thoroughly enjoying this experience. I hear that “fear” stands for “False Evidence Appearing Real” that is so true. It has been so rewarding to become friends with someone to share your faith. It is really a give and take exchange of expressions of all kinds. It is a learning experience for both the inmate and the volunteer. You’ll hear about hard times as well as good times. Sometimes I have no idea what to say but through prayer, the right words flow and the point comes across. Unexpected rewards at every turn. You will laugh, cry, smile, and then just anticipate the next contact you make with the inmate. Happy writing. – Steve J.
My pen pal & I started off slow, but now we are using the email system in VA and it is working out really well. She has been praying for me and I have been praying for her. She said to me “I was feeling so lonely and without a friend… WOW!!! God does come right on time.” And I felt like I have made a friend & hope to continue getting to know her. – Christine R.
I have thoroughly enjoyed corresponding with my pen pal. We have found so many similarities about ourselves and our lives that we did not expect. We both Marvel at God’s timing and plan, and feel like we were meant to be connected. We have encouraged one another, laughed at each other’s corny jokes, and cried at heartbreaks. My hope is that we remain lifelong friends; brother & sister in Christ. – Spain G.
I have written to inmates before. When this ministry started, I agreed to be a pen pal. I have found that writing to an inmate is very rewarding, interesting and a great service. Most, if not all, of the inmates are lonely individuals even with many other inmates around. I send an introduction letter to each pen pal and their response has been great. They were happy to receive mail because quite a few of them have no family contact of any kind. Some have one member of the family as a contact but all of them have no friends. The inmate feels quite Lonely with no mail, no calls, and no visits. They all understand they are there because they broke the law. They understand they are paying the penalty because of their sins. Most, if not all the inmates believe in Jesus Christ. Most have come to Christ while in prison, others have slipped and fallen and now have recommitted their lives. Most are reading the Bible regularly and are attending Bible classes and chaplain services. Some of the inmates are teaching classes. One is teaching a class on life skills, another is teaching Bible classes. All of them are bright individuals and have said the letters are helping them make changes in their lives. In my letters, I do not give advice to them. I do share Bible verses from time to time and many of the inmates say the verses are a great help. – Philip S.