“ … I was in prison and you visited [wrote] me … “

First of all, I’d like to share with you part of a letter that we got from Calvin, an insider in the River Band Correctional Facility. Calvin writes to his outside Pen Pal, “You’ve made my time in this place more bearable with your kind words and your inspirational words from above. I often wonder if I ever will be as spiritual as you and your prayer group. When I look around, I see much depression, anger, and hate. I feel like I’m in an abandoned warehouse for men where you’re locked away and forgotten for a time. Being here for almost four years has showing me the reason these men often commit more crimes when released. My point to all of this is I’m glad I found you and your kind words from the Lord. I really look forward to your letters. Thank you for giving me some of your time each month.

I have a small photo request if allowed, beaches, dunes, boats on the water or wildlife.” And it’s signed by Calvin. But we don’t just get that kind of response from insiders. Here’s a response from a dame who writes, “I just wanted to let you know how much I’m enjoying corresponding with my insider in Washington. When I get a letter from him, I immediately carve out time to read it and write back within a day or two.“

Click here to learn more about how you can participate in the Pen Pal Program. If you would like to learn more about the American Association’s Prison Ministry programs, please email Craig Gibson, Chair of the Prison Ministry Committee at cbgibson@comcast.net.