MINISTERING TO PRISONERS?

Thanks for your wise warning.

 

I serve as a full time missionary in the prisons of the state of texas. my call has been to go to prisoners with the gospel. one thing i can tell you for sure, is that you can never be too careful when dealing with the inmate. one must always remember that you are dealing with people who have made a life out of manipulating others. our state has seen many a scandal where an inmate has played "christian" quite well, and ended up ruining lives and homes. with that in mind, we can never forget that these men/women are doing what sinners do. the need to get them the gospel is great and pressing. these are souls who will die and go to hell without Jesus. if prison is not for you (I understand not all ministries are for everyone), please pray for the salvation of these men and women.

 

I believe women need to use caution and common sense, but God does surely call women to prison ministry, to care for the souls, doesn't matter male or female. (93% male)

I want to share something, this is from a brother, but we have many sisters with same mind, and it is the gift God equips us with AFTER we say YES to Him, He gives us the mercy, love, forgiveness, puts the same earnest care into our hearts for these people, same as He did in Titus
for the Corinthian people.

FROM Bro Greg:

Hello John, My name is Gregory and it is a privilege to meet you I am a 48 year old white born again divorced Christian man. I am partially paralyzed on my left side due to a massive stroke that occurred 8 or 9 years ago. Please do not lament for me because I really needed to be humbled. I used to be one of those born again christians who would beat you up with legalistic interpretations of the bible. I was more interested in being right than walking in love and displaying christ like character to the lost or misled. I must confess here and now that I have been in the process of transformation over the years since my stroke.

I now see this stroke as a blessing and my life goal and purpose are focused on being a reflection of gods grace and mercy to all be they locked up, in bondage to drugs sex and alcohol or the biggest obstacle to salvation, PRIDE... Having been there done that on all these points I hope to be a godly man who can relate to the hurting people of this world. Now before you think I’ve written to preach at you I just desire to befriend you and during the process of getting acquainted perhaps we can both be totally transparent and honest with each other. I’m including a few jokes with this letter just because it feels so good to laugh.

I sure hope to hear from you brother so write when you have time.

Your friend,
Greg

This is SO Needed!!

Matthew 25:36, Did Jesus say visit the prisoner, but be careful, he might not be a good person? Did author of Hebrews forget to add, "Remember the prisoner as though in prison with him - but remember he might be a con man?

Bottom line, ask Jesus. Where He takes us, He protects and equips us for every good work, right?

My experience, most are sincere, most are who they say, and if they are con men, they didn't believe love or caring existed, until they met me and my husband in letters, "a use or be used" attitude that God CAN deliver them from.

I am just so burdened by these letters we get!
Can I share some letters?

Thanks,
mercy

 

I have many letters.... but i just got this one from pen pal Linda, this is her last letter from Darren, then her post card was returned marked "Deceased"

From Darren's last letter:

"I received yr letter and it
uplifted my sprities, your letters seem to have that effect on me. I believe it is because you are always so possitive, you seem to always
make the best out of a bad situation."

"I think the reason I get so much out of your letters is cuz it really
puts me in touch with reality. I have been going through my own crisis,
while you basically have your own crisis and always pull through and
seem happy for what you have.

If I had gone through what you just went through, I would be a wreck and
I don't think I could write a supportive letter to an inmate in prison.

On one hand I don't have to worry about a roof over my head or food in
my belly, but I don't have my Freedom. I have a free on the inside
Bible when I read it I just don't understand. I have read all of
Chaplain Rays reformed prisoners books. They are ture stories of
criminals who went to prison and are now reformed and alot of them are ministers now.

I think if keep spending some time with my Bible open, I will get it.

I'm glad things are looking a little brighter for you!"

I looked on Darren's form, he wasn't a Christian, but wanted to know/learn. I hope with Linda's witness and the Spirit's drawing, he is with Jesus now.

God bless you,
Beth

 

I should have kept quiet, I think I run people off from replying to rbrent's question, a good question. Anyone else agree or disagree?

Sorry,
mercy