Be A Partner In The Great Commission
The prison population has grown significantly over the last decade, and new correctional facilities are being built continually. Unfortunately, state, local, and federal budgets have not kept up with the increasing expense of incarceration. Prisons are often overcrowded and understaffed. Many are located in outdated buildings with faulty plumbing, poor heating, inadequate ventilation, and no air conditioning. Understandably, the comfort and welfare of criminals is not high on the priority list of most tax payers. Nevertheless, the mixture of hot or frigid weather combined with volatile temperaments, understaffing, and lack of space can create a recipe for disaster. This has often resulted in riots, hostage taking, mutilation, and murder. It can also lead to a situation where inmates escape into the community.
As unappetizing as this may sound, these are the conditions in which many chaplains labor for Christ. They are missionaries in their own country, and they often risk their lives in the hope of reaching into the deep spiritual darkness of sin with the light of the Gospel. It takes a very special love to do this type of work, and there are many discouragements along the way. But in prison, even in the midst of misery and despair, there are pockets of light, and God is moving greatly in the correctional facilities of this nation! Incarcerated convicts read their Bibles far more often than the general public, and we can't get Bibles into the prisons fast enough to meet the increasing demand. Our recent role model book, entitled "Samuel Morris" is also a big success, as are our Christian videos, newsletters, tracts, and little Bible booklets. The chaplains have found them to be a very effective tool in spreading the Word of God, especially when there are so few chaplains and inmate populations are growing larger every year.
Prison chaplains go into the front lines of spiritual combat in order to bring the peace and joy of Christ to those whom society has often written off as incorrigible. And they are making progress. For "...The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few" (Matthew 9:37 ASV). Statistics have proven that religious services and Christian material definitely makes a large dent in the crime rate and recidivism. But, for the most part, correctional facility chaplains receive no funding from the government for the purchase of Bibles or similar Christian literature. And that is why they depend so much on the gifts of private charities, such as Bible Believers Fellowship, Inc.
A few years ago, one Ohio chaplain, after receiving a letter from us offering him free Christian material for the inmates at his prison, wrote back to us explaining how timely our offer had been. For there had been a recent riot there and all the inmates were in 24 hour lock down. He had desperately wanted Christian literature to give them, as the tension had been very bad. We were happy to comply!
In 1996, funding was way down and we were forced to temporarily discontinue Bible distribution in prisons. However, one federal prison chaplain speaking to Eric Kaestner on the phone, said reassuringly, "That's okay. I have been able to get Bibles from other prison ministries. But you are the only ones who provide me with role model books and Christian videos." We could give you many other examples of the benefits derived from the work we are doing, but we don't want you to just take our word for it. So we asked some of the chaplains to tell you in their own words how this ministry has assisted in their labor for the Lord. We also requested some inmates to tell you how we have helped them with their walk with Jesus.
The lifestyles of prison inmates can be changed! Salvation through Jesus Christ makes the difference. Statistics have proven it! The letters we receive from chaplains and inmates prove it. Because of this change of heart, inmates are no longer bound by the chains of darkness, but now are living in the light (John 8:12). Now, what does that mean to you? The American public doesn't have much love for the incarcerated. Many feel that criminals should be locked up and the keys thrown away. However, the prison population comes from all levels of society and these days virtually anyone could potentially be put into a situation that would result in incarceration. Therefore, as Christians, we should remember the exhortation of Jesus who said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15 KJV). He also said, "I was in prison, and ye came unto Me. Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee... in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me" (Matthew 25:36-40 KJV).
The majority of inmates will be released one day, many of them on early parole. Statistics show that about 31% of them will return to prison. On the news, reports are constantly given of inmates being released early and committing hideous crimes of rape, mutilation, and murder. Others will commit robbery, car hijackings, drug dealing, and so on. This doesn't have to happen. Jesus Christ can change these people! The Apostle Paul stated, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17 KJV). You also can be a part of the Great Commission. By supporting Bible Believers Fellowship, Inc. on a continual basis, you will be helping us to get the Gospel out to incarcerated convicts nationwide. For as little as $10.00, we can reach between five to ten inmates with Christian literature. Many times, it will be passed on to other inmates, therefore it could reach even more individuals with the Word of God. A Bible, on the other hand, will cost more and will not usually be passed from inmate to inmate. Therefore, $10.00 would help about two to three convicts.
Please be a partner with us. Help us with your prayers and your financial support. Share God's Word with those who are living in deep spiritual darkness. Not only will you be part of the Great Commission, but you will also help to reduce crime by redirecting the paths of those who will soon be released from the wicked ways of their past to the straight and narrow (Matthew 7:13-14) leading to God. Inmates need your help in order to change their ways, before it's too late, not only for their own sake, but also for the sake of their next potential victim. You can donate online or by mail or fax by using our pledge form.
Did you know that:
- $10 will reach 5 to 10 inmates with Christian literature (tracts, booklets, post cards, calendars)
- $25 will buy and distribute 35 role model books
- $50 will provide 3 Christian videos to prison chaplains
- $100 buys and distributes 25 paperback Bibles
- $250 will cover the cost of distributing assorted Christian material for one month (this does not include the cost of the material)
- $500 will enable 3,000 inmates to receive copies of one issue of "The Good News Letter" in Spanish
- $750 will provide 10,000 inmates with copies of one issue of "The Good News Letter" in English
If you can't support us on an ongoing basis, your one time financial gift can also help inmates hear about the Good News of Jesus Christ and His power to break the chains of darkness in their lives. If you like what you have read about us here and at our web site, it would be a great assistance to our ministry, if you would tell your fellow workers, friends, and church members about Bible Believers Fellowship, Inc., along with others who might be inclined to help us financially (donations, pledges, screen saver purchases). We have posters in English and in Spanish that can be printed and handed out or posted where allowable. Thank you and God bless!
Please support Bible Believers Fellowship, Inc.
You can do this with your prayers, donations, purchases, or hanging up some of our posters where allowed. If you would like to put up a 8½×11 poster on a bulletin board at your church or some place else to notify people about Bible Believers Fellowship, Inc., please choose the poster or posters you want from our Posters page and print it out.
All contributions are tax deductible
Bible Believers Fellowship, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
All contributions are deductible as provided by IRS laws.
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