The prison population has grown significantly over the last decade, and new correctional
facilities are being built continually. Unfortunately, government 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 Many are located in outdated buildings with faulty plumbing, poor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 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 yearly.
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.
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). And, “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, etc. 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 four to seven
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 by using our pledge
form. Thank you and God bless!
