Day 85

Remember the Prisoner

"Don't forget those in jail.  Suffer with them as though you were there yourself.  Share the sorrow of those being mistreated for you know what they are going through" Hebrews 13:3 LBT.

What a privilege we have at On Wings to offer a pen pal ministry.  Several of us write the inmates who request correspondence and we have seen great results come from our efforts as we remember those in prison.

A couple of years ago a pen-pal I had been writing sent me a mug about friendship.  It said, "You simply can't imagine what a gift from God it's been to lean upon your kindness time and time again.  To know that I have someone who will listen with concern, and help me through each trial to the lessons I learn". He was expressing his appreciation for the relationship in Christ we had developed through writing.

What a blessing to receive that gift.  It really touched my heart and helped me know my letters were making a difference in someone's life.  I praised God with tears of joy at what He had done in both of us through the written Word as we shared experiences and became friends.

Some of the inmates get no mail at all and friends and family have deserted them for one reason or another.  They look forward to hearing their name called at mail call.  They need to know someone cares, someone still sees them as a person worth investing in, someone loves them instead of condemns, and someone can give them hope.

Our pen-pals are a light in the prisoners darkness as they share the love of Christ with them.  We also send Bibles as they request them to aid in their spiritual growth through God's Word.  Each month the inmate receives a Newsletter with a Bible Study included.  His Word never returns void, it always accomplishes its purpose.  We receive powerful letters of testimony of their impact.

Maybe you need to remember the prisoner today as if it were you or one of your loved ones.  As you write you have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives as you share and watch God's demonstration of transformation with hope of a second chance.  If you can't write will you pray for them as a whole or maybe you personally know someone in prison who needs your prayers.  With God all things are possible.