I Was in Prison and You Visited Me

Imagine going into prison and losing everyone who is important to you.

Your friends fall away. Family members may not want to know you. Distance means it may be hard for wives and spouses to bring children to see you.

For some inmates, nobody comes to visit. And as months turn into years, sometimes the only person to visit a prisoner is a Prison Fellowship volunteer.

That’s why your ongoing support of the prison visiting ministry is so important.

When Tim* first requested a prison visit, he’d been in and out of jail a few times already.

Richard, who visited him, said Tim believed in Christ. But he needed support to prevent him from backsliding.

“He wanted a connection with someone who could provide hope. He asked for prayer because he wanted to be reunited with his family.

“He’s sick of going in and out of jail – he’s losing his family and he knows he’s stuffing things up.”

Tim has been doing a Bible study course through Prison Fellowship as he wanted something to “help keep me out of trouble” when he’s out of prison.

Richard says it’s important that Christians are in the prisons to be there for people like Tim.

“We’re in there being disciples of Christ and talking to them about God. If you look at Tim, the impact goes beyond just the inmate. It extends to his family as well.”

If this support gives Tim a better chance of staying out of jail when he’s released, that makes a big difference to his wife and children.

Thank you for supporting this crucial ministry. Whether you’re praying, giving financially or going into prisons as a volunteer, you’re a part of Christ’s command in Matthew 25 to reach these people.

“… the righteous will answer him… ‘When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

*Name changed.