Since we started keeping record by computer in 2000, we have ministered to over 6,500 inmates in over 1,500 institutions in all 50 states as well as England; Thailand; and Zambia, Africa with our pen pal ministry, our intercessory prayer, and our correspondence ministry.

The Pen Pal Ministry has over 100 volunteers. Twenty-five of those volunteers serve as intercessors (along with many others) for prayer requests of inmates. At this time, we have volunteers in 14 different states across the US.

Most inmates we minister to are lonesome from non correspondence. They are sometimes deserted by their families when they become incarcerated.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Does the inmate have to know my name and whereabouts? Absolutely not. As a matter of fact, we ask you to use a nickname. All inmates mail are sent to the church post office box for your protection.

Do I need special training? Training is provided and support is on going. We are always available for guidance and help.

I don’t have anything in common with an inmate. What can I say to them? You will receive the inmate’s application which includes his born again testimony, hobbies and his spiritual needs.

How much time is required of me? On the average, the inmate writes once a month and it may take you no longer than 30 minutes to an hour to write them back. You can also type your letters if you like.

Do I have to belong to Evangel to be a pen pal? We have pen pals from many other states and churches. We welcome all born again believers.

Can I visit or call the inmate? No. Each prison facility has many restrictions such as: no photos, no visits, no money sent, no phone calls, no stamps, and no books from the pen pal volunteers. We could possibly lose our good standing with the prison facility if these rules were violated.

What if I get too busy one month to write? You may want to send a greeting card and let them know you will write soon. Or you can send various Christian articles along with a short note.

I am very busy, do I have to come to meetings? No. The best part of being a pen pal is that you can have your own ministry right out of your own home. It’s a great ministry for shut-ins, stay at home moms, the handicapped, someone who has no transportation, retirees, people who have free time on their job, or for someone who wants to be in ministry but has little time for ministry meetings, events, fundraisers, etc.

What can I expect to receive out of this ministry? According to one of our volunteers, “You will receive blessings on top of blessings, new friends, the joy of being used by God in the life of a needy person…. small things I have said in a letter are appreciated beyond my wildest expectations!.... that’s when I know the Holy Spirit is working through me and this ministry!”

We are constantly in need of more pen pal volunteers. At this moment we have many new letters from inmates waiting in our office for volunteers to begin writing them. Some of our volunteers are writing to as many as 30 or 40 inmates because we just don't have enough help. God is truly bringing in a harvest through this ministry - and we need workers to help bring it in!

If you think you might be interested in helping in this area of our ministry, please fill out the Volunteer Information Form, or if you have any questions not answered by this page, please call 502-964-3304, ext. 1227. If we are not immediately available, please leave us a message and we will get right back to you. If you have email, you may email us with your question at prisonministries@worldprayercenter.org. God Bless you!