A Simple Way to Reach the Forgotten with Christ’s Love
Our lives are often consumed in daily routines that keep us constantly busy. The days, months, and years relentlessly march on as we look back and wonder where it all went. Many of us have friends and families, co-workers and church groups that keep us fully occupied. It seems that everyone close to us is vying for our time and unfortunately, as life goes on we have less and less of it to give.
So when someone from our inner circle is struggling in their faith, having family problems, fighting temptations, or dealing with grief, we have on problem showing our love and support by taking the time to reach out and help. We do this in many ways by offering a few kind words, giving some much-needed advice, engaging in Bible study together, or sharing a prayer. More often than not, it’s the small simple things in life that end up meaning the most to the people around us.
But I wondered; how many of our good works bear fruit outside the small circles that encompass our lives? Do we spend any of our time to reach out to those who are truly unapproachable? This week I couldn’t help but think of all the people who are rejected in our society. My thoughts were with the outcast, and the ones that a lot of us either don’t, or would rather not notice.
I took to prayer and asked the Lord to reveal his teaching about the thoughts and questions that were in my heart. Turning into scripture, I quickly learned that Jesus invites the tax collectors and sinners. (Matthew 9:9-10) and in verse 12, he tells us why: “those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Jesus is the champion of all who are rejected and outcast. It’s a good thing too, because not one of us is without sin, even if were fooled into believing otherwise.
When I think of the many downtrodden in the world today, I think of all those who live their lives behind bars. Did you know that tonight in America 2.3 million men and women are incarcerated? That’s more than the current population of San Diego, California and Detroit, Michigan combined!
Of this vast number, more than a few do not have any friends, family or church groups on which they can rely. For these, there won’t be very many kind words spoken tonight, and probably no helpful advice on how to live life beyond the walls. Some will have Bible studies and most will pray, but this rarely translates into a committed walk with Christ once they get out. The sad fact is, a lot of these men and women, will come home in worse shape than they went in, and some won’t come home at all.
Besides the obvious failings of our criminal justice system, I think the thing lacking most is a message of hope. Will you help fill that void this month and spare some of the time I was referring to earlier? I would like to urge each one of you to send an anonymous letter consisting of a prayer, copy of your favorite scripture, an encouraging story, anything you deem appropriate and that’s uplifting. It’s easy to find an inmate locator on the web for any state you choose. This will give you names, ID numbers, addresses, and photos. (Talk about a captive audience)!
All joking aside, to someone who is incarcerated, a simple anonymous letter can mean the world. It says to that person, “someone who doesn’t even know me took the time to do this.” It’s a message that they were not lost and forgotten. It’s a message that there is still love and hope in the world. You have the power to change the course of a person’s life you don’t even know. Remember, we don’t need anyone to recognize our charitable deeds. Besides, the ones who seek glory from men have their reward.
Unlike the Pharisees, let us embrace the tax collectors and sinners. I want to thank you for taking the time to consider my plea, because tonight while you are at home reading this I unfortunately will be one of the 2.3 million who can’t.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Stretch our vision beyond the walls that divide and separate us. Let the light of your Son Jesus Christ shine brightly in our lives as we reach out to those in need. If it be your will, oh Lord, let our letters soften the hard heart. Renew the hope of those who suffer in failure and disappointment. And let the fire of Your love inspire faith through our Lord Jesus Christ…….. Amen.
Phillip Bailey #BB-9184
D.V.I D-133
P.O. Box 600
Tracy, CA 95378-0600
Otto & Jennie Ball
Crossroads Ministry
P.O.Box 363
Hyde, PA 16843
I began writing to those in prison in 2000. I was planning on going into a prison with Yokefellow Ministry. I wanted to learn more about those on the inside and felt the best way to know what inmates go through would be to write some of them. I would never of imagined writing to so many of them. Last count we have heard from over 2200 inmates. I answer every letter that is written to us. I was a volunteer at a state prison for ten years Sept 11, 2001 till Jan 2011. I always loved testimony time so now we have over 100 testimonies from those we write to, and share them with those we write to. We received many more than we could use but are truly thankful to all that have taken their time to share them with us. We also have Con-Tracts, tracts created by cons. We have over 100 of them as well.
Being I have been at this for a good while I have learned a few things. First not one inmate who has gotten out of prison has come to our house. We do have a post office box but with google it is easy to find us. One did get out and googled our info and he called us. I enjoyed hearing from him. I get asked a lot for financial help from those I write to but being I write to so many I can’t offer them help. I have no problem telling them the truth. I wish I could do more but I can’t so I don’t let that get in our way.
I offer fellowship and I stuff an envelope so that it weighs 2 ounces. I get many different tracts from a number of different ministries. So they get not only my letter but lots to read. That which I share with them is often then shared with others. That helps us reach more of those on the inside.
I also give addresses of other ministries so that they may obtain Bible studies, Tracts, books, a Bible.
I often give out a message that an evangelist sends us. At first he thought all he could afford to send was 25 but soon he began getting letters from inmates telling them how much they appreciate his messages. He now sends us 3 big packets each month.
I give out lots of tracts. One tract ministry offers 30 tracts a month encouraging people to give out a tract a day. Last I heard from Carl from Bezeugen tract ministry ,over 40 inmates have signed up already.
I heard from a former inmate who had been on death row . He was out of prison and he and I talked on the phone. He said one day he got a postcard from a stranger all it had was a name signed on the postcard. It meant a lot to him knowing at least someone had thought of him and dropped a post card. Mail to an inmate helps them know someone cares.
God Bless you.
Otto & Jennie Ball
The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.