writing letters

Imagine this.
It is early in the morning. The guards have cruelly grabbed the man in the cell next you. You are bracing yourself to hear his tormented cries. Will I be next? As you look around you stand up to pace.  Five steps this way. Turn. Five steps back. In one corner on the cold cement floor lays your worn out blanket; torn and dirty. In the other corner is your overflowing putrid smelling chamber pot. The days have turned into weeks and now the weeks have turned into months. It has been a long time since your house was surrounded by the mobs of jeering, angry men that spring night. It felt like hundreds of hands were all over you, kicking, spitting, and beating you with sticks. You were thrown into this old jail cell without the chance to kiss your loved ones good-bye. You have missed your children's birthdays and your anniversary. Oh, how you miss them. You pray that they are safe and are provided for. God has provided for you, even in this cold, damp cell. He has been your Strength and has put Bible verses that you have long forgotten into your mind. Yesterday your hands shook as you opened a letter written from a sister in the Lord from across the ocean.  A letter full of encouragement and your heart is thankful to God.




"Pastor Dmitry Shestakov was arrested in Uzbekistan, in January 2007, and sent to prison labour camp. Four years later, he was released. While in prison, Dmitry received thousands of letters from Christians all over the world. One day, prison officials called Dmitry to their office to ask if he had family in the U.S. Dimitry replied that he has many brothers and sisters around the world - his spiritual family - who are concerned for his well-being. Prison officials then arranged for an interpreter to translate the letters into Russian for Dmitry to read. He was very encouraged to know that so many people cared." (VOM magazine, special edition)
Writing letters provides tremendous encouragement to Christians who might otherwise feel forgotten. It raises awareness to those in authority that this prisoner is known to many and this can lead to better treatment. Letters impact and they allow us to come along side them.
When I started writing letters my perspective on life changed. Even though I still struggle with the loudness of our boys and their continuous messes:), I am near them and am able to provide and care for them. Many parents long for their children. They are far away from their children and don't know if they are even being cared for.
Writing letters allows time to pray for our brothers and sisters. I took cards that had pictures of God's creation and wrote in there. Our boys have also drawn pictures and I have sent those along as well.
You may write in English and include a Scripture verse. Tell the prisoners that they are not forgotten and that you are praying for them. Even in a jail cell temptations come hard to these men and women. They have to fight against bitterness and learn how to forgive their captors and guards. They are taunted and urged to turn away from Jesus.
Do not mention VOM or any other source of information when you write. This puts everyone in danger. Do not send money or gifts and do not write a return address. I introduce myself as Kerri from Ontario,Canada. Go to www.PrisonerAlert.com for the names of the men and women who are in jail serving time for being believers.
During the next four weeks I hope to write to six or more prisoners. Are you with me?!

Hebrews 13:3 "Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you are also in the body."