Letters from Prisoners

Prisoner Testimonies - Christian Prison Letters

I've disobeyed Christ, acted foolishly and refused to repent. I've lost beautiful relationships with family. I let Satan use and abuse me. But I finally chose a new path, a new way, which is the narrow way. I have chosen the Way, the Truth and Life - Jesus Christ. I'm through with childish ways. I ask for your prayers. Thank you.

Richard Morais MCI Cedar Junction South Walpole MA

You can't hide from God - He sees everything. This is my first time in prison, and I've come to know God. He is Love! Love is what I have always needed in my life. Now I have eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Please pray for me.

Douglas Arthur Lake Corr Inst Clermont FL

This is my third prison term. I'm getting old and tired. Please pray for me. I enjoy reading your newsletters. I've been reading the Bible and going to Christian services. I've given my life to Jesus Christ and I know that God loves me. Thank you for your prayers.

John Hermanson MCI West Boylston MA

Still recovering from my surgery and I need your prayers. Neither time nor distance can hinder God from answering your prayers for me, in Jesus' Name.

Gene Dryer CCF Clarinda IA

I have recently found Jesus Christ. I asked Him to be my Lord and Savior. I had pushed everyone out of my life. I was angry at the world. Headed for destruction. The devil was running my life and I didn't even know it. God brought me to jail to find Him. Please pray for me to get closer to Jesus and His Word. I want the Holy Spirit to teach me and help me.

Joshua Ryder MCI West Boylston MA

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READERS: Thanks for praying for these prisoners and the many other men and women in prisons/jails. Thanks also for your prayers for this ministry.

Thank you for all the comfort and peace the reading of your newsletter brought me. There are many times I feel down and discouraged, but always a word from God comes to me and my heart is lifted up once again. "Hope reigns, taking away pains." The Bible gives us hope. It tells me to boast in my suffering because that produces hope. Hope is not lost because the Word says we win! When I go through dark times, I reach for that hope God gives.

Kathryn Olive

Mt View Unit

Texas

I'm a born again Christian and I thank the Lord for His presence every day. He blesses me, He is my strength, and He gives me courage. He guides me to persevere.

The letters and short stories in your newsletter are very heartfelt and enlightening. Please pray for my family and me. Being a first time felon in prison has put a great deal of hardship on my family.

William Strmiska

Holmes CI

Florida

Please remember me in prayer. By the grace of God, I may be coming out of here very soon.

Edwin Cron

Jester 4

Texas

God has brought me a long way in life. I went through hell to get to Heaven. I can say that I thank the Lord for it all. Please pray for me to keep my focus always on God, to be in His will. Please ask God to restore my family, and please pray for my daughter. My grandma just passed away. We need peace and strength.

I found out about your newsletter when I went to church service here in prison. I read so many testimonies, how God delivered people! It was great to read! God bless you!

Tyler Coney

Valdosta Prison

Georgia

I received this bundle of letters in one envelope from Shawnee County Jail - Topeka, Kansas:

It's been a long time coming. Being a child of God today gives me a vision of life I had never seen. I blame nobody though I had a hard life growing up. I just thank God for blessing us with His Son who died for our sins. Thank You Jesus. All things have become new. Having faith takes the worry out of me. I know now there is a place for me in Heaven.

Devry Knight

I read things in your newsletter that sounded like my own life. I followed the leading of satan instead of being a father to my son. I was brought up in church but I let drugs and gangs become my life. Now from this jail I can thank the Lord for His saving grace.

LaShawn Akins

God bless you for what you do. Your newsletter is motivation for anyone in jail/prison who has not accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. I was in the world living for my clothes, cars, money & women. I was building my earthly kingdom instead of investing in a Heavenly future kingdom. Now I'm a born again child of Christ Jesus. God is good all the time.

Anceo Stovall

For years I walked around with an empty spot in my heart and soul. I could never fill it with my drugs, women, cars and toys. Today I am happier than I've ever been - even in jail. Why? I am a true Christian and I know that God's will is being done in my life. It is going to be OK. His love and peace fill that empty spot in my heart. God is great.

Paul Parkhurst

I walked into this jail with a lost spirit full of shame and anger. My world was destroyed, I thought. I begged God at that time to begin a healing process but it seemed impossible. But I was welcomed by a group of people who understood. I attended their Bible study group. I found God and He has given me a bright new future through my belief in Jesus Christ.

Harvey Ghahate

We love your newsletter. Nobody but the King can put us back together. God bless you.

Marvel McClellan

More prisoner letters from all around:

I came to a fork in the road and took the wrong path and got myself into trouble. A fellow inmate had a copy of your newsletter and I read it and was moved by it. I have asked Jesus into my life. Please send me more of your newsletters. Thank you for helping people in need of Jesus.

Cory Still

Story County Jail

Iowa

Please send me more of your newsletters. I found Christ sitting at the prison library.

Nathan Jackson

Vacaville

California

I've been receiving your newsletter at the chapel and it's touched my heart how many people are turning their life over to Christ. That is awesome and powerful. I gave my life to the Lord. Please pray for me.

John Zabawa

Waupun CI

Wisconsin

I've turned my life over to Jesus. When I came to prison, everyone gave up on me. I'm so blessed Jesus was waiting for me. Please pray for me. Now I have Jesus, the One I once ran away from. He accepted me with open arms. I want to tell everyone what Jesus has done for me.

Elvin Poullard

Hughes Unit

Texas

I'm a new Christian. I got tired of sin when I hit rock bottom. Thank you for everything. Please send me future newsletters and any other reading material.

Robert Morgan

KSR

Kentucky

I come from a broken home. I lived a hard life in and out of institutions. I had given my life to satan, drugs, crime. But now I have committed myself to Jesus Christ. Through God I was able to lead someone else to Jesus. What a wonderful feeling! Today I love to love God and people.

Robert Steinruck

Indio Jail

California

For a long time I walked around without knowledge of God's Word. But in this prison God brought me to Jesus Christ. Thank you for giving your time. God bless.

Jarvin Nash

Centinela SP

California

Thank you for printing my story in your last newsletter. It brought tears to my eyes when I received it today at church services from another inmate. It only could be through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After serving the Lord for almost 4 years in prison, I can say that even behind bars I have so much peace and comfort knowing that God is always with me. He takes away my worries, He guides me through my day and night. He gives me a love that I never felt before. I would never exchange Him for anything. He loved me and changed me. I love Him so very much.

Natalie Benevides Kailua, Hawaii

The Lord Jesus Christ was born, showed us the way, willingly suffered and died for our sins. Let not the sun go down one more time before you pray to God. Jesus was born of a virgin in Bethlehem for your sake. You must decide what this means to you and then act accordingly - to determine your eternal destiny. Take the time now to consider what His birth, life, death and resurrection means to you.

Michael Searle SP@Cresson, Pennsylvania

I want to grow in Christ and I have faith in Him. I feel that God has set me down in order to get it right this time. With prayer, God will see me through this. I'm praying for healing.

Oris Smiley HRYCI, Delaware

I give my life to Jesus Christ today. I believe He can do something good with my life, something better than I could do. I'm truly tired of making the same old mistakes. Please pray for my friends, family and me. God bless you.

Roderick McKee Moberly CC, Missouri

Everything I loved and everything I had was gone from me. With no one else to turn to, I finally turned to Jesus. When I gave my life to Him, He was waiting for me with open arms. After I asked Him to forgive all my sins, His joy came into my life. I'm studying God's Word and praying daily. I'm so blessed, even behind these walls. Please pray for me to grow ever stronger.

Elvin Poullard Powledge Unit, Texas

I've been a Christian for the years since I’ve been locked up. God has given me hope for a life I thought was already wasted. I praise the Lord every day that I am alive in Christ Jesus.

Wesley Montgomery Billy Moore CC, Texas

I was a foster kid, an orphan, who was convicted for robbery. I accepted Jesus Christ into my life after I was convinced that if I did not change my evil ways, I would not live to continue being disobedient to God. I'm so glad Jesus saved me by dying on the cross for my sins. Thank you, Jesus!

Kanares Deans Green Haven CF, New York

I recently received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I finally found out what I was missing. I know now that life is not about me. It's all about Jesus Christ. I had made a mess of my life, but I have a new beginning and a new me.
Allen Rhyndress GR Cotton CF, Michigan

Sin leads to more sin, and I was on dangerous ground. Trouble has a way of humbling you to godly sorrow. After many regrets, I gave my life to Christ. God is more than gracious to those willing to come to Him. Through Bible reading and prayer, I'm discovering Christ's attributes.

John Multer Alameda Co Jail, California

God is truly good to us, full of unconditional love and forgiveness. I’ve been a born again Christian for many years with a deep desire in my heart to serve Him here in prison. But I recently stumbled and made some bad choices. I accept full responsibility. In man's eyes, this was a serious setback. But God has given me one opportunity after another to make use of my experience for His glory. The first thing He did was take me to Proverbs 24:16, "For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again." Because of His love, mercy and forgiveness through the blood of my Lord and Savior Jesus, I'm back on my feet serving Him. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.

Phillip Dunn PCI, North Carolina

I came across your newsletter and found it encouraging to know fellow prisoners are seeking the salvation of God through Jesus - and I am not alone fighting spiritual battles. God bless you.

Isaiah Aguilar New Folsom, California

I love Jesus. Thank God for His love and forgiveness. This is a thing to go through, but I'm glad I have Jesus with me now.

John Theis Stateville CC, Illinois

When I received Christ, my life changed - and so did my outlook on life. God knew I was hungry for peace within. I cried out to God to change my heart and mind, to deliver me. He has saved me from the powers of evil and sin. All power and authority is in His hands. All things are possible with God. Jesus said ask and you will receive. The scripture says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I waited a long time to turn to the Lord, but better late than never. I urge you to pray to God, talk to Him like you would talk to anybody. Put your trust in Him. He won't let you down.

Ernest King Wyandotte County Jail, Kansas

God has never left me or forsaken me. God always gives me what I really need. He will do the same for anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and calls to Him. I'm so glad I did.

Jimmy Monroe Putnamville CF, Indiana

Thank God for the Holy Spirit that lives in me. It is such a privilege to be a servant of God! I pray for everyone who is locked up to turn to God in the Name of Jesus.

Auburn Daugherty Muhlenberg CDC, Kentucky

A friend asked me to read your newsletter. I found out that many people in prison are in the same position I am. My eyes were opened to realize there is a bright Light at the end of the tunnel. I have received forgiveness from God by turning to Him with faith in Jesus Christ. I have chosen to put God first in my life.

Robby Hand Lindsey Unit, Texas

I've given my life to God through faith in Jesus Christ. I wish I would've done this a long time ago. God is so awesome, and I want to tell everybody how great He is.

Rickey McKellips Fulton RDC, Missouri

I'm saved! And with Jesus as my Savior, I devote my time to His Word. Thank God!

Patrick McMahon USP Allenwood, Pennsylvania

I read many of the letters from prisoners. Some great testimonies! My conversion was nothing as dramatic as these individuals. I just wanted to be a better person, and I've met Christians behind bars who are wonderful, loving people. So I have received the Savior and am leaving my sinful life behind. I am glad I did, but it is an ongoing transformation. Thanks to Jesus, God is now my authority on all matters.

Curtis Allison FCC Yazoo City, Mississippi

Saw your letters from prisoners for the first time and was blessed. I have been born again for a short time now. To read of others in prison, sharing what God has done for them, how He has lifted their spirits, lifts mine also. I am part of a very large family. Part of the bride of Christ. Praise God!

Charles Smith Montana Prison, Deer Lodge

I really enjoyed seeing your newsletter in our chapel. Thank God for the inspiration. The words of other prisoners are an encouragment to me. I now know I am not alone in my struggles.

Mark Schultes Wende CF, New York

It took time for me to get it. You can't hide from God. I’ve called out to Him. Building a relationship with Jesus is what it's all about.

Felix Fields Downstate CF, New York

I'm new in faith, yet I believe God listens to the prayers of His people. Please pray for those of us in prisons and jails - and for our families.

Cornell Hiticas DVI Calif SP, Tracy

I sat on the edge of my bed, with tears falling from my eyes onto a Bible I held in my hand. I prayed, "Lord, I wish I was never born. My hurt is heavy. My mom has died. My two brothers have also just died. My wife has divorced me. Now I am locked away in this prison." And I believe Jesus said, "Son, I will be with you. Come to me and you shall have rest. I died that you might live. Your love for others will grow. Follow me. You will be blessed - and be a blessing to others."

Joseph Golden Haynesville CC, Virginia

I spent years living life my way and it got me here. But the Spirit of God brought me to ask the Lord to forgive my sins through Jesus. I'm going to spend the rest of my life following Christ and looking forward to eternal life with Him. Thank God for His mercy and love.

Jason Boyd Virginia Dept. of Corrections

When my daughter was born, I would not accept her or her mother into my life. I was blinded by drugs, sin, pride and selfishness. Then I was sent to prison. I sought solace in Jesus Christ. Glory to God, He delivered me! I tried to be reconciled to my family. After one year of writing letters, I got my first letter. Two years later, I received the first letter from my young daughter - written to me, her dad. All I could do was cry and thank God He had answered my prayers. I just want to encourage every man and woman to attempt to make a reconciliation wherever remotely possible. God is faithful. It may not happen in a day or year or ten years, but God knows where your heart is. I now get to talk to my daughter and her mother often, on the telephone. Praise to God.

Elliot Bailey Odom CI, North Carolina

I know Jesus Christ died for me. I have the Holy Spirit inside of me and I owe everything to Jesus. With Christ, anything is possible. I pray and study the Bible. There is so much I don't understand, but Jesus is showing me the way.

Ben Walker Utah State Prison, Draper

The Lord spared me from death so many times in the past. I once was a gangbanger. But I've found the Lord since being behind bars. I thank Him every day for sending Jesus to die for our sins, and I thank Him for coming into my life.

Deshane Dunlap Baltimore Del Ctr, Maryland

God has gotten my attention. Looking back on my life, those things I thought were so glorious were straight out of hell. Now I've received Jesus as Savior and I'm building my relationship with God. I'm putting Jesus first in my life.

Rashaud Harrell Ford County Jail, Illinois

Honor and glory to God for His great love, for sending His only Son to die on the cross for my sins. Just because my body is incarcerated does not mean my mind and spirit have to be. I can have a meaningful life even behind bars. God has a wonderful plan for each one of us, a plan uniquely designed. I urge the reader of this letter to ask God to forgive all your sins through Jesus Christ. Ask Him to help you accept His forgiveness for your past. Then ask Him to help you make peace with your present situation. Amazingly, I have found real hope for the future even in these circumstances. He has the power to do more than we ask or imagine.

Eddie Johnson Joe Gurney Unit, Texas

Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Jesus can take away that pain inside of you. God sent His Son to bring light into the darkness. He can make you a light in the darkness as He is a light in this dark world.

Fidensio Saavedra Clallum Bay CC, Washington

I came to Jesus giving my life to Him. I pray daily for Him to use me for His glory.

Steven Shetley Craggy CC, North Carolina

In the powerful, healing and holy Name of our Lord and Savior, I thank God for His love.

Xolani Solven Corr Services, E Lndn, South Africa

I choose to live my life for Jesus. I was taught about Jesus and prayer when I was a kid, but I never made the right choice until now. Now that I am saved, I have been studying the Bible.

Thomas Kelly North Dakota SP, Bismarck

Even with the hard time I got sentenced to, I'm at peace with the Lord. I've turned my life, heart and soul over to Christ. I've never felt so at ease or at peace in my whole life. Now I strive for His knowledge and understanding, to grow in faith and in His love and kindness. I want to let everyone know what Jesus has done for me. When I think of the horrible death Jesus died, so my sins could be forgiven! All so that I could live in the Kingdom of God with Him! I thank God I am one of His children!

Vickie Hill Dwight CC, Illinois

God is so good. I meet people who say they don't believe the Bible to be true. Our proud, sin-loving heart does not love the Word of God. We are naturally inclined to discount the Bible's authority. But through God's Word we can find eternal salvation in Christ. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. God can save you and raise you up from anything. When I desperately needed help, I found it in Jesus. My every need was supplied and the hunger of my soul was satisfied. I have found the Bible to be the voice of God to my very soul, the revelation of Jesus. I thank and praise God the Father for that.

Willie Fred Goldsmith FCI Oakdale, Louisiana

Years ago, I asked the Lord to come and take over my life - and He did. All these years in prison God has been good to me. Along with the blessings there have been many trials and tribulations. I was put through the fire many times. But the Lord is so very good. He always takes care of His children. If you do not know the Lord, today is the day of salvation. God will never leave you or forsake you. Give your life to Jesus Christ and it will never be the same.

Manuel Romero Chuckawalla Valley SP, California

I have confessed Jesus as my Lord and Savior. He died on the cross for my sins. I have given my life to Him, and I am walking with Him.

Chris Lampley MRDCC, Maryland

I had always put God in second place. I prayed only when my life was out of control. I made a lot of promises to God, promises that were never kept. For 25 years I used alcohol and drugs, and lived in jails, until I figured God must have given up on me. But along the way I met people who had Jesus living in them. They were so happy! Their lives were full of peace! I knew I wanted the same thing. I responded to the Holy Spirit and believed that God loved me so much He gave His only Son for me. I found the answer to my problems! I found the peace and joy I'd always been looking for!

Donald Kumm Mike Durfee SP, South Dakota

I had burned all my bridges with my family, wife, children and friends. When I had nobody else, a Christian told me that Jesus loves me. It is just what I needed to hear. I had no intention of finding God. But Jesus found His way into my heart. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13.
Marcos Gonzalez Nueces County Jail, Texas

I ran a hard, fast life and never got into any trouble until now. I was sentenced to six terms. You could say my chain is yanked pretty hard now. Looking back through all my sad and dangerous past, I can see the Lord was watching over me to keep me alive. I have now dedicated my life to Jesus. I'm at peace with my situation. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I’ve heard it said that faith is the vehicle God's promises come in. He fills my heart with peace, patience and understanding. I've been able to help other inmates with some of the things they are going through. I want Him to work through me - and shine through me.

Tommie Hale Bassett Women's CF, Oklahoma

I'm a newborn Christian. God gave me peace and removed the heavy burden in my heart. He gave me the ability to love others, and a new "givingness" I’ve never had. Jesus opened my eyes to love God more than I thought possible.

Catherine Goode Dickson Co Jail, Tennessee

I have suffered losses and have battled depression. But with faith in Jesus Christ, and lots of prayer, the Heavenly Father is seeing me through the trials. As one of His children, He is seeing me through to where I need to be.

Natalie Torres Jail

I came to prison years ago on drug charges. Before my incarceration, I felt the Lord calling me many times, but I refused to listen. God got my attention when I came here. By His grace I am now saved. Jesus has blessed my life in so many ways, I cannot count them all.

Marty Napier Botetourt Corr Center, Virginia

God is everything to me. I choose to please and live for Him. I believe we are in the last days. The Bible is what we need for our daily lives.

Robert Stone Deuel Voc Inst, California

I served this country for 5 years in the United States Marines. But since then I've been in and out of prison. All my life I have diligently avoided religious people. But at last in 2007 I responded to God's call to be a warrior for Christ. Through the mercy of God, I am saved and I am changed. I find it very easy now to speak with others about the new life in Jesus Christ. This is the first time I have had peace in my life. Now I serve the Lord as His soldier.

Jose Alvarez Hudson County CC, New Jersey

I spent my time on the streets instead of with the people I really loved. I was selling drugs and living for myself. I hated to hear people talk about the Bible. I was running from God. But I've recently given my life to the Lord. I'm behind bars, but I've never been so happy and at peace. I know that going to prison saved me from death, and He has a plan for me - with a bright future.

Tromaine Pegeese TX Dept of Criminal Justice

I am serving a 60 year sentence, and my brother is also in one of these prison cells. Years ago, he joined my street gang because of me. But now, after 15 years of imprisonment, and many years of refusing to believe in the power and love of God, I have turned to Him. Now Jesus is the Lord of my life! How did I ever convince myself I was all right without God? Now I trust in Jesus completely. I've found courage and support from other Christians, like those who tell their stories in your letters page.

Julio Rodriguez Pontiac CC, Illinois

Since God called and I answered His call, my life has changed for the better. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I’ve been studying the Bible and I have a good relationship with God. He has opened my eyes. The essence of relationship is acceptance. Without it we are rejected and lonely. I once was lonely, but not now. I have Jesus Christ in my life.

Gregory Victor Attica CF, New York

Many prisoners like me are leaving the sinful life behind. I have done 30 years in prison, but God has changed my life. He gave me a second chance at happiness - as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Wilson Tyler Wyandotte Co DC, Kansas

This is my second prison term, after several county jail terms. I can truly say I am tired. Now I am looking into God's Word with all my heart. I dedicated my life to Christ and accepted Him as my Savior. I really love the Lord today. I love Christian fellowship and telling others about what Jesus has done for me. It is time to loose Satan from our lives once and for all.

Tami-ka McKenzie Valley State Prison, California

I am a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. I can't even begin to explain how great the love of the Lord is. God gave His own Son to suffer and die for our sins. My life would be wasted if I did not grasp the glory of the cross and cherish it for the treasure it is. The cross is the high price that was paid for every blessing we receive. The cross is the deepest comfort for our every pain.

Gabriel Chapman Tracy State Prison, California

I’ve had a chance to reflect on all I’ve done. I went to a prison church service one Saturday night. When I got back to my zone, I said to myself, I've done everything but this. So I prayed to God for forgiveness through Jesus. Ever since I’ve been receiving the Word of God, my life has taken a complete turnaround. I feel more free and alive than I ever did on the outside. Without God as my pilot, everything I tried to do was rough. I want to grow as a follower of the Lord Jesus. You cannot go wrong with God.

Kevin Causey Mississippi SP @ Parchman

I thought God had forgotten about me, but the truth is, I had forgotten about Him. Being locked up made me take a look at my life. I had run from God for 20 years. But now God has forgiven my sins because I have placed my faith in Jesus. I am studying God's Word and praying for Him to show me His ways. I ask God for help and strength, and He has never let me down. When the devil tries to put doubts in my head, I go to the Word of God and pray for help. All I have to do is hang on to God's promises and He sees me through. The hardest thing for me is to forgive myself. But God has forgiven me, and so I must forgive myself. He saved me and I know He has a plan for my life, to follow Him and tell others about Christ. You can be saved and know that when death comes you will be in Heaven. If you will believe in Jesus for salvation, He will forgive your sins and save you from death to life.

Howard Procknaw Released

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