How important is the prison ministry here in the United States? According to statistics by the U.S. Bureau Of Justice, about 0.7% of the population is currently incarcerated, about 3% are under correctional supervision, and more than 1 in 20 people in this country have been in prison at some point in their lives. That’s a lot of people who have gone through the prison system, and we want every single one to have the opportunity to learn about the Message of the hour.
Here’s how it usually works: an incarcerated believer witnesses to a cellmate or a new acquaintance in his prison. The fellow prisoner gets our address and requests his/her own books. That person then witnesses to someone else, and it continues on. Once they are released, many of the former-inmates bring the Message to their families. In fact, there are a number churches around the world started by people who received the Message in prison, and then brought It back to their local communities. So, the prison ministry has much farther reaches than just those behind bars.
Our only communication with the inmates is through the US Postal service. The inmates write us, and we send out the material they request. We usually don’t have a way to send material into a prison if it is not requested by an inmate, the chaplain, or a family member. Prisons usually do not accept random donations for the chapel. One of the main obstacles is prison chaplains. They are often staunchly denominational and don’t accept any material that is not from a denomination.
We have shipped more than 13,000 Message books to prisoners in 47 states so far in 2013. The three states we have not shipped to this year are Maine, Montana, and Oregon.
Here are excerpts from some of the letters from prisoners we have received over the past month.
I do not like being here but I have come to the conclusion that it was in the plan of God for me to come here to find this message. After I read the first book I felt something touch my heart like nothing before had done. I continued to read until I found out that I had been baptized wrongly and needed to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so I went and told the chaplain and he said that the books were of the devil and that I would have to wait until I got out of the prison to get baptized any other way.
I have about 100 message books with me and I will be sending them to my home so that when I do go home I can continue with this message. I will be deported this year.
I know there are many churches Mexico and cannot wait to fellowship. May God bless you as you have done what the bible says, when I was hungry, you fed me, when I was thirsty you gave me to drink. I hope to see you on the other side.
TX
Thanks be to Almighty God for all the blessings that you have given me. May the love of Jesus Christ be in your heart always to continue helping others such as I. The message books have given me revelation to better understand the bible and be able to believe that the Lord is the same of yesterday, today and forever. I am very happy with all this, God bless you.
TX
I just wanted to say thank you for the books and Bible, words cannot express my appreciation, God bless you!
TX
I just read the book, “The Holy Ghost.” WOW!
CO
Two of the nicest people I ever met were transferred from here. They always talked about the Bible and a Reverend Branham. I asked them before they left, how I could understand more. They told me to write to you guys and ask for the Seals and then believe what you read. I have no idea what the Seals are but can you send them to me? I want what they have.
OH
I find myself in this jail after being arrested for illegal reentry and I wondered why this has happened to me at this time. See, thirteen years ago I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ and believed He protected me. I found out why. I was placed in a cell with a strong Christian brother and that made me happy. We talked Bible that afternoon and then that evening at prayer he asked me if I did not believe in Jesus Christ like I said. I said, brother I am a believer totally. He did not think so. I asked why, and he astounded me and asked, why are you praying to a woman. He showed me books by Rev. Branham. Then I understand and revelation he has was unbelievable. All these years I have been lied to and deceived. Please start sending me books right away; I want to worship the True and Living God!
WI
I know that going to jail was the best thing that ever happen to me. Spent my life trying to fill a void with anything I could find, nothing worked. Setting here thinking what a waste I am, spent my lift looking for something! Another inmate asked if I was hungry. We just ate, I said. He said no, are you filled? Well, not really. He gave me a little book and said, look on this. I wondered, “Jesus Christ the Same,” what does that mean? Brothers what peace, what love. I felt a warmth and a peace I never had come over me. I would like to have the book Souls that are in Prison Now. Thank you Brother Branham for guiding this lost sheep home.
NM
I’ve spent over half my life in prison; I guess I’m what they call a hard core inmate. I’ve seen it all, nothing bothers me. I just melted when I read Prophet Visits South Africa. Brother Branham took me someplace I have never been before and I hope I never return from. I have never been so moved and pray that you would send me more booklets. As we use to say, and now I really know what it means, It don’t get any better than this.
NM
Brothers I really enjoyed the CTV, the outline of the Seals was such a blessing. This time reading the Seals was so different than before. Seems I had a deeper understanding because of the outline. Thank you from a grateful inmate.
OH
We never know. I have been praying for a new trial and finally was called for one. I arrived at the courthouse and was placed in the holding cell there along with another inmate. The guards came and told me that I was rescheduled for 6 months later and to wait they will take me back later. In all things we give praise. So I was thanking the Lord when the other inmate asked, “Are you religious?” I said, “I believe in Jesus Christ and His Word.” I could see he was scared and I asked him if he would like prayer. He said, “Yes please.” We got on our knees and I prayed, then we talked and I could see he was doing better. He asked, “How do you know so much?” Oh what a door, I told him there is a Prophet. At that time they called for him so he quickly wrote your address. I was setting there by myself when that still small voice I heard, “You thought you were here for you.” Brothers we have to watch our attitude in all we do, for we are not here for ourselves.
MD