A person can only be imprisoned for one reason: they have committed an unpardonable sin for which they are receiving punishment by being put behind bars. A person who is deprived of their liberty against their will. Forcible restraint, captivity, or confinement are all examples of this. The phrase specifically refers to completing a prison sentence inside of a prison. But what happens while they are inside? What does God say about prisoners?
If we think of it from the standpoint of society, prisoners don’t deserve to be treated nicely, yet there is a ministry that distributes the Bible to inmates. Giving a bible to a prisoner is a special ministry in which we impart to the person a word and truth directly from God. It is heartwarming to see how many organizations have made it a priority to provide Bibles to prisoners so they can read God’s word. In this way, we can clearly see that the broken are not despised by God, and neither should we. We are to imitate the One who came to seek and to save the lost—as we ourselves were—no matter what kind of chains bind and impair us. Although society may view jail as a place of punishment, God can utilize it as a setting for improvement and change. He follows people who are imprisoned in love and does not give up on them. God wants to free people who are imprisoned—not always physically, but most definitely by sin, ignorance, rebellion, and poor decisions. Jesus warns us not to treat people differently based on where they are in life. Here are our top choice for organizations that donate bibles to prisoners:
- Prison Fellowship
Located in the selected areas only, the Prison Fellowship Organization assists both men and women in breaking the cycle of dysfunction that led to their prison sentences. They mobilize grassroots networks to promote justice reform and advocate for it. To bring healing change to their facilities, they are the wardens. They provide for the families of prisoners and support the relationship between kids and their incarcerated parents. They request that the Church take the lead in providing care for people who are affected by the criminal justice system. They approach everything from a biblical perspective. Visit their website right here: https://www.prisonfellowship.org/
This organization does not only give bibles, but they also provide services and sessions in the prison. More than 1.7 million Americans are currently incarcerated, more than in any other country. The organization believes that in this way they can lessen the crime in their country. According to Prison Fellowship®, nobody is beyond God’s grasp.
- Bibles for Prisoners
Their mission is to have an impact on God’s kingdom through correspondence Bible studies and outreach to the prison population to share the gospel and disciple them. One of their greatest passions is introducing prisoners to Christ. A free Bible study has been produced by them which they called “Who is God?”They encourage inmates to start a relationship with Christ and join our discipleship program. The opportunities listed below are open to both individuals and groups. Visit their website right here: https://cli.world/bibles-for-prisoners
- Rescued Not Arrested
Their goal is to spread the Good News of the Gospels and the Great Commission to those who are imprisoned around the world and to their loved ones. When prisoners are released, they either share the bible with a large group of other prisoners or leave it inside with their friends.
Roger Munchian, who was the founder of this organization believes, Everyone was made in the likeness of God to experience the adventure of following Jesus. People have a great capacity for good, but they also have the freedom and propensity to act evilly or sin against God, which distances them from God. Thus, all people are in need of a savior – Jesus Christ. He discovered a love for reaching out to the neglected and lost in the jail and prison system while serving a sentence at Lewis Prison in 2003. Shortly after he was freed from prison, he founded Life Changing Prison Ministry with the assistance of a buddy, bringing his vision to reality. Visit their website right here: http://www.rescuednotarrested.org/