Community Outreach

Caring for the Families of Prisoners

Twenty-seven people are arrested every minute—over 14 million each year—in the United States according to the Bureau of Justice. Every person arrested has family members who are affected by the arrest. Let me illustrate with a letter I received recently:

Dear Prison Ministries,

Praise God for your work and for the prayers you pray every day! Your prayers do not go unanswered. Prayer has worked a miracle in my life.

My name is Linda (not her real name). I am currently incarcerated in the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women. My father is an Assemblies of God minister. My parents taught my siblings and me right from wrong, but for 23 years I would not accept Christ into my life. What a mistake! Finally after 23 years of sadness, loneliness, and hurt, I have given my life to Christ and the joy He brings is truly wondrous. My parents have been praying that I would be able to understand the joy they have known all their lives!

Praise God that when I am released my parents and I will have a glorious time in the Lord. So please realize that your prayers and hard work mean so much, not just to the inmates, but also to their families!

Continue to pray for my family and me and every other inmate and their families also.

God bless you!
Linda

Linda's arrest and imprisonment impacted her family. All prisoners have those around them whose lives are disrupted when they are placed behind bars. What can the Church do?

First, I cannot overemphasize the need to pray. As in Linda's life, prayer brings a change of heart and salvation. In many prisoner's families there are no Christians. The families need our intercession for salvation. Prayer is the foundation for any ministry to prisoners' families.

Though prayer is the foundation for ministry, it is no substitute for action. In fact, James challenges us in his letter to Christians—lack of action signals dead faith (James 2:14-26). Below are suggestions to help you get involved in ministry to prisoners' families.

Invite them to church services and activities. Inviting families to church gives them a sense of acceptance and also an alternative to the places of sin where they might go otherwise. You would be surprised to know that many family members of prisoners have been purposely shunned by Christians.

Provide practical information for the family members. This is especially useful immediately after a person (usually the father) is arrested. The family often is left with little or no income, a loss of respect, and a host of problems to which they see no solutions.

Volunteers can help the family find available services. Helping the wife find a job or providing child care can be a great assistance. Temporary emergency funds can be a wonderful blessing until other income can be arranged.

Volunteers can provide transportation as a tangible expression of love. Prisons are often located in remote areas. Visiting can pose a real problem for an inmate's wife and children.

The drive to the prison can provide an opportunity to get acquainted and to develop friendships. You can learn how the family needs help. You will also find ways to share your faith. A husband/wife team or two women volunteers should go together with the inmate's wife, for propriety and to allow one partner to drive while the other gets acquainted.

If you are located near a prison, provide housing for prisoners' families. Often a wife may drive or ride a bus for hours and have no funds left for a hotel. The love and concern of a Christian family can demonstrate the love of Christ.

In some cities, local churches cooperate in providing a "hospitality house" as quarters for inmates' visitors. The house is staffed by volunteers who often are able to lead their guests to Christ.

Provide copies of Woman's Touch magazine to women's prisons. Many Women's Ministries groups across America are now participating in this project. Woman's Touch has been warmly received by women prisoners. They feel special when they receive materials that are spiritually uplifting. Local Women's Ministries groups could also get an extra subscription for an inmate's wife. Let me suggest you personally take her copy to her. The visit will give you opportunity for fellowship.

Continue ministry to prisoners' families when the inmate is released. Many obstacles must be overcome even for the Christian family and inmate. The loving prayers, friendships, and counsel of other Christians will be needed.

Changes will need to be made as the man reenters the home. The wife and children have had to learn how to get along without him. The joy of his return can quickly be lost in the adjustments to schedules, authority, finances, and relationships.

The adjustments the ex-prisoner himself has to make will also put pressure on the family. He will be moving out of a society where he was told what to eat, when to eat, how to dress, when to get up, when to go to bed, where to go, and what to do.

He is looking forward to making his own choices. Yet, if he has been locked up for even a few years, his decision-making abilities will be greatly impaired. The love and support of other Christians will be of great benefit as the family goes through these turbulent times.

Let me give a principle that can guide you in ministering to prisoners' families. Jesus first said in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."