Prison Fellowship has witnessed a remarkable surge in testimonies of incarcerated men and women encountering Jesus Christ through personal Scripture study. With a dedicated program for distributing Bibles, books and other valuable resources, the ministry has seen an extraordinary increase in the demand for God’s Word.
According to spokesperson Jim Forbes, Prison Fellowship previously distributed an average of 5,000-6,000 Bibles annually until 2019. Since then, they have sent out an average of over 250,000 Bibles each year, witnessing an ongoing and powerful hunger for the Scriptures among prisoners.
To better address the need for accessible Bibles, Prison Fellowship conducted a survey among prison chaplains, revealing that many inmates lack easy access to their own copy of the Bible. Stringent mail policies in correctional facilities often restrict parcels from individuals or unfamiliar organizations. Even when Bibles are available, they may prove challenging to read due to small text and limited literacy of incarcerated adults.
To bridge this gap, Prison Fellowship has introduced an innovative solution known as The Storehouse, an online store exclusively for prison chaplains. By registering on the site, chaplains can order Bibles, books, DVDs and other essential resources at no cost, empowering them to meet the spiritual needs of those under their care.
The Storehouse offers a wide range of options, including large-print versions of the Life Recovery Bible in English and Spanish. This particular Bible resonates deeply with those struggling with various addictions, providing additional content and context for their recovery journeys. Braille Bibles are also available for visually impaired prisoners, ensuring that no one is left without access to God’s Word.
In addition to distributing Bibles, Prison Fellowship annually circulates one million copies of its quarterly newspaper, Inside Journal, to 900 correctional facilities across 50 states. Since its inception in 1990, this publication has offered articles on parenting, conflict resolution, trauma, addiction and compelling stories of transformed lives through Christ. Inmates can even request a Life Recovery Bible directly through the newspaper, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God’s transformative power. The production and distribution costs for Inside Journal amount to approximately 65 cents per copy.
Recognizing the profound impact of their ministry, Prison Fellowship established a vital partnership with Tyndale House Publishers in 2018. Tyndale’s Life Recovery Bible has become the leading recovery Bible, with over 3 million copies sold. This collaboration has further amplified the availability and influence of Scripture within correctional facilities.
Furthermore, Prison Fellowship extends its reach to children of prisoners through the Angel Tree program. Since 2016, they have provided free copies of the ZonderKidz Adventure Bible to all participating children. Preteens and teenagers attending Angel Tree Camping and Angel Tree Sports Camps also receive Bibles, ensuring that young hearts encounter the life-transforming power of God’s Word.
James Ackerman, CEO of Prison Fellowship, passionately affirms that a profound revival is transpiring behind prison walls, emphasizing the unprecedented demand for Bibles and the palpable transformation occurring within incarcerated individuals.
Founded by Charles Colson, a once-prominent figure in Richard Nixon’s administration, Prison Fellowship exemplifies the redemptive power of Christ. Colson’s personal encounter with God through C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity while serving time in prison ignited his vision for this ministry. Today, Prison Fellowship stands as the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit dedicated to serving prisoners, former prisoners and their families, operating with an annual income of $61 million.
With over 2 million individuals incarcerated in various correctional facilities throughout the United States, Prison Fellowship’s significant impact continues to shape lives and bring hope to the darkest corners. Holding a stellar one-star rating and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, coupled with a commendable donor confidence score of 82, Prison Fellowship’s unwavering commitment to restoring lives through the power of God’s Word stands as a beacon in the realm of prison ministry.
Through the distribution of Bibles and invaluable resources, Prison Fellowship embodies a profound catalyst for change within the confines of correctional facilities. Their unwavering commitment to meeting the spiritual needs of prisoners, along with strategic partnerships, illuminates a path toward redemption and restoration. Behind prison walls, lives are being forever transformed as individuals discover the unwavering love and grace of God, fueling a revival that transcends prison bars. {eoa}
James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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