| Use
a P. O. Box or the Church Address (if you have permission from your church) |
Do
not provide your personal information like telephone numbers, where you work,
your home addresses. Remember:
you do not know who will see the information and use it for purposes you never
intended. When a letter goes to an inmate it goes through several hands before
it is given to the inmate. |
You are not asked to be their
personal banker. They will send you slips to put money to the personal accounts.
You do not have to send money. Remember:
these men are beginning a walk with Our Lord Jesus Christ and have a lot
to learn. There "old ways" are still with them and they are being transformed
but this is a process and will take time. |
Do not feel
guilty about not being able to fulfill all their needs. Remember:
these men have lots of needs but their greatest need is to be a part of something
larger them their immediate surroundings. By writing the letter you are helping
them to become part of a greater community. |
Do not send
books or enclose stuff in the letter. Remember:
all books must come through the chaplain's office or the prison system.
Extra items and heavy letter will be opens and searched before the inmate receives
the mail. Extra items will be tossed into the trash. If you would like to provide
tracks or books contact the prison Chaplain.. |
| The letter
does not have to be long and newsy. The inmate's world is very restricted and
they would appreciate some thoughts on bible verses which you have found enlightening
or encouraging |
