Greetings!

For those of you who haven’t heard, Magnolia UMC has agreed to sponsor a new prison ministry.

It began when many of you supported my goal to give 25 gift subscriptions of the “Upper Room” daily devotional to prison inmates.  Next, many of you joined me in sending Christmas cards to inmates who generally did not receive any mail.  Since then, many more needs have been discovered.   Through prayer and obedience, “Free Indeed! Ministries” was born. 
 

“Free Indeed! Ministries” began in January 2006.  Kelly writes a monthly newsletter, which includes a bible study, and lessons that inmates can apply to their current personal challenges.  Also included are personal testimonies, prayers, praises, uplifting notes, and prayer to lead people to ask the Lord into their hearts as their personal Savior, if they haven’t already.  I type the newsletter, mail it to inmates, and email it to many of their families and friends.  Additionally, we’ve received letters from inmates expressing needs, of which we’ve been able to meet with the help of the Lord.
 

To date, we are servicing about 60 inmates, and 20 families.  We began solely in Virginia, but just recently have added a number in Texas- Praise God!  Through this ministry, we’ve also been able to provide some Christian pen-pals for those who never receive any mail, and provide small financial assistance to cover needs such as: long underwear, basic toiletries, nurse visits, eye glasses, postage, and even tuition to become substance abuse counselors upon their release. 
 

God has a mighty plan!  This ministry has already blossomed so much, that I can no longer do it on my own, so I am soliciting your support. Below is a list of ways you can help.

* Pen pals for inmates who would otherwise not have correspondence and support from the “outside.”  A Christian pen pal will be paired with any inmate who makes the request.  These pen pals will help to show inmates the love of Christ by providing a listening ear and encouraging words.
 

* Bibles- donate money toward purchasing Bibles for inmates who have been unable to receive them from the chaplain at their facility. The Bibles will be distributed upon request and are to be used for daily reading and as a reference when completing Bible lessons.
 

* Family support for those impacted by incarceration, will be provided upon availability.  This may include, but is not limited to, school supplies and Christmas stockings for the children of inmates, as well as other basic necessities.  Inmates may request such assistance, and we will trust God to provide for those needs. 
 

* Transitional support for inmates who are nearing release.  Unfortunately, inmates are not typically able to make the appropriate contacts or develop the post-release plans necessary for success before leaving the system.  Upon request, “Free Indeed! Ministries” will link inmates to individuals or organizations who can provide these services.  Encourage released inmates and families to attend a church.
 

* Prayer list- Pray for those on the prayer list.
 

* Christmas cards-Send Christmas cards to inmates who don’t receive regular correspondence
 

* Agape- Send paper agape (cards and words of encouragement) to inmates who need to know Jesus loves them. Some think they are not good enough for Jesus to love, so choose Satan since they believe they’re going to Hell already.
 

*Financial support- can make monetary donations to FreeIndeed Ministries for use of postage, paper, envelopes, copies to be mailed, as well as any important needs for inmates such as needing long underwear to keep warm, medical needs, basic toiletries, or begin a college course during their last year of time.

Additionally, I will be attending a mission trip for a week this summer to minister to children of incarcerated parents, and a group may begin to minister in Sussex State prison on a regular basis.

Please prayerfully consider how God may have you serve.  Your assistance and prayers are graciously welcome.  If you feel called to this ministry in any way, or would like to be added to the email list, please contact me at 405-3789, or email me at FreeIndeedM@AOL.com
 

Sincerely,

Dusti Johnson Bowen