West Virginia Correctional Facilities
JAIL: A short-term facility used to detain individuals awaiting trial or sentencing, or those who have been sentenced to serve a short period of time.
PRISON: A long-term institution that houses individuals who are convicted of a crime and have been sentenced accordingly.
Jail: 35,887
Prison: 2,539
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Total: 38,426
RECEIVE
Ministry P.O. Box checked weekly for Bible requests.
CONFIRM
Search the Department of Corrections website to verify the inmate has not been released or moved to another facility.
CHECK
Review files to assure the inmate has not previously received a ministry Bible.
MATCH
Attempt to match the inmate’s Bible request to current inventory (version, color, font size).
WRITE
Write a custom letter addressing any concerns or questions, which a vendor scans to the inmate’s electronic tablet.
BIBLE CHOICES
- Color
- Version
- Large print (older inmate)
- Compact (convenience)
- Celebrate Recovery (substance abuse)
- Study/reference (extra resource)
- Easy to read translations
- Facilities do not allow hardcover Bibles/books
MAILING INCLUDES
- A new Bible (12.00 average cost)
- Postage (4.80 average cost)
- Personalized letters
- Christian tract
Outcomes
- Since 2011, the ministry has provided over 4,000 Bibles, daily devotionals, and countless Christian materials to prisoners seeking wholeness and a relationship with Christ.
- To date, the ministry has received over 300 inmate letters stating they have received Christ as their personal Savior or rededicated their lives to Him.
- Many inmates write that after receiving their Bible, they joined an established Bible study group or started a group in their own pod (units).
- Prisoners sharing their testimonies are transforming the attitudes and perspectives of both inmates and correctional staff.
