Sometimes the people who have the least to be thankful for, like prisoners, are the ones who appreciate even the smallest gesture of kindness. Incarcerated individuals live in a world where identity is reduced to a number and hope is rationed. It’s a realm where they’ve been stripped of agency, dignity, and connection. When the Jailbird Ministry reaches into that world—not with judgment, but with grace, it’s a reminder they’re still seen, still worthy, still redeemable.
The Word of God is often an inmate’s first step to reconnect with God, purpose, and family. Isaiah 55:11 says, “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” In this season of Thanksgiving, we’re sharing excerpts from letters we’ve received from inmates. Their honest comments reflect how God’s Word is bearing fruit in the lives of those we serve.
“Thank you all so very much for the Bible you sent me, that was the best thing i’ve got in years, it maid my day, i cried a lil.”
—Matthew
“I am so thankful there is an organization that will send me a free Bible, just for writing. I’ve lived my life in negative ways for far too long. I want to preach the Gospel someday, so please try to send me a good study Bible that will last me for the next 20 years on my journey inside.”
—Curtis
“I’m writing to thank you for the beautiful purple bible. I do my Daily Bread each day. I have classes to do before going up for parole. It seems so hard for me to get into. Please pray for me. Thank you for being a friend and a child of God.”
—Teresa
“I got the beautiful pink bible you sent me. I’m just now trying to read it, and it’s making a lot of sense to me. I’m understanding why my family has been in turmoil starting generations ago. I see now how I should be treating my own family and myself. Thank you very much.”
—Donna
“I myself thank you for the work y’all do. Please keep doing it. It shows they are still good people in this world & being surrounded by people in bad situations, The Bible is read by many inmates.”
—Chad
“I am writing you to tell you how much I appreciate the bible that you had sent me. I read it just about every day. Between Proverbs and Psalm 8, I’m currently reading Job. I am grateful it helps me and leads me through the day.”
—Christina
“I enjoyed reading your thoughtful heartfelt letter of encouragement & hope. I also appreciate the beautiful NIV Bible It will be useful as I complete some ministry lessons. The NIV is easier for me to understand than the KJV that was available in our pod. Thanks again for your generous help and kind words.”
—Nancy
“Thank you for the beautiful Bible. Since they won’t let us bring ours in or our family send Bibles in, it is so appreciated that your ministry can get them into us. Also, I very much appreciate you having large print and options of versions. God bless you all.”
—Jeanne
“I’m still locked up. Got almost 18 months here. I see some men here reading new bibles. I think God smiles when he sees what you are doing. Would be very thankful if you could please send me a Bible as well. I want to thank you in advance.”
—Mitchell
“I greatly appreciate this free gift that you folks are giving to a sinner like me trying to find my way back home to my Father. I’ve been lost for so long wandering around in a life of sin for way too long. Thank you so much for giving me the map to find my way back.”
—Brooke
As we gather around tables this Thanksgiving, many of us will spend hundreds of dollars to prepare a meal, or dine out with family and loved ones. This year, why not consider donating $12 to place a Bible in the hands of someone behind bars.
Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty (John 6:35).”
The bread of life is not served on plates, but bound in pages. Its verses—like bread broken—feed the soul. And that’s why prisoners give thanks—not for what’s on the tray, but for what’s in their hands: the Word of God.
