In my teens, I taught a Bible-study club for preschoolers, aptly name the Sunbeams. One of their favorite songs was “The B-I-B-L-E.” The children clapped their hands and hopscotched from one foot to the other as they sang enthusiastically:
The B-I-B-L-E,
Yes ,that’s the book for me;
I stand alone on the Word of God,
The B-I-B-L-E.
Without question, the Bible is fundamental to my faith; its principles have guided me throughout my life. With the invention of the 15th century printing press, the Gutenberg Bible marked the start of printed books in the West, making the Scriptures more accessible. The Bible, with 5-7 billion copies sold, has been banned and burned more than any book in history, yet holds the Guinness World Record for the best-selling book of all time.
When incarcerated, inmates are generally not allowed to bring personal property with them, like a Bible. A prisoner, isolated and disconnected from the outside world, has little to do each day but obsess over their mistakes. Some repeatedly struggle with anger, guilt and shame.
Receiving something as inspirational as the Bible, can provide solace and comfort. Prisoners may think participation in religious activities, with Bible in hand, contributes to a better chance of parole. But more often, they’re curious about the Bible as they search for truth, meaning, and purpose. Regardless of their intent, the Lord can use His word to pierce their hearts.
The Bible answers life’s basic questions, “Is there a God? Can I be forgiven for what I did? Is there really a Hell? How could God love me? What happens to me when I die? Won’t a loving God let everyone into Heaven?”
Millions testify that applying biblical principles to their lives, made their recovery from addiction, depression, brokenness, and spiritual darkness possible. God’s Word offers inmates genuine spiritual freedom despite their incarceration. Following Christ daily, releases them from sin’s bondage and reconciles them to God. They have a new perspective based on truth and substance versus the shifting values of society.
Martin Luther said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands; it lays hold on me.” The living Bible pursues and loves mankind, rescuing us from the world’s blind spots, and promising forgiveness, hope, and a future.
Scripture is not passive — it calls readers to minister to prisoners like Lakisha who is serving a six-year term for malicious assault, and recently wrote, “God bless all of you, who are helping so many of us.”
Our goal has always been to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, and if you want to share the love of Christ with inmates, providing a Bible is a great place to start.