Any open communication that a prison pen receives can remove barriers. Writing a letter to them can help people to positively interact and even encourage each other. Prisoners can become inspired by you to lead productive lives during their incarceration, which can create a positive environment all around.
Boosting Well-being:
Communicating positively with a prison pen pal may help their mental health when they are given a platform to communicate with others on the outside. They may develop trust in you if they feel like they are given a free pass to express their innermost feelings. Exchanging letters and befriending a person on the inside can help to boost morale while also helping them to preserve their sanity.
Overall, being pen pals with an inmate can be beneficial and uplifting. It helps in spreading awareness, perspective, and social information. The main goal of pen pals is to develop a friendly and honest relationship with a person living a different life than you in a different environment.
Prison pen pals may be able to receive care packages, funds, magazine subscriptions, and/or new books. There may be stringent protocols that need to be followed for overall correctional facility safety while sending these items. However, it is still a positive step to develop and build a friendly and honest relationship. Inmates may have committed crimes, but they should be allowed contact with the outside world. Taking the time to communicate and interact with a prison pen pal may help them to get started on a greater and noble path.
Under the "Resource Index" tab on the main page of this website, you will find a link entitled "Become a Pen Pal to an Inmate". There, you will be able to locate available inmates’ contact information who are requesting a pen pal.
For just the cost of a letter, ink, paper, and your time, this is a very small investment for a Christian to get involved who feels called to serve.
So if you are unable to support our ministry, TimeServedMinistry.org, with our Bible
Donation Drive (see "HELP US CHANGE THE WORLD" link at end of main page), please consider serving in His vineyard in this capacity. You will be making a substantial difference in someone’s life!
“ … I was in prison and you came to me.”
- Matthew 25:36(b)
Please also find an example introductory letter and how to correctly address your envelope below:
...... (start letter) ......
Mark Seay
23 Summercrest Circle
Simpsonville, SC 29681
March 19, 2022
Dear (fill-in name),
I’m very pleased that we’re going to become friends (penpals)
through our correspondence. It’s a joy to have someone with
whom one can share his/her opinions, thoughts, and experiences.
In this introductory letter, I’ll tell you a few things about myself;
it would be awesome if you would do the same when you write
back to me.
I’m 54-years of age, married, a father of two daughters, and
have one grandson (1-yr of age). I work for an industrial firm
as an account manager. I have a black cocker spaniel named
Jasper who is one-year of age also. He’s a very active puppy,
to say the least. It would be an understatement to say that
he requires your undivided attention. (Ha-ha)
In my leisure time, I enjoy reading, sports, physical fitness, and
engaging in prayer time with my Lord Jesus Christ. Likewise,
I also spend some of my time as a religious volunteer at a
nearby, local detention center to which I visit on a weekly-basis.
During these visits, we participate in discussions, hold bible
studies, share testimonies, etc..
I located your contact information through an online source that
identified yourself as someone wanting to have a penpal, as well.
Because we are all transitioning through various stages in life,
we all need encouragement and support that comes from
meaningful & caring relationships.
(fill-in first name), thank you so much for taking the time to read
my letter. I hope you have a blessed day.
Your friend in Christ,
Mark Seay
...... (end letter) ......
Address Envelope in this Format:
