Jesus' Mandate: Engage! DO Something!
Paul's Admonition: Hebrews 13:3
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MENTOR TESTIMONIES
In Perfect Peace Ministries:
Christian Pen Pals Mentoring Prisoners
ONE on ONE
REASONS TO BE A PEN PAL TO AN INMATE
by Marie Andrews, LIFE POINTERS founder
I recently became involved with writing to female inmates. It has been a wonderful experience and has made a big difference in the lives of the ladies that I am writing to, in my own life, and in the lives of my Christian friends who have joined with me in this ministry.
I learned many years ago to SAY YES to God when he calls me to a ministry. He always blesses me and provides everything I need to accomplish his will. We are never in a ministry by ourselves, and we are always blest.
My first pen pal has become one of my favorites in spite of a rocky start. I chose her because her questionnaire revealed someone who was intelligent and was honest in admitting she deserved to be in prison. Her first letter to me was a bit of a disappointment. It was creative, but I knew that it didn't match the facts. I was very disappointed that she felt she had to make up a story. Because of my inexperience I wasn't sure if I should let her know that she had not been truthful.
After much prayer and discussion with wiser and experienced mentors I decided to ignore the problem and continue to write, mentor and encourage my new friend. I look forward to her letters and she calls me her forever friend. She has gone from feeling depressed to leading her inmate friends in Bible studies.
I encourage her to be a light in a dark place and she brings me much joy as she shares her growth in the Lord.
LIFE POINTERS: A Support Group for Prison Pen Pals
by Marie Andrews, LIFE POINTERS founder
Welcome to a brief history of the LIFEPOINTERS - a Christian support group for prison pen pals. Our purpose is to point prisoners to abundant life in Christ. John 10:10b
God led an “old timer” (85) to begin writing two ladies in prison who wanted a closer walk with the Lord. These prisoners longed for someone to mentor them to a stronger faith. It quickly became apparent there was much to be done. God moved in her heart and gave her a vision – to see other Christians discover the thrill of serving Jesus Christ by discipling His people in prison. (Yes - Jesus DOES care about prisoners! Matthew 25:36) God was calling her to influence others to join the effort of ministering grace to prisoners – in Jesus’ name.
God quickly turned this one “old timer” into a support group of eleven ladies who are now writing to inmates nationwide. Most are writing multiple prisoners! To address the inexperience problem – we ladies formed a mutual support group (which we called “LIFEPOINTERS”) to address our questions, exchange our experiences, to encourage one another, and to pray. We meet one a month in our homes.
We believe that, beyond just mentoring prisoners, LIFEPOINTERS has an even bigger mission - to spawn a movement, forming other similar support groups. Our prayer is that God will raise up other leaders, both men and women, who would like to start their own support groups. Any takers?
