Remember the prisoners ...

Thoughts and experiences on prison ministry: Most of us have little or no experience with prison, the culture, the difficulties and the emotions experienced by those serving time for their offenses. Prison ministry can be very rewarding, it can also have frustrations. "Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body." (Hebrews 13:3)

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Some more facts

* Many prisoners suffer from severe clinical depression and paranoia. They often don’t know who they can trust, even among people who seem to be friends.
* Many prisoners reject their wives and girlfriends, breaking up a relationship at the time of, or soon after incarceration. They believe that it is easier for them to be "in control" and sever a relationship on their terms. They would rather hurt and reject a loved one than live with the fear that the loved one might leave them later or be unfaithful.
* Prisoners have limited work opportunities to earn money. Food, shelter and laundry are provided, but they have to buy their own toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap etc. Pay ranges from 90c to just over $3 per day.
* Contrary to popular belief, all available TV channels are not provided at taxpayers’ expense. The Inmate Benevolent Fund covers the cost, with money coming from profits from vending machines and the prison store.
* Top seven states with the highest number of prisoners as of 2003, in order: Texas (166,911), California (164,487), Florida (79,594), New York (65,198), Michigan (49,358), Georgia (47,208) and Ohio (44,778)

Friday, July 01, 2005

More "Did you know?"

* Many prisoners have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.
* Many prisoners have been abandoned by friends and family, who often move away and leave no contact information or refuse to accept any contact with inmate family members.
* Many prisoners have children from one or more previous relationships.
* Contrary to popular belief, prisoners are often consumed with guilt over their crimes and the effects they have had on their families, more than with their own predicament.
* Prisoners will often show little emotion, and will hide fear and uncertainty behind a façade of tough man behavior and aggression. Weaknesses and vulnerabilities will be hidden at all costs due to the nature of the environment.