Often we can't visit prisoners where they are, but we can be with them through our written encouragement. In addition to the compassion we feel for the things they suffer, Jesus himself said that we're directly honouring Him when we visit and encourage those in prison.
In his teaching to the disciples about the final day, Jesus said: "I was in prison and you came to visit me" and in response people would say, "when did we see you in prison and visit you?". His way of fusing the concept of service to Christ and service to those who suffer trials for his name was to say "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:31-46
At CSW we try to translate this teaching to be alongside, encouraging prisoners by supporters writing cards that are delivered directly to their cells. This touches them right where they are, demonstrating that they're far from forgotten and that they are cared for by the global family that is the Church. And it serves as a reminder to the prison authorities that we haven't forgotten the injustice of the prisoner's situation, and are persistantly advocating for their welfare in the international community.
The people listed in Connect & Encourage – from human rights activists and lawyers to pastors, persecuted Christians and their families – benefit tremendously from your letters or cards.
So, take a few minutes today to write to a prisoner, either individually or as part of a small group - even a short note will bring such hope and encouragement!
It's easy to get into card writing - some quick ideas
- Choose one or two people in Connect & Encourage each month and sign cards for them at the end of your Church service or meeting.
- Make a regular time to write to those you feel led to encourage.
- Pass a card round your small group and you could have dozens of people communicating love and support to a brother or sister on the other side of the world.
- Ask your sunday school or youth group to make cards that the whole Church can sign.
- or get enthusiastic and throw a card writing party with friends.
Whatever you choose to do, this is grassroots, tangible, effective encouragement and it's so easy to help.
 Meet Idia Miranda from Colombia
“I have come to know a God who is in love. I used to only know God as the King of Kings, the Creator of all things, but now God has conquered my heart. I drink him in every day. For that reason I can laugh, I can smile, I can love. I can tell people how God’s love has been for me, that it can be that way for them.”
Idia Miranda hasn’t seen or heard from her husband, Pastor William Reyes, since he disappeared in north-east Colombia on 25 September 2008. The family is facing another new year without their husband and father.
But Idia is still receiving letters of support and encouragement every day, even though she has had to move to another part of the country - many of them from CSW supporters.
“They are a real comfort, a reminder that people are thinking of [us] and praying for [us]. Often they would arrive at the right moment – sometimes we would be at the point of despair, and a message would arrive and bring us hope.
Even though we couldn’t always understand what they said, we would pray for each person who sent us a card or letter by name. Even now sometimes, I will open the box where I keep all the letters and take one out and pray for that person.
Unfortunately, people, even in the church, often let us down. But I have learned to depend only on God. When people shut their doors, God opens many more doors for us. Sometimes in our times of need aid came from the most unexpected places.”
Write to the Reyes family now to show them they’re not forgotten! |
