Why is writing to an incarcerated person so powerful?
The atmosphere behind the wire is dark and lonely. The Holy Spirit-inspired words written by our correspondence team are often the only source of communication many people have with the outside world and the only proof that anyone cares or knows they exist. When an incarcerated person hears their name during a mail call, it reminds them that they are remembered—most have been long forgotten or written off by family and friends. Testimonies from our incarcerated family say that reading our responders’ heartfelt letters is like receiving “a drink in a dry and weary land.” Some say it is “like a visit from God Himself.”
Who can join the Correspondence Team?
Writing to the incarcerated is a great ministry opportunity for people of all ages who desire to serve God and His people. Anyone wishing to become a VL responder must undergo an application process and training. They will also need an e-mail account, as letters may be scanned and sent electronically.
Is writing to an incarcerated person safe?
Absolutely! As a member of our team, you will be trained and guided through our policies and procedures. All correspondence flows through our ministry’s postal box. Your name and address are never revealed. You simply sign your letter, “From your Victorious Living family.”
Can I write to the same person?
No. We do not match our responders with a specific person for two main reasons: 1) to maintain the efficiency of our correspondence outreach and 2) for the safety of the responder and our incarcerated family member.
When I write, how will I know what to say?
The Holy Spirit will guide your answers, and our team will help. We have many resources to support you on your journey.
What prompts an incarcerated person to write to your ministry?
Incarcerated men and women write to us after encountering our ministry team, magazine, or broadcasts for various reasons: some are lonely and seek fellowship, some want to be discipled in the Christian faith, some are overcome by fear and anxiety and are looking for peace for their future. Many are seeking a connection to the resources.
Where do I write the letters?
You can write at our office during volunteer hours, from the privacy of your home, or by attending a local Shine Bright and Write event in your area.
What is a Shine Bright and Write event?
Shine Bright and Write events are local events held by our ministry team or a trained SBW host. At these events, followers of Christ come together to “visit” the incarcerated through correspondence in a group setting. The goal of these events is to:
- Introduce people to our ministry outreaches, particularly the correspondence outreach.
- Provide a fun atmosphere and opportunity to minister to the incarcerated corporately.
- Present an opportunity for people to experience writing to an inmate so they can determine whether joining our correspondence team is a good fit, as responding is not for everyone.
- Provide a setting where a large volume of letters can be responded to, which helps us avoid a backlog of correspondence.
- Raise leaders who will commit to hosting events at their church or home.
- Create an event model that can be duplicated nationwide to meet the increasing demand for correspondence.
- Provide an opportunity for local churches to adopt our ministry as their prison outreach.
If I decide to write from home, how many letters do I have to commit to writing?
First, you must be approved as an at-home responder. We ask that you commit to two letters a week and respond to the assigned letter within a week of being assigned the letter. If, for some reason, you aren’t able to write, that’s okay; just communicate with our director. Life happens; we understand.
How do I receive assigned letters?
If you are attending a Shine Bright and Write event, the letters will be provided at the event. If you have been approved as an at-home responder, our director will prepare packets for you to pick up at our office (if local), or she will mail the packets to our out-of-town responders. Often, the letters are scanned and e-mailed directly to you. The director will provide directions regarding returning the letters and mailing instructions.