In today’s digital age, the art of letter writing has become something of a lost tradition. World Letter Writing Day offers a perfect opportunity to practice this heartfelt form of communication.
Crossroads Prison Ministries connects people in prison with mentors who study the Bible with them and encourage them through heartfelt letters. Our students tell us that these personal letters from mentors set the ministry apart from other correspondence prison ministries. For many men and women in prison, these letters may be their only way to study with other believers and their only connection to life outside prison.
Writing to someone in prison can be a deeply impactful act of kindness. It offers a sense of connection, hope, and a reminder of the outside world. If you would like to write a letter to someone behind bars but need help thinking of what to write, follow the suggestions in the outline provided below:
Sample Letter Outline
- Start with a warm greeting.
Begin your letter with a friendly greeting like “Hello” or “Dear [Name].” If you don’t know their name, use “Dear Friend” or “Hello.”
- Briefly introduce yourself.*
Share some basic information about yourself, such as your first name, interests, work, how you became a Christian, or why you decided to write. This helps establish a connection and gives the person you’re writing a sense of who is reaching out.
- Offer words of encouragement and support.
Prison can be isolating and challenging. Offer words of encouragement and support, reminding them they are not forgotten. Simple phrases like “You are in my prayers” or “You matter” can make a significant difference.
If you are writing as a Crossroads mentor, draw inspiration from your student’s lesson. Reflect on what the passages mean to you, what God is telling you through them, and how you would apply the lesson topic to your life today. Share related stories, teachings, sermons, and other Bible passages that could provide further wisdom or encouragement.
If you know the person behind bars, share a favorite Bible passage, explaining why it means so much to you. Consider including an inspirational quote, poem, or a meaningful book passage. These can offer comfort and inspiration during tough times. Also, ask questions and show genuine interest. You might ask about their hobbies, favorite books, or how they’re feeling. This encourages dialogue and gives them something to look forward to in future letters.
- Remind them that God loves them and that you are praying for them.
Write a short prayer based on their requests or the lesson topic. Include a blessing (see Numbers 6:24–26 for an example), a verse describing God’s love for them, or song/hymn lyrics that convey God’s love.
- Sign the letter.
We ask that, for their privacy, our mentors do not share specific details like their last name, where they live, the name of the company they work for, etc.
Important Notes
Please approach this process humbly. Pray before you write, asking God to guide your words and to help you write the words they need. Your letters do not have to be perfect—just be sincere. If it feels strange at first, don’t worry; writing letters becomes easier with time.
Be mindful and respectful. It’s important to be sensitive and respectful in your letters. Avoid discussing the person’s crime, legal situation, or any sensitive topics that might be distressing. Instead, focus on building a positive and supportive rapport.
Follow prison mail guidelines. Check the specific mail rules and regulations of the facility where the person is incarcerated. Each institution may have different guidelines, so ensure your letter complies to reach its destination.
As a rule of thumb, use a blue or black ink pen to write your letters, and avoid cursive; print or type your letters instead. Many people in prison didn’t learn cursive in school, so they may have trouble reading it.
The Power of a Letter
A letter can provide hope and human connection to those who may feel isolated. This World Letter Writing Day, consider writing to someone in prison. Your words can provide a sense of community, encouragement, and a reminder that they are not alone.
By participating in this simple act of kindness, we can make a difference, one letter at a time.
Learn more and apply to become a Crossroads mentor.
What our students are saying:
“The letter made me feel remembered, cared about, and like a person.” – Christy B., a Crossroads student in Texas
“I felt extremely cared for and when the mentors wrote me and used my first name, it made me feel human and remembered.” – Cantrell G., a Crossroads student in Michigan
“Being incarcerated is difficult and it is easy to feel depressed, anxious, hopeless, and abandoned. These courses helped me focus on the positive things of God and remember His love for me in this hard time. . .. I wish I could express my gratitude to the various mentors who took the time and effort to review my lessons. . .. [Their letters] reminded me of God’s unconditional love for me at a time where it was difficult to love myself. Being able to accept love empowers me to more freely love others around me.” – Brandon M., a Crossroads student in Missouri
“The encouraging words and personal prayers of the mentors have changed my life and gave me hope in a dark time of my life.” – Gary C., a Crossroads student in Oklahoma
For more helpful tips on writing to people behind bars, check out I See You: Remembering the Incarcerated Through a Living Letter by Douglas Cupery, available on Amazon.