If you are corresponding with an inmate or you have a friend who is an inmate, it can be very hard to know what to do and how to talk to them in a way that is beneficial to them. Every situation is so different as each inmate is different and the strength of our friendships with them can be anything from the occasional letter written to weekly visits, but if you have an inmate friend, here are three things you can do for them, no matter what the situation is.
- Encourage correspondence. Being in prison can be incredibly isolating and can leave inmates feeling completely cut off from the world, so starting a correspondence with the inmate is one of the most practical and positive steps you can take. Whether it’s through letters or through visits, providing the inmate with contact with the outside world gives them a lifeline that they otherwise wouldn’t have. The conversations with them will undoubtedly be varied, but it will most probably consist of keeping them updated about what is going on in the outside world, but also answering their questions and helping them with the emotional crises they will surely be going through. Opening up clear communication levels will allow you to talk freely with them, and help them on their path to recovery.
- If you have an inmate friend, one of the most valuable things that you can do for them is encourage them in their religious thirst. Many prisoners turn to God in their time inside and feel true regret for their actions, and it is so important that if they are feeling this way, they are helped along their religious path. www.iccscampus.org offers Bible studies courses specifically designed for inmates, and they are used to dealing with the specific problems experienced by inmates when they start to follow religion. Showing them a high quality study course that they can take to answer their questions is hugely important, and if you are prepared to talk to them and answer questions they may have about religion then you will be providing some of the highest emotional support that you can.
- Encourage learning! Inmates have the option to take college courses while they are inside, and these courses often work hugely in their favour once they are ready to be released. They will often find it helps them greatly when the re-join the world if they can show that they used their time in prison constructively, and studying and receiving degrees is a hugely constructive thing to do. If they also have an interest in religion, the courses offered by www.iccscampus.org give inmates a full college degree in Bible Studies at the end of their course, so this course is a great one to consider if they have questions about religion or they are considering what faith and religion mean to them.
Please complete the information in the box that says, “Start Here” or call us at (877)391-3741 to begin your educational journey with ICCS.