When Kenneth Copeland Ministries proclaims, “We’re here for you!”—we mean we’re here for all our Partners and Friends—no matter who you are, where you live or even what you’ve done. That’s why one of KCM’s most vital outreaches is our prison ministry, which reaches a large community of inmates worldwide.
The most recent edition of the World Prison Population List, published by King’s College London, reports that “over 9 million people are held in penal institutions throughout the world.” The U.S. Department of Justice states that as of June 30, 2008, the U.S. has the highest prison population rate of any country, topping 2.3 million prisoners. That’s “509 sentenced prisoners per 100,000 U.S. residents,” and growing.
While these numbers may be staggering, the individuals they represent are not without hope because each and every day inmates are discovering salvation through Jesus Christ. And KCM and its Partner min- istries are reaching out, providing them with the tools they need to discover who they are in Christ…full of hope and love, living lives of victory, purpose and prosperity—even while behind bars.
As Michael J., an inmate at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Coffield Unit, recently wrote, “God has been here with me opening up my heart, and each day that passes He gives me more and more
wisdom about the Bible. I want to thank you, Gloria and KCM, for all the support and prayers through these hard times…. I got a letter from KCM today, and it brought a big smile to my face…. I must spread the word about our merciful Lord and let people know that if you put your faith in God, all things are possible.”
KCM’s prison outreach began in 1981 through cor- respondence with inmates. Since then, through letters, magazines, complimentary books and audio teachings, and even special victory meetings in prisons, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland have worked diligently to estab- lish and maintain a more personal relationship with inmates. To make sure all who want ministry receive it, the Copelands created a special prison ministry staff dedicated to ensuring every letter, order and prayer request is read and responded to promptly. This can be a warm ray of sunshine, especially to inmates eagerly awaiting a response from someone…anyone.