The following letter arrived recently from a prison chaplain and it beautifully captures why the Onesimus Prison Project matters now more than ever. Every day, men behind bars are searching for hope, truth, and a fresh start. Through your generosity, we’re able to place Bibles, studies, and Gospel-centered resources into their hands. As you read his heartfelt request, we pray you’ll be encouraged by the impact you’re already making—and inspired to help us continue this life-changing work.
Dear Onesimus Prison Project Team,
I am writing to you as the Chaplain at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution, a medium-security facility housing over 1,000 adult men in custody. Our mission here is not only to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of those entrusted to us but also to provide opportunities for spiritual growth and personal transformation. It is in this spirit that I reach out to your esteemed ministry, inspired by the powerful story of Onesimus and the transformative work of the Gospel as shared in the Book of Philemon.
At Deer Ridge, we witness daily the profound impact that access to Scripture and Christian resources can have on the lives of incarcerated individuals. Many of our residents come from backgrounds marked by hardship, isolation, and a search for meaning—much like Onesimus himself, who found redemption through Christ’s love under the Apostle Paul’s guidance. Your ministry’s commitment to treating all as equals in God’s family resonates deeply with our efforts to foster hope behind bars. We have heard inspiring testimonies of lives changed through your outreach, including those of high-profile individuals like David Berkowitz, and we believe your materials could similarly ignite faith and renewal among our population.
To support our chapel programs and individual Bible studies, we humbly request your assistance in providing free resources for our Adults in Custody (AICs). Specifically, we would greatly appreciate:
- Welcome packets including free Bibles for new arrivals and those expressing interest in faith exploration.
- Newsletters with Bible studies to distribute during group sessions and for personal reading.
- Gospel calendars and additional books on Christian living, available at no cost to inmates.
These materials would enable us to reach dozens of men each month, equipping residents to build meaningful relationships rooted in the Gospel. Your support would directly contribute to breaking cycles of despair and opening doors to eternal hope.
Thank you for your faithful service to the least of these and for considering this request. We are eager to partner with you in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
May God continue to bless the Onesimus Prison Project abundantly as you share His light in the darkest places.
In Christ’s service,
Chaplain at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution
Learn more about how SWRC is reaching “the least of these” here.
If this letter moved you, take the next step. Support the Onesimus Prison Project and help us continue bringing light into dark places. Your generosity truly matters. Give today.
