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Prison Ministries
December 2009
A number have asked about our literature ministries to prisoners, so here is a
brief overview.
This special ministry began in January, 2004, when a Chaplain (John), who
focuses on a ministry to prisoners, requested a copy of each of our booklets and
books for his personal review. Within two months, we sent him 350 booklets and about 100 books (before he could
circulate these in a maximal security prison, he had to remove all the staples
from the booklets & the spiral bindings from the books to eliminate any possible
use as weapons!). John’s initial
order was the first in many that followed.
Prisoners soon started ordering directly from us.
What began in that one prison has now spread to 19 (of which we are aware); 7 of
these are in California.
Recently (Nov., 2009), my Chaplain Friend ordered, in advance, 300 copies of the
Spanish translation of my about-to-be-published verse-by-verse commentary on
Galatians (which, of course, we sent WITHOUT the spiral bindings).
In certain of these prisons, the Believers have access to duplication, and, at
their request, have permission to copy our booklets; likewise Chaplain John. He tells me that they bundle the 7
booklets and distribute to anyone who will read.
I have no idea the number of books and booklets now in circulation
(obviously in the 1000’s).
Every prisoner who writes and orders books receives a personal hand written
response from me. Moreover, I serve
as a sounding board and teacher to men who function as pastors within prison
walls. One recently informed me of
his transfer from Ironwood State Prison (Blythe, CA) to Folsom State Prison
(Folsom, CA) along with his entire yard-group scattered to various prisons
throughout the state…the Lord’s way of expanding the Gospel message and the
accurate teaching of His Word!
From 1 prison to 19 in 5 years: quietly exciting.
Thank you for making this happen through your financial support of Merryman
Ministries. You make it possible to
send anyone literature without charge.
Would you take a moment to remember these men who love the Lord and seek to
serve him often in a very hostile prison environment?
~ Ron Merryman
December 2011
The Lord continues to increase our prison outreach. To ease overcrowding, inmates are
often transferred, then in their new location share our literature with others. To our knowledge, our materials are
circulated in 26 prisons. In 2011
alone, fifteen new men have began corresponding.
Their letters manifest their love of Christ and appreciation of God’s Word. These men are eager to grow and to
discern truth from error. They are
so appreciative of Ron’s writings and his answering their questions; each
receives a personal letter in response to theirs.
They are able to spend hours a day in the Word. Many are Bible teachers in their
churches within prison confines and some are students of Greek. Others are utilizing our Spanish
Galatians with their Hispanic
brethren.
A recent letter from a long time
correspondent closes with these words,
“I thank you in advance for your help
and your love and your faithfulness.
Within prison circles your name Merryman is equivalent to sound doctrine. We appreciate you. See you in eternity.”
We thank God for these men and their
faithfulness to Him in the most adverse circumstances and praise Him for using
Merryman Ministries’ publications for their growth.
~ Sandra Merryman
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