Approximately 2.2 million Americans are incarcerated, and Prison Fellowship® is helping to uplift and restore the lives of prisoners through Inside Journal®, a quarterly newspaper for men and women behind bars.
Since its launch in 1990, Inside Journal has been a trusted resource that offers its readers encouragement and presents the Gospel in a relatable way. Articles address the struggles of prison life and equip prisoners with tools to serve their time and/or prepare for release. Free resources such as Bible studies, devotionals, and calendars are included.
Distributed in English and Spanish to more than 700 prisons throughout North America, Inside Journal reaches more than 200,000 prisoners—and counting. As of September 2017, all editions are now in full color. And starting this month, a new quarterly edition for women will be released!
A NEW EDITION JUST FOR WOMEN
The new women's edition will focus specifically on topics relevant to women behind bars, such as dealing with the challenges of motherhood, overcoming codependency, tackling female health issues, and more.
The Winter 2018 women's edition discusses depression symptoms specific to women. Meanwhile, the Spring 2018 women's edition will feature stories of women overcoming relapse, and share tools to help women struggling with forgiveness.
In each women's edition, Annie Goebel, director of programs and special events at Prison Fellowship who specializes in women's prison ministry, will share her insight in a recurring column.
SHINING A LIGHT IN THE DARKEST CORNERS
Many prisoners will never read a Bible or attend programming for holistic reform. But Inside Journal can reach men and women in the darkest corners of prison—from a noisy unit to a lonely cell in solitary.
The response from our readers has been overwhelming.
"I was laying on my bunk and this old man came up to my cell door and asked me if I wanted something to read … He slid the Inside Journal Prison Fellowship's newspaper for America's prisons, Volume 23. No. 2, Spring 2014 under my cell door and told me, 'You read that and you will find some answers.' I read that newspaper three times and was touched emotionally by all of the articles."
Reader from a Tennessee prison
"I recently received a copy of your Inside Journal Spring 2015 [newspaper]. I found it very enlightening!"
Reader from a Missouri prison
"… Thank you for the wonderful and inspiring articles in your Spring 2014 Prison Fellowship newspaper. I recently had the opportunity to read Volume 23, No. 2; and was truly inspired by Ann Edenfield Sweet's 'Crime's Hidden Victims'because I have found myself in the same exact situation, with the very same concerns that she spoke on. And I have found that the advice she gave is sound, practical, and effective."
Reader from a Florida prison
No matter where readers are physically or spiritually, Inside Journal can be a great source of comfort and a powerful tool to transform lives through the Gospel.
SUPPORT FOR PRISON CHAPLAINS
Inside Journal also supports the ongoing efforts of prison chaplains. One such chaplain at a women's facility wrote to us:
"Thank you once again for the most recent donation of [Inside Journal]. They are in high demand here … and will be made available to the women who attend our daily groups and services in the chapel. … You are truly instrumental in the spiritual growth process of many."
If you are a chaplain or prison ministry volunteer interested in receiving a sample copy or a bulk shipment for distribution, contact insidejournal@pfm.org with your name, details of your request, and physical mailing address. This free newspaper is an invaluable resource for helping transform the lives of prisoners—both men and women, whether they speak English or Spanish.
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BLUE CHRISTMAS: KNOW THE SIGNS AND SOLUTIONS OF HOLIDAY DEPRESSION
Christmas is supposed to be a happy time, so why do so many of us deal with holiday depression in the winter?
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