Remember Prisoners, Correctional Officers, and Their Families
COVID-19, was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). As the nation responds with school closures and event cancellations, it is important for us to remember those who are the most vulnerable—and that includes the incarcerated.
Because of tight quarters and security restrictions, prisons often experience outbreaks of sickness and disease, like tuberculosis (TB). In response, many prisons will go on lockdown during such times. During lockdowns, families will not be allowed to visit. Also canceled? In-prison programming.*
But even when we can't visit prisoners, there is still a way we can remember and advocate for them: through prayer.
*For more information on prison closures, please see our weekly update, which includes a live map of the COVID-19 impact on prisons by state.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE STATS IN PRISON: TUBERCULOSIS
- Prisoners are 84 times more likely to contract TB than the general population (World Health Organization)
- In 2013, 4% of all US TB cases occurred in correctional facilities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
HOW TO PRAY FOR PRISONERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Prison Fellowship has long believed in the power and importance of prayer. Prayer is an essential part of our ministry. Over the last 40 years, we have seen how God has changed hearts, transformed lives, and opened doors in ways we could never have done on our own. Will you join us as we remember prisoners, correctional officers, and their families during this pandemic?
PRAY FOR:
- Good health and protection from COVID-19 and other threats.
- Correctional facilities to be shielded from negative outside reactions to the pandemic.
- Good mental health for prisoners, who are isolated from their families and the outside world; for correctional officers, who are trying to do their jobs; and for the families of prisoners, who are enduring this pandemic without their loved ones by their sides.
- Peace within prisons and between the men and women incarcerated and correctional staffs.
- Pray for prison medical staffs, who will be on front lines of any in-prison response.
HOLDING ON TO HOPE
The spread of and response to COVID-19 is unprecedented. It can be easy to get swept up in the fear and panic surrounding us. Fortunately, Christians believe in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and the Bible is the ultimate source of encouragement.
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