PRISON FELLOWSHIP BLOG: Mentoring Prisoners

Convicted of manslaughter, Brandy served over 6 years before she got a second chance at life. Now she helps others do the same as a mentor.

"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!"

"Javier,* what has happened to your heart?" I asked. I brushed tears from my eyes as I glanced away from his tightly cuffed wrists.

She walked with a limp as she packed the car. She has walked with a limp for a long time and says she doesn't notice it much anymore.  Although I did as she placed heavy boxes loaded with strawberries, cheese, and a graduation cake into her car.

Cindy Sanford is a self-proclaimed "tough on crime" advocate whose accidental meeting with a juvenile lifer strengthened her faith and led her into prison ministry. She is a registered nurse and the wife of a retired law enforcement officer.  Cindy and her husband Keith are both official visitors for the Pennsylvania Prison Society. 

Last week we began a series on helping prospective mentors determine if they are equipped to walk alongside current and former prisoners.

How do you know if you would make a good mentor for someone in prison? In many ways, serving as a mentor—whether for a prisoner or for someone on the outside—is quite simple. In other ways, it’s not. The questions below should help you consider whether you are being called to a mentoring role or not.