Dear Mrs. Johnson,
Prior to arriving here at Central Florida
Reception Center (CFRC) in April 2017, I was
at Hardee Correctional Institution for 12 years.
During the last three years of my stay there, I
worked at the visiting park canteen. I saved all my
money in hopes of retaining legal counsel to take
a final look at my case. (I’ve been incarcerated
for 33 years.) However, the closing of a dorm at
Hardee ended all my hopes of this second look
when I was shipped out to CFRC. My letters to
the attorneys went unanswered.
At that point, I began to pray about my situation,
and God told me to donate the money I had
saved. I asked to whom. My spirit spoke loudly
and said, “Remember Inmate Encounter?” That
was the outreach event on May 19, 2017, where
you and others came to CFRC to tell inmates
about Jesus. I remember getting in line for your
Victorious Living magazine. You and I had a short
exchange, and you thanked me for coming out. I
thanked you for coming to prison to spend time
with us.
God’s Spirit reminded me of the great number
of magazines you passed out during that event—
perhaps a thousand copies. I immediately knew I
should send a donation to your ministry because
of your ministry’s dedication to us. I also knew
the need to reach more inmates is huge.
Mrs. Johnson, the amount of money may not
be a lot, but I worked 14 months to earn it. Please
don’t take me wrong—I’d work my entire life if
I knew the money was going to God’s family.
Really, everything belongs to Him. I pray this
donation blesses your ministry and is used to
bring more people to the saving knowledge of
Jesus Christ. I want to encourage
you with this verse from Isaiah 41:13:
“For I hold you by your right hand—I,
the Lord your God. And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help
you.’ ”
God’s hand of favor is on your
ministry. May He continue to bless it
and cause it to grow.
Your brother in Christ,
Kirk H
Our ministry team is often blessed by the
beautiful artwork of our inmate family.
This piece is by Jesus Gutierrez.
So encourage each other and build each other up,
just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Carry It Out.
Shine Bright & Write!
Inform your church about our prison ministry and consider hosting a
Shine Bright and Write Event. This outreach helps the church
carry out Jesus’ mandate to visit prisoners by:
training the church
to effectively minister
to inmates through
correspondence;
providing a proven, safe
outreach tool and method
to reach lost souls;
giving adults of all ages the
opportunity to bring healing
to the brokenhearted; and
encouraging a
connection between
the church and a
local inmate for future
mentorship upon release.
This connection brings
help and restoration
to an inmate, thereby
reducing the rate of
recidivism.
From Our
Readers
Every day, our Victorious Living
Correspondence Team receives letters
from inmates who love the Lord and
who desire to encourage us in our faith
journey. These letters lift our spirits,
strengthen our faith, and spur us on to
continue the work the Lord has put before
us. We hope these letters will encourage
your heart as well.
The
Process
Are you an inmate
in need of encouragement?
Our Victorious Living
Correspondence Outreach
Team is here for you.
Here’s what you can expect:
Send a letter to us at:
Victorious Living
Correspondence Outreach
PO Box 328
Starke, FL 32091
You’ll receive:
Welcome letter from founder,
Kristi Overton Johnson
Timely, handwritten
responses from our
Correspondence Team
Monthly devotionals from
Kristi Overton Johnson
Personal subscription to
Victorious Living magazine
Prayer support from
our Victorious Living
Correspondence Team
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the volume of inmate
correspondence, we are unable to assign specific
writers to individual inmates. Nor can we guarantee
continued correspondence with one writer. What
we can guarantee, is an opportunity for you to
correspond with a team of writers who love the Lord
and who are committed to encouraging you in your
life journey. We are also unable to handle legal cases,
contact people on your behalf, or disperse items such
as money or stamps. Thank you for understanding.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO A NEW
FACILITY, PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY.
PLEASE WRITE ADDRESS AND DOC # NEATLY.
Artwork by Jesus Gutierrez kojministries.org Issue 4 2017 27
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