New Life on Death Row
By Bennett Rolan, Editorial Manager
Mark’s voice echoed off the stark concrete walls as he repeated the simple confession of faith. Kneeling between two rows of locked cells, Mark surrendered his life to Christ. Witnessed by guards and fellow inmates, Mark was baptized in the hallway of Polunsky Prison’s death row unit in Livingston, Texas. Though physically bound by chains, Mark found freedom in the forgiveness of His Savior.
In the eyes of the world, Mark is a felon, sentenced to spend years in solitary confinement. As a maximum-security location, Polunsky Prison inmates location, carry sentences of 20 years or greater. The facility also serves as the state’s only men’s death-row location, holding hundreds of men who may ultimately face the death penalty.
Mark lives in complete isolation, cut off from the rest of the prison population. But the magnitude of his criminal conviction is not beyond the redemption of Christ’s work on the Cross.
Through a BSF satellite group, men in solitary confinement are able to study God’s Word independently in their remote prison cells. Personal contact is restricted, but the men do get to correspond with local BSF leaders who deliver their lessons each week. Through written comments on the lesson material, BSF leaders provide encouragement and accountability to the men on death row who aren’t allowed to attend discussion groups. They also have access to their weekly BSF lecture through the prison’s radio station.
When asked in Lesson 8, “How might your current situation be an opportunity to positively influence how those around you view God?” one man in isolation answered: “By showing them that all the things may seem tuff, you can use this in a positive manner and learn about God and grow within.”
To the Lesson 9 question, “Whom can you thank for offering God’s grace and blessing to you? How will you thank God for them?” another man on death row responded:
“This BSF program and the ESV Bible. Servitude.”
For these men, BSF offers a lifeline to a community with believers and a reminder that they are not alone. In the general prison population, three BSF Discussion Groups meet weekly, led by local BSF leaders.
“The men at Polunsky are worthy of our time,” Group Leader Purvis Harper said. “These men are at rock bottom. They’ve had all their chances in society and burned them all. When they have no other place to turn and are craving answers, the answer is Christ. The Lord is playing such a vital role. Many either find Christ or re-ignite their faith from past exposure, knowing they either find peace where God has put them, or live in agony, fear and frustration during their long and sometimes lifetime sentences.”
Freedom in Prison
For Purvis, a retired pediatrician and long-time BSF leader, prison ministry was an unexpected, yet undeniable, call from the Lord.
“When I retired, the Lord put it into my heart to build on a previous experience with prison ministry,” he shared. “I have seen how vital this ministry is, how the men’s lives can change when they are introduced to God’s Word.
“The entire atmosphere of 3,000 men has changed through the different Christian programs that go through. The men who are called to BSF are serious students of Christ. Their answers are so profound, so genuine and so open.
“Through their faith, they know they are paying their debt back to society and are able to say, ‘Wherever I am, I’m going to serve the Lord.’ That’s a huge step in the prison population. Through the years, Christ has transformed Polunsky from its former nickname, ‘Terrible Terrell,’ to what is now known as ‘The God Unit.’ A true miracle to the power and persistence of Christ.”
BSF Leader Purvis Harper
For one BSFer named James, God’s Word offers more than comfort. Through BSF and other Christian programs, James has discovered a purpose. In a recent conversation with Purvis, James shared that he grew up in a Christian home. Familiar with the gospel, James rejected its truth.
“He said, ‘I had the head knowledge of Christ but didn’t have the heart knowledge of Christ,’ ” Purvis shared.
In college, James rebelled against his family’s faith, seeking financial fortune above all else. When he was implicated in an illegal scheme, James was ultimately sentenced to 35 years at Polunsky. Though he continues to appeal his case and seek parole, James has discovered a sense of peace.
“When he was taken from the courtroom to the county jail, he came very close to committing suicide. He broke down and gave his life to Christ,” Purvis said.
“Now, 14 years later, James is a well-respected inmate. Nobody messes with James because he’s so genuine and does so much good for the men. He’s truly to the state where Paul was when he said, ‘Whether I live or die, I’m going to be with Christ.’ He lives that out and loves the in-depth nature of BSF. He just loves studying the Bible and actively discussing it with other men in Discussion Group.”
In prison, James uses his influence and education to minister to other inmates.
“He says, ‘God, you’ve put me here for a reason, and I am going to be faithful,’” Purvis shared.
Within His Reach
For men like Mark and James, freedom from prison is a faraway dream. As their hope of release dims with each parole board denial, God’s Word confirms that no man is beyond His reach.
One BSFer on death row wrote this about God’s promises: “John 10:29, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. Yes, I am a child of God.”
Like the men of Polunsky, our sin separates us from God. But through the eternal reach of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are never beyond God’s grasp.
In Genesis 37 and 39, we read about Joseph, who was abandoned in a cistern and sold into slavery. In his darkest moments, Scripture repeats a simple phrase, “The Lord was with Joseph.”
In Joseph’s suffering, God had a plan and a purpose for Joseph that stretched beyond his circumstances. Through his family’s deceit and his unjust imprisonment, God was preparing Joseph to save an entire nation. But as he sat in a prison cell, unjustly accused, Joseph wasn’t consumed by the future. His focus was on the present.
Genesis 39:20–22 tells us, “… But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him. … So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.”
Fixing his eyes on eternity, Joseph faithfully followed the Lord in his suffering. Like Joseph, we are called to seek God today, without worrying about tomorrow. So where might God be calling you to serve? Maybe it’s inviting a friend to BSF or sharing the gospel with a family member. Wherever we are, God has a plan and purpose for His people.
For the men of Polunsky, prison is a constant reminder of criminal convictions and bleak futures. But God’s Word offers hope in the darkest corner of the loneliest cell. For these believers, each day is new opportunity to share God’s grace with those who seem beyond forgiveness.
Interested in starting a BSF group in your local prison? Contact your Teaching Leader for more information.
Bennett Rolan
Editorial Manager
Bennett Rolan joined the BSF staff in 2017 after working for several Christian ministries and non-profits. She loves to combine her passion for God’s Word and her journalism background to share stories of God’s Work in and through BSF. As a wife to a busy college football coach and a mom to four young children, BSF studies keep her relationship with the Lord grounded and focused. She loves to learn from fellow believers as God faithfully grows her each day.
Amazed at our God, how He has used today’s technology to spread the GOOD NEWS all for HIS GLORY. So thankful you all shared these stories.
Thank you
This is an Easter time message
I am deeply touched by the Prison Ministry testimonies. I am reminded to constantly pray for that arm of BSF. We have one in Jos, Nigeria and it is such great inspiration to read about the ministry in Polunsky.. God’s word is reaching out to the darkest parts of the world through BSF.
God bless every leader’s sacrifice. Amen
My brother is in prison for long term, in a segregated unit, I pray that somehow one day he will have Christian fellowship with some Christians, in Jesus name, amen. His English not so good, his native language is Chinese, May God help him, amen.
What a wonderful testimony of God’s amazing grace as he draws these prisoners to Himself & uses them for His glory through the reading & study of His word! Will pray for Purvis & all those who are leading groups & the men who attend.
Thank you for sharing. I always wonder how we can reach those in prison. Knowing that God has found a way die BSF to be allowed to minister is another reason to praise him. He is ever faithful.
Sorry for the typo. It should be for BSF. Oops
Very much encouraging to the people who may not be in physical jail’s but in jail’s they have built by themselves due to their selfishnee worldly desires or due to circumstances…May God bless such people n guide them..thanq brother in Christ ,?
Hi,
I was wondering if you still have a program regarding “writing ” to people who are in prison and or on death row? If so, I would like to participate and help anyway I can?
Thank you & God Bless
Helen
Hi Helen, we don’t have a formal outreach program but this could be a great thing to discuss with your Group Leader or Teaching Leader! This program began as a satellite discussion group in a local prison connected to a BSF class.
I love Jesus, he is my savior!
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!
Wow what a beautiful story of God’s grace and love. A big thanks to Purvis for hearing God’s call.
Thank you. Great
Please pray for Pervis Payne, a black man with an intellectual disability who was convicted of murders he has consistently denied having committed. He has been on death row for 33 years and may face execution April 9, 2021.
“Focusing on living only today’s life”.
Thank you for sharing such a powerful message.
Dear Jesus,
Please be with this man who has been on death row for a long time. Give him your peace, strength and encouragement while he sits in jail. Help him to continue to seek your will.
Amen
May God have mercy on his soul.
Joseph …..His focus was on the present. What a powerful thought, not past mistakes, or fears of the future! But living each day to it’s fullest! Good word for today!!
We serve a mighty Good God…
God bless you and strengthen you, Purvis Harper. I will pray for your ministry and victory in Christ for these inmates.
BSF is the rock of my life also. To God be the glory.
Thank you, Norma. And Yes, To God Be the Glory!
What a witness to the truth that with God nothing is impossible! To God be the Glory
Dear Purvis Harper God bless your life and this call , I feel the same call for the lost people ,and even if yet I can’t do so much , will be praying and hopefully in the right time will be able to help and support this amazing ministry . God knows everything and is amazing His way / count on my prayers , I love BSF for this ,teach us the word in a so amazing way and also to equip and help us to follow and live what we believe and what is in Gods Word.
I am at Colorado state penitentiary. How does your program work?
If God can save me – through the tool of BSF He can save and change anybody!!!! So excited for these guys!
Mmmmm I’m challenged by the word being studied in prison and prisoners receiving Jesus Christ as their saviour and receiving salvation
God help to be able to share the word in prisons and not to judge
We are all sinners and have fallen short of God’s grace
No person is beyond the reach of our God Almighty! I have come to believe this without a doubt!
BSF is by far and away the most inspirational bible study I have ever done. I have done 7 years in prison ministry for both men and women. How I wish I had had the opportunity to share BSF with them at the time. I was so moved and again inspired by this beautiful sharing of what BSF has done for these men in prison. God has a wonderful opportunity to speak to the hearts of these men and women while incarcerated. They are broken and lonely and a perfect chance to receive hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings to this team for their wonderful gift of God’s calling and for sharing their faithfulness to sharing his word.
What good news to hear of this arm of BSF. It describes the prison ministry to which the Lord led me in mentor ing prisoners through writing letters and responding to the Bible Lessons they have completed. For me, I have had my eyes open and heart to understand more clearly, Christ’s Words “I was in prison and you visited Me.” I have been blessed to see the Works of our Faithful God. “I thank God for placing me in prison in order to get my attention” is a confession from many. With God, there are no barriers!
Mary Lou , you are so right ! Some of us are in prison cells physically , but others like myself are there mentally. Years of shame and regret for disastrous choices made and the ramifications of . Jesus blood poured out covers all … washed as white as snow … Praise God , the Great I Am , for eternal life and tens of thousands of yrs in His presence beyond this temporary suffering now ! 2 Cor 4:18
What beautiful testimony to the power of God and that as He can reach into the depths of our hearts and transform us so can he reach into the depths of this prison and grip hearts and transform them for his glory. ❤️??
how wonerfulto see people who were once tied to the evils of this world now have their souls anchored to Christ Jesus our lord & Saviour
Amen!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful & empowering story. Truly, no one is beyond the reach of the gospel.
Thank you for your commitment & obeying God’s call in serving the least of these.
What a beautiful and powerful reminder that our God is unstoppable – His plans will not be thwarted. The Holy Spirit goes through bolted doors and barred windows. God is mightily using BSF in these once broken and now healed lives! Thank You, Jesus?
The impact of the Gospel in prisons is inspiring. By BSF making a pdf of all the lessons and notes available to all has been a huge blessing.
“The dying thief rejoiced to see
The fountain in that day”
The Word of God is unstoppable … praising God for the mighty work and effort of Bsf to reach out to the ends of the world.
Thank you for sharing your story. It is so amazing to see how God works in the lives of those that are in prison. Thanks be to God for BSF! It is interesting to hear how the Lord changes lives. To God be the glory.
A shout out to God and thanksgiving for His grace and mercy that led Purvis to be able to serve. What a substantial blessing!
Such an inspiration of the power of God’s word! Makes me more thankful and proud to be a part of BSF!! Nothing is impossible with our God!
I loved this testimony of God’s changing grace!
My favorite part was:
“Through the years, Christ has transformed Polunsky from its former nickname, ‘Terrible Terrell,’ to what is now known as ‘The God Unit.’ A true miracle to the power and persistence of Christ.” “
All praise to our Great God!
This is such a great proof of the Omnipotent-Omnipresent-Omniscient GOD who can reach anyone and desires all to know Him! Praise to EL Shaddai and his gracious servants! Such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing! Praying for these men!
Praise God! What encouraging stories, and a real challenge to go and share the gospel!
There will never be a barrier too thick, nor too high that the LORD cannot enter. And no matter how hardened the heart, nor the head the Holy Spirit is capable of softening that carapace which surrounds the one’s that seem to have forgotten we are all God’s children. We were all first touched by this incredible, supernatural Savior, as He breathed His Life and Love into each man, woman and child. Praise God, that He is inescapable and He will NEVER give up on us.
Thank you for this true story and our magnificent God work among prisoners. Vivian Even
What a beautiful testimony of men moving from desperation to hope in the work Our Precious Savior has done on our behalf. What an awesome God we serve. And what an inspiration for all BSF members to reach out to the unreachables.
Praise God for this awesome and much needed prison ministry that is providing light in the midst of darkness and giving hope and encouragement to those who are hurting and in despair. What an awesome GOD we serve and to Him be all the glory.
This is amazing. Praise God and blessings on the prison ministry workers.
I have been so moved by the true testimony of Purvis Harper. He was called by God through BSF to reach souls for Christ. What an amazing God we Serve especially prisoners chained to sin behind the prison walls Thanks for sharing. I have had an opportunity to visit women in prison. My friend from BSF invited me to go. She had a bible study ready, and I sat listening to women’s stories of struggles with addictions. I will never forget that experience Jesus came to set the captives free. Nothing can snatch us or separate us from the Love of God.
Glory to God. Shinning for Christ in whatever circumstances or situations we find ourselves in., and knowing that there is a reason for every season.
Our God is AMAZING!!! To Him be the glory!!
In northwest Louisiana Kairos Prison Ministry has been active in David Wade Correctional Center, near Homer, La., for many years. Several Kairos brothers who are also active in Bible Study Fellowship have recently brought BSF inside the prison walls (Genesis would have been our third session). This year was interrupted by the pandemic, but we see a glimmer of light at the end of this dark road of separation. Security limitations prevent the use of Internet lectures via MyBSF.org, but our men’s lecture is now uploaded for other satellite groups and recorded to DVD for use by the prison groups. The entire Genesis class has been recorded in hope of being able to return soon.
This is very encouraging. We find some prisons in exactly the same shape. Our second satellite group to the Walls Unit in Huntsville are getting to go in for the first time for a year this week. They will start with the Joseph ministudy to kick off Genesis. It has been a long drought year for them. Our chaplain has allowed CVCA’s in for almost the whole year so our Satellite group in Polunsky has continued through out the pandemic with some lockdown intrusions. May the Lord bless your efforts and allow you in soon! Thank you for bringing BSF to your prison. I too was introduced to prison ministry through Kairos and God called me from that experience into Prison BSF. Praise God.
Praise to the Lord. Thanks so much for your service to our great God.
This is amazing !!! God’s mercy and grace is available to any and everyone. This is a truly blessed ministry. Miss Johnson had no idea the magnitude of what God would bring about by her first study with just a few women. Bible Study Fellowship has been and continues to be a vital part of my spiritual growth . Thanks for sharing this blessed news.❤️??
AMEN!!!
?
So good.
What a beautiful story on our day!! God bless the BSF leader Purvis, he is living the Lords command to visit Him in prison. The BSFers , May the Lord strengthen your faith and for us also. Soon and very soon we shall see Him and live with Him forever and ever and there will be no separation.
God is still on the throne.
God bless dear Purvis who is being used by the Almighty God to save men “in darkness”.
I rededicate myself to the Lord’s service and pray that many other BSFers would do it also.
I am so excited that the men of Polunsky Prison, who live such a hard reality, get to participate in BSF – to hear the gospel, read God’s Word and learn of His great Love ,peace and forgiveness. When we belong to Christ, these gifts are ours forever. Nothing can take them away. “He who is forgiven much, loves much.” May God bless you and keep you all. And bless you BSF leaders too! Lynn from British Columbia
God is so faithful and He will not give up on those He created. I was really inspired to reach out to those that feel lost or rejected.
Such a wonderful example of God’s GOOD news in His Son, Jesus Christ!
God is so awesome! He can reach nus no matter where we are and forgives us no matter what. His love is so wonderful and so hard to comprehend. how He can love us , especially me, blows the mind. He is so wonderful and I am son blessed to call him “Daddy”! It sometimes overwhelms me to realize In am his child. I am so grateful that He is using BSF in this mighty way and helping those in prison to gain what we other children of God have. I will be praying for these you have told us about who are in prison. Thank you for sharing their stories.
Thank you this wonderful account of God’s eminence. I was involved in prison ministry prior to covid. Volunteers have not been allowed inside since March 2020.
This article helped me to realize that the BSF online format can be used at Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) to bring the Word to the incarcerated men there too.
I am encouraged. As a BSF online group leader, I can combine two ministries I love. Pray for open hearts at SCC to receive the glorious gift of studying God’s Word through BSF.
So pleased to hear the article may result in another BSF activity going to another prison. May God be with you as He enables you to go forward with your plans!
We serve a God that will reach everyone everywhere.
Thank you Mr. Harper for sharing this important message.
M. Jasan
Phil.1:6
This blog touched my heart to the point of prayer. Committing to pray for the. Prison outreach of BSF and asking Jesus to send Me in some way!
Marla, praying with you!
Such a powerful witness from such an unexpected place. This truly is a God thing.
I have been in BSF for many years now. I know it was breaking the rules but years ago I was doing 2 BSF studies with a career criminal in prison. I would mail him my study notes and questions. The best he had ever done in his life was during that time. He found freedom while being locked up. One of the times when his sentence was done I got him to a formal BSF study. He had a hard time fitting in in the groups and back to prison he would go. Finally, not fitting into society he was found dead in s hotel room. Hopefully he was truly born again. I tell the story to emphasize the importance of BSF in prison. Now that it is formally done these men and women have a real chance at peace with God although they may never have it in the world. I know I broke the rules but I longed for him to have whst I have found in Christ.
Jimmie,
Thank you so much for sharing. Your heart for your friend is evident! We will continue to pray that these BSF prison groups will help ease transitions back into society. God is working!
There are times when breaking the rules is rewarded by our Lord and Savior. Bless you for sincere desire to reach this person, a child of God.
Thank you for sharing. I pray as well that your friend indeed found the peace that salvation through our Lord gives you. Thank you for courageously sharing Jesus to him even if it was behaving somewhat outside the box. May God support and encourage others to take the gospel anywhere people are suffering without the hope found in Christ.
This was such an encouraging article and it made me wonder if there were any BSF satellite groups meeting in prisons in Canada. Especially in my area of British Columbia which is just outside of Vancouver BC. For instance the small community I live in, Mission,BC has a medium security federal men’s unit 5 minutes from my home and there are other men’s and women’s units in the area. I would sure like to pray for any groups that meet there or if there is a ministry to them. Especially if there was a specific time they were meeting. To pray for the leaders
Truly God finds us in the depths of our struggle. He brings light to those in dire need. I pray the fullness of peace and joy that are gifts of the Holy Spirit for these men, and bless those who reach out to them.
Thank you for your work and this encouragement and reminder. We are all in desperate need of Christ’s saving grace, and not one us is beyond godly repentance, contribution and hope. God bless you!
I would like to get BSF into the prison here in my city…..Lethbridge, Alberta Canada.
If you have any tips or suggestions please email them to me.
Start with calling your prison’s chaplain and tell him of your vision. Pray the Holy Spirit will guide you and the chaplain will be willing to help get you in and a BSF class will support you with volunteers.
Kelli Stanley, I was involved in a prison ministry for many years and have been feeling the Spirits nudge to get involved again, so yes. I would love to be a part of a BSF prison ministry.
May God guide you in this pursuit. I would suggest visiting the prison’s chaplain as a start. Call the prison and ask to speak to the Chaplain’s office and let the Holy Spirit take it from there. Godspeed Kelli.
What a wonderful story of redemption!
I thank the lord for the testimony of our dear Brother’s “The God unit ” ,James & Man of God Purvis Harper Ministry and all those who are labouring with BSF ,
i encouraged ,i keep pray for prison ministry’s.
Thank you.
The God of the Bible is truly amazing! The transforming power of the Gospel Message is beyond human understanding. Thank you for sharing this amazing story. My name is Michael Phillips and I participate in a Bible Study Fellowship Group using zoom. I am also a member of the Gideon’s International. Like Bible Study Fellowship, I also go into jails and share the Good News with others. God’s Blessings on each of you!
No one is out of the reach of our Lord Jesus! I pray His word continues to ring out in all corners of our world!
Thank all who make BSF possible. I have been in BSF for some 30 years and have been in leadership of some form for 29 of them. I love BSF and can’t imagine not being a part of this wonderful,spirit filled program.
What an extraordinary example of God’s everlasting power, love and forgiveness. How blessed are we to have received this redemption no matter our sin. Praise God! Praise people like Purvis who listen and follow what God has planned for them. The impact is truly miraculous!
No one is beyond the reach of our loving Savior!
I love how the Lord continues to reach for us and how He pursues us, no matter where we are, no matter who we are, and no matter the circumstance. And with extended arms, He pours out this unconditional, and totally incomprehensible LOVE on us! He’s a good, good Father!?
It is truly for freedom that Christ set us free! This is a beautiful story of God’s redeeming grace. I am encouraged to keep inviting my family to BSF.
I am real blessedby the bible study we had here in Addis Ababa at international Evangelical church but following the pandamic I was able to continue the study the bible due to my own reason.so if i got the chance again i am happy to join you online.
I am so grateful that prison inmates are hearing about our good God who offers love, compassion, refuge, and hope in the bleakest of situation, particularly with prisoners. Thank you, BSF, for bringing light into the dark places.
Amazing! True freedom can be found even in prison.If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed.What a wonderful opportunity for these men to come to know Jesus?
What an awesome and encouraging story!
Impressed about how God has turned these men’s hearts around to become believers and look forward to eternity with a good spirit.
Glory to God. So encouraging to hear that men living with little hope of freedom can find it in Christ. Thanks BSF; may the good Lord help us all to reach out…
This is very encouraging for me knowing that God meets the inner yearnings of desperate people who need freedom. God bless Our is and bless the work God has placed in his hands. It will yet prosper the more in Jesus name.
Our LORD’s marvelous grace ensures that no one is beyond redemption through faith in Christ. May we all find peace and purpose in our relationship with Him no matter our physical and mental limitations.
This so warmed my heart to hear of lives transformed by the grace of God. What a testimony and these men will be a light to many war an encouragement when we are weighed down with our sin there is forgiveness in the blood of Jesus and we become a new creation. Thank you for sharing this
What a wonderful lesson on how our savior redeems and forgives all our sins
What a wonderful testimony to the POWER of the Gospel! I truly thank God for the outreach of BSF into places that are often difficult to penetrate with the Word. I have been a BSF’er for many years & have appreciated seeing it “evolve” from a rather “closed” format of years ago into a really vibrant ministry using the gift of technology to share its sound, biblically-based message across this country & around the world! May God continue to bless all of you at BSF Headquarters as you lovingly share your biblical wisdom & knowledge with a world that is desperate to know THE ONE Who is The Way, The Truth & The Life!
WITH NO ONE TO TURN TO SOME MAY WONDER, “ WHO CAN CARE FOR ME BESIDES, JESUS.”
SOMETIME GOD HAS TOP LAY US ON OUR BACK SO THAT ALL WE LOOK TO IS UP.
SOMETIMES HE HAS TO PUT US UNDER WATER SO THAT WE WILL STRUGGLE FOR AIR.
SOMETIMES HE HAS TO STARVE US SO THAT WE CAN HUNGER FOR THE “BREAD OF LIFE LIFE “ THAT ONLY HE. CAN OFFER.
Praise God..?
Thank you for sharing. God’s work in these men is amazing.
What powerful reminder of God’s amazing, awesome Presence everywhere, all the time! All glory to Him forever!
The Gospel brings hope to our lives, whoever and wherever we are.
Monica
Tears of thanksgiving crowd my throat as I read about God’s undeserved Grace being offered to these men. That I too also experience the same undeserved Grace brings me to my knees! We serve a faithful God.
John 10:29, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. Yes, I am a child of God.” Amen! and thank you for the inspiration.
I have part of BSF in the Shakopee women’s prison in Minnesota for the last 5 years. (It’s a satellite of the Edina day class) We have not been allowed in since the Covid restrictions. Please pray that the gates of the prison would swing open…so we can go in!
Praise God and indeed Godspeed on opening up at your prison. I’m sure you can relate to much is happening at BSF inside prison. In many ways it is a perfect place for BSF to be actively involved- Amen?
Wow! What a wonderful story! What beautiful transformations! What privileged service!!
I love that God is with is – wherever we are and whatever our circumstances!!
God Bless!!
Amen, Sister
I currently minister at a jail. During covid it has been detained. Two of the ladies went to rehab from jail. They both graduated and they hired
one of the ladies. She has asked me to lead a bible study there. I will meet with director tomorrow. I was concerned with BSF possibly be to
challenging for these ladies.
I don’t think you will have any trouble with BSF for the ladies. They are used to the structure of their lives and naturally understand being held to a ridged standard inside on all their studies and education. You will find some ladies know the Bible very well and are starving for an in depth Bible Study, unlike they are usually exposed to.
Having B S F groups in local prisons sounds good to me.Many could find our LORD.
I am very interested in starting a BSF group in the local jail systems in Kansas or Missouri. I’m involved heavily in prison ministry in my area and love to share the word of God with offenders, especially women, if it is possible.
If you are in BSF ask your TL to consider accepting you into leadership with the purpose of leading a BSF satellite group inside. You will have to educate your local chaplain about BSF, likely and he will have to embrace it and take it to the warden to fit it in to the other spiritual studies going on. Start recruiting a couple in your leadership group to consider helping you with the class when set up. Set it up and they will come!
BSF Prison Ministry is an answer to my prayer for several years that God’s Word would penetrate the darkest places. Prison is one of them. I will continue to pray that BSF would be in every prison in our country!
Carol, what a beautiful prayer! There are several international prison BSF groups as well. God’s work is truly amazing!
God bless you my friend. What a ministry! I pray God’s blessings & the Holy Spirit be upon you empowering you with wisdom, knowledge & understanding as you lead a world forgotten by man but not by God.
Our Prison Ministry discovered most incarcerated said they were “glad I am here”
Huh???? Because they have more time (undistracted) to spend with Him!!
Made me modify my use of time..
BSF brings Word, Fellowship and Agape.
Hallelujah, Agape.
Amen! Many come to realize as they mature that they are ‘glad to be there’ because if they were not put there by God they would surely have died in the streets with their criminal and violent past. They fully understand God’s second (and third, etc.) chances.
Thank you so much for sharing!!!! It’s so encouraging!!! Sometimes we forget about it…
I have been blessed to be a DGL in a BSF group in the Mark W. Michael Unit for the last three years. The men have told us that BSF is the best program they have had an opportunity to participate in prison.
Thank you for sharing this glimpse of BSF’s involvement in a place that appears hopeless, from a human vantage point. “But God” is the phrase that comes to mind. It is amazing to read how God’s Word is performing spiritual surgery in these men’s lives with the help of a faithful servant, like brother Purvis, during a time when all hope seems lost. As long as there’s breath, there’s hope! Praising God!
WOW! Who follows a god like OUR GOD? There is no other being like OUR GOD! Hallelujah! What a Savior!
I would like to be put in touch with Purvis Harper please by email.
Praise the Lord for these awesome testimonies. I am reading them with tears in my eyes. I had no idea that BSF had a prison ministry. I believe God is leading me to start supporting BSF financially.
This just blessed my heart! All glory to God! And so grateful for the men who minister to those inmates.
Thank you for sharing BSF in prison! They need to know that people care about them and that God is with them all the time.
Thank you for such a beautiful testimony of how great GOD’S word is I also was incarcerated for over 3 decades 34 years 8 months and 2 weeks and it took me a very long time to forgive myself but our LORD gave me the ability and strength to overcome the obstacles that I faced today I am a true believer and a great follower of GOD’s word once again thank you and GOD BLESS.
Sincerely Douglas Shearer..
Thank you for your testimony and I would add that you have a wonderful story to tell! Take every opportunity to share it with those in prison and those in the free world! I pray you are involved in prison ministry because your story of Jesus’s salvation for you would truly change men’s lives in prison! If not BSF consider going back inside with Kairos Ministry! What a Story To Tell!
I would love to do this. I am not trained in prison ministry, but teach Christ centered Yoga and have been around people teaching all my life. I have taught Bible study before as well.
Blessings!
Eleanor Baird
Talk to your TL! Talk to someone in your church or BSF in prison ministry, volunteer and tell of your vision and let the Holy Spirit guide you, He will!
While encouraging class members with the “Am I Sure” aka “Steps to Assurance”, lately I’ve been dreaming more. I’m wrestling with couple more questions. “Why did God choose me? and “What does He want me to do?” Like Purvis has been sharing, it is good to make the inquiry–God will honor it. Then listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
what a wonderful outreach and ministry this is! May God richly bless it and increase it!
This sharing of God’s work through the study of the Bible through BSF reminded me of a BSF ministry in a women’s prison here in CA many years ago. I called one of the DL’s, who is a close friend, to encourage her that God was at work through the study of the Bible truths they brought each week. Only God knows the ‘ripple effect’ that ministry has had in lives beyond the prison. Thank you for the work to bring the Light of Life in a dark place. I rejoice with you in the fruit you’ve seen/heard of in the lives of the inmates. As our study in Genesis 37:11 said of Jacob that he ‘kept the matter in mind’ may God’s truths be kept in mind by all who hear.
We are all created by the one true living God. We are all sinners in need of the Savior. Prisoners are therefore deserving of our effort to share the gospel and our outreach that demonstrates the love of Christ. I have a brother that spent most of his life in prison. I am SO grateful for Ambassadors for Jesus to share the good news with inmates~ that God’s grace is greater than all our sin. As our class heard this week in lecture…”the Gospel says you are more sinful and flawed than we ever dared believe but more accepted and loved than ever dared hope”. I can only imagine that anyone in prison for life must be almost without hope or feeling of purpose. With bible study and God’s living Word made known, these individuals can accept the Lord’s gift of grace, repent, and be saved. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for answering God’s call to serve others in prison. I will pray for men and women in prison. My brother is out now and I ask Jesus to continue to give me HIS Words to share with my bro so he will live according to God’s will.
This is wonderful to see God working through the scripture to reach these imprisoned men for His service! Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace, and Purvis, for desiring to be part of this ministry!
I really enjoyed participating in this Blog with Bennett. She was so easy to talk to and a couple of Zoom conferences and out popped this Blog. Prison ministry and BSF are a match made in heaven. I really thank BSF for allowing us GL’s think way outside the box to bring BSF into Polunsky. Kingwood Men’s BSF (1335) has two Prison satellite groups. The other one is located at the Walls unit in Huntsville but they have been shut out the whole year completely because of how the warden is handling the pandemic with NO volunteers or visitors allowed in at all. A lot of the credit for the Polunsky BSF has to go to our warden Joaquin Guy. I pray this Blog will motivate other GL’s to consider Satellite groups into prisons. The work is vital, God truly makes an impact, and the volunteering is so satisfying to the soul. After all the Men in White are the ultimate ‘captive audience’! As one MIW stated to me about knowing the Bible much better than I, “We have a lot of time to study the Bible in here, much more time than you guys in the free world have.”
All praise to our awesome God! Wonderful testimony! God bless BSF! I will be praying for the ministry of BSF in prisons. Thank you!
Wow! What evidence that God is at work everywhere. Thanking God for James, for Purvis for the radio lecture available.
Praying for a harvest of Righteousness these next weeks as they study Joseph’s story.
Very preceptive, God’s story through Joseph will be VERY impactful, can you imagine!
How wonderful that God’s Word reaches everywhere, even in prison!
Is there an opportunity to work in New Braunfels, TX ? I did Bible Study with teen girls at Laurel Ridge San Antonio, TX for years before covid a year ago. That is a behavior treatment center but some were assigned there by the court.
Patricia, what an wonderful ministry! To discuss possibilities, talk with your group leader and teaching leader. Can’t wait to see where the Lord leads!
I have done Prison Ministry for 25 years, but due to Covid we were unable to go in for the past year or so. I would love to do BSF virtually with our local prison or beyond. We have been in Leavenworth, Kansas City, St. Louis, and others in the Midwest and we now Live in Florida. How exciting this is as I have been in BSF for seven years! God bless all of you for taking the word to those who may not hear it otherwise!
This is truly inspirational and uplifting to see what Christ has to offer everyone.
Yes I would love to start a BSF study group in a local prison. I am experienced in prison ministry with sharing the gospel
Dear Carolyn, that’s amazing! Feel free to talk to your group leader and TL about possibilities in your area.
Carolyn,
you would be an outstanding leader. I should know because you and I have been together in the same BSF class for the last 3 years on a row. I have marveled at your insightful answers to our many study lesson questions.
Please continue to pursue this avenue and please let me know how it works out.
In Christ, Margaret Ann Winn
Wow did mot realize BSF was involved w prisons. Would live to learn more about this.
Don Miller, a retired Navy chaplain, and myself, a retired college professor, studied the Bible with incarcerated men every Friday morning at the
city jail in Danville, Va, until Covid19 hit our area. We no longer have any contact with the men, but BSF may give us just the opportunity we need to start again, with a different methodology/approach. Please send info so we will know what to do next.
In case you need a recommendation or letter of support, the Chaplain at the city jail is David Abernathy, P.O. Box 451, Blairs, VA 24527. You can also reach him at Facebook.com/Good-News-Jail-Prison-Ministry-Danville VA .
P.S. I have been a BSF member for the last 2 years and have enjoyed the study of Acts and Genesis. I’m looking forward to the study of Matthew next year. With you permission/approval, I would like to start a BSF Bible study with the help of Don Miller, using BSF materials, in the local jail here in Danville, Virginia.
What a powerful story of love, hope and forgiveness, bringing to life the truth that we are never beyond the love of
Jesus. I haven’t prayed for the women’s side of this ministry in a long time, but will for both tonight!
What a comfort for these imprisoned men! The Spirit would be bringing these men together on a spiritual basis that touches their souls. They will have a feeling of wholeness and worth. What a change!!
No life is beyond the reach of our Lord Jesus Christ! May many more respond to His call to bring in-depth Bible study to places not yet reached.
Awesome to know about this. God cares about all.
Thanks to God through His word, all have fallen short, but God reveals Himself in the Word that if we have faith we will be saved and live throughout all eternity with HIM. This world is not our home.
The testimonials of the men in prison are so touching. It is encouraging to hear about the hope the men now have through believing and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ’ amazing grace. It is indeed comforting to know that nomatter what they face, they face it with the power and the love of our saviour , our Lord Jesus Christ. What a wonderful ministry!