Letters from Inmates

Dear Friends,

Hello, I am behind bars for being disobedient to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  At the present time I am reading “The Desire of Ages”.  This book is a gift from above.  It truly is teaching me some profound, yet simplistic principles of the Gospel.  I am blessed to have come across it for the second time.  My first time reading it, I just glanced at it with a low concern, not anymore.  I will cherish its delicacies. 

My appetite grows as I am filled with principle upon principle.  When I am in the midst of a spiritual lesson and need some clarity, there are instances that are revealed to me by this book, which I believe the author was anointed to write by the Holy Spirit.  These are spiritual materials that I can use to enhance my walk with Christ.  A list of your materials will be appreciated.

P. S. Inmate    Philadelphia, PA.

I am writing you with regard to the book titled "The Desire of Ages". I pray that you are still receiving comments about the book as it says. 

First I want to extend to you and Ms. Ellen G. White the most sincere thanks for such a book.  Never has any book caused such a movement in my life and I'm only on page 199.   I keep reading one chapter and saying to myself "WOW"! only to read the next and be just as amazed. 

The understanding of the bible and the life of my Lord and Savior I can finally understand.  I have only accepted Jesus in my life and begun to try to walk in his foot paths since April to this year, but the Bible is a bit hard to grasp at first.  I've continued to pray for understanding and out of those prayers your book found its way into my hands where I intend it to stay.  I was recently arrested and sent to prison and have been having a battle with the devil for over 20 years and if not for receiving Jesus in my life I would consider this a loss as well.  I have been trying to pass along what I am now a witness to. My mom being my first person I want to share this wonderful book with and I do my best to fellowship among those others here that are in jail.  I have a request if possible, I want my mom to read your book but my being incarcerated I'm unable to mail out my copy because my copy actually belongs to the prison, but I have already promised to pass it along to another brother when I'm finished.  If you could mail her a copy of your book I believe it would help her understand, know and love Jesus. If you are unable to send her one, be sure to remind yourself that I am forever grateful for the one I got and the impression it has made in my life.

           Sincerely, Inmate Brian, Wright City, MO

United Prison Ministries-Enclosed are the bible studies you mailed to me over a year ago. I've completed them and sending them to you.

Thank you so much for the studies and I learned lots from them. I look forward to receiving my certificate and thank you once again. May god continue to bless you and your ministry.

                 In Christ, Inmate Elijah, Ontario, OR

Dear Mr. &Mrs. Bland,

First I want to thank you for your ministry and for the books that you provided for me.  I pray that the Lord continues to bless your ministry. 

 I have been deeply moved by your book "Desire of Ages" it has given me a whole new insight into the message of Jesus Christ. I have been in and out of prison and jails for a long time; currently I am back in again. I was trying to find love in another person that would make me whole only to realize it can only be found in the Lord Christ Jesus.  Again I hope and pray that the Lord continues to bless your ministry.

I'm sure I speak for a lot of men and women in prison and jails throughout the world when I say it's a blessing to have people like you who take the time to care about our souls and give us hope for a better life outside these walls.

                Your friend in Christ, sincerely, Inmate Harlan, Plantation Key, FL

I would like to thank you for blessing me with these life changing books. 

As I started to read the Desire of Ages it gave me more insight on the life of Christ.  The more I read the more it lead me to want to develop a more intimate relationship with him.  I let other inmates read mine till they get they get theirs.  It has been an eye opener to a lot of us.  Thank you for doing what you are doing.

               Thank you, Inmate Roderic, Dothan, AL

To Whom It May Concern,

 I'm writing to request the book "BIBLE ANSWERS"

I can't stress enough how the book "BIBLE ANSWERES" has encouraged & motivated me to change in the most awesome and positive way.  Over the years I've managed to stop loving myself and live a lifestyle that wasn't godly like which led me where I'm at under an alias "Kastarvas", however I've found in this book the secrets to staying focused and maintaining a faithful relationship with self and God, I've discovered a different thinking pattern in understanding and reading the bible. 

I've found answers to questions that I was told was wrong to ask, if I couldn't find them "BIBLE ANSWERS" led me to other resources that had them.  I'm not sure if my letter means anything but your method in writing this book has left such an impact that I'm not just encouraging other inmates to get this book but also pastors, bishops, chaplains, teachers, students, members of the Christian belief (meaning true believers and doubters) as well as anyone who will listen.  I've never owned the book myself, yet have been blessed to glance at it for a while as a borrower, in that short time I've came to know it's a book I must have as my own.  I will continue to go about doing Gods business and if its Gods will ma I deliver my testimony to millions on your ministry as well. My release date is Feb. 2010 may UPMI be blessed and covered by the blood of Jesus.

p.s. please send ASAP also the book (all 3) 1. Prayers 2. Bible answers 3. The marked bible. I found the answer about the Sabbath in "the marked bible, bible answers" and the story was uplifting.

                 Sincerely, Kastarvas, Alto, Ga

Hello:

I am writing for two reasons.  First, to request the list of materials that you have available.  I found this information on the inside of the cover of your publication, "THE MARKED BIBLE". Secondly, is to give you my reaction on the publication.

It was extremely interesting and overwhelming to me. I've found Christ, but only recently.  At 56-yrs of age and again in prison, I felt that I badly needed him.  And I'm so pleased I accepted him as my personal savior. Your publication opened my eyes to so much.  I made many notes, and as quickly as I get a Bible of my own that I can understand I intend to research the "Sabbath" and the "mark of the beast" more in depth. Thank you for your time and my God bless you and yours.

                 Respectfully and Sincerely, Rodney PINE BLUFF, AR

Hallelujah!

My Dear Bro. and Sis. Bland,

Peace and blessings to you in the body and blood of Christ Jesus.  I just finished reading your wonderful book, The Desire of Ages.  I must say without a doubt this book has brought my life even more closely to Christ Jesus. Because of the insightful way you have revealed the hidden knowledge of what scripture says, I now have a broader knowledge of the bible and the principle meaning of its message. 

This book is a treasure for all Christians who are seeking the meaning to scripture in the greatest book ever written, The Holy Bible.  And, thank you for being a follower of Christ Jesus.  And may Jehovah reserve heavens glory for you and you are a paradise glory on earth, which ever awaits you I know you will be there glorifying God and his son Christ Jesus. Now the other reason why I'm writing you is, I need to know what is it, I need to do, to get another copy of this insightful book?  The Desire of Ages.  The copy I have is old and tattered and falling apart.  I am a inmate minister here in prison and since reading this very important book I pray that you will allow me to teach from it for the glory of God. I've been incarcerated for the past 18 years.  I whole heartedly gave my life to Christ Jesus 6 yrs ago I am now 51 years of age. 

I am also at a point in my life, where there is nothing more than for me to please God.  So please allow me too with your book alone, with my Bible.

P.S. I am sorry for being indigent, if you can't bless me with the set, just having The Desire of Ages will be a blessing fulfilled.

                   Thank you, Brother in Christ Jesus! INMATE CECIL, SALEDAD, CA.             

Dear unlimited power ministries,

I am writing to see if you would consider sending me a book called Bible Answers. One of my brothers here has one yet he is fixing to move to another dorm and of course he wants to take his with him. This book has already helped me to understand some questions that I have never had the answers to and your book, Bible Answers, has helped! 

It showed me that Jesus died at a sacrifice so that I no longer have to make a sacrifice that never made me right with God anyway.  But Jesus did not do away with the Ten Commandments; I learned that from the Bible Answers book, I thank you! So please if you will, please send me one copy of Bible Answers. Thank you so much!

                    With Love, INMATE ARROW, LAGRANGE, IN.

To whom it concerns,

I think you have a great bible study.  "What the Bible Says" I was given this course by a man who just left.  Too bad he never opened it.  I feel like God wanted me to get this information.  I'm looking forward to doing each study. I have already completed one and two.  I go to church each day and I got four other inmates who want to start the bible study.I will be here for six more months so please send me any and all information that will help me get to know Jesus as my now and best friend. Thank you for being there.

                      INMATE BYRON, BAKERSFIELD, CA

Dear UPMI,

I am in prison at this present moment, and I've had the book the Desire of Ages for two years and never even looked through it until three weeks ago, and when I started reading it I couldn't put It down, man I never really quite understood what the Bible was saying to me until I read this book! Now I got a better picture of what the Lord is trying to show and tell me what to do with the gifts he put on earth for me to use. My family writes me, and tells me all the time on the phone and in letters no matter what you did and why you did it we're still here for you! I thank God for them and I thank God for Jesus, the only begotten son of God, for being my Lord and Savior, and giving me everlasting life with the Father.  The reason I'm writing is because in the front of the book the Desire of Ages says your ministries will send me materials of spiritual help. 

 I would love to have some sent to me and my family at home so we can have even more to communicate about when we talk about the Lord Jesus Christ and all the things He's done for us and all the prayers he's gotten answered for us from the heavenly father! Thank you very much and God bless your ministries! I also gave a correction officer one of my coupons out of the back of my book so you guys should be receiving a check or money order from Ms. Candy soon.  She asked me did I want to order a library book and I told her no thank you,

I have the best two books to have which is the bible and the Desire of Ages! Thank Mr. Richard and Carolyn Bland for UPMI. I get out of prison sometime in September or October 09 and I would like to stay in contact with UPMI for spiritual materials.Thank you again UPMI.

                   INMATE JAMES, TABOR CITY, NC

Dear Richard and Carolyn Bland,

First giving honor to God whom all blessing flow from.  I thank God for you and your dedicated work with the United Prison Ministries.  You've touched so many lives and more importantly, you've touched me at a time when I really needed the courage and strength.  I'm looking forward to beginning your bible study lessons and upon completion to receive my certificate. Since the start of my incarceration I've been full of hatred, revenge and bitter.  And it has consumed me to the point that it hardened my heart so no love was getting in and most defiantly no love was getting out.  This is ridiculous because since my teenage years I've been in the church, baptized, in the choir, the whole nine yards, so to speak.  The blame was pointed in every direction except for the right one.  Then within the last six months of my incarceration did I finally accept and realize that the reason I'm in this predicament is only because of the choices I made and I can't blame no one but myself. 

 Also, once I opened up my bible and prayed to God that he give me strength, faith, and wisdom to overcome, things changed for me.  First I asked God to forgive me, and I then forgave those that have risen up against me.  I stopped feeling for myself, and began to open my heart and my life to the Lord.  And since then God has blessed me abundantly.  Some may ask how this can be since I'm in prison, and I say to that, he makes a way out of no way.  In the dark he is light, the way of the Lord is strength, and give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser.  Teach a just man and he will increase in Learning. I do have a high school diploma then I'm about to start my college course to obtain an associate's degree in business management and in two years upon completion of my four semesters I'll receive my authentic certificate of decree and also on year will be knocked off of my sentence.  I'm in a vocational class right now. Building trades and I'll be done with it in three more months, and that's another certificate and three months knocked off my sentence.  Plus there are a few other vocational courses I'm going to take. My prison outtake is January 2014, but by the grace of God and the strength he has given me and direction he has shown me I will be getting out in the summer or spring of 2012. Now that's a blessing! Praise God.

Before I go I'd like to ask if you could send me information or point me in the right direction to Christian pen pals. I desire to share my story with others who think that their life may be at a lost.  I'm a witness that God will never leave your side. And he will never take anything away from you without replacing it with something better.  My testimony for today is Proverbs ch.10. May the Lord have a blessing on the reading of his word.                                   

                    INMATE ALAN, PENDELTON, IN

Greetings to you all at UPMI.

I just finished reading "The Desire Of Ages".  What a book it is! It wasn't halfway through it before i was confessing my sins and recommitting my life to Christ.  Thank you all for making this book available to prisoners like myself. I am writing to request a list of materials available through UPMI.  Whether it be periodicals, newsletters, magazines, books, study lessons, etc. Thank you and I look forward to hearing back from you,

                YOU'RE BROTHER IN CHRIST, INMATE SHAWN, JEFFERSON CITY, MO.

U.P.M.I.

I'd like to thank you for the work that you do for the lord,

(helping us inmates to get acquainted with the holy scriptures by providing us with reading material.) May the Lord bless you richly and keep you in his mighty hand!

                LOVE IN CHRIST, INMATE DAVID, ELOY, AZ

Thank you for the Bible that you sent me I started reading it as soon as I got it open every time I open my Bible it puts me in a better mood and I start thinking before saying anything to anybody. I know this letter is not very long but I really wanted to tell you thanks and god bless and well just thanks a lot.

               BYE, GOD BLESS, INMATE JASON, TENN COLONY, TX

DEAR FRIENDS AT UPMI,

Thank you for sending me a copy of the King James Version of the Bible I asked for you to send me. I'm sure God has special blessings for those who spread his word.  

I am thankful for you, who care about those strangers in prison that you may personally never meet.  You're forgiving and understanding heart is truly an act of God. Enclosed, I've sent your order form requesting your Bible study course, "What the Bible Says". I am eager to begin your course, as it will bring me even closer to the Lord, each moment. I am interested in the other books, as well, so please include another order form, when you answer this request. Thank you, again for being there, and for letting God work through you. God bless you!

             SINCERELY, INMATE NATHAN, SALEM, OR

DEAR FRIEND IN CHRIST,

I have received the copy of "Bible Questions Answered" you sent me. Thank you ever so much.

I will use it as a study guide as an outline for Bible studies.  The questions that are answered tend to bring up topics that require further investigation with rewarding information and knowledge. Enclosed you will find the request form you sent with the book.  I would very much like to receive the Bible study and the book "The Desire Of Ages" if you please. Thank you for the care and concern you have shown for us who are in prison.

           YOURS TRULY, INMATE JERRY, YAZOO CITY, MS

DEAR PASTOR AND MRS. BLAND,

I am very appreciative of the materials you have sent me, and I am blessed as a result! Yes, God has blessed me tremendously ever since I've been reading the materials and applying the proper procedures to getting closer to Christ. "Keys To Happiness" has especially helped me personally, and I plan to pass it on to another lost soul in hopes that god will pour his blessings out on them as he's done me.  The books I'm requesting now are "The Desire Of Ages", and "Bible Answers".

I'm especially drawn to Ellen G. White's books, because she knows how to talk to the soul and convict it.  I read "The Great Controversy" and was amazed by the truthfulness as well as the prophesying of it. Well, ill close for now, but I just wanted to say "THANK YOU" for the materials and my God continue to bless you as you progress for Him!

           IN HIS LOVE, INMATE WILLIAM, ATMORE, AL     

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,

Hi, I am a dedicated follower of Christ. I am currently incarcerated in Angleton, TX. The United Prison Ministries International has inspired me to continue my life within Gods word.  I greatly appreciate the 28 years of the spreading of the gospel; not only to prisons in America but to prisons all over the world. 

In 2008 some representatives from UPMI visited and touched my heart. That day they came I asked God to come into my heart and save me.  From that day forward I have been a Christian and a child of God.  It would help me if you can send me some scriptures from the bible and some spiritual books or readings. Thank you for everything you have done for all those people. I will keep the United Prison Ministries International in my prayers. "Remember those in prisons as if you were their fellow prisoner." Heb.13:3(niv)

             SINCERELY, INMATE SEAN, ANGLETON, TX

Dear Unlimited Power Ministries International,

Hello, I am writing to you in regards to a book called "Bible Answers" a few of the guys in here were reading it, I am a serious student of the word who is seeking knowledge and understanding to live a more productive Christian life. This book has opened up revelations of new truth about the Sabbath, the mark of the beast, the apostasy of the Catholic Church, what happens when we die, etc. In the back of that book we were able to write your address down before the person left our block, we was hoping you could bless us with another copy of the book, this jail has so little material to study.

I feel I have the gift to teach and I want to learn skills on how to effectively teach and lead others to Christ, because there are a lot of guys in here who are hungry for the truth. The book "bible answers" was closer to the truth than any book I have every read, it made me realize how easily I have been deceived, especially by pastors who I truly trusted was preaching the truth. Any literature you can provide to give me a clearer understanding would be much appreciated.  May God bless in all that you do.

P.s. I would also like to enroll in your bible studies,

           SINCERELY IN CHRIST, DONALD LAGRANGE COUNTY, IN

HELLO BROTHER AND SISTER,

Praise the lord my family in Christ the book you sent Patriarch and Prophets was amazing to study the word with.  It was like putting ice cream on top of a cake (smile) it made the history and stories come alive as I was reading it I could see vividly the truth. If possible I would like the next study book after Patriarchs And Prophets -Kings and something- the story of how the tribe of Levi was blessed and chosen and not apostatizing with other pagans and 'churches' that did not teach the truth, they did not worship false doctrines or things of this world. That spoke to me strong. Be blessed

UNITED PRISON MINISTIRES;

Enjoying bible study- others would like to participate!It has truly been my pleasure to have taken part in your bible study lessons.  In lesson #32 quest. #6 truly went to my heart, and today! Honestly I can say I would have the will to give up everything. I had come to realize with the help of your bible study that nothing belongs to me; everything on this earth and the fullness of is Gods. So yes! I'll be willing to give up all for my salvation.

I've made a conscious decision to follow Jesus Christ and allow and accept him into my life to lead and guide me into all truth. Thank you for helping me in my new Christian life.  Pray that god continues to "help" me daily. As I surrender unto the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit of God.  I also would like to request a book called "Desire of Ages"

          THANKYOU AND GOD BLESS, INMATE PAMELA, MUNCY, PA

DEAR MR AND MRS. BLAND

Thank you very much for the Holy Bible. Ever since I got introduced to Christianity I've been a firm believer of Jesus Christ our lord.  I always thank God for everything, even being in prison. Lately I've been sick and need the lords healing touch, maybe you can put in a small prayer so that the Lord will heal me. 

The Bible Questions and Answers is a great eye opener, I always knew it in my heart that the Sabbath is on Saturday and a lot of my questions got answered that I had lingering for many years now.  So once again thank you very much for everything and I appreciate all you given me. God bless you!

          SINCERELY, INMATE VICTOR, POST, TX

TOO MUCH TO HOPE

This ministry is a blessing you all, it helps the prisoners just like me. Some of us don't get mail, so when I hear from this ministry it feels great.  Jesus makes us feel wanted too just like family and friends used to do. Thanks to you my daughter writes now because you and I and God got through somehow. Just a note to thank you much because just got a letter from granddaughter, too much to hope. Jesus loves you, crying now, got to go.

         INMATE NELDA, GATESVILLE, TX

HELLO,

 I am very happy and enjoyed those books that you have sent me.  I wish I could send a donation but due to my circumstances I can't'. I found a lot of questions that I had asked myself when I was into hard playing and the fast life.

Since being in and out of the system for 20 years, this time I have thought about trying a new way of life. At this point I have found a since of peace with new friend called Jesus I like the new way of life of Jesus.  I thank you very much for helping a friend in Christ and would like to hear from you more. God bless you and your ministry for inmates in Christ behind bars.

         YOURS TRULY, GEORGE, ELOY, AZ

DEAR STAFF,

I have been in prison for six months now and of all the Christian literature I have gotten my hands on so far "the desire of ages" has truly been the most captivating and spirit enhancing reading yet.  I came across this inspiring book not too long ago and about 2/3 the way into the book I began telling inmates about it and urged them to read it. I recently transferred to another facility and I brought the book with me, and just finished it.  In the three weeks that I have been here I have told quite a few people about it with emphasis.  I'm going to read it again but this time will use the bible in correspondence with the scriptural addresses at the head of each chapter and throughout the chapter.  I would like to ask UPMI if it could find in its budget to send me more books. If so I would like to read "Bible Readings for the Home", "Happiness Digest" and "What the Bible Says" study lessons.  Thank you for your consideration.  Any Christian literature that could be spared in a situation like mine would be appreciated and I would be grateful.

         GOD BLESS, INMATE DONALD, WILMINGTON, N.C

HELLO,

I recently received a bible and a bible answers study book.  I would like to thank you for sending me these two wonderful books. I'm receiving more of an understanding as I continue to read Gods Holy Word (Law). I have a brother in Christ in here with me, he is Spanish, and does not know how to read or write English.  I would like to know and ask if you possibly might have access to a Spanish Bible, or Spanish study material, for him.  Plus, I am sending back the book list sheet you sent, I would like to receive the bible study, which includes 32 lessons.

I know we do not know one another, but thanks for being so kind, as to take your time to help me out, "a total stranger". But as I've stated before, you are helping me grow stronger, I gladly appreciate everything you've done for me and my God bless you, and yours!

         INMATE JOHN, PHENIX CITY, AL

HELLO,

I am serving a life sentence without parole.  I am a Christian and have been reading my Bible and praying everyday for 9 years.  I only live to serve the lord Jesus Christ.

I have read the book "Desire Of Ages" three times from cover to cover and I am reading now for a fourth time. Other than the Bible this is the best book I have ever read.  This book makes me feel so close to Jesus, it makes me want to pray and read my Bible.  I plan on keeping this book with me for the rest of my life.  I am trying to get other people to read it also. Would you please send me more reading materials, thank you.

        YOU'RE CHRISTIAN BROTHER, INMATE STEVE, TAYLORSVILLE, N.C.