Why not send out paperbacks? You could reach a lot more people.

While this is true, it is not the vision Heart of America Prison Ministries (HEART) was given at its inception. We are called to provide leather-bound study Bibles to prisoners serving long sentences (ten years on average). Another problem with paperbacks is their durability. We recently received a letter from a gentleman who has already worn out two paperback Bibles. Prisoners serving lengthy sentences need the Bible as a reference book and one which will last. How long would a paperback Bible last you?

Why use Leather-bound? Hardbound would be a lot cheaper.

Again, this is true, but there are some reasons for this choice. The primary and overriding consideration is that most penal facilities (including the Federal system) do not allow hardbound books because they can be used to conceal contraband. The quality of a leather-bound book speaks volumes of our Christian love for the prisoner. For many, it may be the first book they have ever owned and in most cases, the finest quality they have ever had. It is a treasured and valued possession which will last a lifetime. The leather absorbs their skin oil, sweat, and tears, literally becoming a part of them. Leather is the only binding durable enough to do this.

Why do you send study Bibles instead of regular ones?

In our freedom, we take many things for granted. Unfortunately, most prisoners do not have access to the variety of information sources we do. We believe it is absolutely essential to provide them with a volume which will help them to understand and grow in God’s Word. At a minimum, we provide Bibles with maps, concordance, a glossary or dictionary, cross references, and guided study helps. We are excited about our present Bible, The Master Study Bible. It includes a great variety of Study aids.

Tell me more about The Master Study Bible.

The Master Study Bible is over 2000 pages devoted to the Word of God. It is bound in bonded leather in burgundy or black. A summary of features:

&     Family History Records; Marriages, Births, Deaths, Family Tree

&     Topical Concordance (409 pages)

&      Old & New Testaments; Book introductions (Life’s Questions & God’s Answers), center column references, words of Christ in red

&       Encyclopedia of Bible Knowledge (637 pages) including: A Brief Life of Christ, Various Ministries, Titles of Jesus, Teachings of Jesus, Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus, Jesus & the Ten Commandments, Harmony of the Gospels, Miracles, Parables, and Discourses of Jesus, Predictions made by Jesus, Prophecies of His Second Coming, and Calendar for Reading the Bible in a Year

&             Brief Concordance by Word (63 pages)

&             Pages for Notes (12 pages)

&             Full color Maps (8 pages)

What is the retail value of The Master Study Bible?

Depending on where you would purchase this Bible, it would retail between thirty-five and fifty dollars.

How can you purchase and deliver this Bible and the Oswald Chambers’ Daily Devotional for less than twenty-five dollars?

We purchase directly from the publisher in bulk quantities at a very favorable price. We are constantly seeking better pricing on quality Bibles and believe we presently have the best Bible for the money.

What happens when a prisoner requests a Bible?

Upon receiving the request, we enter all pertinent information into our database. As soon as practical, we send a letter indicating that they are on our waiting list and some basic information about our ministry. As soon as available, we send a copy of My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. This timeless devotional immediately begins to feed them God’s Word in small daily doses and encourages them to develop the habit of daily time in the Word. At present, a ministry supporter provides these volumes. As funds become available, we ship a Bible. Many times, the delay is several months depending on the number of opportunities the Lord has presented us. The prisoners receive monthly communications from us in the form of newsletters, containing testimonies, teachings, and inspirational articles.

Why spend the money on the newsletters? You could use it for Bibles.

The newsletters originated as a source of communication with our supporters and a means to sow back into their lives. We stepped out in faith to increase our mailing list to include our inmate population. We were not prepared for the response. The entire tone of the letters we received had changed! We were no longer just an organization giving them a Bible. We were now family, blessing them on a monthly basis. This represented a major evolution in our focus, but we believe it was divinely inspired move to better minister to our flock.

How can we help?

There are many avenues to partner with HEART. Most choose to make monetary contributions, but we also have need of product contributions, service donations, correspondents, and volunteer labor. There are many opportunities for church partnerships. We can help you start or expand your prison outreach. Please see the enclosed brochure for suggestions.

God bless you for your prayerful consideration.