Your Grace is sufficient, I WILL NOT DIE! Your Grace is sufficient although some deny. Your Grace is sufficient, when hungry, athirst Your Grace is sufficient
Super Abounding Grace, by Alexis Rodriguez
The streams of Grace will never dry always they’re strong, never receding. Though sometimes are low and even shallow they are never gone as if to
Audacious, by Alexis Rodriguez
The audacity of God that He would save a sinner such as I! “Son of David have mercy on me!” Was my continuous cry. “Shut up”
Going Through It, by Alexis Rodriguez
“Change the way you look at things and what you look at will change”, sing a song in sorrow and your sadness rearrange. You’re not breaking
The Next Step, by Alexis Rodriguez
The author describes the need to follow up on the First Step Initiative to eliminate racial and ethnic differences in the way Justice is applied to
“A Beauty That the Eye Can’t See” by Alexis Rodriguez
Years have come and years have gone and some still wake before the dawn, in prison cells so all alone reaping what their lives have sown.
Walk by Faith, Not by Sight!, by Christopher Conchado
One day Jesus and His disciples got into a boat on the sea. He said to them let us go to the other side. As they
Victory Through The Blood, by Sherman Sullivan
My name is Sherman Sullivan, and blessed am I to be given a platform through the Ministries associated with the L.A.M.B. Squad to share my testimony.
After Years of Faking It, by Larry Kemp
I am originally from Portland, Oregon, but I moved to the Philadelphia area in 1993. My parents were living in south Jersey, and they asked me
Alive Forevermore, by Alexis Rodriguez
Like a new born opening its lungs, drawing in the initial breath or Lazarus wondering, how, when called, he overcame death. Like the egg and the
Our Lives Matter, by David Ludwig
Like a lot of people, I knew God when I was young…but that “god” was a “god of rules and regulations; of old miserable people, of
Take a Moment to Think, by Chris Conchado
Do you ever feel like there’s more to life than the things this world offers? Have you ever looked around yourself and all that you have
Sufficient Grace, by Alexis Rodriguez
Does our decay renew a way an outlet from our pains? Our body sways yet our mind stays in Christ to die is gain. Humanity searches
My New View of Life, by Mario Diaz Maldonado
My name is Mario Diaz Maldonado. I am forty-three years old. I have been incarcerated for the past twenty-one years of my life on a sentence
How To Send Money To PA Inmates, by Rick DiLaurenzo
Everything a Pennsylvania inmate needs; clothing, snacks, personal grooming items, coats and jackets, shoes and socks, email messaging units, books, music for their tablets, etc. must
How To Send Email to PA Inmates, by Rick DiLaurenzo
I have received a number of requests asking how to set up an account to email Pennsylvania inmates. Here are the step by step instructions so
Being Christian, by Mitchell Diventura
I am Eastern Orthodox Christian. Being human, we can make any decision we want in life – right or wrong. And, we suffer the consequences of
To Be The Person I Was Created To Be, by Kyle Wireman
Hello, my name is Kyle Wireman. I am thirty years old, from Bucks County, PA, and I am currently serving a 4.5-9 year sentence in state
From Darkness to Light, by Alexis Rodriguez
As a young boy I was raised in a strict “morally religious” atmosphere, and attended church almost every night. I didn’t want to fit in, I
The Untold Truth of the 2018 PA Prison Lockdown, by David Ludwig
Let’s talk about the two ton elephant in the room! After having the entire PA prison system (over 46,000 people) locked down for over 8 days,
New (2018) Rules for Mail to PA Inmates, by Rick DiLaurenzo
The PA Department of Corrections (PA DOC) instituted a statewide lock down of all state correctional facilities on August 29,2018, in response to reports of multiple
I Am Your Healing and Deliverance, by Christopher Conchado
I was truly moved by brother Jacob’s testimony (see: “The Worst of Us, by Jacob Curie). I have a very similar one myself. His story details
Virtue Reality by Alexis Rodriguez
Hold on, my eyes have not adjusted. Wait a minute, it’s not my eyes… it’s my brain. Are we really walking hand in hand or am
Paradox City, by Alexis Rodriguez
Eden’s end has brought me here all alone, to see You Seer. Tell me, have you planned this all along? To bring forth praise, tumultuous throng?
The Worst of Us, by Jacob Currie
Sometimes God takes the worst of us, and shows us mercy, to reveal his patience and strength. So that seeing this others might be saved
Summertime, Summertime by Alexis Rodriguez
Reading an article by Helen Ubiñas, from The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 17, 2018 (♪Happy birthday to me♪…) she writes about my old neighborhood, with a picture
I Am the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, by Alexis Rodriguez
Where is my sin, where is my shame?! To free me from my guilt, you came. You made alive what once was dead stepping on
Who Are the Boys Behind Bars? by Ed Spencer
Who are the “Boys Behind Bars”, and can a mentor truly make a difference? These boys come from many different cultures and backgrounds; and they commit
Restored, by Alexis Rodriguez
The love of GOD purges all the guilt the walls, defenses that all hurt built. Mistakes you’ve made have brought you here where now you’re told
It’s Never Too Late!, by Michael Lee
They say that ninety nine percent of all living things can and do control ninety nine percent of everything that makes them living, breathing creatures. The
The Reality of Prison Ministry, by Rick DiLaurenzo
The truth is…a decade ago I never would have guessed that I would be celebrating 5 years of prison ministry! I would have believed that any
Peace, by Alexis Rodriguez
Peace to your anxious heart, peace when you lose control, Peace when you feel incomplete and full of holes. Peace when you cannot pray. Peace when
My Real Friend, by Julio Bonilla
What I am about to tell you today is not a story. I am telling you the truth. A lot of bad things have happened to
Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice That Restores, by Dominique Gilliard, Interview by Morgan Lee, Christianity Today, March 2018
Two centuries ago, philanthropist Elizabeth Fry visited an English prison and left horrified by the filthy conditions. Driven by her Christian faith, Fry spent her life
Parole for Worthy ‘lifers’in PA, By Rick DiLaurenzo
Senator Sharif Street has sponsored SB942. If passed, it would allow some worthy “Lifers” in Pennsylvania at least a chance at a parole hearing. The letter
Seeking Outrageous Grace for Challenging Burdens, by Josoph Henry
My most challenging burdens are things I do not want my church community to know or pray about. Some things are yearned for intensely, but are
Mental Health and the Incarcerated, by Alexis Rodriguez
I’m going to speak of the unspeakable; depression. Especially when it comes to “macho men”, this topic is taboo. Well let me tell you personally it’s
Religious Freedom Under Attack in PA–Please Help! by David Ludwig
On February 9, 2018, the Deacon Board (10 men) of the SCI Dallas Protestant Church were called to the Chapel by Chaplains Jackson & Houck for
A Mentor’s Miracle! by Rick DiLaurenzo
I have been blessed with a Miracle! There is no other explanation! It happened like this… About three years ago, a routine blood test revealed that
“Security” by Willie J. Gooding of Lamb Squad Ministries
2 Corinthians 5:19 Security I testify to all who will read my life experience…I’ve endured and overcome a lie concerning the spirit of “security.” My prayers
“Security” by Alexis Rodriguez of Lamb Squad Ministries
2 Corinthians 5:19 Security Blanket? As a young boy of twelve or thirteen I was indestructible, running anywhere and doing almost anything, except when it came
Mentoring Works Both Ways!, by Michael Arce, Jr.
The Webster’s definition of a mentor is: “A person looked upon for wise advice and guidance. A mentor can also be sought after for spiritual or
Fair Weather Friends, Alexis Rodriguez
In the dead of Winter when all is white most see nothing but the darkest of night. Won’t venture off in snow and cold no
Should Christians Support Parole for Worthy “Lifers”, by David Mandeville
Currently there are two bills before the Pennsylvania General Assembly regarding parole for lifers. They are House Bill 135 and Senate Bill 942. There is not
Shining Light Ministries at SCI Dallas 2017, by Carroll A. Watkins
Words can’t adequately convey the power of these very special weeks in our lives! This institution has never experienced what Shining Light Ministries brought to this
Merry Christmas to All, by Alexis Rodriguez
To my PrisonMentoring.com family… Words do not begin to define the gratitude I have for each one of you! First, to my mentor Rick & his
PA Prison System…Did You Know? By David Ludwig
1) In 2015 the offender population decreased by 842 inmates, which represents the greatest one-year decline in population in the last 40 years. 2) Between 2005-2009
The Battle is The Lord’s, by Alexis Rodriguez
Feelings of elation forge ahead in hand to hand combat against depressive thoughts with their siege machines. Catapults manned by repressive anger hurling images from so
Boys Behind Bars, ‘Josh’, by Ed Spencer
Many people who have not experienced “behind-the-bars” prison ministry have a TV-produced impression of prison… a violent place, where people who have no value or importance
The Clown’s New Name, by Julio Bonilla
Yes, it’s me, the clown of the group that everyone follows. The one that they all like to hang out with. Yes, the clown that everybody
Risky Good Deeds, by Josoph Henry
I felt God encourage me to do something good after a fellow inmate criticized a block officer. I thought Guy (not his real name) had successfully
I Believe in You, by Alexis Rodriguez
I am not normal, nor reasonable…(ask those who know me) I talk to angels. I speak to an invisible Person on a daily basis “within ceasing”
Derek–A Lifer Tells His Story, by Derek Jones
I have been incarcerated at SCI Dallas since January 31, 1991. I was arrested on December 6, 1989 on homicide charges and have been in prison
Evangelism Behind Bars, by Alexis Rodriguez
My name is Alexis Rodriguez, and I’m a resident at the State Correctional Institute (SCI) at Dallas, Pa. Christians here have a church that is
Julio–A Lifer Tells His Story, by Julio Bonilla
Greetings, my name is Julio Bonilla, and I am twenty-eight years old. As of 2017, I have been incarcerated for eight years for homicide. My sentence
“The Unwritten Rules of Prison–Part 2”, by Michael Arce, Jr.
In society, we all learn to avoid the situations which usually bring us harm. Inmate “society” has its own version of this set that we call
“The Unwritten Rules of Prison–Part 1”, by Michael Arce, Jr.
In prison there are two sets of rules that we convicts should abide by and follow. The first set of rules are the administration’s rules, and
An Inmate’s Testimony of Spiritual Freedom, by Willie J. Gooding
May God’s grace and peace be multiplied to you my Brothers and Sisters in Jesus’ name. My name is Willie J. Gooding, and I would like
“Stones” by Alexis Rodriguez
Archaeology, theology, digging into God’s Word not a hobby, but reality; learning of love undeserved. He is the Cornerstone, the builder rejected. He is the
The Journey From the Hole to the Honor Block, by Michael Arce, Jr.
The journey from the hole to the honor block was a roller coaster ride, to say the least. To those who are not familiar with the
An Inmate’s View of Prison Jobs, By Michael Arce Jr.
For some inmates, a prison job does not make much difference to them. They may not need it, or may not even want it. They are
My Confession, by Alexis Rodriguez
Do you know who you are? You have the power of the sun, a living breathing star. As vapor rises and ice collides, molten rock liquefies.
Is Punishment Necessary? by Mitchell DiVentura
At one of our LOC III (Long term Offenders Corrections) program meetings we discussed the aspect of punishment as it relates to the crime(s) we have
Former felons find jobs and support to re-enter society.
The story behind the Second Chance Coffee company begins on a plantation in Brazil, where Pete Leonard was on a missionary trip in Brazil 12 years
After 36 Years in Prison, This Philadelphian Has a Model for Criminal Justice Reform, by Tom Dallessio, Next City Publisher
While serving what was supposed to be a life sentence in prison, Tyrone Werts was influential in bringing the The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program to Graterford
“P.S. Tell Someone About My Love For You!” by Alexis Rodriguez
Beloved Son, I was thinking of you so I sent someone to tell you so. I know you’ve been struggling to remove certain impediments and understand
New Task Force on PA Juvenile Life Sentences
HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – State Reps. Jason Dawkins, D-Phila., and Seth Grove, R-York, will reintroduce their bipartisan resolution that would establish a task force on juvenile
Revealed by Your Heart, by Robert M. Baker
You look and you forget what you see, But is that how you feel; what you truly believe? The mirror image looking back at you, Dwell
Skip Speaks, “It’s Written on Your Heart”
To my beloved brothers at Prison Mentoring and all over the world, remember this: God has made it easy for us in the new covenant to
Lifer Lex–Women’s March on Washington
I am overwhelmed with emotions as I see the nation in turmoil, divided along racial lines, gender equality, economic stances. Not since the sixties has their
Boys Behind Bars–Alec’s Story, by Ed Spencer
Sadly, one of the young men we developed a relationship with, lost all hope took his own life last week. This is always a very hard
Psalm 151, by Alexis Rodriguez
“Lord, Lord, enough. I am overwhelmed by the way you love me. You are too good to be true. Your mercy is even better today; how
A Christmas Message From a Juvenile Lifer
Greetings to all the mentors at Prisonmentoring.com. Thank you for your efforts during the Christmas time and may it continue throughout the year. Look at one
Boys Behind Bars–A Teen’s Heart, by Ed Spencer
The Golden Key to a Teen Boys Heart: Whether it’s a teen boy behind bars, a teen from a normal family, a teen from a
Christmas Cards for Inmates Project 2016
As the holidays approach, it is especially difficult for many Christian inmates and their families to deal with their separation from loved ones. Inmates need our Christian
Boys Behind Bars–Boy’s Warehouse, by Ed Spencer
Who are the thousands of boys cast out from our society and warehoused like old merchandise on a shelf? How does this happen? Some of them are
Boys Behind Bars–Josh’s Letter, by Ed Spencer
Every once in a while, as a prison friend and mentor, you receive a letter from a young inmate that is packed with an emotional bombshell.
Mike Inspires His Mentor! By Rick DiLaurenzo
After a two hour ride culminating in Pennsylvania’s coal mining towns of Minersville and Shamokin, we drove into the parking lot of the State Correctional Institute
One Year Later: PA DOC’s Great Leap Forward, by David Ludwig
I am currently sitting in my cell in a Pennsylvania prison called SCI Dallas, writing this article, on a specially made, seven inch tablet. That sentence is not
“Ruins Come to Life”, by Alexis Rodriguez
This short poem was written by an inmate sentenced as a juvenile to Life Without Parole. He is an intelligent and sensitive friend, who shares his
Boys Behind Bars–The Pine Grove Experience, by Ed Spencer
What happens to a teen convicted of a violent crime in Pennsylvania? Once a boy, ages 12 through 18 is convicted and sentenced to a violent crime,
Boy’s Behind Bars–A Typical Visit, by Ed Spencer
We are often asked, what is a typical prison visit like? At Prison Mentoring we count it a privilege and a blessing to be able to
“Amazing Love”, by Alexis Rodriguez
Amazing love (Set to the tune of “Amazing Grace”) Amazing love, how sweet the taste, that set this prisoner free. When once in chains, oh how
Writing Life’s Story From Inside the Pen, by Michael Arce, Jr.
It all started on that June of 1984 When Mickey was born to a dead-beat and a whore Mickey should have been their bundle of pride
There’s No Place Like Heaven, by Brandon Bishop
This is a story about John William Shea, an inmate at a state prison. He had been in prison for nearly three years, trying to
When Paths Are Washed Away, by Jordan Kauffmann
This summer I had the opportunity to go on vacation in Peru. I spent four days hiking on the Salkantay Trail. I was part of a
An Inmate’s Response to My Letter
Mike’s sister and family were worried about him, and they approached me and one of my ministry partners, Brian, in church to ask us to reach out to
Parole for Lifers in PA
History was made when The Honorable Jason Dawkins, State Representative for Pennsylvania’s 179th District rose to the floor of the General Assembly and introduced House Bill
Teens Serving Life Without Parole, by Ed Spencer
Boys Behind bars – Teens with JLWOP JLWOP Stands for Juveniles sentenced to Life without parole. There are 5,100 inmates in the Pa. prison system serving
According to His Purpose, by Josoph Henry
From Death Row to Deliverance When have I felt as if my life lacked purpose? Between 1989 and 1992, there were many times when I felt
An Inmate Speaks About Fathers
During these times, I’m reminded of my father who passed away several years ago, and my grandfather who raised me. I am thoroughly moved by the
Greeting Cards Send God’s Love to Inmates
Do you know of a prisoner that could use some Christian encouragement? A family member, someone from your church, or a person that a friend cares
Banana Loaf Love, by Josoph Henry
What does it mean to me to, “love your neighbor as yourself”? (Leviticus 19:18, NIV) It means do for others what I do for
Friendship Evangelism, by Josoph Henry
Around 1987, in Bethlehem, PA’s Northampton County Prison (NCP), I shared Jesus with a Jewish guy. Tragically. he did not believe. I then told him
Who is the Mentor Here? by Ed Spencer
Spending time visiting with Christian prisoners has been an awesome experience for me and for our ministry partners. Learning to listen to them, praying with them, sharing the Word
The Lord is Gracious! by David Lahoz
STARTING A LIFE, I WAKE UP MAKING THE BEST OF THIS RISING WITH THE SUN, I PRAY FOR ALL THAT IS EVEN BEING ONE OF
Josh and the Prison Pup Program, by Ed Spencer
“Josh” has spent his entire teenage life behind bars. Yes, Josh made a horrific bad choice at age 13 and has been behind bars for 12
The Important Work of “New Person Ministries”
New Person Ministries is one of the very few halfway houses in PA that accepts paroled Sexual Offenders. They do not automatically rule out someone because of
“25 Is The New 18”, by Tim Requarth (Newsweek)
Juvenile inmates stand in formation at East Lake Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles, California in October 2014. There are at least 2,500 people in the United
Like No Other, a poem by David Lahoz
LIKE NO OTHER I AM A FIXING IN THE MIXING… I ONCE WAS A WALKING AND TALKING CONTRADICTION, BY HIM DESTINED, A FORETOLD PREDICTION GETTING TO
Children Receiving Illegal Sentences In Society (C.R.I.S.I.S)
By: Alexis Rodriguez, serving Life Without Parole since age 18 (28 years) MENTAL HEALTH & THE INCARCERATED Children Receiving Illegal Sentences In Society (C.R.I.S.I.S.) I. Pennsylvania
Freddi Responds to New Email System for PA
GTL charges more per page of e-mail than JPay did. Also, those in the hole no longer have the “privilege” to receive the e-mails. I’m with
Crime and Punishment from CBS 60 Minutes
The 60 Minutes program, titled “Crime and Punishment” aired on CBS on Sunday, 4/3/2016. I highly recommend that you watch it…You can see this short piece by clicking on
Email Update for PA Prisoners
Using the new email system by GTL Corporation to message Pennsylvania inmates has proven somewhat difficult for many friends and family members. Two weeks ago, I
“Love’s Story”, by Alexis Rodriguez
LOVE’S STORY Upon my heart are writings that no one’s yet to read. And every morning another with every breath I breathe. Upon the wall,
Teens Are Not Yet Adults! by Ed Spencer
Matt was only 15 years old when the Judge’s gavel slammed down with a sentence of 30 to 60 years. Matt was tried as an adult
Alexis Rodriguez–A Brother’s Plea for Mercy!
As the waves crash day in day out, smashing away the faith, hope, in the life of the convicted fellow’s loved ones… Grief you claim is
New Email System for PA Inmates!
With service expected to begin March 15, 2016, inmates in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC) will soon have the ability to exchange electronic messages with
“The Effect of the First Cause”, by Alex Rodriguez
Encapsulated, in this room, goodbye belated I’ll see you soon. Concealed within this concrete tomb is the young man that I was. He occupied a sacred
Can’t Unsee, by Lex Rodriguez
CAN’T UNSEE A young man stands arms stretched finger pointing long. An arrow towards my gaze both piercing. My YOUTH has become an accuser, saying; “You,
Send a Card to a Christian in Prison!
Simple gestures of Christian Fellowship can mean so much to believers in prison. Just receiving an encouraging note or card from a fellow Christian can bring
Thousands Like Me–The Supreme Courts Ruling on Juvenile Life Without Parole
By Xavier McElrath-Bey On January 25, the U.S. Supreme Court gave hope to thousands of individuals when they declared that Miller v Alabama is retroactively effective—meaning that
The Joy of Mentoring Brad, by Ed Spencer
The first time that I met Brad was in the counseling room at the County Juvenile lock up. He had just turned 15 years of
Inmate Thanks for Christmas Card Program 2015
Letter of appreciation from an inmate to: The men who participated in the inmate Christmas card Encouragement program. I can’t begin to tell you how much
“Storm Riders” by Alexis Rodriguez
“STORM RIDERS” Every storm we ride has it’s own reward. Providence provides guidance towards a higher estate where heavenly hordes proclaim your destination. *************** Turn fear
“Josh” A follow-up, by Ed Spencer
Josh – Follow Up Story Recently in my latest communication with Josh, from the Story “The Insignificance of Josh”, Josh was excited to tell me that
Some Lifers in PA. Should be Eligible for Parole
Mass incarceration, community relations with the police, and the reintegration of ex-offenders into society are all hot political topics today. What has received less attention is
The Worst That Could Happen?
Sometimes someone will say something to me that I just can’t forget. I’ll bet it has happened to you a number of times, too. Let me
My Favorite Night of the Year
My Favorite night of the year Described by a young prison inmate, David, JLWOP ( A Juvenile Life without Parole) What this young man is describing
Most Gracious, by David Lahoz
Starting a life, I wake up making the best of this. Rising with the sun I pray for all, even they being those, they call the
Rick Speaks at Liberty Ministries Fundraiser
Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen: My name is Rick DiLaurenzo, and I am happy to have the opportunity to speak with you tonight…what I have to
The Insignificance of Josh, by Ed Spencer and David Ludwig
About this story: Recently the issue of Juvenile Life Without Parole (JLWOP) sentencing has received media attention due to US Supreme Court hearings on the constitutionality
Encourage Me Now–Be a Mentor! by Ed Spencer
AUTHOR’S NOTE: To a few young inmates, I am a mentor or a “Religious Advisor”, to use a Department of Corrections (DOC) term. To other young
5 Reasons to Act Now on Juvenile Justice Reform
5 Reasons to Act Now on Juvenile Justice Reform By Kerry Bolger, PhD (Public Interest Government Relations Office) Did you know that the U.S. incarcerates more
Mentoring Interview with Jonathan Lewis, Liberty Ministries
Editor’s Note: In this article, Jonathan Lewis shares his perspectives on mentoring recently released men who are residents at Liberty Ministries 12 month residential aftercare program.
Reasons Why Teen Boys Commit Violent Crimes
Reasons Why Teen Boys commit Violent Crimes. (from the mouths of JLWOPs / Juvenile Life Without Parole inmates) Submitted by Ed Spencer, who has mentored teens
Out The Box, by David Lahoz
No longer confined to mind as 1 climb to my rise, by HIS shine leaving what is left of me behind for that box tried to
To the Teens of America–Article by Antonio Little, DP7456
To the Teens of America – Article by Antonio Little DP7456 I pray my words can reach all in the Lord that I truly desire them to
Talk of a Blessing….By David Lahoz
TALK OF A BLESSING ••••• Talk of a blessing, while walking & testing confessing, the very essence of his presence, caressing the flesh that once was
Released After 20 Years–A New Man
This compelling video interview examines the life of man who comes to Christ while in prison, as he explains his new life in society, and the
Mentoring; A View From the Other Side, By Ray Wambold
38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure
My Experience with Mentorship, By David Ludwig, GR6289
“Even the wise cannot see all ends.” – Gandalf, Lord Of The Rings When I began my journey into the prison system after I committed
You Are Not A Mistake!
By: Alex Rodriguez, June, 2015 (Psalm 139:14) Mistake after mistake, failure after failure. Don’t be so hard on yourself–but know that it is perhaps because
Mentoring–My Journey of Faith
By Ed Spencer June 2015 Why am I involved in mentoring other men? I will never forget the days of my teen years when I, too,
An Inmate’s View of Mentoring
An Inmate’s View of Mentoring By Alexis Rodriguez Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember those in prison. Think of them as if you were in prison with
Rick Shares a Meal at Liberty Ministries
I didn’t know what to expect when I accepted an invitation to share a dinner meal at Liberty Ministries in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. My good friend, Ed
How Rick met Lex
I never expected to actually get involved with someone in prison; never even gave it one thought in my new life as a recently saved believer.
How to Send Books to PA Inmates, by Rick DiLaurenzo
You can send a variety of publications to inmates in Pennsylvania, including books, calendars, magazines, religious material, and correspondence course materials. These items must come directly