Instructions for writing Letters to Imprisoned Christians


  1. A selected bible quote and encouragement phrase translated into their native language has been attached. Write your personal statements in English (see step 2) below the printed native text. (If you wish to be very personal you can hand copy the native text to your own hand written letter. If the text is not Latin, use care to copy down very closely the form of their native text, as some small differences in the text can alter, sometimes significantly, the meaning. I have found good success by tracing the printed text onto my own hand written letter, however this is still quite challenging.)

  2. Please write a few lines of thoughtful prayer and encouragement in English below the native text (unless you know the native language then please write as much as you wish in their language). The prisoner or a cell mate will may likely be able to read it. However since English is not their first language and education may be poor, try to keep your words simple (perhaps around an 8th grade level English). And please do not say anything negative about their government, authorities, nation, culture, dominant religion, or mention Voice of the Martyrs, Kaleo Church, or any organized group/church as the source of contact information or organized prisoner outreach programs, as this will almost certainly result in greater persecution of the prisoner for affiliation with “hostile/subversive” foreign persons and/or groups.

  3. You can optionally personalize your letter with a nice Christian greeting card, or a family photo, etc. Attractive greeting cards are often treasured by prisoners.

  4. It is not wise to use your street address on the envelope. Use only your name, city, state, Zip code, and country in the return address. Christian prisoners are rarely allowed to write return letters, and even if they could the cost is often prohibitive. If you use your full address, it may fall into the hands of unscrupulous persons wishing to use your love for this Christian for financial or other gain. Voice Of the Martyrs is already working to financially assist the prisoner.

  5. Take letter to the Post office and get necessary     postage and send it out. Cost of postage is generally between $0.85 and $2.50.

  6. Finally please pray for the prisoner as often as you can.

Thank you for your Prayers and Service to our Lord.