Did you know that there are more than 2.5 million men, women and youth currently incarcerated in the US? Often, these individuals are at their most vulnerable point, desperately needing the forgiveness and hope that only comes from the good news of Jesus Christ. Our local mission partner, Prison Alliance, provides a way for us to be part of reaching this population across the US – and throughout the world – and it’s all powered by a stamp.
Twice a year, Trinity members can volunteer at the Prison Alliance Warehouse on Spring Forest Road. During a 2-hour timeslot, our volunteers stamp the Prison Alliance address and a Bible Study invitation on the front and back pages of donated Christian books and Bibles. This simple task prepares Christian materials to be boxed by other volunteers and be included in quarterly shipments sent to Prison Chaplains across the US for distribution to inmates.
Many of the inmates that receive stamped books and Bibles contact Prison Alliance to enroll in the Bible Studies. These letters and enrollment requests are handled by volunteers called Letter Ministers. Another group of PA volunteers serves as Bible Ministers, who review and respond to the Bible Study lessons completed by inmates. Both of these roles include direct communication with inmates, and provide opportunities to provide hope and encouragement.
Thirty years ago, Kathleen Skaar (Raleigh, NC), and founder of Prison Alliance, was a new Christian. She felt led to share the gospel with others in the same way she heard about it – through reading a Christian book. Out of her transformation and inspiration, the Prison Alliance outreach process was created. This process – powered by a simple stamp – led to 79,409 professions of faith and 6,194 baptisms in 2025.
If you would like more information on Prison Alliance and/or how to volunteer, contact Joy Blashaw at joyhodge@live.com or call 919-749-9401.
