CHRISTIAN PEN PALS VETERANS' MINISTRY

• Use a post office box (they are generally inexpensive) - DO NOT give out your home address.

• Check prison regulations before sending any gifts or even stamps.

• Use caution and common sense if you send photos of yourself.  Ideally, send "group" pictures, i.e., of your Sunday school class, church events, etc.
  

• Be aware of con games  (If unsure, ask us!).

• Write as a unit if married and writing to a member of the opposite gender.  Signing letters as "Jan and Bill" or "Mom and Dad Smith" and using "we" statemens throughout the letter (e.g., "We were happy to get your most recent letter!  We pray for you each and every day as a family.") helps maintain proper boundaries when writing to members of the opposite gender. 

• Be prepared for possible romantic overtures  (keep letters Christ-centered).  If inappropriate overtures are made, let us know.
  

• Be a good listener and give hope through God’s Word.

• Do not be too “preachy” in your letters; build a relationship first.  Pray before writing your letters and remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

• Allow your pen pal to discuss their past on their own initiative. 

• Pray for your pen pal daily.

• Write regularly, at least twice a month.

• If your pen pal is disrespectful, let us know!

• Consult your pastor for continuing guidance.

• NEVER give legal advice or get involved in any legal proceedings.

• NEVER send money for any reason.  If you are asked to send money, kindly remind them that this violates the Chirstian Pen Pals Veterans' Ministry program rules and let us know right away.
  

• NEVER give out your pen-pal's address to anyone else.  Security and safety for both our Pen Pal Volunteers and our incarcerated Veterans is paramount to Christan Pen Pals Veterans' Ministry.

IMPORTANT: IF AT ANY TIME YOU ARE UNABLE TO CONTINUE CORRESPONDING WITH YOUR INMATE(S), IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU LET US KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT WE MAY MATCH HIM/HER UP WITH ANOTHER PEN-PAL.