This time of year, a flurry of activity descends on St. Andrew’s Baptist Church in Columbia. On first glance, it is a strange crowd of folks assembled in the fellowship hall. From prison chaplains and inmates to church volunteers, directors of missions and convention staff, all gathered for one purpose – to take seriously Jesus’ admonition to “proclaim freedom for the prisoners.”
Overflowing – A box filled with packets for the inmates waits to be inspected.This year marks the 30th anniversary of collecting packets of supplies for inmates. One packet, containing a writing tablet, pen, breath mints, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste and a scripture portion, is given to every person currently incarcerated in a adult or juvenile state correctional institution. Churches assembled the packets, which are then turned over to the local associational office. The associational office is responsible for bringing them to Columbia. More than 23,000 packets are needed to cover the South Carolina inmate population. An incredible 23,838 packets were collected this year.
At times, lines of trucks and vans formed outside to drop off the packets. Inside, lines of volunteers were inspecting the packets and inserting scripture portions and Christmas cards. More than 140 volunteers, including inmates and prison chaplains and corrections officers, assisted in packet collection. Several families also brought their children to volunteer.
Any extra packets collected will be given to any inmates entering correctional facilities next year.
Gospel message – Tracts were also put in the packets.The Christmas Prisoner Packets ministry is far reaching within the prison systems. Tim Rice, mobilization strategist for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, has seen many lives impacted through the small gifts.
“We get bags of letters from inmates telling us how much they appreciate the packets,” he said.
Rice also noted the impact of the packets by pointing to one woman who had just last year been incarcerated and this year returned as a volunteer.
Paul Savage of the American Bible Society came from New York to assist with the collection. The American Bible Society provided all the scripture portions inserted in the packs.
“We have been providing the scriptures for a couple of years now. I wanted to come down and see what this was all about,” said Savage.
It is a ministry Savage knows all too well. Savage himself was once incarcerated.
“To see her face,” Savage says pointing at one inmate, “and see how this impacts her, this is what this is all about.”
Letter from inmates who received packets last year:
“Once again you have added much joy to me this Christmas season – . All your gifts given were very nice and needed.”
“Last night we were given the Christmas packet from the gracious people of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. I know I speak for all the inmates – . We are very thankful as we approach the birthday of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. It is good to know that despite the fact we’re out of sight, we are not forgotten.”
“Pray for me as I will pray for you and thank you – .”
“This is a very special time of the year. It isn’t because of the presents. It’s because of the love and thankfulness that we all had given to us when Jesus Christ was born.”