“Something was missing not only because of God, but because of the lack of emotional expression in my family. I thought I needed something to fill what they weren’t filling.” —Melvin
In 1983, Melvin approached the doors of a Christian revival, looking to ask the “church people” for money. That night, he wasn’t just scraping to pay for another beer. He was hungry.
When the service ended, a friendly couple took him to dinner. They prayed with Melvin and gave him some Gospel tracts and a Bible. As Melvin began to leave, the husband shook his hand and slipped him a $10 bill.
From there, Melvin headed to the bar. He tossed the Bible and tracts in some bushes along the way. He made it another block and then felt drawn to look back. He says that staring at the bushes, he heard a voice repeating, “Don’t leave me here.” Melvin ignored the plea and continued down his original path—both to the bar, and further into his addiction.
Eight months later, he sat in a jail cell facing a felony murder charge.
Men and women in prison are looking for hope. And nothing provides hope like the living Word of God. The demand for Bibles and Christian content is at an all-time high. Will you help us meet the need? Your gift will help put a Bible in the hands of a prisoner—not just any Bible, but a large print, easy-to-read translation with devotional content that meets the spiritual needs of prisoners.
