Each day, inmates in U.S. correctional institutions write dozens of letters to the offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses, requesting spiritual help.

We respond to such requests, arranging for ministers in local congregations to visit and study the Bible with those in jails, prisons, state hospitals, youth facilities, and substance-abuse facilities.

In some prisons, our ministers conduct regular congregation meetings. At one facility, for example, 32 attended a public lecture given in two of the prison yards.

The results have been encouraging. A man incarcerated in the state of Indiana, who had received a life sentence for first-degree murder, made positive changes in his personality and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Regarding another inmate who has been held in a large correctional complex in California, the Witness who studied the Bible with him said: “I’ve seen where he’s come from and the progress he’s made. The changes he made to qualify for baptism are profound.”

Many inmates have embraced Bible truth, although knowing that because of this, their life could be endangered. For example, some of those who have broken off association with a gang had to be placed in isolation or moved to another facility to ensure their safety.

The life-changing power of the Bible is so outstanding that prison officials are impressed. Some have given certificates of appreciation and official volunteer awards to the Witnesses for their good work at correctional institutions.