GraceLinks:
Devotions that Reach Behind Bars
Any time a significant world event occurs, we gather and share the stories of individuals who were impacted by it. Through those stories we can see the goodness of our God. A global pandemic certainly follows that same trend as well.
One of our incredible stories of God’s goodness through the COVID hills and valleys is our GraceLinks Ministry. We continue to be awed and inspired by how God has blessed us and many others through it. Below is a snapshot showing how God grew GraceLinks and where it is today.
Watch our GraceLinks video to learn more about this ministry
What is GraceLinks?
GraceLinks is Institutional Ministries’ email-based ministry that coordinates the writing and sending of weekly devotions to inmates. The name GraceLinks was born out of a hybrid of the name Corrlinks – the secure email system that we use to send devotions to inmates – merged with God’s life-changing grace. GraceLinks devotions are sent out to inmates six days a week. They are available in prisons wherever the Corrlinks/TRULINCS email system is used.
The devotions consist of several types of messages, including:
- Encouragement that Jesus’ forgiveness and grace is for EVERYONE
- Simple Bible explanations, providing basic faith-building blocks
- Topical devotions that help offer practical advice for faith growth and development
- Sincere, honest prayers of confession and worship
- Explaining the parables
- Teaching about Biblical figures and historical events
The best part is this: Each and every devotion is drenched in the Gospel message – the good news that Jesus died for us ALL, while we were still sinners. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8 NIV)
Where is GraceLinks Today?
We’ve been blessed with the opportunity to email devotions to inmates in correctional facilities starting in 2020. God has grown this ministry into something far bigger and wide-reaching than anything we could’ve ever imagined. We currently send our GraceLinks devotions to over 500 walled-in souls. That number continues to grow every month as inmates share them with other inmates!
As if all that weren’t already enough good news – buckle up – THERE’S MORE!
GraceLinks in 2022
Our GraceLinks devotions are now available to chaplains as of January 2022 to share with prisoners who don’t yet have access to a secure email system.
This idea came about from an encouraging partnership with one of our pastor brothers who serves at a church in Texas. Pastor Matt also serves as the chaplain for a local jail and saw the need for more spiritual support materials there. Jails are the location where prisoners are held as they await sentencing. Often, they are there for upwards of 6 months. Many jails don’t have access to a secure email system. However, God saw to it – through your generosity – that we don’t miss out on this opportunity. Our first printed edition containing 10 weeks of devotions is available for distribution!
Sample Devotion: Do You Ever Wonder if You’re REALLY Forgiven?
Some people wonder if they really are forgiven, especially if they don’t feel forgiven. They know in their heart that they continue to sin. It bothers them that they fall into the same kind of sin over and over even though they know it is wrong....
Sample Devotion: Dealing With Our Past
Some people struggle with memories of the past. Maybe there are people that come back in our dreams that we would rather not think about. When thinking about things in our past, we might be haunted by sins. Maybe we....
Sample Devotion: God’s Love is Greater than our Sin
Have you ever wondered, “How can God forgive me for some of the things I have either done or left undone in my life?” These thoughts can be very depressing. When we do this type of thinking, it is part of the process we....
Support GraceLinks
If, as you read through this, you feel the urge to help support this ministry, we fully support that urge! There are several ways that you can help us grow GraceLinks.
- Join our volunteer team of writers and editors
- Contribute financially to help cover print expenses
- Spread the word to your loved ones in jail or prison
- Pray that God continues to guide us with wisdom and opportunity
Contact us to learn more! We would be thrilled to have you join us on our GraceLinks adventure.