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One of the most difficult things about being a Sabbath keeping believer in prison is the lack of like-minded brethren inside the walls, and the surprising lack of support from true believers outside of them. Sabbath and commandment keepers are truly seen as a “peculiar people” by other prisoners and they do not fit in with them. “Freeworld” believers are generally too busy to think of these struggling brethren of ours, or in some cases even consider them unworthy of fellowship. This leaves the sincere and obedient members of our faith who are behind bars in the loneliest of positions. A simple letter of encouragement is valuable to them beyond our understanding, and can mean the difference between success and failure in their walk of faith. In our attempt to aid our brethren ease their loneliness, we have posted below the names and addresses of those Sabbath keeping prisoners who have requested pen-pals. To the best of our knowledge these are all sincere and observant in their walk of faith.
We also offer a word of warning: These men are prisoners, all convicted of crimes. There are and will be those whom we have misjudged and may not be sincere in their faith, and who may try to take advantage of good-hearted pen-pals. Sabbath Keepers Fellowship accepts no responsibility for any harm or loss incurred by anyone participating in our Pen-Pal program and we advise caution in dealing with inmates until they become well known by their free-world pen-pal.
That said, however, we wish you to know that problems with inmate pen-pals are actually not very common and most freeworld pen-pals find that they are blessed by these prisoners and their letters far beyond all their expectations. The knowledge and insights developed through the trials they have endured are priceless, and most have learned the true value of friendship. With caution, common sense, and the establishment of a few rules regarding the pen-pal relationship right at the start, there should not be any problems.
If you have any questions about our pen-pal program, or about a particular inmate, please feel free to contact us through phone, mail or email. If you do experience any problems with any of our inmates, we ask you to please notify us immediately.
May our Father in heaven bless you richly as you keep our Savior’s words from Matt.25:36, “..I was in prison and you came to me.”
Name: Roy Grunau #297057
Address:2664 FM 2054 Tennessee Colony, Texas 75886
Faith: Messianic Jew
Description:.I am a 56 year old white male. I have one daughter and 2 grand-daughters who come to visit me occasionally. I have been in prison for 28+ years. I recently converted to Messianic Judaism because of my sincere desire to draw as near to my heavenly Father as is possible. Now I feel freer, even inside prison, than I ever was when I was outside. I study the scriptures and meet with like-minded believers on the rec yard as much as possible. My only desire is to grow in my knowledge and understanding of Torah. I would like to have a pen-pal to share that with.
Name: William Holbrook #623248
Address: currently has a pen-pal
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I am a 48 year old white male. I started my search for YHWH in a Pentecostal church. I went through several denominations before ending up in Messianic Judaism. I am now learning who YHWH is and how Yahshua fits into my life. I am learning Hebrew and the 613 commandments. I read and study as much as I can. It would be nice to have a someone to write and share the things I am learning with.
Name: Robert Wooten #1084524
Address: currently has a pen-pal
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I am a 41 year old white male. I work as a tailor in the prison laundry. I am not married, but have 2 young beautiful daughters. I enjoy fellowship with my brothers on the rec yard, doing Torah study, and mathmatical puzzels. I also like to write and study software development. One day I hope to develop an online Torah study site with chatrooms, lessons and other activities. I would like correspond with other men, who like me, can identify with Shaul's words in Romans 7:24. As iron sharpens iron, perhaps we can sharpen each other through letters. I look forward to hearing from anyone who wants to write me.
Name: William Collins #829526
Address: currently has a pen-pal
Faith: Sabbath Keeper
Description:I am a 43 year old divorced white male from North Texas. My father is the pastor of the North Texas Church of God. I grew up knowing there was a God but never really knowing Him personally. Now I am learning to know Him and walk in His ways. I have a lot of time to do in here, but now that I am free in Messiah I no longer live in fear and anger. I enjoy science and technology as it further witnesses the knowledge YHWH exhibits in the world around us.
Name: Steve Walker #812269
Address: 2664 FM 2054 Tennessee Colony, Texas 75886
Faith: Sabbath Keeper
Description: I am 46 years old and have been in prison for 10+ years. I was raised as a Southern Baptist Christian. YHWH has just recently lead me to the truth and the Torah. For the past 2 years I have been studying the Torah, commandments and holy days. I am so thankful YHWH has lead me to others who also know and study Torah and who keep His commandments. I am also very thankful to Sabbath Keepers Fellowship who help us inmates in a mighty way with all the literature and books they freely send out.
Name: David Theriot #1334595
Address: currently has a pen-pal
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I am a 31 year old white male. I am a member of the Michael unit Messianic Jewish community. I am new to this faith and would like to write someone who shares my beliefs and can encourage and teach me as I grow. I was a chef in the world and would like a pen-pal who shares similar interests.
Name: Roni Medearis # 1530043
Address: 59 Darrington Road Rosharon, Texas 77583
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I am a 43 year old black male. I was born in Austin, TX and raised worshipping Yahweh in the name of our Savior, Yahshua the Messiah. I practice Messianic Judaism and would like to have a pen-pal that shares similar beliefs.
Name: Robert Girard #1089285
Address: Rt.2 Box 4400 Gatesville, TX 76597
Faith: Sabbath Keeping Israelite Christian
Description: I am 29 years old and have 3 years left on a 10 year sentence. Yahvah has genuinely changed my life and I have a deep desire to fellowship with others of like faith.
Name: Jake Baker #531082
Address: 1115 E. Pence Road HU-2-B-126, Cameron, MO 64429
Faith: Messianic / Yahwehist
Description: I am a 48 year old white male who gre up in Trneton, MO. I am divorced with 2 children -one son who is 20 and 1 daughter who is 15. I like horses and want to be a singer/ song writer for the glory of Yahweh. I live in a 6X9 cell in Ad-Seg. I'm lonely and sad. I would like to have a pen-pal to discuss faith and world events and to share ideas and hopes of Yahweh's blessings.
Name: Roger Kinnerson # R04886
Address: PO Box 900 Ina, IL 62846
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I am 34 years old. Some things I enjoy are reading and studying Yahweh's Word, camping, fishing, writing poetry and drawing. I hope to be released in November of 2009 and am looking for a loving and accepting Messianic community where I can relocate and start fresh.
Name: Gordon (Rusty) Arnold #931367
Address: 21390 Old State Road 37 Branchville, IN 47514
Faith: Sabbath Keeper
Description: I am a 43 year old single white male. I am a new Messianic Hebrew believer (since 2004). I was raised in the Church of Christ. Some things I enjoy are the outdoors, softball, bike-riding and reading. I am learning to read, write and speak Hebrew. I have no family that visits me but I do have a community of believers here on the unit. We have Messianic Jewish services that were cancelled in April 2008, but we hope to get them back soon. I would like to have a pen-pal who is Messianic Hebrew like myself to write, get to know and share a friendship together.
Name: Walter Owens #502665
Address:1115 E. Pence Road 2-B-126
Faith:Messianic Israelite
Description: I am a 62 year old white male. I am divorced with 4 kids- 3 boys & 1 girl- all grown. Some things I enjoy are gardening, fishing, and camping. I am a new believer. Jake Baker is my cellie and has been teaching me the Hebrew faith. I would like to have a pen-pal to share with and learn from.
Name: Richard Savage #423705
Address: Wynne Unit Huntsville, TX 77349
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I have been in prison for 23 years and am part of a Sabbath keeping community on this unit. I use the sacred names for our Father and His Son and keep the feast days. I would like to correspond with other like-minded believers. It is hard to walk this faith in prison and I could surely use some encouragement.
Name: Larry Mays #648476
Address: 664 FM 2054 Tennessee Colony, TX 75886
Faith: Sabbath Keeper
Description: I am 45 years old and am in prison on 3 life sentences. I was born in Fairbanks, Alaska. I am new to the Sabbath keeping community on this unit and look forward to learning more about this faith. I would like to have a pen-pal to correspond and fellowship with.
Name: Wallace Best # 0586597
Address: 100 N Lamar Ft. Worth, TX 76102
Faith: Sabbath Keeper
Description: I am 25 years old and have just recently come into the knowledge of truth about 1 1/2 years ago. The brother that showed me about Yahweh and Yahshua has been moved to another unit. As a babe, it is hard for me to walk this walk alone. I would like to have a brother or sister to fellowship with through letters and help me learn more truth.
Name: Edward Trevino Balderaz #1329866
Address: 8602 Peach Street, Monford Unit, Lubbock, TX 79404
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I am a 32 year old Hispanic who was raised in Catholicism. I have been in prison for 4 years. I have been studying Torah with a Messianic congregation and I have been so enlightened. I am slowing learning the Hebrew language and think it is so awesome. I look forward to hearing from anyone who wants to write and fellowship with me.
Name: Robert Duncan # 1320966
Address: 2400 Wallace Pack Road Navasota, TX 77868
Faith: Sabbath Keeper / UCOG
Description: I am a 44 year old white male who is 4 years into a 20 year sentence. I am a member of the United Church of God and part of the COG community at the Pack Unit. My interests are studying God's word, reading, writing, listening to the radio and fellowshipping with other believers. I am taking several bible studies and seeking a pen-pal for fellowship and friendship.
Name: Randy Angle #1129119
Address: 2400 Wallace Pack Road, Navasota, TX 75868
Faith: Sabbath Keeper / COG
Description: I am a 55 year old white male. I have been in prison for 8 years. I began my walk of faith in the Baptist church in 1965. I am divorced and have 4 lovely daughters. None of them correspond with me in any way. I observe the feasts and know of the sacred names, though not sure of how to pronounce them. I am a part of the community of believers on this unit and would like to have someone write me so we can encourage one another in our faith.
Name: Robert Pena #1092054
Address: 2400 Wallace Pack Road Navasota, TX 77868
Faith: Sabbath Keeper / COG
Description: I am a 54 year old white male who has been in prison for 8 years. I have 2 daughters and 4 grand-children. I have been a Sabbath Keeper for 15 years now. I am a member of the Sabbath keeping community on this unit. I am a Vietnam veteran and have a BA in Construction Engineering. I would like to have someone to talk to and share my faith with. I will try to answer all questions as honestly as I'm able to. I look forward to hearing from any and all who wish to write me.
Name: Cody Goltl #1347755
Address: 2400 Wallace Pack Road Navasota, TX 77868
Faith: Sabbath Keeper /COG
Description: I am a 25 year old white male doing a 15 year sentence. I belong to the Sabbath keeping group here on this unit. I would like to have a pen-pal for friendship and fellowship.
Name: Clarence (Randy) Bryant #1060393
Address: currently has a pen-pal
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I was raised in a Baptist home in North Texas but I was rebellious and ended up in prison because of it. After getting past the initial shock of my fate and the reality of spending many years in prison, I got down on my knees and finally surrendered to my heavenly Father. Since that day, I have dedicated my life to walking in Yahshua's righteousness. I am currently studying Biblical Hebrew and Torah. I am always seeking to learn more.
Name: Douglas Prine #1042654
Address: currently has a pen-pal
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I am 45 years old and have a passion & desire to have a deep and meaningful relationship with my Elohym YHWH and our Messiah. I have been in prison for 6 years and 9 months. I was brought up in the Assemblies of God church but as I prayed for knowledge and truth, YHWH led me to Messianic Jewish services which I have been attending for about 1 year now. I am currently studying the 613 commandments and the Torah. I have a mother who is battling cancer and a sister in Montana who has MS. I don't get visits from my family and rarely get a letter. It would be nice to have a pen-pal I can share my faith with and get a letter once in a while.
Name: Curtis (Curt) Arnold #876644
Address: currently has a pen-pal
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I am a 38 year old white male. I have never been married and have no children. I grew up in the country in Texas. I consider myself an artist. I love to draw, mainly portraits, and do wood-working in the craft shop. I am coming up for parole in a few months and I pray I will make it. I attend the Messianic services on our unit and would love to have a pen-pal. I will write to anyone who writes me and I love pictures.
Name: Felix Arana #786213
Address: currently has a pen-pal
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I have been incarcerated since 1995. I am married and have 2 daughters. My wife and I have been separated since I've been in prison but we still communicate every now and then when I get a visit with my daughters. I am a musician who plays the guitar, and I also sing. I am not currently studying any one subject. I am reading the bible and attending the Messianic services on our unit.
Name: Francisco Prieto # 652068
Address: currently has a pen-pal
Faith: Messianic Israelite
Description: I am a 38 year old Cuban-American who was born and raised in New York. All of my family is still there. I am bi-lingual and come from a Catholic background. My occupation was in the Culinary Arts Management to which I dedicated 22 years. I have been locked up for 15 years. In 2000, I was drawn toward the Messianic community and have been there ever since. I would really like to have a pen-pal that is close to my age so we can relate to one another and share our experiences. My pursuit of a pen-pal is for help in obtaining spiritual literature that will enhance my personal studies.
This page was last updated on 10/25/09