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: PO Box 4500 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: PO Box 4500 Tennessee Colony, Texas 75886
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: William Collins #829526
Address: PO Box 4500 Tennessee Colony, Texas 75886
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: Wayne “Dale” Whitworth #803862

Address: 3001 S. Emily Drive Beeville, TX 78102

Faith: Messianic Israelite

Name: Ennis D. Davis #930665

Address: PO Box 4500 Tennessee Colony, Texas 75886

Faith: Messianic Jew

Description: I had a dream several years ago about the names of the Father and the Messiah. Since then I have tried to learn everything I can about the original faith. I have had a real rough time in prison, especially since I changed my faith. Attacks from the enemy on every level . I am doing better since I am able to attend a once monthly Sabbath service with the other brethren here. I would like to learn the Hebrew language and as much about YHWH and Yahshua as possible. I rarely get mail from the outside and would really like to have a pen-pal for friendship and fellowship. Please pray for me.

Name: Brian Turley #1131939

Address: PO Box 4500 Tennessee Colony, Texas 75886

Faith: Undecided

Description: I am a 40 year old white male. If I had only one sentence to describe my purpose here I would have to say that I am seeking knowledge that will lead me to the right path. I am not, as yet, a member of the faith, but I have been encouraged by what I have learned so far. I hope that the members of this faith will welcome me and offer guidance to this lost man.

Name: Steve Walker #812269

Address: PO Box 4500 Tennessee Colony, Texas 75886

Faith: Messianic Israelite

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: Clarence (Randy) Bryant #1060393

Address: PO Box 4500 Tennessee Colony, Texas 75886

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: 59 Darrington Road, Rosharon, Texas 77583

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: 59 Darrington Road, Rosharon, Texas 77583

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: 59 Darrington Road, Rosharon, Texas 77583

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: 59 Darrington Road, Rosharon, Texas 77583

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.

Name: Roy Addicks Jr. #861070

Address: 59 Darrington Road, Rosharon, Texas 77583

Faith: Messianic Israelite

Description: I became a Christian in 1993. After I attended several Christian services I have come to believe that Messianic Judaism is the one true religion and faith in Yeshua. I have been attending Messianic services and keeping Shabbat since 2004. I truly hunger to learn and put into practice my Jewish heritage, customs and traditions. If anyone out there, whether in the US or abroad, would care to share with me their knowledge, wisdom, and Yeshua's love, please prayerfully consider writing me.

This page was last updated on 1/22/08