Christian Books Become Prison Missionaries

Baptist Press reports that that Christian Library International (CLI) changed its whole way of ministry once someone suggested giving books to prison chaplains. Kathleen Skaar, director of Christian Library International based in Raleigh, N.C., said the group had been distributing books in various locations -- YMCAs, nursing homes and the like -- and was trying to decide what to do with some extra books. When Skaar contacted the chaplains, "They were just thrilled," she said. "Some chaplains said they'd been praying for years and years." The ministry is now totally focused on prison ministry, and often receives thanks from inmates. "That's where we are and that's where we'll stay unless God tells us otherwise," Skaar said. She thinks of the books going "out like missionaries into the prisons."