I volunteered for my present position within the PF Prison Ministry about a year ago, a natural step for me after being a Corresponding Chaplain for about three years. I became a Writing Minister after reading an article in a magazine written by a previous Manager of the Ministry. I was in tears by the end of the page. Something inside me was reaching out. I have over the years written to many prisoners, and have shared their life-changing experiences as they journey along their chosen spiritual path. Many found Pagansim whilst doing their sentence, many have no contact with like-minded people. This is why I personally feel that corresponding with Pagan prisoners is very beneficial to their spiritual welfare.
Take a moment and read the following. Let it sink into your being, and imagine if this were you:
"To see the outside world, I must stand on tiptoe, upon my bunk, so I can quickly glance through the small, barred window, before the Guard arrives for early breakfast call. I see the impacted earth and I see the sky. For a three mile radius, all of natural life has been removed. The only sign of nature, the forlorn bodies of animals, lying at the base of the electric fence. Each day I glance outside, and look to the distance, because as the sun rises, it illuminates the trees growing so far away. The colours are wonderful. For a short private moment, I feel full of hope, I can reach out to the Divine and feel alive."
I do not condone the crimes that have been comitted, I respond to the soul that is reaching out for help.
I am not a Pagan Prisoners Rights Activist, I leave the politics to those that understand them. I am a Solitary Druid, who sits quietly in the background, gently helping to lead a soul back into the light and to re-connect to the "web".
I help by doing the small things that matter to someone who has been taken away from society. To call a fellow human by his or her name, and not by a number. To offer them respect as a fellow brother or sister. To bring a little of my freedom to roam into their concrete home. To offer guidance on the spiritual journey they have chosen. A friendly ear, some kindly words, a description of the changing seasons, these can fill a lonely Pagan soul with hope that someone cares.
If you can feel empathy, can accept someone without looking to their past, accept who that person is, at this present moment in time and space, as they step through the doorway onto a new journey, and you would like to reach out and touch a soul with Pagan friendship, thenplease contact me, to join the Writing Minister Team at the Prison Ministry.
Blessings of Light as We Walk in Peace and Freedom,
Jean (Spirit Glade) Wilson, jwbrightblessing [at] supanet [dot] com
Overseas Pagan Prisoner and Corresponding Chaplain Administrator
Pagan Federation Prison Ministry
