should i visit someone in prison?

I didnt know where to put this thread, but this seemed like an appropriate enough place.

For the past year I have been writing to people in prison. I started out just with people on death row, but kept losing my friends. Anyhow, there is one person that I find I identify with immensly, moreso then any person I have met in person. He is a great man who simply had bad circumstances and made some wrong decisions. He's accepted responsibility for what he has done and is making ammends.

Anyhow, we've talked about me going to meet him in the spring. I really would like to, but am of course cautious. Do you think this is an awful idea? Or a wonderful thing?

Wow! thank you all so much for the replies! I thought that i would get a notice in my email, but i didnt, so i just wandered back here and look at all these answers! thank you all soooo much!

Now, let me answer some specific questions...

Tavita: Yes, I suppose that there is a hope of a personal relationship, although I'm not really sure. He is agnostic, but is very open to everything that I talk about and his faith may one day change. I am not banking on that of course, thats just the scenario. As for his fruits, well he has more of that to show then most Christians that I know. I dont think it was an accident that we came into contact

rogsr: Thanks very much for your concern. I am horrendously aware of the circumstances that many people have in prison. I actually used to work with a lot of offenders... I also believe that we should not fear man because he can only kill the body... however, having said that, I dont plan on being careless either

Serenity Now!: It's funny, I've heard a lot of bad things from a lot of my pen-pals... At this point I'm as sure as I can be that nothing bad will come of a visit, but i suppose you never know.

forgivenmuch: I got into writing prisoners when i became a christian, I have worked with many people in the system and my heart goes out to them there are so many people in there who are just locked up and forgotten by their families. it breaks my heart. Also its the scripture that Intheflame posted as well. I feel called to be a friend to these people. I'm not continuing to write to anyone who I feel is questionable AT ALL. Although I do use a PO Box if anyone is weird with me I am very stern about why I am writing, and that they can choose to keep a friend or not write back.


Saint2be27: yeap! i use a PO Box, I know what it means to be cautious. I've had someone on the internet find me once, that was enough to make me overly cautious! I'm sorry to hear about your sister, I hope that her situation works out.

Thank you all so much for talking this over with me. Sometimes I wonder if I am nuts to even consider it, but this person has shown me the utmost respect for a very long time and i think and hope that it would be something positive. God Bless!

twistedsketch said:

Sounds like you're minimizing what he did to get in there. That is dangerous. People can also manipulate from behind bars like you wouldn't believe. A good friend of mine (who is now saved) used to be in jail, and knows this very well. This guy may be luring you and using you, and being very patient about it.

Click to expand...

yeah, perhaps, its hard to tell.

now ya got me thinking... using me for what??? i had pen pals that had asked me for money and stuff, but i simply said no, and didnt hear back from them... this person gets nothing from me but my letters. he has even said he would send money for my travelling expenses, not that i would take that, but still. its hard to imagine anything bad happening... he said i should bring my brother if i feel nervous... i am welcomed to stay at his mom's house as well (who is a christian as well)

shouldnt people be allowed a second chance?

i have been asking, but i dont really feel compelled either way