Joyce Meyer delivers two millionth prison gift bag to Zimbabwe inmate

Joyce Meyer Ministries has reached a milestone with its Hand of Hope prison outreach ministry after handing out its two millionth prison gift bag.

Meyer was able to deliver the bag in person as hundreds of the gift bags were delivered to inmates at Harare Central Prison in Zimbabwe.

The delivery followed her Festival of Life event, which took place in the Zimbabwean capital from June 4 to 6.

"We're overjoyed at the opportunity to continue to bring an encouraging word of hope to men and women incarcerated in prisons around the world," said Meyer.

"Disenfranchised and all too often a forgotten part of our global society, through these prison gift bags, we just want to remind them that God still loves them and healing and hope are still available to them through Jesus Christ."

Meyer was joined on her visit by Hillsong artist Darlene Zschech, who sang an acapella version of hymn favourite Amazing Grace.

Addressing around 400 inmates gathered in the courtyard, Meyer spoke of having hope in Christ.

Hand of Hope has been handing out the hygiene gift bags in more than 2,000 prisons around the world since 1998.

The one millionth gift bag was handed to Winston Redmond, an 11-year inmate at the Farmington Correctional Facility in Farmington, Missouri, in December 2004.

According to Joyce Meyer Ministries, more than 88,000 prisoners have prayed to accept Christ into their lives.

Inmates are able to receive a free copy of the ministry's "Enjoying Everyday Life" monthly magazine and the ministry's signature television programme, also entitled "Enjoying Everyday Life", is available for viewing in many prisons around the world.

The ministry has a correspondence department which writes regular letters to inmates to give them encouragement whenever they receive requests for prayer or help.

Roy Lormis, Prison Ministry Supervisor, "Many of the prisoners we meet will never again walk the streets as free individuals, but because of this ministry, they are being introduced to Jesus and they can be free on the inside."