Wednesday, December 29, 2010

First Kindle Review

From Missy a Kindle reader:

"Amazing Story filled with every emotion imaginable!"

Linda's book will definitely open its reader's eyes to a new world that not many care to think about. It made me look at criminals and offenders in a whole new light. She leaves you laughing one second and crying the next. Everyone has a story and this one will teach its readers to not judge a book by its cover, as it oepns your eyes to the horror, loss, sadness, and unforgettable experiences endured by women across the country. After reading these touching tales of strength, endurance, and forgiveness you will want to know what you can do to make a difference in the lives of others. Linda and the Women of Block 12 are truly an inspiration to all!



The Women of Block 12: Voices from a Jail Ministry



Free download of Kindle for PC and sample chapters.

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

When God Calls Us



Merry Christmas to all of my faithful blog readers. It is always a pleasure to connect with you and to hear your comments about jail and prison ministry.

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I received a Christmas card today from a nurse friend who wrote a note appologizing for not participating in our jail ministry. She said that she had not been quite honest with me about her reasons, then went on to say she had negative feelings about the things some people in prison do to others and to society and couldn't quite get past those feelings. She also said she didn't want me to be disappointed in her.

I believe God has a job for each of us to do and we are not all called to do the same thing. That is what's so beautiful and exciting about life! There are so many ways to serve Him. My dear friend, you minister to the sick and dying and what a gift you have for ushering people into eternal life with Jesus Christ. Don't ever feel you have disappointed me-or anyone for that matter.

I was "called" to jail ministry and I'm still trying to figure out why God would choose me. I did not want to go - it was more like being dragged through the door kicking and screaming. I ignored Him for awhile, but he kept after me. Finally, a friend told me I'd better go to the jail and see what God wanted. . . and the rest of the story is in the book. You can read a few chapters FREE on Kindle.






Just click on the link above, then click on send sample now.

God bless all of you and Merry Christmas!

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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Mentoring an Offender - Update

Our guest blogger, Joy, is coming to the end of her year on the bracelet with a local county sherriff's department. It has been a struggle for her. She earns $10 per hour and out of that she has had to pay for rent, food, gas to go to work, and $736 per month to the county for the privilege of wearing the bracelet. Of course, those figures do not add up. Each month she has fallen short of her financial needs, but with the help of several ministries, she is going to make it.

Along the way, the sherriff's department threatened to lock her up if she couldn't pay the $736. She was told by the judge that he would not reduce her sentence because, despite her hard work and good record, his intent was to punish her not rehabilitate her. And, this past week, she was denied her one hour trip to the grocery store. The reason given by her supervising officer, "If you can afford to buy groceries, you can afford to pay us first."

Please pray for Joy. Her release date is February 9th. We thank God for providing her with a job and many good ministry friends who have helped her along the way.

Joy tells me God has provided because he has work for her to do!

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For more information about women and the justice system, please read an excerpt of my new book. It's free and easy to download.

The Women Of Block 12: Voices from a Jail Ministry.
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Monday, December 13, 2010

Offenders Who Assault Children

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These statistics were posted Susan Sayor on her "Life Tips" Blog.

According to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics the following statistics are characteristic of offenders who violate children.

  • White inmates are nearly three times more likely to have victimized a child than black inmates.
  • One in every seven Hispanic convicts had been convicted for a crime against a child.
  • Nearly two-thirds of convicted child molesters were or had been married.
  • Child molesters and offenders were more likely to have grown up in a two-parent home and were more likely to have been molested as a child.
  • Approximately 22% of child offenders reported having been sexually abused as a child
Learn more about the effects of child abuse on women who become offenders in my new book:

The Women of Block 12: Voices From a Jail Ministry.
Now only $3.99 on Kindle!


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Sunday, December 5, 2010

10 Ways to Pray for Prison Ministries

When I ask the women of Block 12 how people can help them, they always answer, "Pray for us and our families."

If God has given you a heart for prison ministry, start with prayer. If prayer is the only thing you ever do, you will have made an important contribution.

Here are some suggested prayer topics. I'm sure you will add your own.
  1. Pray for prisoners and their families.

  2. Pray for victims of crime.

  3. Pray for the spirit of healing and forgiveness to those affected by crime.

  4. Pray for the safety of correctional officers who care for the imprisoned.

  5. Pray that inmates, everywhere, will have the freedom to worship.

  6. Pray that prison officians will allow faith-based programming for life skills, drug treatment, parenting skills, re-entry training etc.

  7. Pray for those in ministry.

  8. Pray for mentors to help offenders when they are released.

  9. Pray for reform in the criminal justice system.

  10. Pray for equal access to medical and mental health treatment for offenders.

NOW ON KINDLE:

"The Women of Block 12: Voices From a Jail Ministry."

TRY A SAMPLE FOR FREE

on your Kindle or

Kindle for PC - free download

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