July/August 2008
"I had rather feel compunction than be able to give the definition of it."
Thomas A. Kempis
Thomas A. Kempis
Changed Lives Ministries Bulletin Board
Dear Mr. Skrant,
My name is Cheryl and today is my son's 27th. birthday. I went to North Coast Correctional today to visit with him and wish him a happy birthday. I'm so blessed that I got to celebrate another year with him, for I know only to well that others are not so fortunate and they buried their children at a very young age. David has had a drug problem for about 12 years now, as well as multiple health problems....My husband was surfing on the internet when he came across your web site. I believe it was a message from God to find it. My husband says that we have been watched over very well as has David. I guess that I'm reaching out, hoping that you will reach out to my son. He really does need some insight on how you found God and how you serve Him now. I don't know if you can go into the institution, or maybe you can write him. I really would appreciate you taking out the time to read this. My husband and I would be so grateful to you, as well as David's family, for we love him very much and pray for him everyday...The old saying is, "When they are young, they step on your feet. When they are old, they step on your heart."
How true this is. A mother's broken heart. Thank you for your web site. Cheryl & David
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Chaplain Burger (blue shirt) and I working with men that have been released. Thanks to Calvary I can reach out to the lost prisons.
Prison Ministry 2008 - The above letter so touched my heart, I decided to share it!
The message behind a changed life is one of hope. The prevalent witness down through the ages has always been the verbal testimony, supported by a life that has been changed. The hope we hold out to people behind bars is a sure hope, a hope that never disappoints. That's why I continue to share the Gospel in prisons throughout the United States. That's why I'm a missionary Chaplain's assistant at Belmont Correctional and that is why I teach 8 different discipleship classes at 4 different Ohio Institutions weekly.
Once, while working late at one of the institutions, I had a correctional officer ask me why I bothered, "These guys will never change." he said. He had no idea he was talking to a 3 time convicted felon. As a response to that, I would like to share this e-mail, recently received from one of my past students; "Hi Larry, my name is Patrick...I was incarcerated at Belmont '04 to Jan. 1, 2008. I was in your sexual idolatry class and later, the Alcoholics for Christ group. I've been out almost 8 months...Life has its' bumps but I'm moving forward. I am starting an Alcoholics for Christ group in my church. The Pastor and I filled out the paper work and are awaiting the green light...I would be blessed to hear from you. God bless you and your endeavors..." Yes!!
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Left: Sharing at Stark County Attention Center - Middle: Presenting the Gospel through my story - Right: Is there one who wants Jesus? Yes!
Angel Tree - Just Around the Corner!
It's hard to believe, but Angel Tree applications have gone out to the prisons. Men and women inmates will be filling them out to the best of their ability. Angel Tree provides a way that they can reach out to their families during the holiday season which is so painful to child and parent alike. Last year we had 43 children and as you can see from the pictures, blessings abounded and joy over came sorrow. Best yet, I was able to share a message of hope with them as I told them about the Greatest Gift of all, Our Lord Jesus!
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Angel Tree helps to keep a pathway open for family restoration. It's a wonderful ministry and we are so blessed to be a part of it! This year I'm praying to share God's gift of love with 100 children. In order to make this possible I need to hear from you. Churches and individuals alike can share in this outreach of God's love. Please call me- 1-877-379-5422
Inmates donate for bicycles to give African Pastors!
Inmates at N.C.C.I. have once again taken on the project of raising money to purchase bicycles for pastors in Kenya and Uganda. To me the amazing thing about this is not the inmates giving so sacrificially out of their need, but instead, what they choose to give it for! They could have given to the children but instead they understood that these pastors can reach more people on bicycles than on foot with the Gospel and that the Gospel has the power within it to change a life and to give hope where there is no hope.
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The Changed Lives Ministries banquet will be held at the Amish Door Restaurant in Wilmot, Ohio (East of Wooster on 250) Only 200 seats will be available, so you may want to book your reservations early. We are also looking for 20 "Table Sponsors" who are willing to sponsor a table for $150.00 per table. Your sponsorship will be recognized on the table center pieces, during announcements and again in this newsletter. My friend and my brother in ministry, John Schmid will be the featured entertainment. To reserve early or to sponsor please call 1-877-379-5422
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