I wanted to take a moment to share with you a truly remarkable journey I've been privileged to be a part of for the past 8 years. As you may know, I am involved in prison ministry with Leading Inmates in Faith & Education or L.I.F.E., and today, I'm excited to tell you about the profound impact of the "Tremendous Book Club" within our PA State Correctional Institutions.
The Tremendous Book Club is not just about reading; it's about transformation. I'd like to share with you how books have become powerful tools for rehabilitation, personal growth, and spiritual renewal among incarcerated individuals who have already found faith.
Section 1: The Tremendous Book Club Experience In our Tremendous Book Club, we engage once a month with incarcerated men through the world of literature. Together, we read incredible books, sparking discussions that lead to life-altering insights. I've witnessed firsthand how these men are transformed, not just as readers but as individuals on a journey toward positive change.
Section 2: The Power of Reading and Rehabilitation Literacy and education are crucial for inmates seeking rehabilitation. Reading and discussion in our club provide them with a unique opportunity to acquire life skills, build empathy, and embark on a journey of personal growth.
Section 3: Faith and Redemption Faith plays a significant role in our ministry. These men have already found the Lord, and through our program, they are reinforcing their faith and embracing redemption. The stories of transformation are nothing short of inspirational.
Section 4: Preparing for Reentry Our Tremendous Book Club isn't just about life behind bars; it's about preparing these individuals for a better life upon release. They gain practical knowledge and skills that will help them become responsible and contributing citizens.
Here are two such transformed men, Lewis Lee and Gregory Womack, who share their journey in my Tremendous Leadership podcast. What a joy to get to see them pour into their new lives as free men, intent on making a real difference in the world and living what they learned in the books we shared.
And here are two notes I received last week written by men who read books donated by Tremendous Leadership:
“Dear Tracey, I already read the new book that you gave us, It Takes Less Than a Minute to Suit Up For the Lord, three times. I feel that book really speaks to me in so many different ways. I look forward to discussing it at our next meeting. The books you have been giving us have really inspired me to read and write more. I have learned through many years to thank God for the small things. God has brought me through so many trials and tribulations that I will worship Him until my last breath. What a mighty God we serve!! (Hallelujah) May God bless you until we meet again.”
“Dear Mrs. Jones, I’m not sure if you’ll get this, so I’ll make it brief. You and your book, Beyond Tremendous, have made an incredible impact on my life and I can’t thank you enough for writing it and sharing your brilliance with the world—especially ME! 😊 “
In conclusion, the Tremendous Book Club is making a tangible difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals, offering them hope and a path towards a brighter future. I invite you to learn more about prison ministry and consider how you might support or get involved.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this important work. I am deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of those behind bars, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to share this journey with you.
Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. (Hebrews 13:3)
2 comments
Dave Causer
How can we support this program
Mike Smith
Please tell me more – I work in the Correctional System in Michigan and would love to hear more about your program.