THEOTHERAPY TO COMPLETE 5TH YEAR OF PRISON MINISTRY



Luena Darr – Executive Director


Theotherapy Locations:
Murrysville, PA
Jackson, TN
Coleman, TX
Nashville, TN


Prison Initiatives:
CCA /Metro Davidson County
Detention Facility - Nashville, TN

Correctional Development Center (Female)
Nashville, TN

Turney Center Industrial Prison
Only, TN

State Correctional Institution
(SCI) Greensburg
Greensburg, PA


Mailing Address:
Theotherapy Seminars, Inc.
PO Box 82
Mill Run, PA 15464
Phone: (877) 793-7748
Fax: (412) 798-1223
Email: theotherapy@theotherapyseminars.org


Theotherapy Seminars, Inc. is a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation under the provisions of section 501 (c) (3) of the IRS code. All contributions to the ministry are tax deductible. We receive income through seminars, special gifts and proceeds from literature and tape distribution. God has met our needs in the past and we expect Him to do so in the future as we continue to do His ministry for His body. Regular financial reports are available.


Editor: Mark West
Email: theonash@bellsouth.net
It hardly seems possible that by December of this year Theotherapy Seminars will be completing five years in prison ministry. Theotherapy generally conducts two six-month programs within the course of a given year at each of its prison locations.

Beginning in January of 2002 with roughly sixty male and sixty female inmates at CCA’s Metro Davidson County Detention Facility in Nashville, the Theotherapy initiative expanded over the next five years to include three additional facilities and included the involvement of well over one thousand inmates. Of that number, approximately half have graduated from the program at least once.

After the initial venture into “Metro” (as we call it) new initiatives were launched at Correctional Development Center-Female in Nashville, SCI Greensburg in Pennsylvania and Turney Center Industrial Prison in Only, Tennessee. One prison in which we operate is privatized, one is run by the County Sheriff’s Office and two are state correctional facilities.

In November of this year, a new phase of the program at CCA was launched which offers a much more intensive program than what we have traditionally provided. Partnering with the Life Principles faith unit at CCA, the program involves approximately 60 male inmates who take the basic prison course, and another 9 who take the more advanced facilitator training course. This regimen is designed to equip them to work as facilitators while incarcerated as well as equip them for continuing to help with ministry on the outside upon release.

Within the next six months, plans are in place to begin facilitator training (PGMT) for inmates at Turney Center and SCI Greensburg.

Much has been mentioned in the news lately concerning the need for programs which actually reduce recidivism. Theotherapy has a proven track record of consistent service in the corrections environment as well as documented statistics reflecting a 14% recidivism rate for those who have completed the program and have been released back into society.

Discussion has been taking place with corrections officials about the possibility of expanding to other facilities in Pennsylvania.		    
     Correctional Development     Center Female Nashville, TN

In his press conference following the recent Senate and Congressional elections, President Bush commented on his vision for funding for faith-based initiatives. Much has happened in recent years with terrorist attacks, natural disasters and war in the Middle East which has mandated more focus upon national security.

Now more than ever it is incumbent upon Americans to pray for our country, its security, its leadership and for the vision of those governing us to remember those who are incarcerated. According to President Bush, faith-based programs offer a component the secular organizations do not have…the power of faith to change lives and belief systems in individuals who have been locked away out of sight, out of mind.

I work every week with incarcerated men and women who are highly intelligent, extremely gifted and desirous of real and lasting change in their lives. We have something they need. While “religious” programs are important and should certainly have their place in the corrections environment, programs like Theotherapy which offer both spiritual and psychological principles leading to long-term change are rare.

I say it a lot, but Theotherapy is not the only method of healing that is relevant in today’s culture. It does, however, offer one of the most balanced approaches to emotional healing and its results cannot be denied by those in the corrections community or the judiciary who are familiar with its track record.

The last five years have been exciting. The next five may reveal the makings of a yet unheard of spiritual revolution behind walls of concrete and razor wire. The winds of change are blowing. Set sail for some uncharted waters. MW
 
 
A LETTER FROM LUENA
Beloved In Christ, Our Lord and Wonderful Savior:

As I prepare to write this year-end message to you, I believe the Lord has impressed upon me a sense of urgency that we have much to do to be prepared for the days that are coming upon read more...
 
 
THEOTHERAPY LAUNCHES FIRST EVER INMATE PGMT
In November of this year, Theotherapy Seminars launched its very first facilitator training class behind prison walls! Part of Theotherapy’s vision has been to see inmates trained to facilitate and teach each other while incarcerated, so they can not only provide a safe “theotherapeutic” environment for fellow inmates, but also be prepared to serve as facilitators once read more...
 
 
THE POET'S CORNER
In this edition of the newsletter, we want to focus on the poetry of some of our SCI Greensburg inmates. Talent abounds with that group of guys and the expression of their hearts will be a blessing to you. Unfortunately, due to facility security restrictions we are not allowed to include read more...
 
 
BECOMING STRONGER EVERY DAY
Excerpts from a letter written by Alisha Glisson to Mark West, Director of Prison Programs for Theotherapy Seminars, Inc.

…I find myself praying for others more than myself all throughout the day even if I don’t know their names. I’ll just look at them and smile, praying as I do that God will bless them so that they can experience His love…asking Him to give them read more...
 
 
REFLECTIONS
One of the most rewarding aspects of ministry to the broken-hearted is hearing how their lives have been changed individually. We never truly know the long-term, eternal impact of “God’s Healing” but we can see glimpses of the progress these individual’s make. The next two read more...
 
 
REFLECTIONS
Raymond Manzanett #GB-1770

Theotherapy has helped me to take a good look at myself and my past life and also at the here and now…but there is a lot more that must be learned about myself. This program is truly a blessing and I would like to thank the men and women who take time off to come read more...