2006 Year in Review
We have experienced another year of astounding and nearly
overwhelming growth. In 2006, we distributed almost 24,000 devotionals
to prisoners and their family members. Remember just a few years ago,
we were wondering how we would handle hitting the 20,000 mark,
and since then we have far surpassed that milestone.
Scroll down the right sidebar below
to view a list of local, state and federal correctional
institutions, halfway houses, juvenile facilities and
ministries we have corresponded with in 2006.
We have experienced at least 20% increases every year since 2000.
That's the good news. But there have been challenges associated with
meeting this increase. Some of our projects have been put on hold,
including the Spanish calendar and the on-line prayer circle, in order
to simply keep up with mailings. In spite of our efforts to keep
operating cost minimal, the expense of materials and postage required to
support the program looms as the number of requests, and postage costs
continue to rise. Without additional support, our program will be
challenged to keep up with demand.
But we continue to receive confirmation that God is in control: we
finally received notification from the IRS that our application
exemption under 501(c)(3) has been approved!
So what's the next step? Think about it. I am continuing to
compile statistical data, but that information alone will not inspire
anyone to support our ministry. We must communicate our vision and seek
out others who might come to share the vision. I hope you will consider
being part of this next step in the process.
And here is a poem received in the mail this week:
"The Prayer"
Lying on my bunk at night
while everyone's asleep
As I close my eyes to think
I feel the warmth of a teardrop
rolling down my cheek
Listening to the silence
up and down the halls
feeling so sad and lonely
I hear my children's call.
I ask my Father,
Why this pain I bear?
He answers to me "Child
only because I care
I put you in this place
to keep you safe and sound
for life was getting short for you
with trouble all around.
Not to hurt your heart
Nor make you ever feel alone
for I am always with you child
through your deepest sorrow
If you don't believe in me
life is only momentary
Believe in me and it shall be Eternal
for I am the way, the word,
and the light you see
Be thankful for this pain you bear,
for I promise you always
to keep you in my care
when life doesn't seem fair
Ask and you shall receive my child,
I'm listening to all your prayers.
Amen.
Sent by Teresa Stringfellow, Dallas Co. Jail,
Peace and grace,
Rose Anne Knight
New Day in Christ Ministries, Inc.
A ministry of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church
2119 Avalon Place Houston, TX 77019
ph 713-522-7821 f 713-522-8869
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Psalm 118:24
overwhelming growth. In 2006, we distributed almost 24,000 devotionals
to prisoners and their family members. Remember just a few years ago,
we were wondering how we would handle hitting the 20,000 mark,
and since then we have far surpassed that milestone.
Scroll down the right sidebar belowto view a list of local, state and federal correctional
institutions, halfway houses, juvenile facilities and
ministries we have corresponded with in 2006.
We have experienced at least 20% increases every year since 2000.
That's the good news. But there have been challenges associated with
meeting this increase. Some of our projects have been put on hold,
including the Spanish calendar and the on-line prayer circle, in order
to simply keep up with mailings. In spite of our efforts to keep
operating cost minimal, the expense of materials and postage required to
support the program looms as the number of requests, and postage costs
continue to rise. Without additional support, our program will be
challenged to keep up with demand.
But we continue to receive confirmation that God is in control: we
finally received notification from the IRS that our application
exemption under 501(c)(3) has been approved!
So what's the next step? Think about it. I am continuing to
compile statistical data, but that information alone will not inspire
anyone to support our ministry. We must communicate our vision and seek
out others who might come to share the vision. I hope you will consider
being part of this next step in the process.
And here is a poem received in the mail this week:
"The Prayer"
Lying on my bunk at night
while everyone's asleep
As I close my eyes to think
I feel the warmth of a teardrop
rolling down my cheek
Listening to the silence
up and down the halls
feeling so sad and lonely
I hear my children's call.
I ask my Father,
Why this pain I bear?
He answers to me "Child
only because I care
I put you in this place
to keep you safe and sound
for life was getting short for you
with trouble all around.
Not to hurt your heart
Nor make you ever feel alone
for I am always with you child
through your deepest sorrow
If you don't believe in me
life is only momentary
Believe in me and it shall be Eternal
for I am the way, the word,
and the light you see
Be thankful for this pain you bear,
for I promise you always
to keep you in my care
when life doesn't seem fair
Ask and you shall receive my child,
I'm listening to all your prayers.
Amen.
Sent by Teresa Stringfellow, Dallas Co. Jail,
Peace and grace,
Rose Anne Knight
New Day in Christ Ministries, Inc.
A ministry of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church
2119 Avalon Place Houston, TX 77019
ph 713-522-7821 f 713-522-8869
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Psalm 118:24