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It's Monday, July 13th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Texas police officers vs. Christian preachers at “pride” event Today, our persecution of Christians story comes surprisingly from Texas. On June 27th, Rich Penkoski and like-minded believers spoke the truth and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a bullhorn at the Trinity Homosexual Pride Fest in Fort Worth, Texas. Not surprisingly, homosexual activists and nearby business owners complained to police about both his message and the amplification. When police responded, the officers threatened to arrest and cite the preachers, telling them that phrases like “homosexuality is a sin” were offensive. Listen to a portion of one video posted by preacher Penkoski of his interaction with a female officer. POLICE OFFICER: “If someone is offended by your talking, then we have a problem.” PREACHER: “That's a constitutional violation of our rights. If you shut us down for talking or speech …” (crosstalk) POLICE OFFICER: “No. If they are offended by speech, …” PREACHER: “I don't care if they're offended.” POLICE OFFICER: “Okay, then I'll write you a ticket, and we'll go from there.” PREACHER: “Wait, you're going to ticket us for offensive speech?” POLICE OFFICER: “Yes, absolutely.” PREACHER: “Are you serious? You're going to cite us for offensive speech.” POLICE OFFICER: “It's called disorderly conduct.” Plus, according to another video, a male police officer also said if the preacher used biologically accurate pronouns for someone pretending to be the opposite gender that also could be considered an offense. The preacher was warned that continued use of the bullhorn would violate the city's noise ordinance before ultimately receiving a disorderly conduct citation after continuing to use the device. Subsequently, the Fort Worth Police Department acknowledged that an officer made "certain statements that were not accurate," reports Fox News. In last Thursday post on X, Penkoski wrote, "Police officers have been violating preachers' 1st amendment rights for years. This isn't new, we just got it on video, and they can't walk it back or deny it.” He added, “As a street preacher, it is not my job to coddle anyone or go soft on sin. People are dying and going to hell every day and we have to warn them. … Christians need to wake up. We have got to stop sitting in the safety and comfort of our church pews and start taking the Gospel back to the streets. If we refuse to exercise our constitutional rights, we are going to lose them." In Matthew 5:13, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the Earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Homosexual couple sues surrogate who refused to abort baby with cleft lip A homosexual male couple in Canada has sued a surrogate mother who believes she is being punished because she refused a request to abort the baby after doctors detected a cleft lip and a possible heart defect, reports The Christian Post. They used a donor egg and sperm from each of the intended fathers. In a suit filed in Ontario Superior Court in May, the homosexuals allege the surrogate mother failed to keep them informed about the baby's health, caused them emotional distress, and violated their confidentiality, reports The National Post. The lawsuit came two years after the perverted couple asked her to abort the baby at 22 weeks — a request she refused. Specialists at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto later determined that the baby was otherwise healthy, except for the cosmetically fixable cleft lip. The couple accepted this assessment, agreed to continue the pregnancy, and took the baby boy home after birth. The surrogate unsuccessfully sought repayment of about $10,000 in out-of-pocket costs. Ironically, the couple filed a lawsuit for $600,000 in damages against the single mother for her failure to abort their now living son. More than 50 countries prohibit both commercial and altruistic surrogacy. And here in the United States, surrogacy laws vary by state. New video: Senator Mitch McConnell loaded into ambulance New video posted on July 10th shows Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky being loaded into an ambulance after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill home last month, reports the New York Post. McConnell has been absent from the Senate for nearly a month as he continues to recover in the hospital. The 84-year-old lawmaker is not seeking re-election this November and will retire when his term ends in January. California puts abortion pill reversal on trial Heartbeat International, a pro-life group, is on trial in a California court for daring to inform women that the effects of the Abortion Kill Pill can sometimes be reversed, reports The Washington Stand. Their attorney, Danielle White, said, “Women deserve to know all of their options. They don't lose that right after beginning a chemical abortion.” In 2023, Democratic California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued Heartbeat and a pro-life pregnancy center for “advertising Abortion Pill Reversal as safe and effective.” Factually speaking, the abortion pill reversal protocol simply requires the use of the natural hormone progesterone which is both safe and helps save 65% of the babies. Bonta asked the court to impose a penalty of more than $20 million against Heartbeat and $600,000 against the pregnancy center. That would amount to a financial death sentence for the pro-life non-profits. The case went to a bench trial on June 24, 2026, and the trial may continue for another three weeks. Thomas More Society's Paul Jonna said, “A ruling in California's favor would hand attorneys general across the country a roadmap to penalize any non-profit organization that provides women with information the state disagrees with. If the [California] Attorney General prevails and our clients cannot deliver free, truthful, and lifesaving information to women who request it, then countless babies that could survive may not — and countless women may never meet the children that they wanted to carry to term.” Marriage advocate Mike McManus entered Heaven On a personal note, my father, Mike McManus, entered the gates of Heaven on July 5th at the age of 85 in Nashville, Tennessee. Standing at 6'8” tall, he might have had to duck to walk through. To be sure, Dad had a God-sized vision to make a difference. After graduating from Duke University, he was employed at Time Magazine where he was stationed in Bueno Aires, Argentina and later covered President Lyndon Johnson at the White House, writing two cover stories. In 1973, my Dad organized a public participation campaign, “Choices for ‘76” to engage 10 percent of the 20 million people of the New York Metropolitan region in policy issues as the U.S. approached its Bicentennial. The project aimed to spark public debate through a series of television town meetings on issues like housing, transportation, the environment, poverty and urban growth. After becoming informed, citizens were invited to express their opinion on possible public policy tradeoffs, using ballots available in newspapers, banks and libraries. Then, he wrote two self-syndicated weekly newspaper columns which appeared in 100 newspapers. The first, called “Solutions,” was politically focused and offered practical public policy suggestions. The second, “Ethics & Religion,” was inspired by the preaching of Pastor Terry Fullam of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Darien, Connecticut. It grappled with church news and moral issues like abortion, pornography, and the homosexual agenda. I remember helping him copy, collate, stuff, stamp, address, and seal the envelopes to send out his weekly columns to newspaper editors across the country before the advent of the internet and email. We were always racing to the post office to get there before the deadline at 11pm at night. In 1993, he published his first book Marriage Savers: Helping Your Friends and Family Stay Married. Other books included 50 Practical Ways to Take Our Kids Back from the World and Living Together: Myths, Risks and Answers. In a 2013 phone interview on American Family Radio, Dad talked about the major myth that women believe about living together. MIKE McMANUS: “One of the myths, believed widely by women, is that ‘'If I live with him, he's going to see how wonderful I am, and he'll ask me to marry him.' But he knows that this woman would marry him if he asked her. He's living together with her because he doesn't want to get married. He wants the sex, he wants the companionship, and the shared rent. But he doesn't want to get married. “She believes this myth until about a year and a half, two years into the relationship, when she realizes he's not going to ask her to marry him, and she sadly walks away. Unfortunately, by that time they may have already had a child. The unwed birth rate has risen right along with cohabitation. “This is an unbiblical position, of course. I mean, the church has been silent on the problem, and it's part of the problem.” Cognizant of the clarity of Malachi 2:16 in which God says He “hates divorce,” my father's passion on the issue led to his founding of the non-profit Marriage Savers with my mother, Harriet, to whom he was married for 61 years and whom he simply adored. He said, “Most divorces are filed by one person who alleges incompatibility, while the other spouse wants to save the marriage. Sadly, divorce is always granted. When adultery or abuse is not alleged, divorce should only be granted if there is 'mutual consent' by husband and wife. What was entered into by two people, should not be ended, unless both people agree." They organized 10,000 pastors in 229 cities in 43 states to sign a Community Marriage Policy agreement that established rigorous premarital preparation for engaged couples and trained volunteer mentor couples to help people in troubled marriages. The Baptist Press reported that the divorce rate in those cities dropped by 17.5%. Think about the heartache that saved untold families and children! Their work led to appearances on ABC World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, CBN News, The O'Reilly Factor, The Ricki Lake Show, Breakpoint with Chuck Colson, Focus on the Family with Dr. James Dobson, Truths that Transform with D. James Kennedy, and Moody Radio's Janet Parshall. I treasure the books that Dr. Dobson personally inscribed to my father as a fellow warrior for the family that are now in my library. And Chuck Colson, President Richard Nixon's former hatchet man who was gloriously saved on his way to prison over Watergate and founded Prison Fellowship, wrote the forward to one of Dad's books after their friendship blossomed. Having always aspired to live on the water, he eventually moved into his dream home with his bride in Kilmarnock, Virginia, just 50 feet from Indian Creek that fed into the Chesapeake Bay. A great day for him was enjoying the view from his leather chair, reading the paper, listening to classical music, and talking with my mother, who was his great joy. My father taught me how to write clearly and think Biblically. I remember him quizzing us three boys at the dining room table about current events. And he was a faithful husband who pointed the family to faith in Jesus Christ, His legacy lives on in my two younger brothers, John and Tim, and in me, as I strive, with my bride Amy, to disciple Honor, Mercy, and Valor in the ways of the Lord, urging them not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds in the Word of God, as Romans 12:2 articulates. 9 Worldview listeners gave $2,055 And finally, toward our $30,875 goal during the first full week of our month-long fundraiser, 9 listeners stepped up to the plate by 10:30pm Central on Saturday and invested their treasure to fund the six-member team behind The Worldview for another 365 days. Our thanks to 12-year-old Halen in Blum, Texas who gave $5 as well as Mark in Newark, Ohio and Brigitte in Brookings, South Dakota – both of whom gave $25. We're grateful to God for Julie in Victoria, Texas who gave $50, Dirk in Englewood, Colorado who gave $100, and Twyla in Ellensburg, Washington who gave $150. And we were touched by the generosity of Jason in Calhoun, Georgia who gave $200, Elaine here in San Antonio, Texas who gave $500, and Stephen in California, Maryland who gave $1,000. Those 9 gifts add up to $2,055. Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please. (drum roll sound effect) $23,098 (sound effect of people cheering) That means, in all candor, we missed last Friday's goal by $7,777. Please, do not wait until the last minute. Every gift gets us closer to our $123,500 goal by July 31st. So far, out of our tens of thousands of listeners, the most people who have donated in a single day is 15 people. Help us double that. Will you be one of 30 to step up? Make a donation today to help us hit our $56,565 goal by this Friday, July 17th. We need to find 7 Worldview listeners who will pledge $100/month for 12 months or give a one-time gift of $1,200, 20 folks who will pledge $50/month or give a one-time gift of $600 and 40 listeners who will pledge $25/month or give a one-time gift of $300. Go to TheWorldview.com, click on Give, select the dollar amount, and make sure to click on the “recurring” button if that's your wish. What has the Lord placed on your heart to give? Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, July 13th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
Money, power, and success promise fulfillment but leave a deep emptiness. On today's edition of Family Talk, we revisit a timeless conversation Dr. James Dobson had with his dear friend, Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship and former aide to President Richard Nixon. They discuss Chuck's book, The Good Life, and how prison and brokenness led him to discover that real meaning comes from giving your life away. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1091/29?v=20251111
Money, power, and success promise fulfillment but leave a deep emptiness. On today's edition of Family Talk, we revisit a timeless conversation Dr. James Dobson had with his dear friend, Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship and former aide to President Richard Nixon. They discuss Chuck's book, The Good Life, and how prison and brokenness led him to discover that real meaning comes from giving your life away. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1091/29?v=20251111
Summer camp can be a life-changing experience—but for children with an incarcerated parent, it can be so much more. Brian Fromm talks with Steve Collins, Senior Program Manager of Angel Tree Camping at Prison Fellowship, about how Christian summer camps are bringing hope, healing, and the love of Christ to thousands of children across the country. Steve explains the unique challenges these children face, why trauma-informed care is essential, and how a single week at camp can build confidence, foster belonging, and introduce kids to the transforming message of the gospel. They also discuss the lasting value of Christian camping for all children and how listeners can support this important ministry. Learn more about Angel Tree Camping and Prison Fellowship's work with families impacted by incarceration at PrisonFellowship.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Money, power, and success promise fulfillment but leave a deep emptiness. On today's edition of Family Talk, we revisit a timeless conversation Dr. James Dobson had with his dear friend, Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship and former aide to President Richard Nixon. They discuss Chuck's book, The Good Life, and how prison and brokenness led him to discover that real meaning comes from giving your life away. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29?v=20251111
What does it mean to remember those in prison—and why should Christians care?In this episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, Ben Quine sits down with Heather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, to discuss the biblical call to justice, mercy, and restoring lives through the hope of the gospel.Heather shares how Prison Fellowship is serving incarcerated men and women, supporting correctional staff and families, equipping churches, and advocating for meaningful second chances through biblical justice.In this episode:Why Hebrews 13:3 still matters todayThe impact of Prison Fellowship AcademyHow Angel Tree strengthens familiesThe role of Christians in justice reformPractical ways to serve those impacted by incarcerationWhether you've considered prison ministry before or not, this conversation offers a compelling reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.Learn more:PrisonFellowship.orgConnect with Christians Engaged:ChristiansEngaged.orgTake the PledgeCE Academy```
We are all tempted to treat spiritual growth like a creativity problem. If we just find the newest program, the smartest strategy, or the flashiest outreach idea, then the church will finally “work.” But Paul, writing from a prison cell in 2 Timothy, points Timothy and us back to something far simpler and far more powerful: the method is already written, and the strength to live it comes from grace.We walk through 2 Timothy 2:1-2 and talk honestly about what it looks like to keep serving when ministry feels costly, when fear shows up, and when you are tired of trying to get it right. Paul's command is not “try harder.” It is “be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” That single line reshapes discipleship, spiritual formation, and Christian leadership because it anchors our obedience in identity. Then we move to the multiplication model of disciple making: what you receive, you entrust to faithful men and women who will teach others also. Four generations in one verse.To prove this is not theory, we trace how the Great Commission reaches “the ends of the earth,” tell a surprising chain of influence that runs from Puritan writers to Prison Fellowship, and even run the numbers on why personal discipleship outpaces big events. We also give practical next steps for finding someone to pour into you and for starting to disciple someone else in everyday life.If this challenges you, share it with a friend, subscribe so you do not miss the rest of A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus, and leave a review to help more people find biblical discipleship that actually multiplies.
From 2019 to 2023, Jermaine Wilson served two terms as mayor of his hometown of Leavenworth, Kansas—an amazing achievement considering that only a decade earlier, he had finished serving several years in prison. In this week's episode Jermaine talks with Nate Dewberry about his life journey, from his “hopeless” upbringing surrounded by poverty and crime to his spiritual awakening in prison to his current work with Prison Fellowship, the country's largest nonprofit Christian ministry serving the incarcerated and their families. Whether or not you have any kind of criminal record, you'll benefit from hearing Jermaine's wise counsel about fatherhood, finding forgiveness and acceptance, and transcending victimhood to live a mature, responsible, fulfilling life in the identity Christ has for each of us.Segments/chapters0:00 Intro/Jermaine's “hopeless” childhood3:00 Jermaine's seasons of incarceration8:09 Finding community in Prison Fellowship16:52 What Jermaine's post-release life looks like now21:15 Words of wisdom for fathers inside or outside prison walls24:36 Challenges in the transition to post-prison life31:12 Fostering unity and community in a time of discord38:09 Closing thoughts: What does redemption mean to you?Find community, deepen your faith, join the brotherhood for free today at theredeemed.com/join.Visit The Redeemed's website for downloadable discussion question sets, show notes, inspirational articles, more resources, or to share your testimony.Join our Exclusive Newsletter: Signup today and be the first to get notified on upcoming podcasts and new resources!The Redeemed is an organization giving men from all backgrounds a supportive, judgment-free environment, grounded in Christian love without demanding participation in any faith tradition, where they can open up about their challenges, worries, and failures—and celebrate their triumphs over those struggles.Starting Point: https://theredeemed.com/spJoin the Community: https://theredeemed.com/jointrHave a redemption story? Share your redemption story here.Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Email Nate@theredeemed.comFollow The Redeemed on Social Media: PodcastYouTubeFacebook...
Jermaine Wilson learned how to be a father in prison. Born into a generational cycle of incarceration — his mother was 15 when she had her first child, his father in and out of his life — Jermaine committed his first crime at 12 and was sentenced to three years for drug possession at 20, leaving behind an eight-month-old son. Ahead of Father's Day, he shares with Brian From how Prison Fellowship's discipleship program and Angel Tree gift initiative became the turning point: a single Christmas present, delivered on his behalf by a local church, reconnected him with his son after months of silence and reopened a relationship he thought might be lost for good. Jermaine talks candidly about learning to depend on his Heavenly Father in order to become a present, prayerful father himself, and about his current work as Mission Ambassador for Prison Fellowship, advocating for second chances and ministering to incarcerated men and women across the country. His message to any dad who feels like he's already failed: God doesn't make mistakes, He makes miracles — and as long as you have breath, it's not too late to show up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk so much about the freedom we have in Jesus Christ—but what does that freedom look like for someone who is incarcerated? President and CEO Heather Rice-Minus, Prison Fellowship, shares how you can help bring Gospel freedom to those in prison.
Where is God in the middle of our pain and brokenness? Where is God in our trauma and tragedy? That's a real question that Jermaine Wilson had to face as a young man in his 20s – facing years in prison, and months in complete isolation. Jermaine's avoidance of his pain, led him down a life of more pain – facing prison at the age of 15. He spent over seven years in prison, much of that in complete isolation – where he was FORCED to face his pain in a way many will never have to. Where is God in the middle of our pain? Where is God when we cry out to him in our lowest moments? Does He even hear us? Does He even care? Jermaine's story of pain and wrestling with God will challenge you, and it will bring you to tears to see the hand of God in the middle of some serious and heart-wrenching pain. You will see God show up in ways you couldn't have imagined – and it will give you hope in your own pain. Jermaine's story is a reminder of the pain and brokenness that's happening every day behind closed doors – and a powerful look at the church INSIDE and what God is doing even in the most darkest places. Friends, this on-air counseling session is especially meaningful to my heart – because my family and I are spending the weekend serving with Prison Fellowship at their Angel Tree Sports Camp, and getting a front row seat into what God is doing in some of the most difficult pain people are enduring. Consider learning more about Prison Fellowship and supporting their incredible, life-changing ministry HERE. The Debra Fileta Counselors Network: Book a counseling session at the Debra Fileta Counselors Network and get started on your healing journey from the inside out TODAY! DEBRA FILETA is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, and founder of the Debra Fileta Counselors Network. She is the bestselling author of eight books including Choosing Marriage, Are You Really OK?, RESET, and Soul Care. Debra is the host of the popular podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Talk To Me where she facilitates on-air authentic counseling-style sessions with notable pastors and leaders. You may also recognize her voice from her appearances on national television and radio, including Better Together, The Kirk Cameron Show, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, and many others. She reaches millions of people each year with the message of mental, emotional, and relational health. Connect with her on Instagram or at DebraFileta.com.
by Stephen Smith on the 31 May 2026
Did you know that 50% of us have a family member or friend who has some kind of criminal record? It’s the unspoken secret not many of us know how to negotiate–largely because of the shame, confusion, and hurt that goes along with it. What happens to the families left behind when someone goes to prison? In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Heather Rice-Minus, CEO of Prison Fellowship, to talk about incarceration, shame, second chances, and the transforming power of Jesus. Heather shares powerful stories of hope, restoration, and what it really looks like to walk alongside people impacted by prison. We talk about the misconceptions many Christians have about incarceration, how churches can better support hurting families, and why no one is beyond redemption. This conversation challenged me deeply, and I think it will encourage you, too. And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode! Xo, Donna Key Takeaways: 0:01:12 - Unexpected Calling to Prison Ministry 0:05:55 - Prison Fellowship’s 50-Year Mission 0:09:00 - Angel Tree: Serving Children of the Incarcerated 0:16:49 - Shattering Shame and “Us vs. Them” 0:22:31 - What Actually Works: Deep Discipleship & The Academy What We Talk About Heather’s unexpected journey from law school to prison ministry The incredible origin story of Prison Fellowship and Chuck Colson How incarceration impacts entire families, not just the individual behind bars The life-changing impact of Angel Tree for children with incarcerated parents Shame, silence, and why so many families suffer alone Common misconceptions Christians have about prison ministry What true rehabilitation and transformation really require The importance of discipleship, accountability, and community How churches can become places of restoration and welcome Practical ways listeners can get involved and make a difference What Actually Helps People Change Heather shared several key elements that lead to lasting transformation for incarcerated individuals: Consistent Discipleship Real change takes time, accountability, and spiritual growth—not one emotional moment. Healthy Community People need relationships that model integrity, restoration, and healthy living. Biblical Worldview Replacement Criminal thinking patterns must be replaced with truth, purpose, and identity in Christ. Long-Term Investment Transformation happens through sustained support, mentoring, and coaching. Second Chances Rooted in Grace The Gospel reminds us that no person is beyond redemption. Donna’s Resources: Order a copy of my latest book - Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God. It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith. Connect with Heather: Website: https://www.prisonfellowship.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PFMinistries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prisonfellowship/ Let’s Connect: Instagram: @donnaajones Website: www.donnajones.org Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Heather Rice-Minus is the President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest ministry serving those impacted by incarceration. With a background in law, public policy, and justice reform, Heather has dedicated her career to helping people encounter hope, dignity, and restoration through faith and community. Through her leadership, Prison Fellowship continues to expand its mission of supporting incarcerated individuals, their families, and the churches and volunteers who walk alongside them. In this episode, Brad and Heather Rice-Minus explore the mission and impact of Prison Fellowship, the organization founded by Chuck Colson after his experience in prison following Watergate. Heather shares her journey from seeing herself as a secondary leader to stepping into the role of CEO, along with the importance of mentorship, vision, and empowering others. The conversation dives into prison ministry, Angel Tree, justice reform, leadership development, generosity, and the powerful ways lives can be transformed through faith, presence, and purpose. "Sometimes the people you least expect to teach you about grace are the very people who understand it most deeply." – Heather Rice-Minus "Leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It is about equipping others to thrive and succeed." – Heather Rice-Minus "We are not just serving people impacted by incarceration. We are witnessing God transform lives both inside and outside prison walls." – Heather Rice-Minus This Week on The Wow Factor: Heather's journey from policy work and law school to leading Prison Fellowship How mentorship and encouragement helped Heather step into leadership The origin story of Prison Fellowship and Chuck Colson's transformation after Watergate The impact of Angel Tree and supporting children with incarcerated parents Why prison ministry is about presence, dignity, and restoration The role churches play in serving families impacted by incarceration Heather's vision for the future of Prison Fellowship and the next generation of leaders Heather Rice-Minus' Word of Wisdom: Do not underestimate the power of vision, encouragement, and showing up consistently for people. Leadership is about helping others discover their purpose, staying faithful to the mission in front of you, and continuing to point people toward hope, restoration, and lasting impact. Connect With Prison Fellowship: Prison Fellowship Website Prison Fellowship Facebook Prison Fellowship Instagram Prison Fellowship YouTube Connect With Heather Rice-Minus: Heather Rice-Minus on LinkedIn Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on X
In this episode, Gem sits down with Heather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, to explore what it means to follow Jesus in places that are complex, urgent, and often overlooked. Heather shares how her calling into justice and prison ministry unfolded, from advocacy work that helped shape the First Step Act to her current leadership of one of the most influential prison ministries in the world. But this conversation goes beyond her role and into her life with God. Together, they reflect on what she has learned from those who are incarcerated, how proximity to suffering reshapes our understanding of people and of God, and what Jesus may have meant when he said, “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” They also explore the tension between urgency and presence, and how an unhurried life is not only possible, but necessary, even in work that carries real weight. If you care deeply about making a difference but feel tired, stretched, or unsure how to keep going, this conversation offers a grounded and hopeful way forward. You’ll also hear: The unexpected discovery of joy among the incarcerated. Transformational leadership in the prison system. How slowing down can actually strengthen your leadership. This is a conversation about justice, leadership, and the kind of life that can sustain both. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
What if the very scandal that derailed your life could become holy ground? Chuck Colson's Watergate disgrace led to seven months in prison—and the birth of Prison Fellowship, now celebrating 50 years of transforming lives behind bars. Pastor Mark reveals how God turns our deepest failures into testimonies, just like Ebed Melech who risked everything to pull Jeremiah from a muddy cistern. In our gotcha culture, we're called to be rope holders, not those who cancel and condemn. Don't miss this powerful reminder that you're one decision away from a totally different life—dive in now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Mentioned in today's Episode:- Dad Tired One Dy Conferences - Attend the Annual Retreat- Become a Dad Tired Partner- Shop the Dad Tired Store- Prison FellowshipMost men carry a story they're ashamed of.Bad decisions.A past they wish they could erase.A quiet fear that maybe they've already messed things up too badly.Jermaine Wilson knows that feeling.By 15 he was in juvenile corrections.By 19 he was in prison again… holding his baby son and wondering if he would ever become the man his family needed.But prison became the place where everything changed.Through the gospel, brotherhood, and the grace of God, Jermaine's life was completely transformed. Today he's a father, grandfather, leader with Prison Fellowship… and even served as mayor of the city where he was once incarcerated.If you've ever wondered whether God can redeem your story, this episode is for you.
Thursday, March 12, 2026 Join our host, Kerby Anderson as he brings us today's show. His first guest is Heather Rice-Minus. They'll talk about Prison Ministry. Then Kerby welcomes back long time friend Gary Bauer. They'll discuss a life in politics. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions […]
Victory Over Sin is a show hosted by Mark Renick that addresses issues pertaining to returning citizens and the challenges they face coming out of incarceration. Victory Over Sin airs Saturdays at 12:30 pm. On 94.5 FM and 790 AM KSPD Boise's Solid Talkhttps://svdpid.org/advocacy-systemicchangeofid/https://www.imsihopecommunityphaseii.com/IMSI HOPE COMMUNITY PHASE II can also be found on facebook as well as Instagram and Youtube. Correspondence can be directed to: Address: 1775 W. State St., #191, Boise, Idaho 83702Phone: 208-629-8861 Podcast Website: https://www.790kspd.com/podcast-victory-over-sin/
Church Online February 08th 2026 Richard Boonstra Prison Fellowship Australia by WDBC
Brian From speaks with Heather Rice-Minus, the president and CEO of Prison Fellowship, as they celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary. They discuss the mission of Prison Fellowship, its founding by Chuck Colson, the spiritual revivals occurring within prisons, and the future initiatives aimed at supporting incarcerated individuals and their families. Heather emphasizes the importance of church involvement in these efforts and the holistic approach Prison Fellowship takes to address the complexities of crime and incarceration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Guest: Heather Rice-MinusMinistry: Prison FellowshipPosition: President & CEOTopic: a review of 50 years of the ministry of Prison Fellowship and the core principles of the Founder, the late Chuck Colson, and comments on the current work of the ministryWebsite: prisonfellowship.org
The biggest outreach for Prison Fellowship each year is Angel Tree. The Bow Tie Guy talks to a group of ladies who hosted an Angel Tree party this year.
Today, we explore the surprising vitality of faith among the incarcerated, how Prison Fellowship's Academy cuts recidivism by over 50%, and the urgent need for restorative justice in the United States with Heather Rice-Minus, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship.Want to get involved? Discover opportunities at https://prisonfellowship.org/ or participate in the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree ministry this Christmas through a local church in your area.
Guest: Josh HubbardMinistry: Prison FellowshipPosition: Director of Church PartnershipsTopic: information about the effectiveness of the Angel Tree program, providing Christmas gifts for children with an incarcerated parent in his/her name and in the name of the LordWebsite: prisonfellowship.org
Guest: Josh HubbardMinistry: Prison FellowshipPosition: Director of Church PartnershipsTopic: information about the effectiveness of the Angel Tree program, providing Christmas gifts for children with an incarcerated parent in his/her name and in the name of the LordWebsite: prisonfellowship.org
Brian From sits down with Betsy Wright, Senior Director of Angel Tree at Prison Fellowship, to explore how this Christ-centered program supports children with incarcerated parents during the Christmas season. Wright explains how Angel Tree strengthens family bonds, breaks cycles of trauma, and connects hurting families with local churches for ongoing care. Their conversation highlights the powerful work God is doing inside prisons and in communities beyond the bars—and how anyone can get involved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this special edition of The Reconnect, Jermaine Wilson, Justice Ambassador for Prison Fellowship, shares his story of how God redeemed his life from crime and drugs through Prison Fellowship, how he went on to be mayor of Leavenworth, KS. Now he serves as with Prison Fellowship. It's our End of Year Fundraiser today! The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here
Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal today!In today’s episode of the Praying Christian Women Podcast, we’re joined by Tammy Franklin, a woman whose extraordinary story embodies the power of redemption and God’s relentless grace.Nearly 200,000 women in America are behind bars today, many carrying the heavy burdens of trauma, shame, and brokenness. Tammy knows that world firsthand. Once trapped in addiction and incarceration, Tammy cried out one simple prayer: “God, help me.” That desperate plea became the turning point that changed everything.Now, years later, Tammy oversees Prison Fellowship’s correctional programs across the South Central U.S., helping women discover the same hope and healing that transformed her life.In this powerful conversation, Tammy shares her journey from trauma and addiction to freedom and faith, and why no story – no matter how broken – is ever beyond God’s redemption.Whether you’re walking through your own valley or praying for someone who is, Tammy’s story will remind you that God absolutely can create beauty out of ashes.Learn more about how you can get involved in prison ministry at prisonfellowship.org. Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
The grandson of Al Capone’s barber and a former Benedictine Monk, Pastor Smarto has pastored several congregations and was a college professor for years; as well as working professionally with prisoners and ex-offenders for over three decades. He is known nationally as a keynote conference speaker, speaking about restorative justice, prisoner aftercare, and the educational methods most effective with prisoners. He was honored to speak at the Prisoner Reentry White House Conference in November of ‘07. Don’s research has led to meetings with judges and wardens in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Russia, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. He was NGO Delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Treatment of Offenders in Milan, Italy in ‘85 and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Attorney General Edwin Meese. As a nationwide consultant, Don Smarto has played a key role in the development of ex-offender programs. He is the Chairman of prison ministry collaborations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and has been a consultant to the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System in the area of mentoring. a Quoted in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, L. A. Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, and the Washington Post about gangs, school shootings, prison conditions, and prison reform, Don Smarto has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows. His professional experiences have included: Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of a Maximum Security Facility, Director of an Adolescent Offender Drug Treatment Program (featured nationally on NBC News), and Director of an Ex-Offender Transition Program (which included mentoring/counseling/education). Don trained probation officers for four years at Sangamon State University (Illinois), and taught criminal justice courses at Wheaton College and Trinity University (Illinois) for twelve years. He has authored 16 books. Three of which are about restorative justice that became college text books. Smarto has also authored national magazine articles and contributed to several reference works in psychology and sociology. As member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) for twenty-seven years, Don frequently presents conference workshops. He is a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has received numerous awards. Don Smarto also ministered for years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and served on Illinois Governor Edgar's Gang Task Force, Attorney General Ryan's Council on Child Abuse, and the DuPage County Board's Blue Ribbon Commission on Jail Overcrowding (author of the final report). As a leader, this man of God has been the President of three national organizations including the Institute of Prison Ministries, where he led a research team of sociologists studying programs affecting recidivism. He has visited over 1200 prisons in 12 countries and has ministered with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. Don Smarto has also hosted a daily Dallas radio show called Parenting Today's Youth with 29,000 listeners each day. For more information, go find some of his articles at youthdirect.org and check out his multiple books on Amazon.
The grandson of Al Capone’s barber and a former Benedictine Monk, Pastor Smarto has pastored several congregations and was a college professor for years; as well as working professionally with prisoners and ex-offenders for over three decades. He is known nationally as a keynote conference speaker, speaking about restorative justice, prisoner aftercare, and the educational methods most effective with prisoners. He was honored to speak at the Prisoner Reentry White House Conference in November of ‘07. Don’s research has led to meetings with judges and wardens in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Russia, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. He was NGO Delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Treatment of Offenders in Milan, Italy in ‘85 and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Attorney General Edwin Meese. As a nationwide consultant, Don Smarto has played a key role in the development of ex-offender programs. He is the Chairman of prison ministry collaborations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and has been a consultant to the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System in the area of mentoring. a Quoted in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, L. A. Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, and the Washington Post about gangs, school shootings, prison conditions, and prison reform, Don Smarto has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows. His professional experiences have included: Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of a Maximum Security Facility, Director of an Adolescent Offender Drug Treatment Program (featured nationally on NBC News), and Director of an Ex-Offender Transition Program (which included mentoring/counseling/education). Don trained probation officers for four years at Sangamon State University (Illinois), and taught criminal justice courses at Wheaton College and Trinity University (Illinois) for twelve years. He has authored 16 books. Three of which are about restorative justice that became college text books. Smarto has also authored national magazine articles and contributed to several reference works in psychology and sociology. As member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) for twenty-seven years, Don frequently presents conference workshops. He is a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has received numerous awards. Don Smarto also ministered for years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and served on Illinois Governor Edgar's Gang Task Force, Attorney General Ryan's Council on Child Abuse, and the DuPage County Board's Blue Ribbon Commission on Jail Overcrowding (author of the final report). As a leader, this man of God has been the President of three national organizations including the Institute of Prison Ministries, where he led a research team of sociologists studying programs affecting recidivism. He has visited over 1200 prisons in 12 countries and has ministered with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. Don Smarto has also hosted a daily Dallas radio show called Parenting Today's Youth with 29,000 listeners each day. For more information, go find some of his articles at youthdirect.org and check out his multiple books on Amazon.
The grandson of Al Capone’s barber and a former Benedictine Monk, Pastor Smarto has pastored several congregations and was a college professor for years; as well as working professionally with prisoners and ex-offenders for over three decades. He is known nationally as a keynote conference speaker, speaking about restorative justice, prisoner aftercare, and the educational methods most effective with prisoners. He was honored to speak at the Prisoner Reentry White House Conference in November of ‘07. Don’s research has led to meetings with judges and wardens in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Russia, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. He was NGO Delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Treatment of Offenders in Milan, Italy in ‘85 and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Attorney General Edwin Meese. As a nationwide consultant, Don Smarto has played a key role in the development of ex-offender programs. He is the Chairman of prison ministry collaborations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and has been a consultant to the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System in the area of mentoring. a Quoted in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, L. A. Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, and the Washington Post about gangs, school shootings, prison conditions, and prison reform, Don Smarto has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows. His professional experiences have included: Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of a Maximum Security Facility, Director of an Adolescent Offender Drug Treatment Program (featured nationally on NBC News), and Director of an Ex-Offender Transition Program (which included mentoring/counseling/education). Don trained probation officers for four years at Sangamon State University (Illinois), and taught criminal justice courses at Wheaton College and Trinity University (Illinois) for twelve years. He has authored 16 books. Three of which are about restorative justice that became college text books. Smarto has also authored national magazine articles and contributed to several reference works in psychology and sociology. As member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) for twenty-seven years, Don frequently presents conference workshops. He is a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has received numerous awards. Don Smarto also ministered for years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and served on Illinois Governor Edgar's Gang Task Force, Attorney General Ryan's Council on Child Abuse, and the DuPage County Board's Blue Ribbon Commission on Jail Overcrowding (author of the final report). As a leader, this man of God has been the President of three national organizations including the Institute of Prison Ministries, where he led a research team of sociologists studying programs affecting recidivism. He has visited over 1200 prisons in 12 countries and has ministered with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. Don Smarto has also hosted a daily Dallas radio show called Parenting Today's Youth with 29,000 listeners each day. For more information, go find some of his articles at youthdirect.org and check out his multiple books on Amazon.
The grandson of Al Capone’s barber and a former Benedictine Monk, Pastor Smarto has pastored several congregations and was a college professor for years; as well as working professionally with prisoners and ex-offenders for over three decades. He is known nationally as a keynote conference speaker, speaking about restorative justice, prisoner aftercare, and the educational methods most effective with prisoners. He was honored to speak at the Prisoner Reentry White House Conference in November of ‘07. Don’s research has led to meetings with judges and wardens in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Russia, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. He was NGO Delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Treatment of Offenders in Milan, Italy in ‘85 and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Attorney General Edwin Meese. As a nationwide consultant, Don Smarto has played a key role in the development of ex-offender programs. He is the Chairman of prison ministry collaborations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and has been a consultant to the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System in the area of mentoring. a Quoted in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, L. A. Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, and the Washington Post about gangs, school shootings, prison conditions, and prison reform, Don Smarto has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows. His professional experiences have included: Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of a Maximum Security Facility, Director of an Adolescent Offender Drug Treatment Program (featured nationally on NBC News), and Director of an Ex-Offender Transition Program (which included mentoring/counseling/education). Don trained probation officers for four years at Sangamon State University (Illinois), and taught criminal justice courses at Wheaton College and Trinity University (Illinois) for twelve years. He has authored 16 books. Three of which are about restorative justice that became college text books. Smarto has also authored national magazine articles and contributed to several reference works in psychology and sociology. As member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) for twenty-seven years, Don frequently presents conference workshops. He is a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has received numerous awards. Don Smarto also ministered for years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and served on Illinois Governor Edgar's Gang Task Force, Attorney General Ryan's Council on Child Abuse, and the DuPage County Board's Blue Ribbon Commission on Jail Overcrowding (author of the final report). As a leader, this man of God has been the President of three national organizations including the Institute of Prison Ministries, where he led a research team of sociologists studying programs affecting recidivism. He has visited over 1200 prisons in 12 countries and has ministered with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. Don Smarto has also hosted a daily Dallas radio show called Parenting Today's Youth with 29,000 listeners each day. For more information, go find some of his articles at youthdirect.org and check out his multiple books on Amazon.
The grandson of Al Capone’s barber and a former Benedictine Monk, Pastor Smarto has pastored several congregations and was a college professor for years; as well as working professionally with prisoners and ex-offenders for over three decades. He is known nationally as a keynote conference speaker, speaking about restorative justice, prisoner aftercare, and the educational methods most effective with prisoners. He was honored to speak at the Prisoner Reentry White House Conference in November of ‘07. Don’s research has led to meetings with judges and wardens in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Russia, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. He was NGO Delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Treatment of Offenders in Milan, Italy in ‘85 and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Attorney General Edwin Meese. As a nationwide consultant, Don Smarto has played a key role in the development of ex-offender programs. He is the Chairman of prison ministry collaborations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and has been a consultant to the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System in the area of mentoring. a Quoted in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, L. A. Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, and the Washington Post about gangs, school shootings, prison conditions, and prison reform, Don Smarto has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows. His professional experiences have included: Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of a Maximum Security Facility, Director of an Adolescent Offender Drug Treatment Program (featured nationally on NBC News), and Director of an Ex-Offender Transition Program (which included mentoring/counseling/education). Don trained probation officers for four years at Sangamon State University (Illinois), and taught criminal justice courses at Wheaton College and Trinity University (Illinois) for twelve years. He has authored 16 books. Three of which are about restorative justice that became college text books. Smarto has also authored national magazine articles and contributed to several reference works in psychology and sociology. As member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) for twenty-seven years, Don frequently presents conference workshops. He is a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has received numerous awards. Don Smarto also ministered for years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and served on Illinois Governor Edgar's Gang Task Force, Attorney General Ryan's Council on Child Abuse, and the DuPage County Board's Blue Ribbon Commission on Jail Overcrowding (author of the final report). As a leader, this man of God has been the President of three national organizations including the Institute of Prison Ministries, where he led a research team of sociologists studying programs affecting recidivism. He has visited over 1200 prisons in 12 countries and has ministered with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. Don Smarto has also hosted a daily Dallas radio show called Parenting Today's Youth with 29,000 listeners each day. For more information, go find some of his articles at youthdirect.org and check out his multiple books on Amazon.
The grandson of Al Capone’s barber and a former Benedictine Monk, Pastor Smarto has pastored several congregations and was a college professor for years; as well as working professionally with prisoners and ex-offenders for over three decades. He is known nationally as a keynote conference speaker, speaking about restorative justice, prisoner aftercare, and the educational methods most effective with prisoners. He was honored to speak at the Prisoner Reentry White House Conference in November of ‘07. Don’s research has led to meetings with judges and wardens in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Russia, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. He was NGO Delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Treatment of Offenders in Milan, Italy in ‘85 and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Attorney General Edwin Meese. As a nationwide consultant, Don Smarto has played a key role in the development of ex-offender programs. He is the Chairman of prison ministry collaborations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and has been a consultant to the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System in the area of mentoring. a Quoted in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, L. A. Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, and the Washington Post about gangs, school shootings, prison conditions, and prison reform, Don Smarto has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows. His professional experiences have included: Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of a Maximum Security Facility, Director of an Adolescent Offender Drug Treatment Program (featured nationally on NBC News), and Director of an Ex-Offender Transition Program (which included mentoring/counseling/education). Don trained probation officers for four years at Sangamon State University (Illinois), and taught criminal justice courses at Wheaton College and Trinity University (Illinois) for twelve years. He has authored 16 books. Three of which are about restorative justice that became college text books. Smarto has also authored national magazine articles and contributed to several reference works in psychology and sociology. As member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) for twenty-seven years, Don frequently presents conference workshops. He is a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has received numerous awards. Don Smarto also ministered for years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and served on Illinois Governor Edgar's Gang Task Force, Attorney General Ryan's Council on Child Abuse, and the DuPage County Board's Blue Ribbon Commission on Jail Overcrowding (author of the final report). As a leader, this man of God has been the President of three national organizations including the Institute of Prison Ministries, where he led a research team of sociologists studying programs affecting recidivism. He has visited over 1200 prisons in 12 countries and has ministered with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. Don Smarto has also hosted a daily Dallas radio show called Parenting Today's Youth with 29,000 listeners each day. For more information, go find some of his articles at youthdirect.org and check out his multiple books on Amazon.
The grandson of Al Capone’s barber and a former Benedictine Monk, Pastor Smarto has pastored several congregations and was a college professor for years; as well as working professionally with prisoners and ex-offenders for over three decades. He is known nationally as a keynote conference speaker, speaking about restorative justice, prisoner aftercare, and the educational methods most effective with prisoners. He was honored to speak at the Prisoner Reentry White House Conference in November of ‘07. Don’s research has led to meetings with judges and wardens in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Russia, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. He was NGO Delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Treatment of Offenders in Milan, Italy in ‘85 and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Attorney General Edwin Meese. As a nationwide consultant, Don Smarto has played a key role in the development of ex-offender programs. He is the Chairman of prison ministry collaborations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and has been a consultant to the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System in the area of mentoring. a Quoted in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, L. A. Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, and the Washington Post about gangs, school shootings, prison conditions, and prison reform, Don Smarto has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows. His professional experiences have included: Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of a Maximum Security Facility, Director of an Adolescent Offender Drug Treatment Program (featured nationally on NBC News), and Director of an Ex-Offender Transition Program (which included mentoring/counseling/education). Don trained probation officers for four years at Sangamon State University (Illinois), and taught criminal justice courses at Wheaton College and Trinity University (Illinois) for twelve years. He has authored 16 books. Three of which are about restorative justice that became college text books. Smarto has also authored national magazine articles and contributed to several reference works in psychology and sociology. As member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) for twenty-seven years, Don frequently presents conference workshops. He is a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has received numerous awards. Don Smarto also ministered for years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and served on Illinois Governor Edgar's Gang Task Force, Attorney General Ryan's Council on Child Abuse, and the DuPage County Board's Blue Ribbon Commission on Jail Overcrowding (author of the final report). As a leader, this man of God has been the President of three national organizations including the Institute of Prison Ministries, where he led a research team of sociologists studying programs affecting recidivism. He has visited over 1200 prisons in 12 countries and has ministered with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. Don Smarto has also hosted a daily Dallas radio show called Parenting Today's Youth with 29,000 listeners each day. For more information, go find some of his articles at youthdirect.org and check out his multiple books on Amazon.
The grandson of Al Capone’s barber and a former Benedictine Monk, Pastor Smarto has pastored several congregations and was a college professor for years; as well as working professionally with prisoners and ex-offenders for over three decades. He is known nationally as a keynote conference speaker, speaking about restorative justice, prisoner aftercare, and the educational methods most effective with prisoners. He was honored to speak at the Prisoner Reentry White House Conference in November of ‘07. Don’s research has led to meetings with judges and wardens in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Russia, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. He was NGO Delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Treatment of Offenders in Milan, Italy in ‘85 and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Attorney General Edwin Meese. As a nationwide consultant, Don Smarto has played a key role in the development of ex-offender programs. He is the Chairman of prison ministry collaborations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and has been a consultant to the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System in the area of mentoring. a Quoted in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, L. A. Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, and the Washington Post about gangs, school shootings, prison conditions, and prison reform, Don Smarto has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows. His professional experiences have included: Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of a Maximum Security Facility, Director of an Adolescent Offender Drug Treatment Program (featured nationally on NBC News), and Director of an Ex-Offender Transition Program (which included mentoring/counseling/education). Don trained probation officers for four years at Sangamon State University (Illinois), and taught criminal justice courses at Wheaton College and Trinity University (Illinois) for twelve years. He has authored 16 books. Three of which are about restorative justice that became college text books. Smarto has also authored national magazine articles and contributed to several reference works in psychology and sociology. As member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) for twenty-seven years, Don frequently presents conference workshops. He is a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has received numerous awards. Don Smarto also ministered for years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and served on Illinois Governor Edgar's Gang Task Force, Attorney General Ryan's Council on Child Abuse, and the DuPage County Board's Blue Ribbon Commission on Jail Overcrowding (author of the final report). As a leader, this man of God has been the President of three national organizations including the Institute of Prison Ministries, where he led a research team of sociologists studying programs affecting recidivism. He has visited over 1200 prisons in 12 countries and has ministered with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. Don Smarto has also hosted a daily Dallas radio show called Parenting Today's Youth with 29,000 listeners each day. For more information, go find some of his articles at youthdirect.org and check out his multiple books on Amazon.
The grandson of Al Capone’s barber and a former Benedictine Monk, Pastor Smarto has pastored several congregations and was a college professor for years; as well as working professionally with prisoners and ex-offenders for over three decades. He is known nationally as a keynote conference speaker, speaking about restorative justice, prisoner aftercare, and the educational methods most effective with prisoners. He was honored to speak at the Prisoner Reentry White House Conference in November of ‘07. Don’s research has led to meetings with judges and wardens in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Russia, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. He was NGO Delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Treatment of Offenders in Milan, Italy in ‘85 and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Attorney General Edwin Meese. As a nationwide consultant, Don Smarto has played a key role in the development of ex-offender programs. He is the Chairman of prison ministry collaborations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and has been a consultant to the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System in the area of mentoring. a Quoted in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, L. A. Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, and the Washington Post about gangs, school shootings, prison conditions, and prison reform, Don Smarto has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows. His professional experiences have included: Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of a Maximum Security Facility, Director of an Adolescent Offender Drug Treatment Program (featured nationally on NBC News), and Director of an Ex-Offender Transition Program (which included mentoring/counseling/education). Don trained probation officers for four years at Sangamon State University (Illinois), and taught criminal justice courses at Wheaton College and Trinity University (Illinois) for twelve years. He has authored 16 books. Three of which are about restorative justice that became college text books. Smarto has also authored national magazine articles and contributed to several reference works in psychology and sociology. As member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) for twenty-seven years, Don frequently presents conference workshops. He is a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has received numerous awards. Don Smarto also ministered for years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and served on Illinois Governor Edgar's Gang Task Force, Attorney General Ryan's Council on Child Abuse, and the DuPage County Board's Blue Ribbon Commission on Jail Overcrowding (author of the final report). As a leader, this man of God has been the President of three national organizations including the Institute of Prison Ministries, where he led a research team of sociologists studying programs affecting recidivism. He has visited over 1200 prisons in 12 countries and has ministered with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. Don Smarto has also hosted a daily Dallas radio show called Parenting Today's Youth with 29,000 listeners each day. For more information, go find some of his articles at youthdirect.org and check out his multiple books on Amazon.
The grandson of Al Capone’s barber and a former Benedictine Monk, Pastor Smarto has pastored several congregations and was a college professor for years; as well as working professionally with prisoners and ex-offenders for over three decades. He is known nationally as a keynote conference speaker, speaking about restorative justice, prisoner aftercare, and the educational methods most effective with prisoners. He was honored to speak at the Prisoner Reentry White House Conference in November of ‘07. Don’s research has led to meetings with judges and wardens in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, France, Belgium, England, Italy, Russia, Kenya, Canada, and Mexico. He was NGO Delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Treatment of Offenders in Milan, Italy in ‘85 and had meetings with President Ronald Reagan, Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger and Attorney General Edwin Meese. As a nationwide consultant, Don Smarto has played a key role in the development of ex-offender programs. He is the Chairman of prison ministry collaborations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and has been a consultant to the State of Florida Juvenile Justice System in the area of mentoring. a Quoted in the New York Times, Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune, L. A. Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Dallas Morning News, Denver Post, and the Washington Post about gangs, school shootings, prison conditions, and prison reform, Don Smarto has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows. His professional experiences have included: Juvenile and Adult Probation Officer, Assistant Superintendent of a Maximum Security Facility, Director of an Adolescent Offender Drug Treatment Program (featured nationally on NBC News), and Director of an Ex-Offender Transition Program (which included mentoring/counseling/education). Don trained probation officers for four years at Sangamon State University (Illinois), and taught criminal justice courses at Wheaton College and Trinity University (Illinois) for twelve years. He has authored 16 books. Three of which are about restorative justice that became college text books. Smarto has also authored national magazine articles and contributed to several reference works in psychology and sociology. As member of the American Correctional Association (ACA) for twenty-seven years, Don frequently presents conference workshops. He is a past member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and has received numerous awards. Don Smarto also ministered for years with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and served on Illinois Governor Edgar's Gang Task Force, Attorney General Ryan's Council on Child Abuse, and the DuPage County Board's Blue Ribbon Commission on Jail Overcrowding (author of the final report). As a leader, this man of God has been the President of three national organizations including the Institute of Prison Ministries, where he led a research team of sociologists studying programs affecting recidivism. He has visited over 1200 prisons in 12 countries and has ministered with Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship. Don Smarto has also hosted a daily Dallas radio show called Parenting Today's Youth with 29,000 listeners each day. For more information, go find some of his articles at youthdirect.org and check out his multiple books on Amazon.
It's Thursday, October 9th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Pakistani pastor dies after 13-year jail sentence A pastor in Pakistan died on Sunday after languishing in prison for 13 years. Pastor Zafar Bhatti founded Jesus World Mission Church ministry. Back in 2012, he was falsely accused of insulting Islam. Authorities finally overturned his conviction this month, releasing him last Wednesday. The 62-year-old pastor died days after from cardiac arrest at his home. The British Asian Christian Association helped defend the pastor in court. The organization stated, “Though his earthly journey has ended, Zafar's faith, endurance, and ultimate vindication remain a powerful testament to hope in Christ amidst persecution.” Nigerian Anglican Church appalled that woman chosen to be new church head The Anglican Church of Nigeria declared spiritual independence from the Church of England on Tuesday. The announcement came in response to the Church of England's appointment of Sarah Mullally as the Archbishop of Canterbury. She is the first woman to hold the position. She also supports abortion and faux homosexual marriage. Archbishop Henry Ndukuba is the Primate of the Church of Nigeria. He stated, “[Mullally's] appointment marks a tragic departure from biblical orthodoxy. . . . We remain Anglicans — but not under Canterbury. Our loyalty is to Christ and the truth of His Word, not to institutions that have abandoned it.” Police arrest man intent on blowing up church with Supreme Court Justices In the United States, police arrested a man on Sunday who had hundreds of explosive devises outside of St. Matthews Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Police made the arrest before an annual service traditionally attended by U.S. Supreme Court justices. According to court records, the man's notebook expressed animosity toward Supreme Court justices, the Catholic Church, Jews, and immigration enforcement officials. FBI cuts ties with God-hating Southern Poverty Law Center The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced last week it has cut ties with the Southern Poverty Law Center. The far-left nonprofit is known for listing conservative and Christian organizations as “hate groups,” primarily because they affirm God's design for sexuality and marriage. FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X, “The Southern Poverty Law Center long ago abandoned civil rights work and turned into a partisan smear machine. Their so-called ‘hate map' has been used to defame mainstream Americans and even inspired violence. That disgraceful record makes them unfit for any FBI partnership.” Florida, Louisiana, Missouri & Texas sue FDA over mail-order Abortion Kill Pill The state of Louisiana joined a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration on Monday. Florida, Missouri, and Texas are also on the case. They are challenging the FDA's 2023 policy that allows mail-order abortion drugs. Louisiana's filing states, “Every year, doctors and activists in states like California and New York mail a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved abortion drug called mifepristone to thousands of Louisiana residents for the express purpose of causing abortions in Louisiana that are blatantly unlawful.” Gold hit $4,000 per ounce first time ever On Tuesday, spot gold prices hit $4,000 per ounce for the first time in history. That's up 50% from January. Silver is up 60% this year. The demand for gold is up as investors hedge against economic uncertainty. Financial analyst Rhona O'Connell told Reuters, “Background factors are much the same as before, in terms of geopolitical uncertainty, with the added spice of the (U.S.) government shutdown.” Prison Fellowship and Bible League to send 620,000 Bibles to prisoners And finally, Prison Fellowship International and Bible League International are partnering to distribute over half a million Bibles. The 620,000 Bibles will go to prisoners in 20 countries over the next five years. Frank Lofaro with Prison Fellowship International said, “God's Word has the power to reach prisoners in their darkest moments with the light of Jesus Christ. Through this partnership, prisoners who come to know Jesus through our evidence-based, in-prison programs are equipped to grow in their faith through a Bible that they can understand and that speaks to their circumstances.” Luke 4:18 says, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, October 9th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
Jermaine Wilson, Justice Ambassador for Prison Fellowship, shares his story of how God redeemed his life from crime and drugs through Prison Fellowship, how he went on to be mayor of Leavenworth, KS. Now he serves as with Prison Fellowship. The American Bible Society's John Plake talks about the crisis of identity that has gripped our culture, especially with younger people. How do we help people strengthen their indentity, especially the one God's offers. The discussion is based on the latest release from the State of the Bible Report 2025. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here
One of the blessings of CR is partnering with incredible ministries like Prison Fellowship's "Angel Tree." In this episode, Rodney Holmstrom, Global Field Director of Celebrate Recovery, interviews John Brennan of Prison Fellowship to help us understand the incredible blessings of partnering with Angel Tree and loving the kids of the incarcerated. Learn how to get involved in this world changing ministry!
Ever feel like your past is holding you back as a dad? You're not alone—and you're not disqualified. This week, we sit down with a very special guest and new friend of the show, Sammy Perez. He's a husband, father of four, and national voice for second chances through his work at Prison Fellowship. Sammy's story is raw and real. From time behind bars to meeting Jesus in a prison cell and even finding his own father figure, his testimony will move you, but what God has done in his life since then and the work that has been done in his family is where the real story begins. We talk about: What it means to father with grace instead of guilt Why humility is a dad's greatest strength Breaking generational cycles (even if you were never shown how) The kind of legacy Jesus can build from failure Whether you grew up with the wrong role models—or none at all—this episode is a hope-filled reminder that it's never too late to begin again. Whenever you feel like life is running you over and it seems impossible that God could use you any more, soak in this reminder from Sammy: "I was created for more than this." This one is for the dad who feels disqualified. God's not done with you, even if there are times you might feel like you're done with him. Check out more of Sammy's story here Learn about Sammy's work with Prison Fellowship here ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Support the show and upgrade your fatherhood swag. Shop Range Leather and get 15% OFF with code MJ15 Grab some fresh beans! https://rangecoffee.com/ Join the Fatherhood Guard as a monthly donor: https://manhoodjourney.org/donate/fatherhood-guard/ Buy Kent's latest book: Don't Bench Yourself on Amazon Read the new State Of Biblical Fatherhood report here: http://manhoodjourney.org/sobf Find tools to share the report here: https://manhoodjourney.org/sobf-tools Have a topic you want us to touch on? Well, get in touch! Send us an email at: info@manhoodjourney.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------- About our hosts: Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical Fatherhood ministry projects. He's appeared on television, radio, web outlets and podcasts. He's spoken at parenting and men's events. He's authored four books. The first, Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You, was written to help men learn how to find mentors and wise counsel. The latest, Don't Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit, aims to help dads stay present in their roles as fathers and husbands even when they feel like giving up. Kent's life has been radically affected by godly mentors and his lovely wife, April. They have been married thirty years and have five sons and one daughter-in-law. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky. Lawson Brown is husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of two young adult daughters, has been a business leader since 1995, and is a former Marine. He served as a small group leader for teenage boys for many years, helped start the Christian media ministry City on a Hill Productions, then later Sanctuary – a new church in Kennesaw, GA – where he served as its leader for Men's Ministry. Lawson's journey of faith has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men whom he's found as brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Uovkiigw4gwWhat if the thing that nearly destroyed you… became the thing God used to heal others?In this raw and redemptive episode, Jerrad sits down with Sammy Perez, a man who grew up without a dad, entered the system at age 8, and spent much of his early life in prison. But that's not where the story ends. Through a prison cellmate, an unexpected visitation, and the unlikely love of a spiritual father, Sammy's life was completely turned around.Together, they talk about father wounds, the ache for belonging, how prison both broke and saved him, and the long road to healing as a man and dad. Sammy shares the tear-filled moment he gave his life to Jesus behind bars, the first time he saw his son through glass, and how God turned his pain into purpose.This is one of the most powerful stories we've ever told.What You'll Learn:Why boys without dads often become men without directionHow shame disconnects us from our story and how healing reconnects usThe surprising moment Sammy met his son for the first timeWhat it looks like to father when you were never fatheredHow a consistent man named Terry changed everythingWhy God's love can rewire even the hardest heartsThe full-circle moment that brought Sammy back into prisons… this time with purposeMentioned in This Episode:Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree ProgramSammy's work helping former prisoners reintegrate into societyThe story of Clarence; the cellmate who wouldn't stop asking Sammy if he wanted to know JesusJerrad's teaching on 2 Kings 6 and the power of new perspective
In 1988, Ben Spencer was sentenced to life in prison for a murder he did not commit. He spent 34 years wrongfully imprisoned. Now, Ben has teamed up with award-winning journalist Barbara Bradley Hagerty to share his story – and larger story about the flaws in the legal system that allow mistakes to occur, and how some states are trying to fix them.Conversation was moderated by Scott Peyton, director of government affairs at Prison Fellowship.Support the show
Send us a textOn today's podcast conversation I sat down with Jermaine Wilson of Prison Fellowship. Jermaine spent seven years behind bars—four of them as a juvenile. While incarcerated as an adult, he participated in biblically based programs through Prison Fellowship and experienced the life-transforming power of God's Word. With renewed purpose and vision, Jermaine no longer saw himself as a failure and a mistake.After his release from prison, Jermaine created a nonprofit organization, Unity in the Community, to establish trust between citizens and law enforcement. When his criminal record was expunged, he increased his political and civic involvement. In 2017, he was elected city commissioner for Leavenworth, Kansas. In 2020, he became the first formerly incarcerated person to serve on the Kansas Sentencing Committee.Jermaine is an ordained minister, husband, and father of five children.To learn more visit: https://www.prisonfellowship.org/Support The Show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110664/subscribe Build your own local Tribe with Tribe Builder: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-builderRegister for our 2025 Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/2025-mens-retreatRegister for Tribe XVI starting June 1st: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-xviThis podcast is sponsored by Dark Water Woodwork. Dark Water Woodwork is offering a discount code exclusively for the podcast listeners. Use the discount code "PSALM824" to save 15% off of your next beard oil purchase. https://www.darkwaterkc.comSupport the show
The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments Friday on South Carolina's attempt to stop Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood. Geneticists are promoting frightening plans to create babies to specifications. And gambling on sports continues to grow, leaving problems in its wake. Recommendations NYT: This baby was carefully selected as an embryo. ADF: Supreme Court to Hear Case About States' Funding of Abortion Facilities Segment 1 - States Try to Stop Medicaid Payments for Abortion FOX: Who is Stephanie Turner? Women's fencer who knelt to protest trans opponent and ignited global awareness ADF: Planned Parenthood Does Not Deserve Your Tax Dollars Segment 2 - Designer Babies NYT: This baby was carefully selected as an embryo. CBS: "What kind of society do you want to live in?": Inside the country where Down syndrome is disappearing First Things: Who Owns the Embryos? CNN: Gosnell horror fuels fight for abortion laws Breakpoint: Inventors of CRISPR Win Nobel Prize, but Should We “Rewrite the Code of Life?” Segment 3 - The Sports Gambling Crisis WORLD: Gambling scandals hover over college and pro basketball __________ Restore hope and make communities safer by partnering with Prison Fellowship at prisonfellowship.org/colsoncenter. Register for the next Lighthouse Voices: The Christian's Guide to this 'Civilizational Moment' at colsoncenter.org/lighthouse.
President Trump threatens to defund Planned Parenthood. Will it happen? And scientists suggest growing human bodies to be used for body parts. Recommendations Become a Cornerstone Monthly Partner at colsoncenter.org/monthly The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett Segment 1 - Defunding Planned Parenthood WSJ: Trump Administration Plans to Freeze Family-Planning Grants Sean McDowell: Heating up! The Current Debate Over Abortion Rights (w/ Lila Rose) Lila Rose: Best Arguments for Christianity w/Dr Sean McDowell | The Lila Rose Show E195 Breakpoint: David Daleiden's Courage, Planned Parenthood's Deceit Planned Parenthood admits staffer 'inadvertently' gave kids graphic coloring books in Louisville Segment 2 - Ethics of “Bodyoids" MIT Tech Review: Ethically sourced “spare” human bodies could revolutionize medicine Breakpoint: The Late, Great Stem-Cell Debate __________ Register for the next Breakpoint Forum on A New Sexual Revolution at colsoncenter.org/greenville. Restore hope and make communities safer by partnering with Prison Fellowship at prisonfellowship.org/colsoncenter.
Loose laws for in vitro fertilization have allowed for appalling assaults on human rights. ______________ Restore hope and make communities safer by partnering with Prison Fellowship at prisonfellowship.org/colsoncenter.
Cultural fads are flashes in the pan because the future belongs to Christ alone. __________ Restore hope and make communities safer by partnering with Prison Fellowship at prisonfellowship.org/colsoncenter.