On November 28, 1995 I attended a Mike Barber Christmas Program at the Wynne Unit. At that time, I had been incarcerated for 10 years on a 50 year prison sentence for aggravated robbery. The night I attended the MBM function, I surrendered my life to Christ Jesus and He has looked after me constantly, making my path.

I was released from prison January 2002 and have been free for the past 8 years. There have been many rocky times in my life, both in prison and since being released, however, I have been protected and blessed by our Lord Jesus.

Today I have a wonderful and beautiful wife, a 2 year old son and a life to truly be thankful for. So, thank you Mike Barber and staff for being there for me and the others who needed to hear the message of Hope you brought to us.

I recently served time in prison for a crime I did not commit. It was a heinous crime to be accused of, and  even though I had some fault, I had a very rough time forgiving myself. Until you came along. The day I got to the Woodman State Jail in Gatesville, I was terrified. But by the glory of God you were actually setting up the day I came. It was hard for me to be alone, but around you guys it felt like i wasn't a horrible person. You wouldn't believe how many people were angry I was sent to jail, but I am telling you i thank God that I got a chance to become closer and learn from the mistakes I made. Thank you so much for what you do for inmates. You helped make me feel like a human being and not a number.

On Sunday, March 16, 2008 you spoke before us here at CTF-Central in Soledad, California.  I want to share my good news of what happened as a result of that service and your time spent with us.
 
My cellmate, John, and I have been watching together over the institutional channel the New Testament called the Watchword Bible.  Because of that experience, John understood precisely what you shared from God's Word AND related to you as real in your words as well.  The impact was great..... in that service John personally accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior!!  If you know John, this is a miracle.  He was not one to be pushed to such a decision.
 
That day was my own earthly birthday.  What a present!  I wanted to share with you the fact that your time, effort and expense of coming to visit us was truly well worth it.  In short, thank-you for aiding in the saving of John.  I can't thank you enough.  May God continue to bless your ministry and ministry team.

Just today I was able to share just how much you mean to me. As the chaplain asked me, 'Fran, what one thing would you say has helped you the most with your walk while being here for the past 16 years?' I didn't even have to think about it. I opened my mouth and said, 'Mike Barber Ministries!' Early spring 1984, I was on suicide watch at the Valley Unit. That's when I met Mike. Through his testimony, he and DeAnne's, I was brought back to life. Without prison ministry coming in to share Jesus with me... I'm sure I wouldn't be here today. I'm sure of that.

Today, I watched ending moments of the program baptizing women in the blue tube. While the music played, I experienced the presence of GOD in our bedroom. It overwhelmed me so much I wept. I intently examined the faces of the women before, during, and after the baptism. Blessings and a true trust from GOD, the women were.

Every time I look at pictures of women behind bars or see women set free, HIS SPIRIT touches me inside. I had a sister-in-law in the Gatesville prison system twice and she was going back for a third time but she killed herself. I think of her each time I see the faces of these women. GOD has blessed me with a heart for women in need of our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. Please pray HIS leading in my life regarding this gift of compassion and passion HE has given me.

I thank our LORD for continuously using your ministry by the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT to change women from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to GOD. I thank our LORD that HIS plans are to prosper each woman and not to harm her, to give her hope and a future. Thank YOU JESUS for enlarging YOUR territory with this ministry and blessing it indeed! In JESUS' Matchless Name...Amen :)

1 Corinthians 4:2 "Now it is required that to those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."   Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I AM GOD."

I am not a huge sports fan however I live with two, my husband and young son. I was so excited to watch the TBN special with my young son (12) who enjoys sports. We purposely had him watch as the Christian NFL players shared their faith and how they persevere under the pressure of fame, fortune, adversity and temptation. He wathced as player after player talked about and lifted up the name of Jesus unashamed! More of our youth need to see successful men name the Name of Jesus.