Starting Over Workshops

Lives Are Changing!
With deep gratitude, we’re witnessing God do what only He can do—transform lives through the hope of Jesus Christ. In the past six months, more than 60 men were baptized at Fremont Correctional Facility. Each one represents a life being restored, a future being rewritten.

Here in Colorado, our on-site Starting Over on the Inside workshops continue to grow, with 1,545 graduates across multiple facilities—and more workshops scheduled in the months ahead.

A Growing National Impact
Since launching our tablet-based program in July 2024, God has opened doors far beyond what we imagined:

Over 72,500 incarcerated men and women have completed the program, with 53,495 in English and 19,100 in Spanish

Thousands are hearing the gospel—many for the very first time
Participants engage at their own pace, completing lessons that lead to real, lasting change.

These aren’t just numbers. They are men and women finding hope in Christ, rebuilding their lives, and preparing to return to their families and communities with a new foundation.

We’re also expanding our reach through a partnership with Prison Alliance, integrating ongoing discipleship into our tablet program—ensuring that transformation doesn’t stop at completion, but continues long after.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re praying for:

•More lives transformed through workshops and the tablet program
•Families restored as loved ones experience real change
•Increased financial support to expand into more facilities
•New partnerships to reach even more inmates

Would you consider joining us—through prayer or financial support—to bring hope where it’s needed most?

👉 Learn more: https://startingoverworkshops.com

“Remember those in prison as if you were together with them. Hebrews 13:3
Mark

A month ago, my father-in-law, Norman, passed away. I knew him for 40 years. His celebration of life was powerful—not because it was perfect, but because it was meaningful.

And it made me think…
One day, someone will stand up and talk about your life. What will they say?

What if you could read your own obituary today?

There’s a story about Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. A newspaper accidentally published his obituary while he was still alive, calling him “the merchant of death”—a man who made his fortune by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before.

He read it… and it shook him.
He realized, this is how I will be remembered.

So, he redirected his life and went on to establish what we now know as the Nobel Peace Prize—choosing to leave a legacy of peace rather than destruction.

Here’s a question we all need to consider:
If your life were summed up today, would you be proud of what’s written?

For some of us, the honest answer might be no. Maybe it wouldn’t reflect the life we hoped for… or the person we wanted to become.
But here’s the truth—we are not finished yet.

The story is still being written.
When you look at Scripture, even Moses didn’t step fully into his calling until he was 80 years old.

Which means this:

It’s not too late.
Not too late to change direction.
Not too late to forgive.
Not too late to live with purpose.

But it does require a decision.
The life you are living today is the story that will be told tomorrow. So if something needs to change—change it.

Your legacy is not what you say it will be; it is defined by your choices, starting now.

In your darkest moments, when trials and opposition surround you, and there seems to be no way forward, remember this: the same God who parted the Red Sea for the Hebrews is still in the business of making a way where there is no way.

The Hebrews faced trials they never imagined after their great deliverance. They cried out, “How long will this last?” Many of us know that cry all too well. We long for simpler days, for the comfort of what once was.

It’s natural to feel that way. But here is the beautiful truth: you can’t go back, and you don’t have to go back. God is not calling you backward—He is leading you forward into something new and good.

Your troubles may feel overwhelming, but they are not greater than the Father’s love for you. The One who spoke the stars into existence, who holds entire nations like a drop in a bucket, is the same One who is intimately acquainted with every detail of your life. He sees you. He knows your fears. And He has not forgotten you.

Think of Jacob—running for his life, exhausted, sleeping with his head on a stone in a strange land. In that lonely, uncertain place, God met him and spoke words that still echo with hope today:

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Jacob woke up in awe and declared, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it! How awesome is this place!”

Even in your hardest season, God is with you. He is watching over you. He is working behind the scenes in ways you may not yet see. His presence turns ordinary, difficult places into holy ground.

You are not alone in this. Your life—every breath, every step—belongs to the Lord. As Scripture says: “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)

Let that truth be your soft pillow tonight. No matter what tomorrow holds, you are deeply, personally, and unconditionally loved by the God of the universe. He is faithful. He is good. And He will see you through.

So take heart, friend. This season will not last forever. And the One who holds your tomorrow is already holding you today.
You are loved. You are seen. You are never alone.

When you put your head on the pillow tonight, know that you are indescribably loved by him, and that is enough.

Who Is My Neighbor?
The parable of the Good Samaritan is well-known around the world. It was told as a response from Jesus to an expert in the law who asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied by asking, “What is written in the law? How do you interpret it?”

He replied, "Love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus said, "You're right. Do this, and you will live." He wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?

In the parable, a Jewish man is beaten, robbed, and left for dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. A priest and a Levite—respected religious leaders—see him and pass by on the other side. But a Samaritan—a despised outsider to the Jews—stops, bandages his wounds, pays for his care at an inn, and promises more if needed.

Jesus asks, 'Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man?' The expert replies, 'The one who had mercy on him.' Jesus says, 'Go and do likewise.'

The expert in the law’s question leads us to ask the same question: Who is my neighbor?

Is it the shut-in with debilitating arthritis who has been worn down over the years, hanging on to life by a thread?

Could it be the cancer patient, deprived of a long life and living unnoticed in a facility?

Or is it the homeless woman, stripped of everything she once knew, facing the harsh reality of the pavement?

Could it be the woman next door, worn down by a bad marriage, wishing she were dead?

Or is it the man at work who was once at the top of his game, now, in humility, must start all over?

Is it the heartbroken parent of an estranged child who has no idea where their child is and hasn’t received a call in years?

Or is it the prisoner who is facing the consequences of their actions, burdened with guilt, regret, and shame?

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ you Matthew 25:37-40

Lord, my heart knows the answer to the question. These are my neighbors. I cannot do everything to reduce the suffering in this troubled world, but I can do something, even if it is a small thing. Lord, open my eyes and show me who that is.

In our chaotic world, many people are unaware of their naivete until the painful consequences of poor decisions catch up with them.
After more than twelve years as a prison chaplain, I’ve seen how naivety has broken hearts, families, and communities.

Scripture calls this condition being “simple” or “naïve.” God’s Word gives us both sobering warnings and wonderful hope.

The naive fail to recognize evil.
“A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the naive keep going and suffer for it.” Proverbs 22:3

The naïve are led by emotional appeals from influencers, podcasters, celebrities, and charismatic leaders. History gives tragic examples: the Cultic followers of Jim Jones in Jonestown and David Koresh in Waco followed their leaders to their deaths despite clear warning signs. The naive not only miss the coming disaster—they often enable one another.

We are all impressionable. As a young teenager, I fully immersed myself in the drug culture and the anti-war movement, becoming radicalized by Marxism and the revolutionary music of the late 60s to early 70s - ‘Taken it to the streets, singing songs and carrying signs that mostly say hooray for our side, imagine there are no countries, all we need is love.’

As a nonviolent protester at one of the demonstrations, I was arrested, and my mom was warned by the police what could happen to me if I continued down that path. I should have listened.

During the anti-war rallies, amidst all the pot-smoking and L*D dropping youth, there were radical groups like the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the militant Black Panthers. They had their own agendas and sought to use the demonstrations for their purposes, distributing literature and inviting attendees to their own rallies.

The naive are easily persuaded to believe almost anything
“The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” Proverbs 14:18

Many who consider themselves “the compassionate enlightened” prove to be unwise and untrustworthy. Too often, the naive look the other way until the consequences return to haunt them.

The naive surround themselves with other naive people
“Let all who are naive and lack judgment come in here!” Proverbs 9:15–16

We are shaped by upbringing, culture, media, and social circles, yet only God’s wisdom can truly deliver us from our naive tendencies.

Is there hope for the naïve? Yes!
“The LORD protects the simple-hearted; when I was in great need, He saved me.” Psalm 116:6

God knows our vulnerability. He guards us. Many times, He rescues us when we don’t deserve it. I am living proof of His amazing grace through many foolish seasons of my own life. Thank God!

God actively works to change the naive through His Word
“The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple... The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 19:7; 119:130

The same God who warns us so clearly also reaches out to us with tender compassion. He longs to make the simple wise, the naive discerning, and the broken whole.

There is still time, and there is still hope. His Word remains powerful enough to make anyone wise — even the most naive among us.

Some of you know that I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer about four months ago. It is not typical for me to share personal matters, and I don't usually share lengthy stories of personal adversity.

Hopefully, the encouragement I've been receiving will also be yours. The kind words and prayers that I have been receiving from the body of Christ is phenomenal. As several of my good friends reminded me, “That’s what it’s supposed to do!”

The body of Christ sticks closer than a brother! I hope you experience that too. Please know you can.

I know that, by the grace of God and the prayers from people around the world, I have been doing remarkably well. I am grateful for the many emails, texts, and calls offering support, including from many of you. Thank you!

My main prayer request is that God's will will be done and that He receives glory from my cancer journey.

Through my diagnosis, God has opened doors for me to share the good news with inmates in prisons in Colorado, and I've seen men come to Christ over the last few months. Amazing! We have a God who can make the impossible possible in our lives.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

You number my wanderings; you record my tears in your book. Psalm 56:8

God intimately knows every word, every sentence, every paragraph of our lives, and that our stories are not yet finished. May we allow Him to finish the masterpiece he’s still working on.

In a world filled with so much chaos, we often don’t hear much good news. The Gospel is the good news! It always has been, and it always will be. The gospel is transforming lives every day, one heart at a time.
Nick is one of many experiencing life change from Fremont Correctional Facility in Colorado. If you like to find out more about how you can be part of changing lives in Colorado prisons and across the country, go here: https://startingoverworkshops.com/

When Your Dream Seems Impossible
We all have dreams for ourselves and for others. Sometimes, those dreams can feel unattainable or even impossible. Many of us have aspirations for our lives, but what exactly are these dreams about, and for whom do we hold them? Our lives will leave an impact, whether it is positive or negative.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Most Americans are familiar with him through his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. This speech is one of the most recognized in U.S. history, second only to Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 “Gettysburg Address.”

Years before his iconic speech, King was already committed to his calling. He dedicated himself fully, enduring hardship, name-calling, and threats. His dream transcended his individual desires; it was much larger than himself.

In a heartfelt prayer, he confessed, “Lord, I must confess that I’m weak now, and I’m losing my courage. It seemed I heard a voice saying, Martin Luther, stand for righteousness. Stand up for justice. And lo, I will be with you always, even until the end of the world. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.”

Just three nights later, a bomb exploded on his front porch. Although his family escaped unharmed, King pressed forward with unwavering determination. He admitted his weariness in his work, stating,
“I am tired of the threat of death. I want to live; I don’t want to be a martyr. There are times I doubt if I’ll make it through. I’m tired of getting hit, beaten, and tired of going to jail. But the important thing is not how tired I am; the important thing is to eliminate the conditions that lead us to march.”

In his famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” addressed to local pastors, he expressed his commitment to justice: “I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. I am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own hometown. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid.”

He posed a profound question, “How long will it take?” He answered himself with hope: “However difficult or frustrating the hour, it will not be long. Not long, because no lie can live forever. How long? Not long, because you reap what you sow. How long?

Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. How long? Not long, because my eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord…”

The night before his assassination, King shared these resonant words: “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. But I’m not concerned about that now.

I just want to do God’s will… I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will reach the promised land. So, I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. My eyes have seen the coming of the Lord.”

While King’s eloquent speeches and passionate endurance inspired millions, it was his firm foundation in the Christian gospel that motivated him to inspire others. He persevered through doubt, exhaustion, and danger because his hope was deeply rooted in Christian faith.

Neither should you give up. If you feel discouraged, remember that you are not alone. The true King of the universe offers you enduring hope today and forever. While things may be out of your control, they are not out of His. Hold on! He is with you, and He will see you through to the Promised Land!

If you’ve seen the Starting Over on the Inside Facebook posts over the past few years, you’ve likely witnessed the joy of inmate graduation classes—many receiving Christ for the first time.

We’re thrilled to have celebrated over 1,500 on-site graduates in Colorado prisons and more than 48,000 online graduates (in English and Spanish) via tablets nationwide.

Through biblical principles and practical life skills, we’re equipping inmates for true transformation and successful reunification with their families and communities.

Thanks to our faithful partners, the ministry has grown tremendously in 2025—but so have our funding challenges. We’ve asked our current team for extra year-end support, and now we’re inviting you:

Would you prayerfully consider a special gift to help us raise an additional $10,000 by year’s end?

Your compassionate donation—any amount—will directly impact lives, bringing God’s grace, hope, and purpose to those most often forgotten.

Your gift brings real-life change in Colorado and across the country. Thank you for caring about those on the inside.

To learn more about Starting Over on the Inside and donate securely today, click here: https://ow.ly/9lJK50XOq68

Remember those in prison as if you were together with them. Hebrews 13:3

When the elderly Jewish priest Zechariah and his wife, who were well beyond childbearing age, miraculously had their son John, they were completely blown away.

“All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

At his son’s birth, Zach broke out into his celebratory song. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed his people.” Luke 1:65-68

Zach emphasizes three key words about Israel's long-awaited Messiah: "He has come." Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel, which means "God is with us" (Isaiah 7:14).

After four hundred long years of waiting since the prophet Malachi spoke, God’s divine visitation had finally come to Israel just as He promised!

Maybe you’ve been waiting for something or someone for a long time?

Are you feeling stuck in a long, cold winter of waiting and hopelessness? If so, you need to hear Zech’s chorus: "He has come" to reveal His extravagant love for you! He wants to assure you that He intimately knows everything about you and truly cares for you.

Have you become cold and numb, feeling a desperate need for a touch from God? If you’re experiencing guilt, depression, or worry about your future, listen to Zack's words: "He has come to redeem His people," bringing you hope for today and tomorrow. He has come for you too!

During our difficult times, we may struggle to see things clearly, including our own reality. Grief and sorrow can cloud our vision. If that resonates with you, take comfort in the encouraging words of Isaiah.

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

When things seem hopeless and uncertain, be encouraged that He has come for you too! He has come to bring light into your darkness.

Now, that is something to sing about don’t you think?
Everyone has a song to sing. So, what will your song be? This Christmas, may you be reminded that Zechariah’s chorus, ‘HE HAS COME,’ can be “your song” as well!

A journalist assigned to the Jerusalem bureau rents an apartment that overlooks the Wailing Wall. Each day, when she looks out, she sees an elderly Jewish man praying fervently. Intrigued, the journalist goes down to introduce herself to the old man.

She asks, “You come to the wall every day. How long have you been doing this, and what do you pray for?” The old man replies, “I have been coming here to pray every day for 25 years.

In the morning, I pray for world peace and the brotherhood of man. After I go home and have a cup of tea, I return to pray for the eradication of illness and disease from the earth.”

The journalist is astonished. “How does it make you feel to come here every day for 25 years and pray for these things?” she inquires. The old man looks at her sadly and replies, “Like I’m talking to a wall.”
Simeon was another devout Jewish man who had been waiting for years to see Israel’s Messiah. There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel. Luke 2:25

He was part of a community of faithful people in Israel who patiently kept the hope alive that their Messiah would come. We all experience waiting for something in our lives.

Simeon waited for decades, but if he had given up on his wait, he would have missed the moment God had ordained. I don’t know how long you have to wait for something or someone, but what truly matters is who you are becoming while you wait.

Like Simeon, we all hope for a new day or a fresh beginning. Over six hundred years before Simeon, the prophet Isaiah encouraged Israel with these words.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 Click to read more
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