Learning for Lifers Reading, Reflection, and Renewal Correctional Ministries & Chaplains Association May 6, 2017 Tracey C. Jones, President Tremendous Leadership 717.701.8159 tjones@tremendousleadership.com Can a book save a life? Metanoia Greek word for change our minds True repentance is a turning away from darkness to light Biblio therapy First used in 1916 by S.M. Crothers to describe the use of books to help patients understand their health problems and symptoms True redemption is turning a negative into a positive 1 2 Prison is a University University of Life Rules for participants: Tremendous Book Club 1. Participants must have successfully completed Life 1, Life 2, and Life 3 courses for admittance into the book club. 2. Books will be provided by Tremendous Leadership and are expected to be read prior to the monthly meeting. 3. The book club will meet once a month at an approved time/date. 4. All members are to respect one another s perspective during the discussion. 5. Members are expected to share the time and to not dominate the discussion. 6. Discussion should be related to the book currently under review. 7. Members are encouraged to share how they plan to apply what they ve learned to their lives. 8. Members are encouraged to be examples and mentors to other members of the facility. 3 4 1
5 6 Why did you join the book club? Encouraged that the love of God can shine through a person s words. Get back to reading books that will help me improve through knowledge, encouragement, change of thoughts and actions while promoting Christian values and success through God. To prayerfully learn how to be a better example in my walk in and for Christ. To get a new experience in my life and to be a part of something that I was never a part of before. There is good literature and all have an opportunity to share. It is a family. Become more knowledgeable about God and define what you ve learned in character changes. 7 8 2
Romans 12:2 What has been the biggest impact thus far? The books help me to apply the Word because most are about dealing with real life issues. That I need to put more work in faith and personal growth. The valuable information and insight from each book has helped me remold me in thought and action. Understanding how I am and how to relate with others when considering our differences. The chance to get different views and opinions from people living in the world and everyday life. How God is changing me by reading these books. The feedback and the prompting of the Holy Spirit to speak up on book topics. It s not just a book club; it God showing up in a new way. 9 10 2 Timothy 2:15 What types of skills have you learned? How to communicate with people better. Learning about different personalities. How to be a better person. How to be relatable. How to control my tongue. How to be truthful in love. Patience to open my mind to new concepts in leadership, daily living, choices to be made, community and Christian living. The difference between learning and hearing; patience and compassion. How to apply what I ve read; how to lead and teach others. How to be expressive and confident in engaging with others. How to take notes and increase self reflection. 11 12 3
Proverbs 3:6 What did you discover about yourself? That it s not about what I ve done. It s about how to overcome. That my presence and my body language and my ability to empathize are also a part of prayer. That I have leadership potential! That I don t want to forgive myself for what I ve done. That I am not shy. I can read more in English; observe more information and apply it. The more I read the more I grow as a human being. I m learning that I care about the welfare of others, especially those considered outcasts. That I have so much more to learn about myself. 13 14 Philippians 4:13 How has this positively impacted your current situation? I am currently 11 years into a 16 40 year sentence. Once released, I am going to have to register as a sex offender. When I first came to prison I was depressed and scared what would happen to me. Also, I had a hopeless feeling that I would never see the outside world again. However partly because of the book club, I have a much more positive attitude towards my future. Nothing is impossible for God. This has helped in understanding that because people think and see things differently, I spend more time thinking before I speak. It gives me something to look forward to and it keeps me out of trouble. Also it helps me in times when I may not be in a good place and I need the good energy. 15 16 4
Psalm 39:7 How has this impacted your communication with others outside? It has changed the way I look at family and friends. To continue to extend the hand of Jesus despite rejections. I am more comfortable and confident with myself, so I am able to better communicate my thoughts. I discuss the books with my wife and kids. It has especially impacted the communication with my kids because I send them my books when I m done with them so they can read them and we discuss them. I am more open and open up more than in the past. It helps me convey the changes taking place inside of me. I have come to realize how important the relationships with friends and family are. 17 18 Ephesians 4:29 Had you known of these life skills before? Yes and No; I knew about them but I never used them. Yes but not as many as I have been exposed to now. Yes, but I don t think I ve given them much time in practice. Yes, but now I m learning how to apply them in every day life. Not all of them. No, my reading was on a need to know basis. Not really; not for me. Tearfully, no! 19 20 5
Proverbs 12:1 How has book club impacted your interaction with each other? It helps me to seek to understand before I m understood. We are growing together versus growing separately. It gives us a common ground to begin good and healthy dialogue. We are certainly more cordial; Christ s high priestly prayer in John 17 is that we wax strong in unity. Very positive; not taking myself so seriously anymore. The books have helped us to understand each other more and share more with one another. We feel comfortable enough to talk to each other and we give each other good advice and I feel as though we trust each other. The growth of fellowship where everyone s input matters. 21 22 James 1:19 20 How do you see mind renewal fitting into your Christian walk? Learning has given me a paradigm shift. I have a different perspective about life. All the books contribute to be a better leader, disciple for Christ into the community here and in the future. My walk seems to be more of an example as I allow God to renew. I m more open and I m more humble. These books help me become a more positive and creative person. Change is necessary for man to grow and develop. Bringing me to a closer relationship with God. A fresh washing in my Christian life with positivity and the expectancy of excellence. 23 24 6
2 Corinthians 3:18 Do you feel more confident to face the future? Yes, because I m a doer of God s word, not just a hearer. Absolutely! With a positive attitude and trust in God, I can overcome any obstacles. Absolutely! It has opened up the door to help me transition back into the community where I can be of value. Yes, because I know there are so many more opportunities. Yes, because of the practice I ve learned in the literature. Praise God, I do! Always! More than ever before. 25 26 Isaiah 41:13 What would you say to someone considering starting a book club? The answer to your questions may come from strange places and different people. The positive results are so important to growth and learning here in prison and everywhere else. Great way to bounce ideas off one another and learn from each other. The bond you build will be like no other. It s a must! Do it. The need is there and the potential to change and affect lives is limitless. If you have any worries or problems in your life, a book may be the answer. 27 28 7
Mark 16:15 Transformation God wants to transform our character as well as save our souls The Great Commission demands we disciple The Gospel enables a viable present and desired future The cross is formative and transformative Cruciformed 29 30 Brokenness God can only redeem us through our brokenness Grace is never earned, however It must be worked out with effort (Phil 2:12 13) Conscious, intentional hand in the developmental process Humans are God reflectors Books Behind Bars Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king s horses and all the king s men, Couldn t put Humpty together again. I use this child s saying to describe my life and character. A dysfunctional, damaged, and broken man, God was the only one who could put me back together again. The book club has been one of the tools God has used to put me back together again. Each book I receive is packed full of answers to questions I ve struggled with for years. 31 32 8
Life can change with the turn of a the page. You ll be the same person five years from now that you are today except for two things; the people you meet and the books you read. Charlie Tremendous Jones Thank you!! Thank you for your work in Corrections Ministry! Contact us for more information about using books in your ministry! 1 800 233 BOOK www.tremendousleadership.com 33 34 9