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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

John 3:16 Marketing Network Visits Wakulla Correctional Institute





Someday when I stand before God and give an accounting for all the good and bad things I’ve done, I believe one thing that will please God greatly will be my visit to the Wakulla Correctional Institute yesterday. As anyone who follows our blog and tweets knows, authors of the John 3:16 Marketing Network have donated a hundred books this last year for prisoners to read and critique. When Steve Fox, the chaplain, said they could arrange for me to visit the prison, I jumped at the opportunity.

After spending a fortune this last month on car repairs, I felt comfortable driving my old minivan on the two and a half hour trek from Gainesville to Tallahassee. I was glad I had my trusty GPS—Wakulla Correctional is out in the backcountry where I tend to get lost.

When I arrived, I found the prison to be much larger than I expected, housing about 400 prisoners. Barbwire fence surrounded the complex and old, bunker style buildings imparted the sterilized feeling of institutionalized living.

I have been to prisons before as a court reporter and once as a musician, but whenever I go back, the coldness seeps under my skin again. I think we all tend to forget that some men (and women) enter and never leave. They live their lives secluded behind a steel fence with very little to no outside contact with the world. They have no computers and no phones. I suppose they have TV’s, but I got the impression they are completely isolated from the outside world. They have solar radios a Christian ministry paid for (about 150 that they can check out) but it gets just one station — a Christian radio station.  Actually, I don’t think they even have TV’s. 

Many of them have jobs inside the prison, but for some of these guys, their “entertainment” now centers on our books.

When I arrived, Steve and Brenda, his wife, met me in the parking lot — and God was already at work. It started pouring soon after, so we beat the rain by less than a minute. Since they don’t allow purses or cameras or bags, all I could take inside was my driver’s license—which I promptly handed over to the guard at the door. Then you must remove your shoes and walk through a metal detector. You are allowed to bring in one bottle of unopened water. 

Once inside, we went back to Steve’s office next to the chapel. After a few more introductions and some instructions, we went in a side room off the chapel. I walked into a large room and about fifty guys in blue prison uniforms sat in chairs waiting for me. Three chairs had been placed at the front with a table, so Steve sat in one and I sat in another, and Brenda sat beside the volunteer who has helped with copying the reviews and getting them to me via email.

Just to share a little tidbit about myself, for years, from grammar school forward, I struggled with public speaking, but God has miraculously delivered me from that fear since I started writing books. Talk about a deliverance —now I enjoy sharing God’s love and what He has done in my life. Rather than feeling afraid, I thanked God for the opportunity to visit the inmates.

The guys’ eyes lit up when they saw me enter the room. I was late arriving as it took me longer than the two hours travel time I had allotted.

The first question I asked was how many had read our books? Almost all of them raised their hands. I then shared with them how much their reviews meant and the encouragement we received from reading them. I told them how all of us (authors) were amazed at how articulate and well written their reviews were.

As I shared, I felt God among us, a connectedness that Christians experience when Jesus is present. While I have felt it many times in my life, it was especially powerful as I sat and talked with the inmates. The walls that separated us were gone. I knew beyond all doubt that God was ministering to these prisoners through our books.

For me to come and personally thank them for their reviews might be a highlight event for many all year. The men were mesmerized. Many looked astounded that our reviews meant that much. I don’t think they had a clue, even though Steve has told them. But hearing it directly from me as an author meant more than even Steve could express to them. The volunteer said some of these guys have no one that comes and visits them — ever! And for me to come and talk to them one-on-one was very special. 

I told the men I wanted to connect their faces with the names with which I had become familiar, having read so many of their reviews. I asked those who were willing to tell me their name and what their favorite books were. We started with the guy who had read the most books — 89 books! After the third person, I realized I needed to take notes, so someone gave me a piece of paper and pen, and I started jotting down names so I could share with others later what they said.

I have listed here as many of the books as I can remember with links to Amazon. If you were to have a chat with these guys about their favorite books, these are the ones they would tell you to read.



After a while, I noticed other guys in the room jotting down things  — like they wanted to jump up and get a book before someone else grabbed it. Steve had brought in all the books so they were sitting on a cart.

Steve later told me the men walk around with the books under their arms in between different activities. The volunteer said the prisoners take writing the reviews seriously. They will even share with other prisoners what they have written and ask, “Do you think this sounds okay?”

In addition to helping the inmates spiritually, we are also helping them to develop job skills for when they leave prison, and many of these guys will get out eventually. They can add “book reviewer” to their job resumes.

I was surprised when a couple of guys asked about my “Children of Dreams” book, like getting on a moped in a foreign country with someone I didn’t know. Was I scared? One guy had my book in his hand. I had no idea so many had read that book. It’s hard to imagine prisoners reading an adoption book written by a single woman who traveled around the world. Then I realized, these books are an escape for them. From time travel to world travel to inner healing travel, they are being delivered both physically and spiritually to a different place—one of healing, hope, and forgiveness.




I shared that their reviews are being read by thousands of people on the web as I post them to twitter and the John 3:16 blog, and that people then repost the tweets and share with others. The inmates don’t have access to the Internet so they were surprised to learn that their reviews are being read by so many bloggers and tweeters.

The men wanted to know how Christian authors joined the network — and I explained to them that authors ask to join and I screen them so that those who are in the network are sincere, dedicated Christians. Many asked, “Can we have one of the authors in the network to come see us each month?”  Wouldn’t that be awesome if we could set that up?

At 3pm, we had to end because the prisoners had to be back for roll call, but I was able to shake their hands and encourage them as they left. Many wrote personal notes on a sheet of paper that I want to share here:

“Thank you for your time and help.” Booker T.

“Thank you for taking the time out. God Bless.” Clyde

“Keep writing! God is using you. God bless.” Michael

“Thank you so much for coming. I really enjoyed “Children of Dreams” and “Gatehaven.” Jeremy C.

“Thank all the authors for allowing us to read their books.” Paul

“Thanks for all the books.” Charlie

“Thank you so much. In my Christian walk, I’ve come to realize there are no coincidences, so this is truly all God’s plan.” Richard.

“Thank you for the opportunity to read good, wholesome material. God bless you all.” Stuart C.

“May the Lord bless your ministry and continue to inspire you in your writing.” Ronald P, with a smiley face.

“Thank you for believing in us and giving us this opportunity.” Bill C.

“I would love to see both book 2’s of Amanda Washington.” Clyde.

“Thank you, in Christ Jesus.” Jaxon.

I closing, I want to share one thing I said to them. I’ll paraphrase it here.

“I know you guys are in here for doing something wrong and are paying your dues, but you are gifted, intelligent, articulate, loved by God, and have a soul. I want to change the stereotypical image that people have of prisoners—that they have no worth to society. I want you to know how much we appreciate what you are doing and what it means to us. Your reviews get the most re-tweets of all the tweets I send out and are viewed every month by thousands. Hopefully, I can get this out in a broader way to the media in the future."



Later, the volunteer shared with me how much that meant to her. I’m sure if my words touched her heart, they had to have touched the hearts of the prisoners also.

Jesus said in Matthew 25:40: “When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me!”

Thank you, John 3:16 Authors, for all the books you have sent to the prison. They have a home forever at the Wakulla Correctional Institute.

Thank you, Steve Fox, for being the conduit at Wakulla Correctional and making all of this possible. And thank you, Jesus, for multiplying the gift of writing into a ministry far greater than anything we could have imagined. I look forward to us being together in heaven.



*~*~*~*


The final batch of books will be delivered to Wakulla Correctional sometime in September. At that point over 150 Christian books will have been donated to the library. I anticipate we will close this project out by the end of the year since our goal to restock the library will be accomplished. I sense God calling us to another ministry opportunity, perhaps a school, prison, or something we haven’t even imagined. If God has put something on your heart where our books would be welcomed, please leave a comment and contact information. I (Lorilyn Roberts) will get back with you.



Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Wakulla Book Review: The Asquinn Twins: No Greener Pastures Book Three, by Heather Radford




Book Summary:
After a life full of debarchery and infidelity, Sherry leaves Ken and returns home to Forest Lake with her two boys, threatening to divorce Ken if he doesn’t change.
Ken gets right with God and leaves his old life behind to reclaim his family. He moves back to Forest Lake, Ontario, and becomes Police Chief Superintendent of the Forest Lake department.
Three years later Bradan gets right with God and returns home as well to become a constable first class. Together, they clean up the hamlet as well as work on relationships with God and family.

AUTHOR’s PURPOSE:
To show the mercy and power of God to forgive and rebuild families and lives of the backslidden.

THEMES:
1/Repentance
2/Rebuilding relationships
3/ Rebuilding dreams.

Thesis:

God is always willing for the prodigal to come home.

I liked this third book, although I hated to see the elder Turehues die. But I still rejoiced with the characters because their salvation was secure.
A great ending and well put together.

The message is sound and good but the story has the adults sounding like five year old kids. If this is a children’s book, the language is awkward.


If it’s adult fiction, the Christian morals and standard teaching are awesome. But the characters need to be rebuilt to display their proper age and mentality of adults. Also, too many typos. It takes away from the story; you have to piece together what the author is truly saying.

Wakulla Book Review

Book Critique by: Booker T.




*~*~*~*

I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 



Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. 
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."

Friday, August 14, 2015

Holly Michael and son Jake Byrne - First and Goal: What Football Taught Me About Never Giving Up





Jake Byrne dreamed of playing professional football. He had the size, the talent, the drive...but at age 14, he found out he also had type 1 diabetes.

Still, Jake was determined to reach his goal. And God was determined to guide and empower him all along the way.

Jake's journey to the NFL is the backdrop for this collection of inspiring devotions based on nearly a hundred football terms. Jake takes you to the weight room, practice field, and even across the goal line. You'll feel as if you're lined up next to him, facing a very large defender you're about to take down. He also includes Scripture and then ties up each story in a way that feels real and encouraging. You'll discover...

* what to do when God calls an audible in your life
* how to respond when God puts you on special teams
* why prayer is never an incomplete pass

These quick daily readings will help you press through your own difficulties and experience God's dream for you.

About Jake:
Jake Byrne grew up in Rogers, Arkansas. A type 1 diabetic since the age of fourteen, he has since been proactive combating the disease and mentoring diabetic youth. He played football for the University of Wisconsin as a tight end, and went on to compete in the NFL. Originally an undrafted free agent who signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2012, he has also been a Houston Texan, Kansas City Chief, and San Diego Charger. Currently, Jake and his wife Emma life in Dallas and have two dogs –Yeti the Great Dane and Duke the Dogo Argentino.


Jake blogs at www.typewon.net
He can be reached through the following social media:
Facebook Page (Type Won): www.facebook.com/typewon1
Twitter: @sugarfreejb82
Instagram: Jakebyrne81

First and Goal, published through Harvest House Publishers, can be purchased at many books stores and online booksellers.
August 1, 2015
Print:$12.99
Ebook: $8.59
ISBN: 978-0736961899 
Buy on US Amazon


Monday, August 10, 2015

Wakulla Book Review: Children of Dreams, by Lorilyn Roberts


Wakulla Book Review:  Children of Dreams, by Lorilyn Roberts.



Summary:  The story chronicles Ms. Roberts’ journey to Nepal to adopt a young girl through an agency where the father loved her [ daughter ] so much that he would sacrifice and put her up for adoption, because when he remarried nothing would become of his daughter because of the cast system and culture of his country.

Ms. Roberts is tested when her daughter becomes ill, doctors don’t have answers, and she is concerned about moving forward with the adoption that she knows in her spirit she is led to do.

When all is clear with the health of her daughter, adoption laws have changed, and this time her journey takes her to Vietnam only to find out that the child she has come for was “kidnapped.”

After a trail of lies, deception, and becoming aware of an ongoing investigation by U.S. officials of her adoption agent Anne, she adopts a child born to a single rice-farming mother.
Her faith is tested in all phases of the adoption, even when she must leave the country without her daughter depending upon Anne to bring her daughter stateside.

Purpose: The author wanted to tell her story of adopting her two daughters and show that our adoption into the Body of Christ can be better understood through what she went through and her ability to love.

Themes: Abortion, human trafficking/baby stealing/family support versus family against divorce and feeling unworthy/incomplete.

Thesis: Adoption into the Body of Christ and trusting in the ways of the Lord even when we can’t understand why in the natural and when those around us talk against instead of giving their support.

daughters in 2014
Controversy: The author is against abortion, which her views are in line with the Word of God. She is also against taking part in bribes and corruption even if it seems as though it is for a greater good for the Word tells us not to.

I enjoyed the book and the fact that the author continued to hold fast to her faith and walking in the direction she knew the Lord was leading her.




Book Review by Clyde 
WAKULLA BOOK REVIEW 



*~*~*~*

I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 



Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. 
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."

Wakulla Book Review: The Essence of Evil by Barbara Ann Derksen



This is the second book of the Finders Keepers Series. It picks up where the first book ended and continues the adventures of Christine and Jeremy.

Ms. Derksen does a great job of bringing together many seemingly unrelated events. The plat twists and turns like a Nascar race course, leaving the reader guessing at every corner.

Barbara Ann is a master at integrating the characters faith in Jesus into the everyday matters. It is refreshing and the characters are so life like, it’s amazing.

There are some tough issues dealt with also – child abduction, pedophilia, sex trafficking, physical and mental abuse, and even cancer. Barbara Ann keeps it real, shows compassion, erupts in rage at atrocities, and shares the love of Jesus. Truly an incredible writer and a great book.


I’m waiting for the next book and will recommend her books to anyone that likes a great book!! Five Stars!!   

Book Review by Loren – 
A WAKULLA BOOK REVIEW


*~*~*~*

I (Lorilyn Roberts) want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 



Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from 
Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. 
Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."

Friday, August 7, 2015

John 3:16 Book Review (Lisa Lickel): The Ambassadors by Marcia Laycock


October 2014
Helping Hands Press
Paperback at Amazon,
list 14.99; other editions available in Kindle for .99
ISBN 978-1622085613

Buy the Book

From the publisher:
The Complete Series Book I 
Prince Eghan Lhin is terrified when he is abducted from his father’s castle but finds himself in a safe place nestled in a hidden valley high in the mountains not far from his father’s kingdom. He learns to trust the man who has brought him there and even begins to trust Nara, the heir to the throne of his family’s sworn enemies. But he cannot trust the God they follow. When they are led into the dangerous territory on the other side of the mountains, to restore Nara to the throne, Eghan must learn more than trust, more than courage. He must learn what faith really means.

My review (Lisa Lickel):
The Ambassadors is a faith-based novel geared toward Young Adult as the hero and heroine are teens. Set in historical era with kings and castles and horses and swords, a young broody prince, Eghan, learns through physical labor and philosophical instruction what it truly means to be a leader. He has grown up in a household of angry grief with a king for a parent who has held him at arm’s length and a guardian who doesn’t have the authority to hold him to a higher standard. A mysterious legendary hermit saves Eghan after he’s abducted by the kingdom’s enemies to show him the way to true peace and a hopeful future reuniting enemy kingdoms to face a greater foe threatening them both.

I enjoyed the story, though agree with another review that found the intrusion of contemporary Scripture and citation inserted in the text to be a somewhat clunky contrivance. Other than that, the story of a princeling forced to grow up and charged with the restoration of the kingdom or surrendering his people to an evil force was often thrilling and somewhat romantic. The setting was nicely done, dialog good. Occasionally too convenient events such as providing an enemy faith-based prisoner in the dungeon made me read faster, but fiction is often built upon such behind-the-scenes workings.

The novel felt like it could have been an epic. I rarely think this, but this is a story that could have been much longer and richer, with more back story and detail; occasionally I felt it went too quickly and jumped over particulars I wanted to know, but overall the pacing was balanced as it moved between parallel events in the kingdom, Eghan’s current life, and that of his guardian who set out to find his abducted charge but discovered much more besides.

Other volumes in the series are available.


About the Author:
Laycock-MarciaFor the past 20+ years I've been a pastor's wife, mother of three girls, caretaker of two dogs, two cats and sundry fish, and oh, yes, a freelance writer. The writing began in the attic of my parent's house where I wrote stories for my dolls. None of them complained, so I kept it up. The Lord has abundantly blessed, challenged, rebuked, healed and restored me through the process of writing and being involved with writers.

Visit my website - www.marcialeelaycock.com