Greetings!
On February 1st, BTL's COO Jim Buffington and I traveled to Huntsville, Texas, for the 2022 TDCJ* Chaplaincy Conference. Prison Chaplains have always played a critical role in the efficient operation of our program at their units, and even more so since we began offering our Self-Study version after COVID. Over 100 Chaplains attended the Conference and we were excited to be invited to give a presentation about Bridges To Life.
I shared the story of the murder of my sister Marilyn, the impact of this tragedy on our family, and how it was the catalyst for creating the BTL program 23 years ago. Jim then presented how BTL has grown since that time, including 2021 program results from each TDCJ Region. This gave us the opportunity to show how impactful our program has been, not just in Texas prisons, but in locations around the world.
After thanking all of the Chaplains and Directors for their support of BTL, we opened the floor for questions. Several stood up and shared stories from their units of BTL’s impact, including from Death Row where BTL is being conducted for the first time. During the luncheon afterward, Chaplain after Chaplain came to our table to ask questions and speak of their gratitude for the program.
Lastly, Christopher Carter, Director of the Rehabilitation Programs Division, and C.F. Hazlewood, Deputy Director of Religious Services, told us that BTL's
Self-Study Program was the first to minister to inmates under COVID restrictions. We were surprised and very moved to hear how much BTL has meant to TDCJ during the pandemic. It is amazing how God continues to bless BTL, even during times of crisis.
We are grateful to all TDCJ Directors, Wardens and Chaplains who help the BTL program succeed every day.
In God's grace,
John Sage, Founder & CEO
Jim Buffington, COO
*Texas Department of Criminal Justice
