While you may be familiar with the work of Bridges To Life, you may not be aware that our staff members are scattered all over Texas! From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, the BTL program is conducted in prisons throughout the state, with a Regional Coordinator assigned to each area.

Last month, we spent three days at Boot Ranch (photo, right) in a home generously donated by a BTL Board Member. This year's theme was The Heart of the Shepherd, a role shared by all BTL staff members as we continue in stewardship and service to God's flock.

It is not only BTL staff members who have the heart of a shepherd, but our volunteers as well, as this recent letter from a BTL graduate describes:

I have been through Bridges To Life twice: first as a participant and more recently as an Encourager*. I am writing to tell you that the presentation and overall guidance of our group sessions by the two BTL volunteer facilitators were powerful, inspirational, and effective.

They speak with such compassion, accuracy, and sincerity that it motivates the inmates in our circles to open up. I've heard guys confess things that they never had confessed before. And they gave forgiveness and received forgiveness like they never had before. You could feel their relief.

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