Chaplains
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Dear Marty, Just a note to say thank you for coming to minister to the men and women in Kansas prisons. Your spirit was great and your love for the Lord was evident. You are always welcome to come back. The men at Ellsworth here are still speaking good things about you and would love to have you back. I made a contact with an old friend, who is a Christian, that runs the Kansas Receiving & Diagnostic Unit (RDU) at El Dorado, Kansas and he wants to give your book to the prisoners as they enter the prison system here in Kansas. God bless you and I will be in touch about more books. - CH - Ellsworth, KS
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Dear Marty, Thanks much for being here this past weekend. You and Ron were really used by God to touch hundreds of lives. Final human totals equaled 13 jail services (plus the two services in churches), 548 in attendance, 156 first-time commitments, and 221 re-commitments, but eternity alone will reveal the full extent of the fruit gathered during those three days. Reports from the women at the West Valley Detention Center are that you really influenced them, made them think, and called them to the Lord and a disciplined life in Him. Thanks again. May God continue to richly bless you, yours, and your ministry. JH - San Bernardino, CA
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Dear Brother in Christ. I received the box of your books today. Thank you so much. I look forward to placing these in the hands of those I minister to. God Bless you sir for your thoughtfulness to those hurting souls in the "fourth world." God Bless! - CH - Eufaula, Ok
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Marty. Thank you for the book that you personally sent to me and for your gracious donation of cases of books for the inmates. We appreciate your thoughtfulness toward these men who participate in the Church Behind the Fences at Franklin CI. - JH - Carrabelle, FL
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Marty, God bless, I have been forwarding your book to the inmates. Several have finished them including the guards. Praise his Name. Marty, I handed this book to the guard in faith that the Lord would touch his heart. He stated this past Tuesday that the book was so good, he could not put it down, and this is from a guard! He gave it to the other guard, I will tell you more next week. - VP - Newark, NJ
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Dear Marty. Thank you for coming here to speak at the Sheriff's Drug Farm and for passing out free copies of your book, "Once Life Matters." We are all enjoying reading it. We would love to have you back soon. Everyone said hello. - JJ - Palm Beach County Sheriff's Drug Farm. West Palm Beach, FL
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Marty. Thank you for sending copies of your book. We are distributing them to the youth in prison we work with throughout New England. We lead Bible studies in over 100 juvenile facilities each week. - SL - Worcester, MA
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Dear Marty. Thank you for sending two cases of your book, "Once Life Matters." We are distributing them to the various aftercare centers here with about 100 ex-inmates. - JL - Bedford, TX
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Marty. Thank you for the case of books. I have worked as a chaplain for 28 years in prisons and jails in California. I now mentor chaplains and spend most my time working in after care. I work with 10 to 15 inmates and ex-offenders at any given time. I think your book is valuable to give out to those who have just been released from incarceration. - JO - Chula Vista, CA
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Dear Marty. As State Chairperson for the Yokefellow Prison Ministry that has existed in the state of Pennsylvania for over 40 years and is currently going into over 48 institutions state wide and in north western West Virginia and south eastern Ohio, I want to thank you for sending cases of books to the chaplains at the prisons we minister in. The inmates are getting a lot out of it and making a big difference in their lives. DM - Olanta, PA
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Dear Marty, I want to say "thank you" from the inmates for donating a case of your "electrifying" book, "Once Life Matters." It is being well received. - TM - Monroe, NC
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Brother Marty, I minister to over 300 teen young men incarcerated here and am distributing your book quickly to our interested youth. I cannot thank you enough for sending us these incredible books. They are already touching lives. Thank you for being willing to share what God has lain on your heart and to be so generous in sending it free to our facility. Thank you and God bless you! - SM - Crockett, TX
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Marty. Thank you for sending a free case of your book, "Once Life Matters" to the women here at our Christian women's ex-offender aftercare facility for recovery from drugs. They are enjoying it. - SS - Austin, TX
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Dear Marty. We are so excited for this opportunity to receive free cases of your book, "Once Life Matters." Everyone here is loving it. - JS - Nashville, TN
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Greetings! I am minister in our local juvenile hall. We accomplish a lot through drama, bible studies, and testimony books. Most of our youth return month after month... year after year. Most have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior but are still struggling with their eternal life. I feel your book; "Once Life Matters" is helping make a difference in changing their broken and confused lives. It is certainly planting more seeds. Many of these kids are approaching 18 and will be going to jail next and not juvenile hall. Your book is helping them make some necessary changes before that can happen. Thank you for sending us free cases of your exciting book, brother Angelo. - MT - Hollister, CA
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Hi Marty, We were on lock down here in the jail yesterday so I had some time to kill and started reading your book. I finished it after I got home last night. I do not read many books and my wife commented on it when she saw me sitting there last night reading. I usually even do my Bible reading on the computer so she was not use to seeing me sitting in my living room reading a book!
I related in what you had to say to many things. It is a sure thing that both your story and mine are examples of God's grace! It is amazing that He has let us both do the things we are now doing!
I really enjoyed how your book didn't just talk about your past life of sin and then a quick testimony of being saved like so many of the testimony books do. I especially liked hearing about all the ministries you have been involved with since you have been out.
Your book is touching many lives with the message it brings. I am enjoying handing them out to the men here at the jail. Thank you for personally delivering 20 free cases. We have over 27,000 inmates in our system, so believe me brother; we are putting your book to good use around here! It is even going to inmates who are locked down and cannot get out of their cells to come to chapel services. That is the beauty of a book in a jail. It can sometimes go where a human cannot. - EW - Los Angeles, CA
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Brother Marty, I cannot thank you enough for sending us these incredible books. They are really touching many lives. - TM - Crockett, TX
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Marty, Thank you for working with Good News Jail & Prison Ministry in helping to get the Good News out to a much needed group of youth! - AK - Chicago, IL
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Dear Marty, On behalf of the incarcerated men at the New York State Minimum Security Camps Georgetown and Pharsalia, I would like to thank you for sending us a free case of your book, "Once Life Matters: A New Beginning." Various men have read the book and it is really starting to make a big difference in their lives. Thank you for thinking of our men and seeking to spiritually uplift them. In grateful thanks. - JK - Georgetown, NY
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Marty, Thank you for sharing a case of your books with us as we are seeing lost souls come to a believing faith as we share "Once Life Matters" with them. We will continue to be in touch with you. - DA - Chicago, IL
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Hello Bro. Marty - Thank you for the box of books. The inmates were really looking forward to receiving your book and we distributed all of them in less than five minutes! Please send another case or even two cases if you can. God Bless you and your ministry. - TC - Austin, TX
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Dear Marty, Thank you for donating "Once Life Matters" for the inmates of Benton County Jail. They have been quickly distributed and well received. Copies have also been distributed to ministry heads, and an announcement regarding tonight's televised interview has been sent to our volunteer base and to correctional staff. Next to Bibles, testimonies of those that have made it are our most requested resource. Thank you for putting your testimony in writing and generously distributing it. Blessings. - BH - Kennewick, WA
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Marty, What a blessing you are!!! Not only to me, but the body of Christ. Thank you for your kindness and your ministry. - TM - Pinellas, FL
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Dear Marty, I was just in our lock up area and was passing out resource material. The inmates already knew about your book and were asking for it by name. I have had people ask for Monty Christensen's testimony book, “7x70 and Beyond” many times before I even knew what the book was. And it is a popular book with the inmates. I am finding that your book is becoming just as popular.
While in the lock up area I used your book as an opening to talk to an Aryan Brotherhood dropout. God used your book to touch him, it was the tool that at least cracked the surface of this man’s hard shell.
Take care brother. I look forward to seeing you here soon. - EW - Los Angeles, CA
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Marty, I wanted to let you know how your book has been received here in Austin, Texas. One of my clients said he started at bedtime, and then could not put it down. Another read it in one day and said the times and setting was so identifiable to him. This is such a blessing and I am requiring everyone in my Overcomer's Group as well as the mentors read this wonderful story of redemption.
We hope to tape your appearance on the 700 Club program; so many more will be told THE TRUTH. Grace and hope are available to EVERYONE. I am an ex-offender myself and God has given me an aftercare ministry here in the Austin Community where I have a faith-based resources center, so when they need a bus pass, ID or a Bible, we are available. This info is given out at the gate of Huntsville prison when they are released to return to Austin.
I pray that you are blessed and your ministry is recognized as so needed for those who hurt from this lifestyle as ours was. - MC - Austin, TX.
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One of our inmates here at the California Institution for Women saw "Once Life Matters" mentioned in the “Inside Journal” newspaper and requested me to write to you. Thank you so much for sending us free cases of books. - LB - Corona, CA
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Good morning Marty, I visited the Juvenile Detention Center today and was talking to the kids about your book. All 48 copies were placed in their hands and on their library carts last week. Each one that read your book thought it was REALLY GREAT. One "rock star" told me he could personally identify with you. I asked if they could say anything to you, what would it be. Their answer, write another book! Thanks Marty. - FT - Shawnee, KS
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Dear Mr. Angelo - Thank you for your donation to the California Correctional Institution. We greatly appreciate this donation and are in the process of distributing your books to our inmate population. - MT - Tehachapi, CA
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Thank you for sending two cases of your books to the South Dakota Women's Prison. It is going over well. - MB - Pierre, SD
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Thank you so much for the books we JUST received moments ago. The 70 X 7 book was a BIG hit here in our facility. Therefore, yours will also be most welcomed and utilized by our inmates and staff. Thank you so much for sending us the books... they are a blessing. - RB - York County Prison, York, PA
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Good morning Marty. Just a note to advise you the books you sent have been distributed to the Adult AND the Juvenile Detention Centers. Several of the men and women have expressed appreciation for receiving books written by "one of us." Thank you for the information on the Library of Hope. They sent additional copies of your book along with others in the “70X7” series. In fact, the day I took your book into the women's pod, a woman asked me if I could get the entire series. The Library of Hope provided the rest. God is so awesome! - FT - Shawnee, KS
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Once Life Matters - Review - JM - Kennewick, WA - (volunteer chaplain assistant) I have read the book, "Once Life Matters" by Marty Angelo. I thought the book was very good! It did have some descriptive drug scenes. However, I thought the last third of the book was the best! Marty is saved, goes to prison, but uses his time to read the Bible, do lessons and to spread the Gospel to the Inmates. I liked how he included the Bible verses in his book. - JM - Kennewick, WA
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Dear Marty - We are grateful for the book donation that you have sent to our unit here the Arkansas Department of Corrections. A very heart felt Thank you from the men of this unit for what you have done to bless them and help them. Your ministry is in our prayers, and that it continues to be strong in the Lord and grows in God's will. Thank you really seems to be very inefficient or not enough to say for what you have done for us. Without the help, you and others provide us we would be literally in the dark in our prison systems. We are always grateful for the assistance of any group who wishes to share the Love of Jesus to the inmates around Arkansas and the world. May God continue to bless you in your work, and may the joy of the Lord be an overflowing fountain to you and all those around you. - CG - Dermott, AR
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Once Life Matters - Review - BC - Kennewick, WA - (volunteer chaplain assistant)
I read this book with the question in mind, “Does it dwell too much on the negative side of life, drugs, etc.?”
It was while he was in prison that Marty Angelo wrote about his twenty plus years in the music industry, the drug scene, and counter-culture politics, so that part of his life is well chronicled. However, he briefly summarizes this part of his life and tells the difference Jesus made up front in the introduction. Throughout the book, he adds quotations from scripture such as Revelation 3:20 and Proverbs14:12
(There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of
death.) He repeats these scriptures enough for anyone to memorize them while reading the book. It also helps the reader stay grounded in truth and where the story is headed. The scriptures also give the reader a sense that he is not bragging but now considers what he was doing was foolish.
The author also has many endorsements from well-known Christian leaders who talk about his transformation and sterling character. I would like to have heard more about his ministry. He comes across as modest and honest throughout the book. He does talk about his ministry from the aspect of being willing to walk through the doors God opened for him. He also shares with readers how to start their own life transformation with Jesus.
The book is a “fast read” and could be helpful to many.
It is commendable that he wrote it for people in prison and is willing to provide it free to them. It could be a good first book for people in jail or prison.
As for me, a person who grew up during the same time frame but didn’t get into drugs, it gave me a good look at the spiritual battle that it being waged for the souls of mankind and how the enemy will use anything that adds confusion to the mind. It removed the glitter from Hollywood. It gave me a better understanding for my work with people in jail and with young adults making life-affecting choices. - BC - Kennewick, WA
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Dear Marty - I express to you a heart-felt appreciation for the recent "Once Life Matters" books donation. The men here are taking the time to read and absorb it. I am seeing results already. Men who come into prison have time to deeply consider questions of faith that they might have otherwise ignored. For many they thought themselves to be good and faithful people, it is often quick a shock to be in prison. Here they face a crisis of faith they likely have never experienced. You book is helping them through this. - JP - Shelton, WA
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Dear Mr. Angelo - I would like to thank you on behalf of the State of California and myself, the Warden, here at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison at Corcoran (CSATF), for your generous donation. Your book is being used by the intended, interested inmates and is greatly enhancing their lives. Thank you very much. - KC - Corcoran, CA
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My Dear Brother in Christ - Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. The books that you sent to us came at a very good time. I along with the inmates at Marion Correctional Institution (MCI) are very thankful for your help. We are no longer permitted to purchases material such as books, etc. for our Chapel Library. We must continue to rely on various outside ministries/organizations to meet our needs. In closing, I want to thank you again for the books. May God truly bless you. - DW - Tallahassee, FL
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Dear Marty - Thank you so much for the first books you sent. They did not last long. I am getting requests from inmate for more. Your book has been a blessing so far, it is a very powerful tool that can reach many of the inmates in our jail. God Bless. - JH - Asheboro, NC
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Good Morning Marty! - I FINALLY got an official opinion on your book from a young male inmate. Please allow me to quote: "This is in regard to the book 'Once Life Matters.' My opinion is the book is excellent and very inspiring. It pretty much depicts most of our lives in here. Thank you for your comfort in my time of need." Marty, please could you send us more copies to distribute. The young man who wrote the note had just lost a family member and I had to go and tell him the news. I was most happy to give him your book to read and reflect on. Thank you again for all that YOU do! - TM - Clearwater FL
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Dear Marty! - I want to sincerely thank you for the books you are sending to our women at FCCW. I found out about you through my chaplains clerk! She brought me a paper with your number and information about your book. I had been praying for materials to be donated to our unit since I strictly rely on God sending me all of our Christian materials through donations. The other link you gave me (Library of Hope) was also a blessing! Thanks again for being a tool used by God to bless our women at FCCW. - CC - Rocky Mount, NC
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Dear Marty! - The first case I received lasted two trips in the county jails. I am out! God Bless you for what you are doing for the "fourth world!" - CH - Eufaula, OK
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Dear Marty - I just received this comment from an inmate: "Dear Chaplain. Thank you very much for the book, 'Once Life Matters.' If possible please also thank Marty Angelo for sending it to you for distribution to us inmates. You really moved fast. I requested it on 6/14/06 and received the book on 6/27/06. Thanks for your patience and Internet action. I have finally received this book and am really enjoying it, and so are the rest of the men in my pod. - MK" - There you go, Marty. The inmates here are getting into your book. Praise the Lord! - GS - Eagle River, AL
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Dear Brother Angelo - Thank you for the donation of your book, "Once Life Matters: A New Beginning." We received a case of books on July 25. We are planning to make the books available at our Sunday service. We are having a Communion Service on July 30, so the timing is good. We believe that the message in your book will make an eternal difference in the lives of those who are incarcerated, and they, in turn, will make a difference in the lives of those with whom they come in contact. Be encouraged. Your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinithians 15:8). Again, thank you. Be blessed. - SM - Mitchells, VA
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Dear Marty - The case of books you sent arrived two weeks ago and many are already in the hands of the men. The feedback on the book has been very positive; they have really enjoyed reading your book. Thank you for your generous donation. - MC - Moravia, NY
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Dear Marty - I want to thank you once again for the 96 books you have sent our prison. We house around 550 women and I am hearing many good comments about how much they are enjoying reading your book. I had told you I had taken the time to read it and had enjoyed it myself. They are passing them around so other residents can read it. If you have additional books, I would be honored to carry them to our processing dorm. I also thank you for passing along to me some very helpful web sites that I REALLY NEEDED! My husband and I have only been prison chaplains for two years so I still have a lot to learn about where to go for resources so your information was really an answer to prayer. If you are ever in our area and have an opening, please give us a call and we will see what we can work out. Thank you again for being such a blessing to our unit. Prayers, - CC - Rocky Mount, NC
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Marty - Thanks for the books at Hiland Mountain Center, Palmer Correctional Center, and Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm. At Hiland and Palmer, I went to each cell in "segregation" also called "The Hole" and personally handed out copies of your books. Some of the men are passing them onto others. May the Lord greatly bless you. - FB - Palmer, AK
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Dear Marty - One of my inmate friends was saved through your book last week. He was put in the hole, and there was your book lying on the floor. He had nothing else to do, so he read the whole thing in three hours and was filled with the Holy Spirit. You should have seen the grin on his face. He said, "Now I know what you mean Chaplain Doug." Glory! DT - Hillsboro, OR
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Dear Marty - Both Chaplain Chapman and I received our box of books. Already they are being given out. I read your book over the weekend. I could not and would not put it down until I finished it! I underlined certain passages that I wanted to share with my husband when he reads it. One of the female inmates who received your book came into my office and said she related and understood so many things you wrote about. Again, thank you for writing your story and for sharing it with us. We will be getting back with you again, I am sure. Sincerely, - PB - Dayton, TX
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Marty: Your book is making a difference at WCJ. Thanks in the name of the Lord! - DT - Aloha, OR
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