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Prison Ministry Learning to Hear God’s Voice In 20 Minutes!

Mark Virkler's picture

Picture of Penny BurtonMy name is Penny Burton and I'm from Grace Church in High Point, NC.  I'm on the Women's Prison Ministry Team.  We were at our local prison a few weeks ago.  I felt led to speak and do the music.  I asked the Lord what to bring to the ladies and He told me to bring your message on the Four Keys to Hearing God's Voice.”  The Lord helped me to condense it to a 20 minute teaching. 

We gave the ladies journals and pens so we could practice it together.  I felt led to play the song "At Your Feet" by Casting Crowns before we began journaling.  Listening to the song helped the ladies picture themselves at Jesus' feet. 

It was amazing for me to watch this because I was in front of them while they were listening to the music and writing.  Before we left one lady was able to come up to me and tell me what had happened to her.  She said, "I've only been saved for a few months.  I've been praying and asking the Lord to speak to me.  I told the Lord, 'I want to hear Your voice.'  I know Jesus sent you to teach me how to hear His voice."

I wept when she told me this.  Thank you for your pursuit of Hearing His Voice and sharing this with others. All Praise to the One who whispers to our hearts!

You can help us send curriculum to prisoners who request it by donating here. Thank you!

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Anonymous's picture

Heather Heaton's new ebook ("Her Letters from Prison") is an inspirational resource for reading pleasure, review, contemplation, and discussion.

Heather's own testimony: "God changed my life in prison!"

"Her Letters from Prison" will validate your inquisitive thoughts and doubts about what goes on in women’s prisons (It is what it is!); it can justify the efforts spent toward women’s prison ministries; and it can be a motivational (tell-it-like-it-is) resource for drug rehab/prevention and reentry programs.

"Her Letters from Prison" is non-fiction, inspirational, prison romance; and the original letters (with prison art) are included as images for authenticity.

You can go to http://www.heather-heaton.com, click on a direct link to the Smashwords "book pages" for “Her Letters from Prison”, Parts 1 and 2. Additional direct links to the book pages are provided at the end of this review.

"Her Letters from Prison" was published in two parts due to the file storage limitations imposed by the Smashwords automated publishing process. Each of the two parts contain approximately 80+ pages - images of the original letters and prison art.

If you don’t happen to own a Kindle, Nook, Fire, Sony, iPhone/iPad, or some other eReader device, then download the FREE Adobe Digital Editions software to your computer to read the “epub” version of the ebooks. Multiple eReader versions of the ebooks are available on Smashwords.

The author, Heather Heaton, is a 34 year old college student trying to better her life, in spite of the baggage she carries from her previous life. During 2012, Heather will graduate from Jefferson State College in Birmingham, Alabama with an Associate Degree in Business. After graduation from Jeff State, Heather plans to enroll in the Southeastern Bible College and pursue a program in "Youth Ministry".

A brief description of the ebook follows:
1. Breanna tells the true story of her experiences in prison through her letters to her friend Heath. This is a story of survival and a quest to make a better life. The letters describe the shocking daily events of prison life involving drugs, sex, utter devastation and humiliation, anger, hopelessness, despair, and finally happiness and hope.

2. Breanna was condemned to prison by her narcissistic lover; and a new, positive prison romance began to blossom.

3. Breanna's "truth" stands still even as the world around her trembles and burns! Bad things do happen to good people; and Breanna is the perfect example of this truth.

4. Breanna's inner strengths and principles eventually win out over the corruption and evil that surrounds her. With God's help, Breanna survives the horrible experiences of prison life and regains her self-confidence and hope for a better life.

5. "Breanna" was an inmate at Tutwiler Women's Prison (Alabama) during the period 2007 to 2009. Breanna spent approximately three years in the Alabama prison system.

6. "Breanna" benefitted from women's prison ministries and the LIFE Tech-Wetumpka state-funded self-help program. Breanna was blessed with a life-changing experience.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Introduction page of the ebook follows:

Introduction:
The story you are about to read is true. Unfortunately, it’s my story; and the truth is often much more intriguing than fiction. I have had to deal with this story (this situation) for more than the past ten years. I started living out this story with all the hopes and dreams of most (if not all) young American girls; and I will finish this story by realizing most of those hopes and dreams, even though they have been interrupted for a time (in prison) that seems like time and time again. Through it all, I have managed to learn some life lessons that I hope to give to you; and I am hoping that you can pick up on these lessons earlier in life than I have done. I should have learned these lessons long ago. If I had learned these lessons long ago, I assure you that I would not have written the material you are now reading. My hope is that nobody else has to endure what I have endured learning life lessons that should be given to youngsters and adolescents early in life by the ones who truly love them. But here again, there are probably other youngsters and adolescents, much like me, who will have to learn these life lessons painfully for themselves, the hard way – by experiencing them first hand. Well, if you continue to read my story, here’s what you will experience – drugs, sex, violence, prison, utter devastation/humiliation, anger, hopelessness, despair, and finally happiness and hope!

If you don’t take me seriously and you follow in my path, you are going to experience false hope and disillusionment! You are going to experience broken trusts, by those whom you trusted most! You are going to experience pain and agony that brings you to the brink of self-destruction! You will lose your freedom! You will lose the right to think for yourself and to make your own decisions! You will lose your sense of self-worth and self-dignity! You are going to lose your ability to support yourself! You are going to lose your self-confidence! You are going to be victimized; and you can do little to avoid this! You will struggle and struggle and struggle just to get yourself back onto an even keel! But if you can ever manage to muster a tremendous mountain of stubbornness and determination, and if you can begin to think better of yourself, you will be able to recover most, but not all, of your ability to manage your own affairs while regaining some of your self-confidence and feeling of self-worth. I am just about to accomplish this in my life! Being just about able to accomplish this in my life is what has led me to (it has allowed me to) share my story with you. At first, I didn’t think I could ever share my story with anyone. But, I really don’t want you to actually share (live through) my experiences, even if you think you can handle it. Just read this story and do something positive in your own life.

Note: All names have been changed to protect each individual's privacy.

Dedication:
This work is dedicated to Valrise Bendolf (Clay County Dept. of Corrections Holding Facility), Jackie Ratliff (Kilby – Montgomery Womens’ Facility), Fawn Romie/Mr. Roberts/Gary Parsons (Life Tech) and all of Mr. Robert’s little roses that he so diligently cultivated. For all their good works, these people saved my life!

I hope that you find this ebook both interesting and helpful.

Sincerely,
Heather Heaton
http://www.heather-heaton.com
http://www.herlettersfromprison.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Customer/Reader Review of “Her Letters from Prison”
Heather, ever since you first contacted me about your ebooks (and when I received them) I have been giving them traction. At least two women on my case load checked them out, (like a library card so I would get them back) and were very moved by the content. I haven’t had another problem with their behavior since they read them. So…I know they are working. They should be required reading, ordered by a Judge before women are sentenced to probation, so that they would fully understand the consequences of their behavior. The coverage by The Prison Art Coalition blog is very good news both for Heather and for those that will read her story.

They (“Her Letters from Prison: Parts 1 & 2) should be used as text books for the next Life Tech facility for Women!!! I wish I had some pull for money to build a better one. I pray for it.

Gary Parsons
Parole Officer
State of Alabama – Board of Pardons & Parole

You can find Heather's ebook(s) by clicking (Ctrl-click) on any of the following links:
1. Smashwords
a. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79617
b. http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79643
2. Indie Books
a. http://www.indiebookslist.com/2011/09/her-letters-from-prison-by-heather...
b. http://www.indiebookslist.com/2011/09/her-letters-from-prison-by-heather...
3. Kobo
a. http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=Heather+Heaton&t=none&f=au...
b. http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Her-Letters-Prison-Part-2/book-eUiGHQToJE...
4. Barnes & Nobel
a. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-letters-from-prison-part-1-heather-h...
b. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-letters-from-prison-part-2-heather-h...
5. Diesel eBook Store (“Her Letters from Prison: Part 1 & Part 2)
a. http://search.diesel-ebooks.com/author/Heaton,%20Heather/results/1.html
6. Reader Store (“Her Letters from Prison: Part 1 & Part 2)
a. http://ebookstore.sony.com/search?&page=1&perpage=10&sortDirection=0&vie...
7. InkMesh
a. http://inkmesh.com/ebooks/her-letters-from-prison-part-c81e7-heather-hea...
b. http://inkmesh.com/search/?qs=Her+Letters+from+Prison+-+Part+1+by+Heathe...
8. PDB Ebooks (book sample)
a. http://pdb-ebooks.com/sample/79617/her-letters-from-prison-part-1
b. http://pdb-ebooks.com/length_rev/1/52/0/1/1062
9. ITunes
a. http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/her-letters-from-prison-part-1/id4585941...
b. http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/her-letters-from-prison-part-2/id4585538...

Heather's ebooks are available for the following eReaders (mobi, epub, and pdf formats):
1. PC (Adobe Digital Editions)
2. Mac
3. iPhone/iPad
4. Kindle
5. Nook
6. Fire
7. Sony
8. Others

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Results 31 - 40 of 479

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Fulfill Your Financial Destiny

Fulfill Your Financial Destiny

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 66 Pages

Though the economic system (mammon) of this world is under a curse, we have received instructions for how to move out from that dominion and into the blessing of the Kingdom of God. God’s promises to His children have not changed with the whims of government or Wall Street, nor have His directions for how to walk in those promises. We can “choose not to participate” in the economic recession that is around us if we instead choose to obey the logos and rhema of the Lord and enjoy the blessings that result.

Price: $9.95
Gifted to Succeed

Gifted to Succeed

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 189 Pages

There is no joy so complete as knowing who you are -- who God has made you to be and what your basic giftings and drives are. The goal of this book is to get you effectively functioning in roles which allow you to adequately express your heart motivations and gifts. The fulfillment you experience when you function in your gifts and calling is a joy almost beyond belief.

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men." (Prov. 22:29)

Price: $17.95
The Great Mystery

Great Mystery

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 54 Pages

This is a workbook which guides you in meditating on hundreds of New Testament verses which speak of Who Christ is within us and how to touch and release Him and His wisdom, power and might continuously and effortlessly out through our lives. You will look up every New Testament verse on being "in Christ," "in Him" and "in Whom." In addition, you will meditate on the various names given to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and realize that all that He is is available within you and even joined to you (1 Cor. 6:17)! Absolutely amazing!

Price: $9.95
Health Mastery Through MRT

Health Mastery Through MRT

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 82 Pages

Wouldn't it be great if there were a way for my body to tell me exactly what it needs and desires, without having to take expensive or invasive tests? Wouldn't it be amazing if I could perform these tests as often as I wanted, right in my own home (or anywhere I wanted), with no costly instruments necessary? 

Price: $19.95

Hearing God Through Biblical Meditation

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 179 Pages | $15.99 retail list price

For many years I studied the Bible incorrectly, and it produced death rather than life. Even though I had a knowledge of the Scriptures, I did not personally experience the life and the realities they revealed. The Bible calls this the ministry of death, rather than the ministry of righteousness (2 Cor. 3:6–9). Upon coming out of Bible college, I found myself just like the apostle Paul, attacking those who disagreed with my theology. 

Price: $15.95

How Do You Know?

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 180 Pages

How do you know? What is the process you use to discover truth? I did not ask that question during the first 25 years of my life. I used eleven different methods for discovering truth including: if my parents said so, then it was so. If my teacher said it was so, then it was so. If my pastor said it was so, then it was so. If my theology said it was so, then it was so. I have discarded them all and adopted a twelfth method, which is in harmony with what the Bible teaches. We teach you this method in this book.

Price: $17.95
How to Build a Winning Team

How to Build a Winning Team

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 105 Pages

Can I succeed like others have? What do I need to do? How do I go about it? What if I don't have the gifts necessary to do something great?  The wonderful truth revealed in Scripture is that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary feats, especially when they say, "Yes, Lord" to the destiny He has prepared for them!

Price: $12.95
How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 44 Pages | Published 2002

This brief booklet walks a person through the main obstacles to speaking in tongues, and shows how each one can be successfully overcome. It is down-to-earth, practical and biblical, and in it Mark Virkler shares the struggles he went through before he was able to speak in tongues. Some were theological issues and some simply practical issues, like the fact that if I am going to speak in tongues, I will need to speak. Otherwise, nothing happens.

Price: $2.95
How to Walk by the Spirit

How to Walk by the Spirit

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 136 Pages | Previous name "Sense Your Spirit"

Are you like many western Christians who have been taught little about how to sense their spirits? Do you have trouble even defining what spirit sensations feel like within you, much less recognizing them? This training was birthed from Mark’s passion to live out of his spirit, and thus release the anointing of God. The problem he faced was lack of clear biblical definition as to what his spirit felt like. So Mark looked up every verse in the Bible on heart and spirit.

Price: $13.95
Intimacy with the Holy Spirit

Intimacy with the Holy Spirit

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 223 Pages

This book leads you in meditating on and journaling about two hundred and fifty verses that discuss the Holy Spirit. You will grow in intimacy with the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the anointing within you will increase! You will exclaim as the disciples did on the Emmaus Road “Did not our heart burn within us…while He opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)! In addition to being led to journal through these verses, you will read numerous two-way journal entries from Mark Virkler, as well as a five-page prayer at the conclusion of the book.

Price: $10.95

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