Youth Testimonies
"I
was cleaning my room out and started reading all the letters you wrote me. It really touched me because I just started
crying and couldn't understand why. Then
the reason hit me and that was because when I was reading your letters, I
started thinking about how blessed and lucky I am to have such motivation &
support from a complete stranger. It
really makes me feel good when I get letters from you. I say that because I know you all don't get
paid to talk to us and go out of yall's way for us kids you don't even know, to
actually sit down and take time out of you all's day just to write. Love you so very much." signed: J J
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How are you doing? I’m doing real good, been wrapping things up here at the group home. I was just sitting here reading the Bible, Psalms actually. I just wanna say He is very good to me; He’s lifted my depression and my urges, and most of all He is good for giving me a friend like you! J
You were such a great Pen-pal; you’ve encouraged me through these tough times. You’ve helped me to build a relationship with God? I want to thank you for that. RS
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"(She) writes me and lets me know God is always here for me no matter what and she makes me happy and I enjoy talking to her." signed: T.J.
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"(She) tells me she prays for me every day and writes me back." signed: J.T.
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"(She) encourages me to keep/have faith." signed: A.C.
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"I have been good and I thank God has blessed me with my Pen-Pal. I am going to pray for her and for me for as long as I live. And when I die I will be going to heven." signed: K.D.
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(She) has been a comfort to me because she give me powerful words and send me prayers and it really motivate me and encourages me to stay strong and keep me moving. (She) has sent me a bible and I like that. Signed: MH
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(She) prays for me during hard situations. She sends me nice cards to help lift me up and she also said I could come to her church when I get out which is another blessing. I thank God for her in some situations because I know she is getting God to help me. Thank you Pen-pal Signed: KH
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“Ever since I been had a pen pal Its been a change in my life because Mrs.(Pen-Pal) always pray for me and we talk about alot. I'm so blessed to have a pen pal. signed: T.C.
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"She sends me Bible verses and It's just good to have someone to talk to. She's very friendly and I enjoy recieving letters from her. She has become a good friend of mine." signed: K.M.
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"She makes me smile which I don't do often due to my situation. I always get a reply and she sends me Bible scriptures which means alot to me & also sent me a NLT so I could understand better." signed R.S.
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"(My Pen-Pal) has been honest and open to me. Also she makes me realize that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that he would always be there for me when I'm down, worried, angry or frustrated. She's very nice she gives me bible verses to read and I read them. I'm glad (she) is my Pen-Pal." Signed: "CW"
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"My Pen-Pal has been the biggest support that I ever had. She writes me the most motivated letters ever. She has sent me a journal and awesome Bible scriptures. I really enjoy talking to her. I never had anyone to support me like she does and I love her." Signed: "JJ"
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My Pen-pal always brightens my week with her letters. I am truly blessed to correspond with such a wonderful person. It also helps when I don’t get any mail, she never fails to send a letter. Most of my peers look forward to getting mail from their Pen-pals as well, especially the ones who don’t get any mail from home. It lets us know someone cares. Signed “AS”
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“I enjoyed getting letters from her.
She prayed for me and encouraged me to do better.”
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“My mentor has been really great!
It’s surprising how much we relate, and she is older than me.
So since she has been thru some of the same things,
she has a wiser point of view on things, so she helps me.”
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"she was just like an angel.”
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“I told her I was gay and she did not put me down or anything,
she gave me some verses to read in the Bible, and she told me that God loved me.
Since then I put the girls to the side and I put God first.”
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“She is sending me some Bible study material and we discuss God in every letter.
I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in the program
because it has increased my self-esteem and my faith.”
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“she gives me encouragement and it really makes me feel good about myself when I get some mail!”
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“She has just been a real blessing.
I always look forward to getting one of her letters, they bring my day up.”
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“I could be having one of the worst days,
get a letter from my pen-pal and the rest of my day was blessed.”
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“I wish she was in my life forever.”
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How are you doing? I’m doing real good, been wrapping things up here at the group home. I was just sitting here reading the Bible, Psalms actually. I just wanna say He is very good to me; He’s lifted my depression and my urges, and most of all He is good for giving me a friend like you! J
You were such a great Pen-pal; you’ve encouraged me through these tough times. You’ve helped me to build a relationship with God? I want to thank you for that. RS
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"(She) writes me and lets me know God is always here for me no matter what and she makes me happy and I enjoy talking to her." signed: T.J.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"(She) tells me she prays for me every day and writes me back." signed: J.T.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"(She) encourages me to keep/have faith." signed: A.C.
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"I have been good and I thank God has blessed me with my Pen-Pal. I am going to pray for her and for me for as long as I live. And when I die I will be going to heven." signed: K.D.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(She) has been a comfort to me because she give me powerful words and send me prayers and it really motivate me and encourages me to stay strong and keep me moving. (She) has sent me a bible and I like that. Signed: MH
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(She) prays for me during hard situations. She sends me nice cards to help lift me up and she also said I could come to her church when I get out which is another blessing. I thank God for her in some situations because I know she is getting God to help me. Thank you Pen-pal Signed: KH
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“Ever since I been had a pen pal Its been a change in my life because Mrs.(Pen-Pal) always pray for me and we talk about alot. I'm so blessed to have a pen pal. signed: T.C.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"She sends me Bible verses and It's just good to have someone to talk to. She's very friendly and I enjoy recieving letters from her. She has become a good friend of mine." signed: K.M.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"She makes me smile which I don't do often due to my situation. I always get a reply and she sends me Bible scriptures which means alot to me & also sent me a NLT so I could understand better." signed R.S.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"(My Pen-Pal) has been honest and open to me. Also she makes me realize that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that he would always be there for me when I'm down, worried, angry or frustrated. She's very nice she gives me bible verses to read and I read them. I'm glad (she) is my Pen-Pal." Signed: "CW"
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"My Pen-Pal has been the biggest support that I ever had. She writes me the most motivated letters ever. She has sent me a journal and awesome Bible scriptures. I really enjoy talking to her. I never had anyone to support me like she does and I love her." Signed: "JJ"
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My Pen-pal always brightens my week with her letters. I am truly blessed to correspond with such a wonderful person. It also helps when I don’t get any mail, she never fails to send a letter. Most of my peers look forward to getting mail from their Pen-pals as well, especially the ones who don’t get any mail from home. It lets us know someone cares. Signed “AS”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“I enjoyed getting letters from her.
She prayed for me and encouraged me to do better.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“My mentor has been really great!
It’s surprising how much we relate, and she is older than me.
So since she has been thru some of the same things,
she has a wiser point of view on things, so she helps me.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"she was just like an angel.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“I told her I was gay and she did not put me down or anything,
she gave me some verses to read in the Bible, and she told me that God loved me.
Since then I put the girls to the side and I put God first.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“She is sending me some Bible study material and we discuss God in every letter.
I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in the program
because it has increased my self-esteem and my faith.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“she gives me encouragement and it really makes me feel good about myself when I get some mail!”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“She has just been a real blessing.
I always look forward to getting one of her letters, they bring my day up.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“I could be having one of the worst days,
get a letter from my pen-pal and the rest of my day was blessed.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“I wish she was in my life forever.”
Pen-Pal / Mentor Testimonies
I consider being a pen pal
for New Start Ministries an honor. I am reminded in reading letters from
the girls how tough this stage of life is. Some of the girls are starting
out with the cards stacked against them based on their home life and the things
they are exposed to at an early age. They have no way of knowing those
things are not normal. I speak from experience. As a teenager and
young adult I walked a fine line that should have led me down the road these
girls are on. But, Jesus protected me and after many difficult years I
answered the Lord’s call and accepted him as my Savior.
I think of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Again, I am honored to be able to share with these girls what God has done for me and how He can do the same for them. I am blessed through this ministry by being able to pray for and encourage those that I would not otherwise be in contact with. S. D.
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Praying for these girls has been so rewarding, when I read their letters I know in my heart that they are drawing close to God. I feel that I have touched their life in some way. That makes it all worth the while. These girls share their lives about their family. They share their eagerness to be released. I have never has a letter stating what their crime was, and that is alright. I never ask. I don't want to think I judge them, because I don’t. I just want them to know that I will pray for them and encourage them to live a lifestyle to make better choices. I also want most of all for them to know Jesus and share his love with others. S. S.
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I can't begin to tell you how my life has changed since I've been involved in this ministry. My faith has increased. My finances have increased. I find myself trusting God more & more. I don't stress out about anything I just let go & let God. My prayer life has become the most important part of my day. I'm so happy to be a part of this ministry. C. T.
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I got the attached letter [typed in italics below from hand written letter] in the mail recently and it caught me by surprise. It is from the mom of my last pen-pal. She was recently released and is adjusting to being back in the home environment (and still struggling with choices, it seems). Seeing the note from this mother made me realize the letters we're writing to our pen-pals don't affect only that girl. They affect their roommates who see our cheerful greetings and thoughtful words and they affect the parents who see glimpses of change in their daughters.
It may seem some of our letters fall on empty ears and cold hearts. But if you plant seeds every single week, one day a little bit of hope is bound to grow. Sometimes a girl who has lived a hard life needs to hear repeatedly that she has worth, that she matters to someone, that the choices she makes determine the quality of her relationships and her personal and spiritual health, and that God loves her--before she will ever begin to believe those things could possibly be true about herself.
If there is anything I have learned as a pastor's wife, it's that sudden changes of heart and behavior don't always stick, but it's gradual change in a person who develops over time that is lasting. You might be able to appear different on the outside for a little while, but you can't force yourself to be a better person. You need a lot of help and good influences and people to encourage you to never give up. This girl is trying, but she's still making mistakes and learning hard lessons. Aren't we all? I think that's why being a pen-pal is important to me. L.H.
Dear Mrs. H.,
Hello, my name is KD. I just want to tell you thank you for being “A’s” Pen-pal while she was away from home. It makes me feel better knowing she had someone she could write to besides just family. Things have gotten a little rough here in the past few days, but we will work through it. “A” is awesome. She’s trying so hard to do better but she’s still making not good choices. I just want her to learn from them and not do it again. I’ll leave you alone now. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
KD
P.S. If you’d like to continue writing “A” please do so.
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“I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity to do something I really want to do, and what God has equipped me to do.” LT
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I am writing regarding my association with New Start Ministries. I recently became a mentor to one of the girls and am pleased to share that to this point it has been a good experience. She wrote the initial letter to me quickly... This made me even more eager to try to reach out to her. It was slow going in the beginning. I sent several letters to her over the first few weeks and my letters went unanswered. I became concerned at first that perhaps she had changed her mind about participating in the program; however, I had decided that I would send at least one more letter. This time I included a stamp and an envelope, thinking that perhaps this would help her to write me back. Apparently this was the problem, as shortly after I sent the stamp, I did receive correspondence from her. I was SO happy to finally hear from her again.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
...She has shared with me about the work that she is doing to complete the specified programs that are in place for her and the other girls. She seems very busy with these things. Her letters have not been extremely lengthy or detailed, but I do sense that she wants to do well and to be able to move forward in her life. She is speaking about her future and I am pleased to hear that. ...I have simply tried to share that there is a reason for her being there and that God can use us anywhere we are. I try to encourage her and let her know that I care for her and that God cares for her. I feel that this young lady is not too far gone to be utilized by God and that she can have a bright future if she so chooses. I hope that through New Start Ministries, I can somehow play a part in helping her accomplish her goal to become a productive and successful woman and more importantly, to become aware that God has a plan for her if she is willing to follow Him.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If someone is thinking of becoming a mentor, I would encourage them to do so. I would also encourage those who have agreed to be a mentor not to become discouraged. Continue to pray for the girls even if you don’t get the amount of letters you anticipate or if you are not sure what, if any, affect you may be having on them. We may never fully see on earth the results of the prayers we pray and letters that we send. I trust that God will use this program to reach these young people. I pray that somehow He will use me and the other people who have agreed to become mentors. Sincerely, KD
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Yes, the mentoring experience was rewarding. I was able to relate to some of the problems because of my own past experience. It was a challenge to stay focused on the Word and respond with Biblical principles. The youth was concerned and wanted to learn about being a better role model for their younger siblings.” JC
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“I began writing to a young lady who had been on heroine at the age of 17. Her father had passed away and her mother had become very ill. You could sense the grief in her heart and life as she shared with me about her situation. She was studying for her GED. Several times she would ask for prayer that she would pass the test.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I wrote to her more than she wrote to me, however, after she was released from the program, she continues to write me. She thanked me for everything I had done and wants to meet me. “It has been a real blessing to me to be a part of this Pen-Pal Ministry.” AM
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I think of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Again, I am honored to be able to share with these girls what God has done for me and how He can do the same for them. I am blessed through this ministry by being able to pray for and encourage those that I would not otherwise be in contact with. S. D.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Praying for these girls has been so rewarding, when I read their letters I know in my heart that they are drawing close to God. I feel that I have touched their life in some way. That makes it all worth the while. These girls share their lives about their family. They share their eagerness to be released. I have never has a letter stating what their crime was, and that is alright. I never ask. I don't want to think I judge them, because I don’t. I just want them to know that I will pray for them and encourage them to live a lifestyle to make better choices. I also want most of all for them to know Jesus and share his love with others. S. S.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I can't begin to tell you how my life has changed since I've been involved in this ministry. My faith has increased. My finances have increased. I find myself trusting God more & more. I don't stress out about anything I just let go & let God. My prayer life has become the most important part of my day. I'm so happy to be a part of this ministry. C. T.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I got the attached letter [typed in italics below from hand written letter] in the mail recently and it caught me by surprise. It is from the mom of my last pen-pal. She was recently released and is adjusting to being back in the home environment (and still struggling with choices, it seems). Seeing the note from this mother made me realize the letters we're writing to our pen-pals don't affect only that girl. They affect their roommates who see our cheerful greetings and thoughtful words and they affect the parents who see glimpses of change in their daughters.
It may seem some of our letters fall on empty ears and cold hearts. But if you plant seeds every single week, one day a little bit of hope is bound to grow. Sometimes a girl who has lived a hard life needs to hear repeatedly that she has worth, that she matters to someone, that the choices she makes determine the quality of her relationships and her personal and spiritual health, and that God loves her--before she will ever begin to believe those things could possibly be true about herself.
If there is anything I have learned as a pastor's wife, it's that sudden changes of heart and behavior don't always stick, but it's gradual change in a person who develops over time that is lasting. You might be able to appear different on the outside for a little while, but you can't force yourself to be a better person. You need a lot of help and good influences and people to encourage you to never give up. This girl is trying, but she's still making mistakes and learning hard lessons. Aren't we all? I think that's why being a pen-pal is important to me. L.H.
Dear Mrs. H.,
Hello, my name is KD. I just want to tell you thank you for being “A’s” Pen-pal while she was away from home. It makes me feel better knowing she had someone she could write to besides just family. Things have gotten a little rough here in the past few days, but we will work through it. “A” is awesome. She’s trying so hard to do better but she’s still making not good choices. I just want her to learn from them and not do it again. I’ll leave you alone now. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
KD
P.S. If you’d like to continue writing “A” please do so.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity to do something I really want to do, and what God has equipped me to do.” LT
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I am writing regarding my association with New Start Ministries. I recently became a mentor to one of the girls and am pleased to share that to this point it has been a good experience. She wrote the initial letter to me quickly... This made me even more eager to try to reach out to her. It was slow going in the beginning. I sent several letters to her over the first few weeks and my letters went unanswered. I became concerned at first that perhaps she had changed her mind about participating in the program; however, I had decided that I would send at least one more letter. This time I included a stamp and an envelope, thinking that perhaps this would help her to write me back. Apparently this was the problem, as shortly after I sent the stamp, I did receive correspondence from her. I was SO happy to finally hear from her again.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
...She has shared with me about the work that she is doing to complete the specified programs that are in place for her and the other girls. She seems very busy with these things. Her letters have not been extremely lengthy or detailed, but I do sense that she wants to do well and to be able to move forward in her life. She is speaking about her future and I am pleased to hear that. ...I have simply tried to share that there is a reason for her being there and that God can use us anywhere we are. I try to encourage her and let her know that I care for her and that God cares for her. I feel that this young lady is not too far gone to be utilized by God and that she can have a bright future if she so chooses. I hope that through New Start Ministries, I can somehow play a part in helping her accomplish her goal to become a productive and successful woman and more importantly, to become aware that God has a plan for her if she is willing to follow Him.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If someone is thinking of becoming a mentor, I would encourage them to do so. I would also encourage those who have agreed to be a mentor not to become discouraged. Continue to pray for the girls even if you don’t get the amount of letters you anticipate or if you are not sure what, if any, affect you may be having on them. We may never fully see on earth the results of the prayers we pray and letters that we send. I trust that God will use this program to reach these young people. I pray that somehow He will use me and the other people who have agreed to become mentors. Sincerely, KD
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Yes, the mentoring experience was rewarding. I was able to relate to some of the problems because of my own past experience. It was a challenge to stay focused on the Word and respond with Biblical principles. The youth was concerned and wanted to learn about being a better role model for their younger siblings.” JC
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“I began writing to a young lady who had been on heroine at the age of 17. Her father had passed away and her mother had become very ill. You could sense the grief in her heart and life as she shared with me about her situation. She was studying for her GED. Several times she would ask for prayer that she would pass the test.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I wrote to her more than she wrote to me, however, after she was released from the program, she continues to write me. She thanked me for everything I had done and wants to meet me. “It has been a real blessing to me to be a part of this Pen-Pal Ministry.” AM
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