Devotions and Scriptures of 2017

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New Life in Christ

Gen. 1:27  "So God created man in his own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
God has made it clear that there is santity in human life. Every life has value. 
Gen. 2:7 "The Lord formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breathe of life, and the man became a living being. 
We a re made in the image of God.   This is the first life that God has given us.  
He has also given us a second life. The free gift of Salvation. A chance for eternal life. 
God loves us, each and everyone of us.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believed in him should not perish but have everlasting life. "
We have all Sinned...
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
But God has found a way for us to join him in eternity someday.  He wants us all to walk on the streets of God, and no have more trials and temptations.  To be in his presence..
Romans 6:23 " For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
John 1:12 " But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even  to those who believe in His name."
I Cor. 15:3-4 "For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received; that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scripture."
God wants us to come to know him. He wants us to accept his free gift of Salvation, and believe that he is the Lord of Lord, and king of kings.  And he came into this world of corruptions and trials so we may have life.  He loved us so much. That he found us a way  to eternal life.  
Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he in Me. 
We all may be savaed now!
Romans 10:13 " For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
If you haven't given your life to the Lord, it is time to make this choice. Pray: Dear Jesus I know that I am a sinner, I believe that Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins on the cross and was raised for my justification. I do now receive  and confess Him as my personal Savior.  Now your new life in Christ begins.
That doesn't mean there wont be trials, and temptations, because we are in a sinful world and there will be. But now you have the assurance you have our Lord and Savior to guide you and help you in your walk with him. He will give you strength to handle each  trial that come along.  He will comfort you. He loves you. He is your heavenly father. 
God tells us in I Thes. 5:17 " Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
This is your new life, your new beginning .. Like a new baby just out of the mothers womb.. You have a new goal. A goal to be strong in your walk with God. And give up all the worldly addictions. Phil. 3:13-14" Brothers, I don not consider myself yet to have take hold of it. But one thing I do; Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me  heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Are you ready to make a change. I change that God promises to help us with? 




Trials in New Light

I have a bible App that Scripture pops up everyday for me to read and consider how they play into my day.

Today the scripture read "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2"
God doesn't put things into our lives only to make us miserable. He puts trials into our lives because he wants to refine us. He wants to make us better.   He wants to light the  fire under us to have more of a passion for the Lord.  When all is well in our lives we become very complacence, we aren't always giving our whole lives over the the Lord. We just bob around in life with the quietness of the water. But with trials God can place new challenges in our lives, new excitement, new fresh love for the Lord.  New dimensions beyond what we could ever imagine. Maybe if it is just be able to help others that is a big part. New insights to what others are going through.  Give us words to say when only words are needed.  Give us compassion for others that we would have never understood before. God lights our fire.  So when a trial comes into your life, grab ahold of it and give it to God. Let him work in your life and give you more hope, joy, and love for others.  Be discouraged! God is always with you through it all.

By Colleen Rogness


Turning Away From Old Thoughts


If you find yourself without hope and discouragement. Try replacing your old thoughts with empowering new thoughts.  Apply into our lives biblical thoughts that will renew your spirit.

1. I was made for more then to be stuck in a vicious cycle of defeat.
"Deut. 2:3  You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn North."

2.  When I am considering a compromise , I will think past this moment and ask myself, how will I feel about this choice tomorrow morning. " I Cor. 6:19-20  Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you. Whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

3.  When tempted, I will either remove the temptation or remove myself from the situation.  " I Cor. 10:13b-14a  God is faithful: he will not let you be tempted beyond wen you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear Friends, flee.

4. I don't have to worry about letting God down because I was never holding him up; God's grace is sufficient. "
2 Cor. 12:9-10

5. I have boundaries in place not for restriction but rather to define the parameters of my freedom.
" Romans 6:19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing  wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. "

Let these statements bump into your new reality and redefine your old pattern of thoughts. And when we change the way we think, we'll be better equipped to change the way we make choices. 

Total Trust

There are  times in our life where what God tells us to do doesn't make sense.  He puts directions in our lives that we say "What Lord? Why do you want me to do that? It doesn't make sense. I think back on a time in my life that God was leading my husband and I to go to Cambodia on a short term mission trip. We would be going half way around the world.  We had 4 small children at home. We aren't in the ministry, just ordinary people. My husband farms and has a truck business and I am a nurse and a mother.  Why would he ask us to do this? But no matter what we prayed God would tell us "I want you to go and minister to Cambodia. There are millions of people there that need to know the Lord. They need the opportunity to hear about God's saving Grace. And that Jesus loves us, all of us in every nation." 

We finally decided we needed to be in God's will, trust him and go where he wanted us to go. He wanted us to say we will go just because you want us to go.  We did go for 11 trips to Cambodia. What a blessing this was in our lives.  We made many, many new friends, and many people in Cambodia heard about the Lord. God took care of of children at home.He  showed us that we were the ones being blessed by the Cambodian people. What a awesome job God called us, normal people to do. It humbles me to know that even if it didn't make sense God was in control and had a plan. A plan to use us.  

Open up your heart today. Let God show you what he wants you to do.  Follow his plan.  And then wait for the blessings to flow upon you. 

"Prov. 3:5-6...Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him."

Remember that God deserves our total trust and complete submission, even when it doesn't make sense.

By Colleen Rogness

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Praise Him ! Praise Him!

Many of us wonder sometimes in our life, what is there to praise God for?  We go along in life with one struggle after another. And sometimes it seems like God isn't even there. He is silent in our lives.  He is like our breathe in a cold winter day. Just a whisper of him..  Being a Christian doesn't protect us from struggles in our lives. He never promised us a Rose garden.  But what he does promise us to always be there with us through the tough times.  Psalm 107 describes many of the troubles we face today. We read phrases like "wandered in wastelands, " "hungry", thirsty,"  "lives that ebbedaway," "trouble,", "distress," and "darkness." The psalmist also reminds us that despite the circumstances we still have reason to praise God. This psalm also includes words, such as "redeemed, enduring love, wonderful deeds, satisfies the thirsty, delivered from their troubles." Words that remind us of God's faithfulness. It is God's faithfulness, then, that inspires our praise.  

We can choose to be discouraged, and not trust God. Be negative in all we say or do. Or, 

We can choose to praise and thank God. Beginning our prays with Praise and Thanksgiving produces an atmosphere of positive thinking. 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer! 

By Colleen Rogness

Birthday Wishes

I would like to wish our son Jon Rogness, co-founder of PPR a very

Happy Birthday!

Feb. 14, 1988

28 years ago the Lord placed you in our arms to raise up for him.  You are our very cherished valentine.  We always have  followed through with our promise to the Lord. 

 And we are very thankful God has gave you to us as our son. 

We are extremely proud of you.  We visit you and see in your eyes and your actions, a whole lot of love for God. You want to show others how to get through troubles without turning to the things of the world.  You have changed your life around, and doing a ministry for the Lord.  God is pruning you daily to make you what he wants you to be.  God is faithful and true.                                                   We know that God has a bigger plan for you.

Keep trusting in Him! 

"You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work."

James 1:3

Colleen and Phil

Sept. 16, 2015

You will be missed Maggie

We got some bad news this past week. We lost a very special member of the PPR family. Maggie Andrews past away early Friday morning. Many of you know her as Jimbo's mama.  She had become family to us all.  She was as tough as nails and fought hard to stay alive for many years. She never gave up no matter how bad it got. She absolut4ely loved coming to see Jimbo every chance she got. I will always remember her big smile, her sense of humor, and that she always had a hug for everyone she knew. She always wanted to make everyone smile. Her "never give up no matter what" attitude was an inspiration to so many people. None of us will ever forget her. We are sad that you are gone, but it makes us happy to know that you are no longer in pain. We will celebrate your life and you will always be a part of PPR. We love you Maggie. You will be missed.

Jon Rogness
Co-Founder of PPR

We are saddened by the loss of Maggie Andrews.  The mother of Jimbo Andrews one of the co-founders of PPR. She will be missed.. Our prayers go out to the family.

Margaret "Maggie" Irene (Bruggeman) Andrews, 66 of Sioux Falls, SD, died peacefully on Saturday, September 5^th, 2015 at the Dougherty House. She was born May 2, 1949 in Sioux Falls, SD, the daughter of Cletus and Patricia (Wilka) Bruggeman. She graduated from O'Gorman High School in 1967, later on attended Killian Community College to work on a Human Service degree. She worked as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor at Detox, Second Street Manor, and Counseling Resources. She also worked for Face It as the Director of First Impressions until her retirement due to failing health.

In 1968 Margaret married Terry Cady and they had two children Anthony and Angela Cady. In 1974 she married Jim Andrews and had one son James Andrews. 

Margaret was small in stature but had a big heart. She had an absolute love for flowers, music, and dance. She even went to a Bob Seger concert recently. Keeping up with the latest dance styles was her passion too. 

Survivors include her children: Anthony (Lisa) Cady, of Watertown, Angela (Cady) Blosmo, of Garretson, and James Andrews of Sioux Falls; step-daughter: Nichole Andrews, of Sparks, Nevada; brothers: Joseph of Sioux Falls, Mike (Cathy) of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Matt of Larchwood, Iowa; five grandchildren; and special friend: Gale Richardson, of Murdo, SD. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Patrick.

Visitation will be Saturday, 1 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Memorial Service at 2 PM.

To the Youth of the Nation

I am nobody special, just a concerned person.

I read the newspaper and watch the daily news. And it troubles me to see today's youth turn to drugs and violence to solve or try to solve their problems.

I'd like to tell you a story. Its a true story with no embellishments needed. It's a story I've told countless times to a number of at risk troubled youths in order to try to get them to turn their lives around. It's the story of my own youth. I say my own youth because as I write this I am now 41 years old. Some of you might think what does this old guy think he know  about today's youth?  It is true there is allot about this day and age that I do not now but as I mentioned earlier, I too thought when I was young that I could solve my problems with drugs and violence.

As a teenager I was like allot of other teens, didn't think I fit in with the ?In? crowd, so I turned to alcohol. A few beers here and there then before to long I turned to the harder stuff, mainly whiskey. Soon after that it was party time every weekend. Of course that also progressed in whenever I had money I'd drink.  That because my life for a few years. I didn't have any ambitions, no future. I blinded myself and couldn't see anything beyond what was directly in front of me. In those few years allot of b ad things happened. I'd fight, Id get beat up, I even got robbed while in a drunken stupor. After a while I'd drink just to drink. I wasn't even having fun anymore. Realizing this I should have stopped but like any addict I turned to drugs to try to block out the world I created.  With drugs and alcohol in my system most of the time. I had become someone I never knew. I was a mean violent uncontrollable person with little regard for anyone around me.  This path that I had chosen, the drugs, alcohol and violence would all come to a head on a cold October night in 1993.

In a drunken drug induced rampage I did the unforgivable. I would take a young mans life.  At first I didn't even remember doing such an act. As the days passed, as I Sobered up sitting in a jail cell, like still frames of a movie I started to piece together that nights events. It was terrible, and terrifying what I had done.

After months of sitting in jail. It was now time to stand before a judge and har my fate. He had decided that since I took a life then mine shall be taken as well. In a blink of a eye, what life I had and what life I couldn've had was gone. I was 19 years old. I was given a life sentence without the possibility of parole. That was 21 years ago. So here I've  sat, no future, no present only a past that will haunt me for the rest of my days. At first I thought it was all just a really bad dream and I'd wake up and everything would be alright. Little did I know my nightmare was just about to begin.


Life here in prison is terrible. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. If anyone says different then they have either never been here or is lying. Trust me there is nothing, I mean nothing cool about being in prison. For those who read this especially todays youth. I implore you don't turn to drugs or alcohol they only weaken you.  Violence only breed more violence. Use the people and the resources around you to find a better non violent way to address your problems. Never be afraid to ask for help. Its not a sign of weakness. Its a sign of maturity to want to find a better way.

I've shared my story with you, not so you would feel sorry for me or to glorify my actions. I share my story and experiences a a warning beacon to the youth of today.

Trust me when I say every second of every day I am sorry and ashamed and deeply regret my actions on that October night.  I have not only brought shame on myself but my family as well.  Don't live with that regret. Don't follow my footsteps. For those of you that have taken steps do3wn this road. It's not to late for you to turn your life around. You can do it, you have that power within you.

Before I sign off I want to say one more thing.  I know even now after all I have shared, there are some who are saying to themselves "that won't ever happen to me." I said those exact words myself when I was young. Take heed spending the rest of your life in prison is just one possible stop on this road.

Thank you for your time. My prayers are with you.
Mark Milk #17409


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Choose Wisely What You Have Pride In!

I am thirty-one years old, married with five children. Sadly I've been doing time since I was seventeen years old.

I did everything the "convict way". I took pride in that and I was going to the hold all the time to save face and to be selfish. I've got ten years here on the Hill so far and the sad thing is that I could have been out in two and a half if I wasn't so prideful. I have kid's pictures up on my board and I get into a fight a month before my parole? What sense did that make? Is pride more important than my wife and kids? For thirteen years the answer for me was yes. It sucks for me to even have to admit that but it's the truth.

That all changed for me in April of 2013. I was doing ninety days in the SHU for supposedly smuggling drugs into the prison during visits. While doing my SHU time I got bored and started reading the Bible. After reading for a few days I asked Jesus to come into my life and save me from my sins. It has been a 180 degree change in my life since then.

I still struggle with pride and judging other people by their crimes like sex offenses and whether they are known rat and how they do their time because I am still a convict. But on the other hand I've realized what is really more important to me is growing up and holding myself responsible for my choices and putting my family and religion before my pride.

People in here think it's a badge of honor to have done a bunch of time filled with pride and reputation. But what I've learned in the past fourteen years is we are being self-centered, prideful losers who have proven to ourselves and our families that our pride is more important than our family.

I just wish that fourteen years ago someone would have told me how to be a  real man who put the interest of my family and my wife and kids before my own. I'm just glad that through my faith in Jesus Christ I am able to change and become a real man who thinks about others and puts his wife and his kids first. Now I can take pride in the fact that my word means something to me and my family and that I'm putting somebody else before myself.

I have faith that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I hope that by reading my testimony it might help somebody  before they waste years of their lives ruled by pride and anger. God blessed me in changing my heart and mind....He can change yours too.

Written By: Josh Sullenger

Just A Little Something To Think About!




I have a buddy here I talk to quite often. He is a good guy and he is usually a fairly cheerful person. But when he starts talking about his case and his prison sentence, he becomes the victim that feels he shouldn't be here and that he got way to much time. And if he were somebody else this never would have happened and on and on.


So, we started talking about what he did when he was on the outside. Then we got on the subject of all the things we both had gotten away with and the danger around those situations. It makes you really think about how both of us were on our way to prison long before we were arrested.


 It brings me back to the snowball effect. Those little decisions that don't seem lie that big of deal at the time always lead to bigger things and soon those things don't seem so bad either. Once we start on any kind of a criminal mindset, we are constantly desensitizing ourselves until nothing matters or scare us anymore. Remember that the next time you are in a situation and you tell yourself, "Its not that big of deal, nobody will even know." That's only the beginning. It never starts out big. Maybe someone cheats their work hours today and ends up facing Tax Fraud charges a few year later from now.
Just something to put some thought into when you tell yourself, "Its not that big of deal, nobody will ever know."


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A Quick Thank You!

Thanks Ma

Thanks Ky

I wanted to write a quick thank you to our outside support of P.P.R. They are so much more than support, they are the only reasons why we are able to do this at all. First my Mom, Colleen Rogness. She has always supported me and is constantly reminding me to help others and to give everything up to God. Of course I like to refer to that as nagging. I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you have always done for me. Without you there would be no P.P.R.

You are the backbone of us. Second I would like to thank my best friend Kylie Hakinson. She thinks that she  doesn't do near enough and that nobody notices her work. So let her know that you see it. Kylie, I have gotten to know you better than anyone and you definitely know me better than anybody else does. I think you know me better then I know myself. And your never afraid to call me on m crap. You are so special to me and you truly are an amazing person. You can't even understand how much you help me everyday. So, to mama and to Kylie I love you both, and I pray that people see how much both of you do, when so many people think you shouldn't. Bot of you are way more than I deserve to have around me. Thank you so much for being there for me everyday. Love you both. Anybody who reads this they should compliment mom and Kylie, they are the ones who do all the work to make sure people see it. So tell them they are doing a good job.

Thanks again.

Jon Rogness

C0-founder- P.P.R.

Journeys

Through my whole life I've had my mom , dad, and three brothers. Two younger and one older. We have been through what some would think as unlikely, others will think, "well my life was some of the same as his." But the question is what have you done with what you experienced in life.

My brothers and I were in and out of Foster Care. My mom was an alcoholic, dad was abusive, and most of the time working on the road...

My father has been in prison as well. My brothers and I were in four different Foster Cares that I can remember. In the fourth grade we were in Foster care in a place where we are supposed to feel safe. I was sexually assaulted by my so-called seventeen-year-old "foster brother". My older brother, only in the seventh grade at the time, tried stopping it from happening. We tried reporting it and no one believed us.

At the age of eleven or twelve my mom quit drinking but by that time I had already quit caring. I already started drinking and getting high. I got put on probation at the age of twelve for vandalism of a historical monument. Thought that didn't stop me from any drug use. It actually got worse. The first time I tried hallucinogens was a the age of fourteen as well as pills. You can say that I picked up some bad habits. I also got arrested at fourteen for marijuana. I sat in J.D.C. got out and then ran away from home. Lived with a couple of college guys and my drug use gradually got worse.

At fifteen I dropped out of High School. My P.O. said that I was worthless and would end up in prison someday. Man she was right. I was very suicidal and depressed all through my teenage years. In other words a coward. I tried killing myself by overdosing, hanging myself and crashing my truck at eight miles per hour. Yet I am still alive. (Thank you God!) All because the Lord has a different plan for me. I didn't see it though.

At sixteen I got arrested and went through three different drug rehabs. Then I came to prison in February of 2009. Lost my mandatory parole and then had a change on C.T.P. in 2010. I came right back with a new felony all due to my drug use. It caused me to do what I did but in the long run I choose to use drugs in he first place.

I haven't been out of prison since. It's been four years. My own fault....I passed my initial parole two years ago because while I was in M.D.S.P. I was doing drugs and fighting constantly. I presented myself as a Christian when I was doing these things. Now I've been on the Hill for a little over two years. I have made a complete change. I've walked away from every fight that has come my way. I have  realized that it;s not worth it.

Through my family and I have been through Hell we are as close as ever. My mom and m dad have been married for twenty-four years now. I have two nephews and nieces. They all come to see me as soon as possible. I'd do absolutely anything for my family. I wouldn' t have made the changes that I have if I didn't have them.

My point is with all this that I've gone through is that I've realized I don't need to prove anything to anybody. And all that I've gone through made me a better person. God has shown me (guided) to pull a positive out of a negative. I can do that. That is why I am a S.T.A.R.T. member. 

My life may not be very different from others. Ive lived a very challenging life though it has made me who I am today; A very strong individual, respectful, kind, a man of values, and a man of character. I thank God for my life story, my journey  that made me a M.A.D. man.

Written By: Chris Campbell

Memories

Few words can bring many Tears, but also many Joys.

June has been a difficult month for my son Jon... Well he is serving his  time in prison,  life outside of prison doesn't stand still. Life goes on without him.  Family and events do change...My son being in prison doesn't only effect him, it effects everyone in his family

 that love him. 

Many changes have happened since he has been there. Brother, and sisters have graduated from highschool, and college. Illness's have happened with family members that he couldn't be there for. His son has grown up and has been involved with several events that Jon would have loved to be there for him and encourage him.  Changes have been made on his family farm, and he missed out on, and he would like to be part of the changes. Family trips have happened that he missed out on. One person for many years will be missing in the family trips album.

Holidays have happened with him not at the  table enjoying in the family time, and celebration. But choices were made. And we go on from here.
 God holds us up and makes each time we see him a joy and a time to make more memories. 

Last week Jon's brother Tyler was married to a great gal..This made Jon  really sad that he couldn't be there for him. He wasn't able to stand up for his bother, and show him that he loves him and is proud of the decisions he has made. But it made him happy that his younger brother found a great girl to spend the rest of his life with.   Jon was made a Honorary Best Man because he is Tyler's brother and someone Tyler loves very much.. The botherly bond will always be there. They have shared many sweet times together growing up.  Jon's son was a Jr. groomsmen so was able to be part of the wedding.  But Jon missed it all...Tears happened at times thinking about Jon, a son and brother couldn't be there with us and help us celebrate this wonderful time. 

It meant allot to Jon to have his son Preston and himself included in the wedding celebration. This is such an exciting time for Tyler..  Jon's words and thoughts he wanted to share to Tyler and Rebekah are " He is so sorry he couldn't join in this special day. He is so very happy for his brother that he found a special girl. And he will be thinking about them and praying for them all the time. He wished them the best, and he knows good things will come to them, because their relationship and marriage is based on biblical values and their  putting God first. "

Jon wasn't able to be there with his presence, but he was there in our thoughts.  And we will be a ble to share all the excitement of the day with him through pictures and stories. Jon will always be a important part of our family. And someday will be able to be with us for these wonderful occasions.

But for now Jon continues to grow in God's grace, and love. And plays an important role in reaching other to Christ. And helping others with his thoughts and prayers on this blog.  God has given him a ministry in the situation he is in..Thank You Jesus!

Jon's grandma years ago wrote an artical about marriage and I would like to share it with you.

You Me and Us!

Martin Luther observed that "It is the very nature of God to make something out of nothing." It is not hard then to understand that in marriage two become one- that a new living being is created.

God does not say that the two people who come in marriage cease to exist- only that as they dedicate themselves to each other there becomes a newly created One.

Is it possible then, that like any newborn, this newly created "marriage" needs attention, time and nourishing? it's been said that most marriages are successful, its the living together afterwards that get difficult! it takes a long time for that newly created One to mature- like any child growing up is a process. That third person in the marriage, born a t the wedding (after a period of gestation we callcourtship) is, like a baby fragile and immature. If a newborn child is nourished and cherished it will grow healthy and indestructible and will take on a personality all it's own. It is not just a combination of the two who fostered it, but more than that, more than either of them.

In marriage, too, this newly created One, is intended to become a One all it's own, with more strength and wisdom and caring than either of it's partners. With caring and nuturing it becomes strong and giving. Both can draw from it and lean on it and find joy in it.

But if the newly created "marriage" is not nourished and given time and attention, it, like an undernourished child, becomes sick and sometimes dies. Perhaps thats why divoce is so sad. Devorce is the killing of that person who was created at the  wedding wirh so much love and hope and potential. And those left to morn, need much healking: for even though the two original people go on, that third persson in the relationship has died.

Perhaps we've misunderstood when we've thought of marriage as two peole giving up their indentities to become only one.  Perhaps it's rather two people, giving of themselves to become three!

And perhaps that's why the death of a marriage partner is so very traumatic. Not only is the visible half of the partnership gone, but for the one left, two-thirds of the "you, me and us" it has become, is gone! When a spouse is lost, so is that thrid person that One, who has become the two people together - and more. And all that is left is one of the thirds!

What a privilege it is to be part of God's creating a new person in marriage. What an awesome long term responsibility to feed and nourish andcare for that newly created third One which God creates when we marry. What a joy to see that One, that "marriage", grow and mature and flourish and blossom into a thing of beauty and strength giving  so much pleasure and joy to so many people.

Written By:  Mavis Rogness

Eph. 3:14-21

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. so that Christ may dwell in your hearts throught faith. And I pray that you, being rooted nd established in love may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ , and to know tht love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen

Sinful Destruction

Since the age of fourteen, I have been a sex addict. My addition started and ended with pornography. I had opportunities to have sex, those I always refused, not wanting to become my father. This led me to justify my pornography addiction, "At least I am not hurting anyone," I often told my self, "its ok it's only in my head." I"I would never act upon these fantasies." For eight years, whether I was in a  relationship or not, my free time revolved around Pornography and fantasy.

I had conflicting feelings about Pornography on one hand I enjoyed it, the way it made me feel, always drifting and living in fantasy world. Whenever anything got tough Pornography was there to ease me. It brought me escape and joy, "It was my drug". Even though Pornography brought me pleasure, it brought me disgust in myself. After I entered a serious relationship, had kids, and got married, I was still trapped in my addition. No longer did it bring me much joy, but the need kept me addicted.

Pornography led to many fights, it led my wife to think she was not good enough. Ultimately, I allowed it to lead me to hurting my wife and my two children. At the age of thirty, after sixteen years of me choosing to led Pornography run My life, the storm finally hit and left nothing in its wake. 

The months leading up to this disaster, I was finally noticing how out of control I was. By this time, it was too late, or so I told myself, I was scared to ask my wife or anyone else for help. I was arguing with myself and, unknown to me at the same time I was arguing with God.

"I'm not hurting anyone..Pornography keeps me from hurting the ones I love."

"You need help." I told myself

"Your wife loves you and will help you." God told me.

"No, I can't....No, I don't want too."

For months, this went on; finally, God said, " I want to save you from sin." I have given you e very change: however I see that the hold it has on you is to strong." So he allowed the storm to hit, I was arrested. I lost my family and losing them, I lost  everything important to me. However, in jail God gave me friends, to help me and guide me. People who were facing the same thing as I was. Never once did God leave my side, slowly he led me to see through the pain. Through the guilt and remorse I felt. He showed me that this was more then Punishment.

What I did caused mt to lose my life. However, God took the opportunity to show me how I could save my soul.

If you are in prison, I hope this helps you to see that seeking help is the correct thing to do. There is help there, do not be afraid, like me because it can and will get worse if you do not.

Finally, if you are in prison know that it is not over, no matter your length of time, there is ways to better yourself if you try.  You can be presented with better paths of life to take.  You just have to be open to seeing them. "Just know it's never to late."

Written By: Christopher Hartford

“Into the Depth of my Despair”

By: Michael Wayne LaDeaux

My story begins with my mother, whom my father is to blame for her overdose. His departure is her reason for her attempt and failed overdose. Through this very unfortunate event I was discovered. I’m her 1st and only child. My father did not believe I was his, so he left her on her own. I was born on Feb. 8th, 1984.At the time my tribe Rosebud did not have a hospital, so I was flown to Yankton, S.D.

My environment as a youth consisted of physical and mental abuse My mother raised me on her own with little support from my grandma and other relatives.. My mother had her own demons, especially on alcohol. She would bite me on the face for looking like my real father, punch and kick me, make me stay up and listen to music with her while she drank. I went through many unfortunate events pertaining to abuse. We also lived on the streets, hitchhiked from one place to the next.

To a certain extent I have empathy for her. We had many hard times but always seemed to manage. Then came an individual who I would consider, and to this day still call my father, Fred Davis, Jr. I was blessed with the best of company in Fred. They got married on Feb. 2^nd, in Sioux City Iowa. I was thankful to finally be able to experience family life. My mother was acting like a mother, and I had the best step farther ever. But once again history would repeat itself, more unfortunate events.

Alcohol was the major problem and down fall in their relationship. They would fight, argue, and cheat on each other. Guns were big in my house used on humans, not animals. Make a long story short my father Fred shot up my mothers, brother, emptied a clip on her outside our apartment in Sioux City Iowa. We both thought she was hit when she dropped but she was just playing dead. I was placed in and out of foster homes, usually until one of them got out of jail. Eventually they went their separate ways, got a divorce, Fred and me still have a solid bond. To me, he is my real father in this life and into the next.

Between 9 and 13 years old my childish ways met there demise, I was arrested and charged for “aggravated assault, home evasion, burglary, C.H.I.N.S., runaway and kidnapping. “  My association with the “ Santana Bocc Crips “ and “West Side Locos” didn’t help my situation. I was a foolish follower, and gullible to belief systems that were non-beneficial to me. I was sentenced to the “Department of Corrections” until (21 years) old, and sent to the “State Training School in Plankinton, South Dakota.”

I was to remain incarcerated there until a juvenile prison was built or until I was fully rehabilitated. Rehabilitation never came my way for many more years to come. Family at this point kept a great distance from me. I was officially the black sheep, an outcast. So instead of bettering myself, I because and embraced becoming a product of my environment. I no longer wanted to simply be associated with any particular group. And considering I’m not from the west coast, it only made sense to join the “Insane Gangsters,” better known as “Insane Mafia-South.” Within this group of individuals I replaced my real-family. I no longer looked to my family for support.

I now invested my time in the intelligence and insight of “Insane Mafia,” this consisted of earning my keep, putting in work. In no way am I attempting to glorify my situation. My point is to be completely honest. Moving on, I ended up in the 1st Juvenile prison once it was built. I also was in “Patrick Henry Brady Boot Camp” in Custer, South Dakota, and living Center A & B.  The state training school a couple more times. I added more and more charges to my juvenile record. consisting of “assault on staff, escape twice, and participated in the riot that eventually closed the Juvenile prison.

I turned 17 years old and (D.O.C.) was tired of me, and sent me to the Glory House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I was only there 1 day and went on the run. I hung out with older gang members, enjoyed the praise from my own crew,(Insane). Got an old English “M” tattoo on my face, and a nine by my eye, a tear drop as well. I spent most my time consuming alcohol, weed and allot of meth, some cocaine. I was a dealer, addict, junky all wrapped up in one big dysfunctional mess. I treated my body as “no temple of God,” but as the “devils playground.” I wanted to die, to me life was pain, death was my release. To me, family and friends were over rated cause nobody really cares. This negative mentality and poor out look on life continued on for some years. One night out, I was drinking with my homeboys and some girls, the owner of the house started flipping out. I was pretty drunk and my homie was passed out in the corner. Everybody was exiting the house, I was trying to wake up my homie. The owner who was a girl was crying on the phone to someone. Se stopped crying and hung up the phone, noticed me and told me I didn’t have to leave.

She started hitting on me, telling me to stay. I just wanted to leave and honestly had no interest in being with her. Eventually her boyfriend and whomever else she had spoken to on the phone showed up. She then started crying again, and out of no where someone said are you trying to rape her. I said “Hell no”. I left my homie and that house. About 3 blocks away the police pulled me over and questioned me on the issue. I was honest and had nothing to hide, they took me back to the scene and I was identified as the one who just left. So I was hand cuffed and taken to Minnehaha County  Jail in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Arrested and charged for rape. I was never convicted and was released 4 days later. But during my time in maximum security I reached out to God. I came to him with tears in my eyes, and a heart full of animosity. My prayer was simple but very sincere. I said, “God I did not do this crime. I respect and love women. It is not in my nature to do such a thin. I don’t know you very well, but I need you right now, so please help me out.”

The next day I was released, the charges were dropped. That was my 1^st real, genuine connection with God. I called and he picked me up instantly and answered my request. During my short time in confinement, only one person came to visit me, my father Fred. Everyone else turned his or her back on me. Just assumed I was guilty. People, even family smiled in my face, but talked about e negatively behind my back. It was my 1^st real wake up call pertaining to finding out that your real friends are.

I have nothing bad to say about those people who had no faith in me at the time. Mostly cause I didn’t do anything good. I never earned their respect or trust. I was a gangster, Mafia Man, nothing more.  The education I was in possession of came from the hard knocks, not a classroom. My knowledge also about God the creator was vague. But I knew in my heart, I wanted to know more about God. So I started to pray more and attend church as well. One thing I always had access to was the gospel, plus my grandpas was a pastor. I was still riding the fence through, sinner & saint on the weekends.

I was attempting to balance the good and the bad in my life. Meaning I wanted to change, to be a better son, brother and friend. I truly wanted to know God. But I also wanted to stay loyal to my crew “Insane Mafia.” I felt I owed them especially considering its all   I’ve ever known. From an early age, I was always considered an equal in this circle of brothers, 1^st before last, last before 1^st.

My struggle balancing the good and bad only got worse. It made me very depressed, so I turned to drugs. I started to shoot up meth, I would be up for , 2 or 3 weeks, my longest binge was 31 days. Before long was only bad company. I was just a guy with a “M” on his face. One night I sat by my lonesome in the basement of my house listening to Fleet Wood Mac over and over. I had a loaded pistol and was contemplating suicide. I asked God to give e a sign or a reason to live. He came to through again, my cell phone rang.

My family was inviting me to dinner. I was extremely sad and said, “I’m high on dope,  are you sure you want me around.. I have been up for weeks?” They did not even give it a second thought, simply said” see you soon and hung up.” I did me another blast and decided to walk over to my grandma’s house. Half way there a cop car went by me and slowed down, before it could even turn around I went into a brick building. That building was church and come to find out it was Easter Sunday. I ended up staying for the entire service.

I sat in the last row in the corner of the church by myself. I had a black hoody on, all black dickies and a read bandanna one. Meth and needles in my pocket, spun. When the service came to a close, the pastor came to my seat and shook my hand. Told me it’s going to okay, then he sat next to me. People then began to line up and shake his hand and mine. I started to cry cause I found my reason to live. It found it amongst strangers in a church in Sioux Falls, S.D.

So I decided to make my departure from those I considered being brothers. Instead of getting through the point, I agreed to go out and have some drinks. I was nervous, but committed to change and to God the creator. Long story short, I passed out and some crimes were committed.  The police and a detective were looking for me. A guy with a “M” on his face. There was a warrant out for my arrest. I eventually went to Minnehaha County jail, and was charged with intentional damage to property, 1^st offense.

I complete my sentence of 8 years in 15 days, no parole. There’s so much more to my story, and someday through my actions the good will out weigh the bad. Today my mother has cancer and lives in Oklahoma City We converse and I no longer dwell in my despair. I have forgiven her. My father, Fred, continues to be my father today.. Spends most of his time selling native American craft items, and riding his Indian Motorcycle. Through all my trials and tribulations, I have found me an angel who has yet to grow into her wings, her is Brandy Lynn LaDeauz.

She’s my sunrise and my sunset,  I love my wife and am thankful for her unconditional love and support. While in the penitentiary, I have received my diploma and received many certificates. I will soon be attending “Sinte Cleska University in Mission, South Dakota. My goal is to be the best Chemical Dependency Counselor. I want to assist troubled youth, and help families. I am a sinner and a saint. But no longer am I unfortunate or an outcast. I’m not Insane Mafia. I’m a Christian. My body is a temple of God, not the devil’s playground. I’m content inside these walls with being an individual

My advice to the many walks of life that encounter my story, don’t let your past dictate and determine who you are today. I look forward to the day I get to be a father. I will encourage and guide my children with love and compassion, and understanding.

I’m known as “M” face here inside the penitentiary, one day I only want to be known as Michael, or dad. Cause to try is the fail, to apply you must do. My future is bright and I am thankful and blessed to have my farmer buddy Rogness, Jimbo and Bobby Dep. I now know what it’s like to have brothers. Thank you to the entire P.P.R.  family.  God Bless!

Respectfully,

Michael “M-Face” LaDeaux

Job:13:13-19

And

Jerimiah 29:11

William Conway's Story

My name is William Conway and I'm an inmate in the South Dakota State Penitentiary, serving a 15 year sentence for 1st Degree Armed Robbery. I'm much more then that though. Believe me, figuring that out was the hard part.

You see prison has a  way of making you look at yourself. Some take only a glance and, not liking what you see, stop looking. Others though look deep inside themselves. As you look you beging to ask yourself the  questions that really need to be answered. Y0u start to ask the questions that can lead to change. Let me tell you something. If you've lived a life that led you to prison then changing should be pretty high on your priority list.

So what are these questions? A good start is: Who am I really? What am I about? Inevitably you'll get to a pretty standard question every inmate asks themselves during their time. To me, answering this question with unflinching honesty is what makes all the difference between experiencing real change and staying the same. That question is: How did I get here? Understanding our past is a key component to building a positive future. We must have a clear view of where we've been in order to better navigate the road ahead. A couple of things to clarify this thought.

One: Honestly assessing our past, while discouraged by some, is critical to avoiding similar or the same pitfalls that have gotten us into trouble before. We must examine the road begind to teach us wht turns to not take and what roads to avoid altogether.

Two: While I believethis rearview assessment is ncessary. It is important to not stare into the past for long periods(Obsessing) Doing so wil almost surely cause a cruash. For some, there is so much wreckage behind us that taking in too much at one time causes us to throw our hands up in defeat. Feeling overwhelmed by the task. We cannot allow ourselves to give up. If we do we  are destined to repeat these same mistakes because we still have not learned from them.

Still as hard as it may be, we cannot be half hearted with our level of honesty. For honest self-appraisal is a key to lasting change. It is easy to blame the system, our up bringing, our addictions and others. However, without truly owning our part in the choices that we have made we run the risk of surrendering the only power we do have. The power of choice. In the past we may not have felt like we had much choice in the things we did. We were slaves to our worapped perceptions and destructive patterns.

However, having now become aware of our power of choice we have the opportunity to choose differently. What a freedom this can be. As inmates, our choices may be limited in some ways. What we wear, what we eat, even who we live with are sometimes not up to us. The choices that really matter through are ours. How we act and react to situations. What we say and how we think even.

Before we may have said and done things simply out of reflex. Even now, the prison environment tries to dictate our behavior with the idea tha we have to live by a certain code(so-and -so said this or did that so I must react i nthis way). This is a fallacy.  No matter the situation we are free to choose our response. So it is imperative that we slow down and take the time to choose wisely.

We must also remember that change is not only a process but a continuous one at that. It is a work that will never be done. As we change and grow what's important to us is likely to do the same. We must continue to examine ourselves and our motives daily. So that we don't fall back into patterns of destructive behavior. The door to personal freedom is opened and closed by our choices. What will you choose today?

*********************************************************************************

"Willaim Conway is 32 years old from Sioux Falls S. He was raised in NW Iowa where his parents and younger sister still live. He has a wonderful fiance' who he looks forward to marrying after his release. He has 7 children, 40 boys, and 3 girls, and is working to rebuild his relationships where possible.

He is an active member of the cornerstone Prison Church and is on the Outreach Committee there. He is also an Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) facilitator and he often meets one-n-one and in s mall groups to discus recovery and rehabilitation.

He hopes to one day be a part of a ministry that helps others like himself but also youth. So that they many avoid similar problems. For now he is focused on becoming a better father, being the sort of man his fiance' deserves, but most especially a better man of God."

Testimony of Robert Johnson

I remember when I was younger it would take an act of God to make me miss a day of school. Now I'm in the middle of spending 10 years in prison, then 15 on Parole. The transformation from a nerdy kid to a convict did not happen over night.

It really did start with very small burt very stupid decisions. Choosing to skip a day of school, or not doing an assignment turned into missing as much school as I went too. Not feeling the need to go to school left me all of kinds of time at night to party.

Since I could sleep all day I started drinking on week nights as well as weekends. I eventrually started smoking pot out of curisoity. The experience just grew my curiosity and need for a better more extreme high.

The drug use put me in crouwds where braking the law was not only viewed as okay but encouraged. I learned to solve my problems by fighting. I started to steal, not because of my durg use  but because it was viewed as a reasonable way to make money. Your morals have a tendancy to rise and fall depending on the people you surround yourself with.

All of this lead me to making a decision on whther or not I was going to rob a casino. Unfortunatly I made the wrong choice. On July 1, 2009 I was arrested for first degree robery. I was sentanced to 25 years with 10 years suspended. My prison realease date is May 2, 2019 and my parole release is July 31, 2034. I use to live my life like it was a short life. Now I realize life is long and I will have to live with the decisions I have made for many years. I have lost most of my friends and hurt all of my family. Im going to miss out on  10 years of my daugthers life. Worse then that she will go without a real father for 10 years.

The choices you make now will effect the rest of yoru life. If you make the right ones now you will have the tools and knowledge to live the way you want. If anyone needs advice or more information you can contact me at, Robert T. Johnson #10429  PO Box5911 Sioux Falls, SD. 57117

I was once  told a smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns from others mistakes. I hope you can learn something from my mistakes.

Sincerely,
Robert Johnson

April 8, 2013

Greetings from Cody Marshall De'Sersa

Greetings, and thank you for taking a few minutes to read about P.P.R. and some of what's going on with us. My name is Cody Marshall De'Sersa, and I am so honored to be affiliated with this group. It gives me a chance to help other men realize that our creator put us each in uniquie situations and experiences with a purpose. P.P.R. has given me a chance to redeem myself, validate my existence, and repair some of the harm I've done.

It has taken me a while to write my introduction. I 've considered how do I label myself and present myself to you. I am so much more than the labels I could put behind my name. I've been so blessed in so many ways. Yet I've made some terrible choices in my life. The labels I'd like to claim are the ones I've failed at. Father, Husband, son, uncle, brother. And if I tell you how and why Ive failed it would bring back my feelings of helplessness, uselessness, sadness, anger, etc...And eventrually I will discuss my failures, for most people success only comes after some failure. For now I will throw out at you some of the labels I can claim as successes and progression.

I am the current GED Tutor here ath the prison. I've had the job for the past 5 months in April. My boss and i put the largest group of men eligible for testing in front of the GED test. Here at the prison, and amazing, not one man failed not one test. It is personal effort by each of those men..I cannot claim any of their acomplishments as mine. But I did help prepared them. I was active in the every day math and writing tutoring, and I continue to work with and prepare the guys "My guys" to take the GED test and recognize how this accomplishment of a GED while in prison is actual a huge accomplishment. Do you know how hard it is sometimes to do a good thing in a bad place
So as a tutor I feel like I can say I am somewhat effective. My effort has been validated by sending a group of men in front of the GED test and not having anyone not pass. My boss is checking members to see if that has ever  been done.

One of the things I talk to my guys about is their roles as fathers, big brothers, uncles, sons, big cousins, and howwaccomplishing something is viewed by the younger people in our lives. And also how we as men are responsible to and for the people who love us.

I'm not perfect, far from it.. And I still struggle with making the best choice  available. But I am aware of my issues. And one of the messages I push is balance. First is Role and Role Responsibility, and their balance. Aside from the GED, I am the Secretary for the Native American Council of Tribes(NACT) and I have lots of duties(responsibilities) as an executive officer of the group. I am also a team captain-player/coach of a intramural league basketball team. So, I stay busy, cause all the while I am a member of PPR and in that role I am a counselor, big brother, mentor and friend.

Aside from the ways I stay busy as a immate. I have 3 kids in foster care and my heart is hurt.  My mom is losing her battle to cancer. My sisters are lost in misery, my nieces and nephews are suffering, my heart is hurt. I don't even want to bring up my role as a "significant other." Sure I have a sad story, just like anyone elses in here. Yet I choose to have a good attitude. I choose to overcome and perservere. Too many people love me. To many need me to succeed. And even if there weren't the people who want and need me in their lives. My God, my creator put us each here for a purpose again. I am thank ful for the opportunity to share some of my story with you. I am more thanful that you are reading this. There is a plan. Have faith that God does love and need you. I truely believe this..

FInally I want to close for now but I would like to mention that we have become motivated to be a better man in each of my roles. I had to look into my self and I am ashamed of all the wasted oportunities and uncapitalized potential I had. But its never to late, and its no ones fault but my own.  I grew up without a father. I am in the generation  of a large group of fatherless males, who are now fathers.I don't blame that circumstance on any of my choices. I made my own mistakes.And now in quest to become a better man, proud of my ancestry and hopeful for a better tomorrow. I have developed some character building strategies for me like men. And I am sure there are women in similar situations. And it is our responsibility to come together and make our world better.

Some of you may now the story of the man on the beach throwing strafish back into the sea. In not find out about that person throwing the starfish back into the sea, and become one. Every one of us can make a differance. Until the next time.  God Bless!

Cody M. DeSersa

A Changed Life By August Burley

I came from a broken home and a broken family. My mother was addicted to drugs and my father passed away when I was two years old. My mother had five children from four different men.  I started taking a lot of drugs at a very young age. It seemed that I was always in trouble at school. I fought with other students a lot,  and  even told teachers that I  was going to kill them.  Eventually, I dropped out of high school in my junior year at the age of 19. This broken lifestyle of mine continued until I ended up in prison.

In June of 2003, I was arrested and taken to prison to serve a lengthy sentence. This is when I realized how worthless my life had really become. My family would not talk to me anymore and I lost all contact with the outside world. It hurt because I never received any pictures of my daughter or anyone else for that matter. This is when I decided that I was going to kill myself. I felt that I had nothing to live  for anymore. I was really set on going through with it. However, I was scared because, I had herd about Jesus Christ and that you couldn’t go to heaven if you committed suicide. I was encouraged by a few lifers(guys who aren’t getting out) to go to some of the religious activities at the prison. So I started attending Cornerstone Prison church services and Bible studies along with other ministries activities. I  gave my life over to God and because I was involved with the church, it changed my life forever. As the church grew, my faith grew along with it.

I decided to make this time in prison a positive aspect in my life. I was going to make real changes to my life. I was no longer alone in this prison. This church made me feel very welcome. I started to belong to a family that cared about me and really loved me. I had become a part of the Cornerstone family and I was very happy. You don’t need to have any one on the outside (even though it would be nice); you only need the family of God. I have now obtained my GED and have learned how to use a computer. I have also learned a trade in custom cabinetry. I am happier now than I have ever been in my entire life even though I am incarcerated in the South Dakota State Penitentiary. I just want to say thank you to God, the Cornerstone Prison Church and the inmates who cared about me and saved me from suicide

If my family could only see the grown man that I have become; they would not even recognize me. I think about it often, and wonder what they would say.

God’s Gift

By Charles Long 2007

To destroy a gift

Given from Christ

Corrupting the temple

At pleasures price

Why me oh God?

So many cry

Failing to see

Caught in a lie!

Freedom of choice

To take or give?

To love or desire

For whom do you live?

Forgiveness is given

When learning to love

With trust and faith

In God above

Then through Christ

Might we rejoice

Giving to God

Our freedom of choice