MENDED BY GOD
Don’s new book MENDED BY GOD is an inspirational story of a near fatal accident and the courage and faith his family demonstrated as they went through a roller coaster of emotions.

Mr. Tony Pack has donated the proceeds of the book to the work of Youth Direct with lost and troubled youth.

Press RESOURCES to obtain a copy using PayPal.

You will not be disappointed.

White House Supports Faith-Based Programs
President Bush recently received a 2007 report on the White House Conference on Prisoner Reentry. Don was a speaker at that conference (November 2007) on the subject of Juvenile Reentry. He was introduced as “One of America’s front line experts”. The President strongly supports volunteers and faith-based organizations that work with prisoners and ex-offenders. As Governor of Texas, he supported faith-based units in Texas prisons

click here for a complete calendar of events.

EVANGELISM REPORT
Giddings, March 15, 2008

The Lord truly blessed our day of evangelism at the TYC facility in Giddings, Texas (between Houston and Austin)

The largest number of volunteers (102) in our seven year history came from all parts of the state to spend a day sharing their faith with youth in lock-up. Many of the dedicated volunteers got up at 3am to begin their journey to the facility, many leaving at 4:30am

The youth greatly appreciated the dedication of the volunteers. Nearly 65% were new volunteers overcoming personal anxiety and fears to obey the biblical mandate to "visit the prisoners".

The performers showed unusual talent and energy. Alan Dee mesmerized the youth with his skillful illusions and created good natured laughter with his humor. Hip Hop artist John Moore (RBS) brought loud applause and excitement with his energized beat and lyrics and an extremely moving story of his years of childhood abuse and confinement. Don Smarto shared his testimony in an all new PowerPoint version.

The youth could only come to the programs voluntarily. Staff was not sure how many would choose to attend the two programs. Of the 375 youth in the facility, 374 came to the program. The one boy who did not come, a Wiccan and Satanist, was willing to talk to a volunteer counselor in his dorm.

The volunteers (some choked with emotion and tears) shared at the end of the day how greatly they were blessed. Some youth made a decision to trust Christ, many re-dedicated their lives, and seeds were definitely planted. The chaplain implored the ministry to return in several months. An administrator wanted the ministry back every year. The Lord surely blessed our day in the large youth facility.

OKLAHOMA JUNE 14-16th

We plan to go into three facilities in Oklahoma in June. Prepare now for an exciting weekend sharing your faith with boys and girls in multiple facilities. Confirm your attendance by fax 972 572 8335.

Faith-Based Mentoring
This new book by Don Smarto is a practical manual for mentoring troubled and delinquent youth. The book has 51 separate subject headings with applications for adult mentors. The book is 265 pages.

Important features include supplemental training guides, a bibliography, and a profile of an incarcerated Texas youth.

As Don's eighth , it comes from his experiences having mentored 12 young men, each for one year and his observations from years of research and study of programs across America.

There are 1700 mentoring programs in America but few that have a biblical world-view. The author believes that a faith based approach leads to lasting change and suggests that the building of trust and relationships ( which take 1-5 years ) is preferred over short term measurement like reduction in truancy and better grades.

The book is priced at $12.95 each (+ $2.50 shipping and handling). Prison or Youth Ministries receive a discount for a box of twenty books.

ORDERS: Youth Direct
PO Box 764499
Dallas, Texas 75376

CHECKS PAYABLE TO AUTHOR

Order a copy online today!

Billy Graham Conference a Success!

The National Juvenile Conference at the Billy Graham Center October 5th & 6th featured excellent workshops and speakers. This was the first conference with a national focus on incarcerated youth. Don Smarto presented a Plenary Address on the need to keep the juvenile justice system separate from the objectives and methods of the adult system.

DID YOU KNOW?

Charles Colson endorses the work of Youth Direct. The great writer, speaker, and founder of Prison Fellowship has said "Youth Direct is doing great work in reaching troubled youth with the Gospel. Don is an expert in this field." Youth Direct also partner with Prison Fellowship through Operation Starting Line.

JOSH MCDOWELL

Did you know Josh McDowell, world famous author and speaker is on the Youth Direct Advisory board? Josh has been on the ministry radio program as a guest and endorses our work.

WRITING SEMINARS

The new writing seminars for incarcerated youth are being received with enthusiasim. Seminars are scheduled for McFadden Ranch and San Saba. Don will read selected writings on his daily radio show Parenting Today’s Youth, 100.7 FM, at 8pm. Invite your friends to listen to our radio ministry.