June 2024

Many today, in places of power, think all we need to do to change hearts and move men and women behind bars to live successfully, is Show them worldly means and methods of success. To just show them how their actions have affected those they have violated. After watching so many years of these Worldly efforts, I'm convensed without a doubt, the only real answer is found through the Lord Jesus Christ and a personal relationship with Him. This allows us to discover the reason the Lord created us and to find our real purpose.

The Bible says, "The heart is eternally wicked, who shall know it!" (Jeremiah 17:9) The world always looks to find answers for life and happiness through all we see around us. It always misses the point that we were never created to find meaningfulness or real happiness in the World, Flesh or the Devil. These only lead to destruction and hopelessness. But remember the Lord Jesus said, " I came that they (you) might have life and have it more abundantly!" (John 10:10)

I, in my individual personal ministry to inmates, have seen a hunger and real desire for spiritual answers to life and its meaning. This all with a Spiritual hunger as never before. This is so clear after the experience of 43 years of ministry behind bars. Never before have I had so many prisoners literally walk up to me and ask, as the Philippian jailer did with Paul, "What must I do to be saved?" Pray as we answer the call and fulfill the Lord's direction, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, inasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the lord." (I Cor. 15:58) Thank you for making it all possible through your prayers and investments.

In His Love for the Prisoners,

Steve Bradshaw

PEACE to all on this most beautiful day from Project HUB!

This is a momentous week for Project HUB. Eddie Warrior Correctional Facility, Taft, OK, has asked us to teach our educational programs. This is especially important and exciting for us, and such a great opportunity. We will be teaching programs that only staff or head chaplains have taught in the past. Please pray that our programs will be successful and beneficial to all inmates taking part in them.

"What starts here changes the world." University of Texas motto.

If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.

According to McRaven, many times a week, the instructors would line up for the class and do a uniform inspection. It was exceptionally thorough. Your hat had to be perfectly starched, your uniform immaculately pressed, and your belt buckle shiny and void of any smudges. But it seemed that no matter how much effort you put into starching your hat, pressing your uniform, or polishing your belt buckle - it just was not good enough. The instructors would find "something" wrong.

For failing the uniform inspection, the student had to run, fully clothed into the surf zone and then, wet from head to toe, roll around on the beach until every part of your body was coated with sand. The effect was known as a "sugar cookie." You stayed in that uniform the rest of the day - cold, wet, and sandy.

There were numerous students who just could not accept the fact that all their effort was in vain. That no matter how hard they tried to get the uniform right, it was unappreciated. Those students did not make it through training. Those students did not understand the purpose of the drill. You were never going to succeed. You were never going to have a perfect uniform.

Sometimes, no matter how well you prepare or how well you perform, you still end up as a sugar cookie. It is just the way life is sometimes. If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward.

This is always the way it will be with our relationship with God, and even our relationships with anyone we encounter. Do your best, be your best, but never give up. You can accomplish so much more by being a "sugar cookie" than you can by never rolling in the sand.

God loves a "sugar cookie."

Love to all,

Ivy S. Kirk

May 2024

The Lord continues to move behind the bars of our prisons and jails. It is a blessing to receive so many divine appointments as the Lord moves on the hearts of those that ended themselves, feeling helpless.

As I gather the men in the 4 PODs I work on a weekly basis, in the Tulsa County Jail, I look into the eyes of those that enter the meeting room looking full of worry, care, and hopelessness. But as I started to share the Love of our Lord Jesus and turn their hearts to Him, I saw a great transformation with the Holy Spirit working to lift their spirits and generate real hope and a clear direction for each of them. Yes, I have seen that the only real habilitation comes through Regeneration. A born-again experience through our Lord Jesus Christ by the work of His Holy Spirit.

On that Friday, a couple of weeks ago, I saw the Lord move in just that way. In the first POD I held my study with my regular inmates. Following them came several men they had recruited, all abuzz with anticipation. My heart leaped in my chest as I began to speak about new life in Christ. With their hope for real life found in the Lord, alone. I went on to tell them they could come to Christ right there at that moment making an eternal change! After I explained the Sinner's Prayer, I asked, "Does that prayer express your heart's desire, right now?" Men looked me in the eye and shook their heads "yes" while others voiced it, with a resounding "yes"! The Lord made it truly clear He was in control having brought hearts broken and ready to respond. The result, seven men gave their lives to the Lord to be born again.

God had miraculous taken the circumstances of a County ji to bring these men to an end of their selves to find real life in Christ.

It did not stop there. As I entered the next two PODs, men responded, also with two coming to Christ in the next and one in ethe last POD, I covered consecutively. Together we are seeing God honor His word and bless us as we go. You are there, and without the Lord and your willingness to follow His direction, all of this could not happen. Yes, that Friday morning, ten men found eternal life in the hopelessness of a county jail. This is why we go, to bring people to Christ and to life as only our Lord Jesus Christ can give it. Thank you for your prayers and investments that make the real difference in lives filled with hopelessness.

In His Love for Our Prisoners,

Chaplain Steve Bradshaw

Greetings, everyone. I hope you are all feeling as blessed as I feel. It is fantastic. For several months now, I have been wanting to get back to some tales and truths I started and then was interrupted by holidays and life. I hope you will enjoy reading them as much as I love retelling them. Sit back and use your imagination. If this were you, what would you learn?

MCRAVEN'S Lesson Number 2: If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle.

A synchronized boat working together can manage the surf, including the tall swells off the coast of California during training. Like having a cohesive crew paddling, having investors in your "boat" who share your vision and goals matters. It is important to find investors who are a good match for your mission, meaning they understand your goals, and have the risk profile, they share your long-term interests. With the right team supporting our "vision," including us as your advocate, we can paddle through the inevitable difficult waters together.

McRaven taught this lesson to his Navy Seals. His objective was to teach everyone nvolved to work together for the success of everyone. Why shouldn't we see the pportunity to further our endeavors to collaborate with all people incarcerated in e jails and prisons of Oklahoma?

With love and best wishes,

Ivy S. Kirk

April 2024

"How can I have a relationship with God?"

That was what a young man asked the other day in our character building discipleship class in an Oklahoma prison. He was new in the class, and I was talking about having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and making heaven your home.

He had been with his head laying on his arms on a table next to the tables we were having our class of eight men in the study with our new Chaplain, Michael Brown, in training to teach the class. I asked. "what's your name young man?" He said, "Peter." I said, "well Peter, you have a special important Bible name that is a very important question!"

I knew the Lord was giving us a special moment. both for Peter. Michael. and each of the men in our class. Not only to help Peter in his journey to find God but in a learning experience for Michael and the men in our class to witness practical evangelism building their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I replied. "The Lord Jesus told us, "I am the way, the truth and the life. no one comes to the Father except through me." | said. "The Apostal John tells us in His Gospel, "As many as receive Him to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those that believe in His name." Lastly. I told him that the Apostal Paul tells us. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and that the wages of that sin in death (separation from God in a devils hell." But. "If we will confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

I explained that Jesus through His Spirit, at that time, would come into his life, giving him new life in Christ, to be born again and heaven would become his home. I looked him square in the face, eye to eye and asked. "Peter, would you like to invite the Lord Jesus Christ into your life, to become a Child of God, and begin the life He has for you?" With no hesitation in his voice, he said, "Yes I would like to do that!"

I went on to explain the sinner's prayer to him, word for word, and again I asked, "Peter. does this prayer express the desire of your heart now?" He looked me in the face with a fear forming on the edge of his eye and said. "Yes it does!" So, we bowed our heads and Peter opened his heart to the Lord Jesus' invitation and became a Child of God right there in the classroom.

This is why we go to the prisons, to help men and women find new life through Christ. All with there with me as we bring Christ behind bars. Thank you and thank God for all He is doing through us. Pray for workers, both behind bars and those who stand with us in helping men and training these lives for Eternity.

In His love for the Prisoners

Dr. Steve Bradshaw,

President - Prison Discipleship, Inc.

_____________________________________________________________________

Well today's letter is going to be late for Easter, but the sentiment is the same and the message is never too late. Every year we start with a holiday and what we are going to do to celebrate. Then we move on to more holidays and birthdays, and anniversaries, what do we do, and what gifts do we give. This goes on every day, week, and month of the year.

This month, have you thought of the celebration you are going to have for Jesus, for what he has done for us. Oh, it is nice to have new dresses and cute hats, the Easter Bunny running around hiding eggs. But for whom is that really? Jesus has taught us everything we needed to know about our Heavenly Father. Every day he has a life altering lesson for us.

He gave up his life to save us from damnation. Jesus continues to nurse our wounds, teach us how to be a better person, forgive us for our sins, and to love us. He holds us in his arms to comfort us when we are struggling, and cannot move forward, or when we are tempted by sin.

So, I ask again? What are you willing to do to give him the gift that he has given to you your entire life, and continues to give to you for the rest of your life so you will have a wonderful, loving life with your Heavenly Father? How does giving your life to Jesus' sound? It is a small payback for what you have received.

For love to Jesus who has done so much,

Ivy S. Kirk

March 2024

Greetings in the Love and Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ said, "I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

What a promise! Then shortly after that the Lord Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me." Yes, the Lord Jesus not only promises to take us to be with Him but, He makes it clear, He is the only way to be with Him.

This is the message we send to people behind bars. There is not a life or a reason to have life without the Lord Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The simplicity of the "Goodnews" message is what turns people to the only real home of Jesus Christ. As we give this message people turn from the darkness and hopelessness of Prisons and Jails to God's plan and purpose for their lives. You are there through your faithful prayers and gifts. Rejoice, for the great blessing the Lord has given us to show and share His Agape (unconditional) Love.

This Ministry, of over 40 years, has continued to be a faith ministry. That means you, as well as others, help make it possible as we Trust His call and supply through faithful Saints, such as you. With increased costs and many that have faithfully stood with us all these years, having to cut back and some even discontinue their direct involvement. We appreciate all who have stood with us during the increased costs and direct involvement. It has been extremely hard to grow our list on those receiving our Prayer Letter since our opportunities are limited since our contacts are inside the prison and not in public. Thank God for your commitments and loving care.

I have opened my heart to you, first to ask all of you to pray and believe in the Lord for His faithful supply and direction for this important, fruitful work. Secondly, I want you to pray for opportunities to allow us to allow us to share the work with others that my have a call to share in this work through "on hands" ministry behind bars, and for those that have the resources from the Lord's blessings in their life to help underwrite this visionary work.

Just a couple of days ago, I had a study in a Tulsa County Jail POD where the men were so hungry for the Word of God and His plan for their lives, I could hardly get to lead them in a prayer to receive Christ as Lord and Savior fast enough. In years of ministry, I have seen this, but it is always a great surprise, even though God is not surprised, as he says, "No one comes to Christ unless God's Spirit draws them!" Five men gave their hearts and lives to Christ to become a Child of God, with heaven as their home. You, as always, share in the eternal victory.

Lastly, in addition to the above requests, pray as we are asking the Lord for the contacts and supply to have a Prison Discipleship/HUB booth at the Tulsa State fair. This would be a direct outreach to the community for those with relatives behind prison and jail bars. This is an incredibly special opportunity to share this work with the community to enlist works, staff, and partners to help in supplying the needs and growth of this blessed ministry.

As always, please pray for me, our staff, and especially the prisoners that have no hope, except, for the hope Lord Jesus wants to give them. Thank you for praying and sharing this important ministry.

In His love for the prisoners,

Dr. Steve Bradshaw, P.D. President

January 2024

Greetings and happy New Year,

I pray you had a wonderful, blessed Christmas full of love and family. Thank you for praying for me and the prisoners at this time of the year. So many of them had no relatives or loved ones to share time with over Christmas. The sock & gospel projects gave hope to the inmates that someone still cared.

We witnessed a sudden loss in December. Our chairperson of the board, Wayne McCombs, went to be with our Lord from a massive heart attack. Wayne was a founding member of Prison Discipleship, and a dear friend I grew up with in Church.

Wayne had set up the opportunity for us to enter the Rogers County Jail to pass out our socks and give the Gospel for Christmas. Waynes's pastor, Rick Burk and one of his staff Pastors at Cedar Point Church, went with me as the Lord opened doors to allow us access to the jail. I was escorted by the officer in command to talk and present the gospel to all those we encountered in jail. As I closed our time, I gave each prisoner the opportunity to receive The Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Praise the Lord! Twenty-five men and women indicated they had prayed with me to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

What a blessing and true honoring of brother Wayne's faithful commitment to get the gospel to these adults of the Rogers County Jail. I know he was rejoicing in heaven for what the Lord has done. Thank you for sharing in each victory. God is honoring your ministry through Prison Discipleship and commitment with me. Pray for more open doors and the Lord's supply of funds to grow and develop this important ministry.

In His Love for the prisoners,

Dr. Steve Bradshaw, President

P.S. Please pray for Wayne's wife, LeaAnn, and the family as they grieve for him.

December 2023

Joy to the World, the Lord has Come!

The Lord be praised. He has come and is still reaching out to men and women every day. Hearts are touched and New Life has come. Glory to God in the Highest!!!

I haven't seen so many direct answers to your prayers in Prisoners coming to Christ, being born again in many years, not since my own direct personal ministry in the early years of circuit work. Because of the open doors to the Tulsa County Jail and more openings in the direct prison work, the Lord has allowed me to directly lead over 400 Prisoners to new Life in Christ. This is in addition to the Lord's expanding of our Discipleship training in more prisons and jails.

You have been a great answer to prayer and wonderful blessings as we see the Lord move in so many hearts. I couldn't ask for a greater Christmas Gift than seeing the Lord bring all these men and women to a saving knowledge of His Grace.

Please pray and believe the Lord with me for a great army of Believers to join us this new coming year as the Lord is opening so many more doors to us. What can make the real difference in the lives of those lost souls behind bars? Only the Lord Jesus Christ and his perfect gift of resurrection life in Him, is the answer. May the Lord bless and truly honor your ministry through Prison Discipleship as together we see the prisoners behind bars brought to Him.

Praying you will have a very merry Christmas and a wonderful happy New Year full of the Lord's blessings!

In His Perfect Gift of Jesus Christ,

Dr. Steve Bradshaw

The Brown Paper Bag

Thirty years ago, just about this time of year, I received the call that would set my life on a new path. Northridge, California had just experienced an 8. + earthquake. One point five million people were affected. How was I, just one person, going to help? Fortunately, I had my three best partners at my side, God and my two dogs. What I could not handle, God, Kodi or Ty was right there, showing me the way. My job was to listen, sometimes I didn't want to, but one of them would show me I wasn't the smartest member of the team.

So, thirty years later, I still have a team, some names have changed, but God is still "leader of the pack". Our world has changed, but the pain and hurt many people are experiencing has not changed. Prison Discipleship, Project HUB has worked diligently for forty years to bring prisoners of our various prisons and jails a lifeline that will lead them to God and his love.

Today, I need you on my team. Every year, Prison Discipleship/Project HUB brings a lot of love and a few surprises in a Brown Paper Bag, to the prisoners for Christmas. Each Brown Paper Bag has a pair of white cotton socks, candy, Christmas cards for the prisoner to send their friends and family, Raman Noodles, and the Word of God. The population in these facilities has almost doubled since last year so our task has grown. This year, we need help with the socks. They are $2.00 a pair and we need 4,000 pair.

Be someone's hero this Christmas for $2.00. The cost of a soft drink or a latte.

You will never miss the $2.00, but I guarantee someone will remember it for the rest of their life. I still remember my survivors and their families, and many of them still remember me for one act of kindness. Bless you and your family.

Love to all,

Ivy S. Kirk

November 2023

"I think I have a demon in me!"

This is what Brock said to me as I walked up to his cell. He was in an observation cell to make sure he did not hurt himself. I said, "Why do you think you have a demon in you?" To which he replied, "I feel empty and alone, I feel like a demon wants to come into me." l looked him in the eye and said, "You know Brock, we all live our lives empty until we find something or someone to fill us up." As I looked deep into his eyes, I could see a spark of hope rising in the darkness of his soul. Without a doubt the Lord Jesus was taking him to the light of the Gospel. "Only when we turn to Jesus and give our life to Him can we find a new life in Him. Would you be willing to invite the Lord Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and Savior to give you a new life and purpose by living through Him?"

As he sat on his mat lying on the floor of his cell, he looked up at me nodded his head and said firmly, "Yes, yes I would." We bowed our heads, "Tell the Lord these words from your heart to His." I then led him in the sinner's prayer and watched a man who was afraid he had a demon become the man who has a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He moved from darkness into His eternal light! Thank you, Lord, for placing us in a ministry from your heart, right in the greatest darkness to reveal your Eternal Light.

As I look at Brock, after the prayer, I could see a lifted face shining with hope in a new life.

Pray for Brock and the path he has begun. A path of new life and real purpose from behind jail bars. Only Jesus takes us from fear and despair to a fulfilled new Life in Christ.

You share in this great victory, thank you. Thank God for bringing us from a place of hopelessness to shine His light into willing souls.

Thank you for being our partner,

Dr. Steve Bradshaw

October 2023

Days like these God uses to open doors to Eternity! As we walk through these trying days, the Lord uses the increasing problems of life and our society, to create incredibly special opportunities. These bring people to the only real hope and love we have in the Lord Jesus Christ.

From the Tulsa County Jail becoming more available to my direct discipleship ministry to State Prisons collaborating with us through our Project HUB Re-entry, we are seeing tremendous growth. I have seen more Spiritual fruit in adults coming to Christ than I have seen in many years. Just over seventy in my personal ministry last month. Through these souls reached and discipled in the faith, God is creating a considerable number of discipled growing men and women both inside and out of the prisons. Please thank God with me for the great blessings He is giving us, as we minister together. Yes, you are an especially important part of this great response, and you share in each victory.

Please ask other Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, with which you have contact, to pray for us and the special needs we have encountered in our ever-increasing outreach and fruit. Direct them to our website at www.prisondiscipleship.com. There you will find information about P.D. our work and recent prayer letters to bring them up to date with further informed.

Thank you for standing with us through your prayer and gifts. As the days grow shorter remember the Lord had a magnificent work ahead, pray for His faithful power and supply. Thank you for all you do! May the Lord bless you in many great and wonderful ways.

In His Love for our Prisoners,

Steve Bradshaw

P. S. We are starting innovative programs for the fall and have been blessed with the addition of another prison, Jeff Dunn, and have hopes of starting a program at Mabel Bass.

Ivy S. Kirk

Rehabilitation Through Regeneration