BP Partners

Executive Archive: 1997

BP Note:

Within the first year of volunteering in the State Prison, word of mouth on the units revealed such a demand for spiritual substance that Basic Progress Wait Lists for a seat accumulated faster than I could keep up. Because of state regulations, BP could only enroll off the top of the Wait list. On the transition facilities (short term housing), the long wait enrolled BP participants within weeks of their transfer off of the unit. BP Cycles often ended with either a handful of participants or did not finish at all. I had to either commit full time or not volunteer for awhile to clear out the lists. I was working, attending school and struggling with family obligations; something had to give. I quit my job and announced that Basic Progress would need financial support from somewhere. This correspondence was the letter whereby I (Jay Holland) announced my full time commitment to Basic Progress in the summer of 1997.

Prior to this announcement, the 'thing' had to be named. 'Basic Progress' is the stated goal for seekers and strugglers to rise above present circumstances. It best reflected what I was trying to help people do, just one little bit at a time. At that pace, that 'li'l bit' can become 'quite a bit' of success. I thought that not capitalizing 'Basic Progress' reflected my desire to just keep it simple. The last paragraph refers to an early vision of seminars and workshops. Now, almost a decade later, we offer several different options apart from the core BP curriculum. Thanks to the many individuals, churches, businesses and foundations that have responded positively. W we have come a long way. There are hundreds of former and future Basic Progress participants who would not have accomplished 'quite a bit' of success without your partnering with Basic Progress. Thank you for faithfulness; praise be to God for your heart.

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Open Letter to God's People

To all Brethren and Sisters in Christ,

The purpose of this letter is a request for your support in full time evangelism. After much prayer and thought, I have decided to devote my full attention to Basic Progress Ministries. This labor harvests former atheists, agnostics, and the disenfranchised as productively content brethren and sisters in the body of Christ. I believe that God would best be served if I can be relieved of obligations to my secular career. I need your help.

Basic Progress is a series of lessons and exercises which reveals the gospel in progressive stages to the spiritually destitute. Through the processes of self-examination, surrender, and reconciliation with God and society, these men and women are radically changed. As each student contends with his or her homework, their level of spiritual insight and understanding increases, which, in turn, prepares them for the next session. It is basic spiritual progress. The essence of the Basic Progress curriculum is 'heart' surgery; it is designed to produce a new attitude, create a radically different perspective, and ultimately to harness and redirect one's basic personality to a life of forgiveness, grace, prayer, and faith.

The possibilities for God's Kingdom are tremendous. The state of Texas has approved the Basic Progress curriculum for use in all the penal colonies. I developed this curriculum over the last three years at the Middleton Transition Unit, Abilene. In the last twelve months, at this one unit, 51 Basic Progress students have accepted Christ in baptism. Recently, I have started classes in a total of five penitentiary properties. My goal is to have the program in all penal units within two years. This requires training, volunteers, organization, financing, and a bunch of prayer. Ultimately, the program can be offered for church camp, youth groups, seminars, revivals, work shops, correspondence courses, and/or Bible classes. I pray for God's will and His continued blessings on all!

It is with a spirit of dedication, work, and love for Jesus that I submit my ministry to you.

In Christ,

James Holland Jr.