BP Partners

Executive Archive: 1999

BP Note:

Basic Progress was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non profit organization in September of 1999. That summer I had completed a Master's in Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University and the Basic Progress classes were going and blowing. Results were amazing. We were beginning to send people home and I often received notes or cards from former participants or family members thanking me for my efforts. From time to time, I would even run into or meet a former BP participant in the free world. While my enthusiasm was energized, I often wondered how this thing was going to meet the challenges of the future. From time to time, I still do.

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Friends,

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace and peace be with you.

Basic Progress Ministries is a deliberate effort to restore the fallen, to convert the lost, and to teach personal responsibility to the troubled. Our classes transform the lives of the spiritually 'at risk' sector of society through the grace and love of God. The Basic Progress curriculum is an intense progression of discussion, activities, and exercises that will guide the participant's personal growth to a mature and stable relationship with God. The main criterion for participation is a desire to change -- at least enough to show up for the first session. Attitudes, predispositions, desire, want to whatever, did not matter. If the participant just shows up and does the work, they will benefit from the experience. It is clear that if we submit our lives to the power that is God; God is faithful. The Basic Progress curriculum has proven to be a real successful format for doing just that. We have been affirmed many times over.

You have been vital to the expansion of this ministry. As you know, this ministry was birthed in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Our goals for this year are to expand the prison ministry to a total of nine units, including the Federal unit in Big Spring. We have been in contact with parole and probation offices, and are currently writing a proposal for the Department of Justice in terms of court ordering this course as a faith-based recovery plan. Also, this information can readily be reformatted for seminars, workshops, church revivals, college campuses, Bible classes, etc. The direct benefit of giving money to Basic Progress ministries is saved lives and new beginnings. Our students have consistently testified to their new relationship with God.

The paperwork necessary for deductions has been submitted and we expect to be approved by both the applicable state and federal agencies by year's end. As we continue to expand our influence and capacity, the demands seemingly grow geometrically. While the work is incredible, financing and logistics are a struggle. So far, God has provided and has blessed this work beyond my imagination. Walking by faith is a much better sermon topic than it is a practical experience. There are several ways in which you can help.

First and foremost, we need you to pray for us. Secondly, I would encourage any one wishing to contribute to this ministry to also consider how they might offer time as a teacher or a facilitator of discussion. Manpower is needed as much as money. If this interests you, please contact me to initiate the screening process. Finally, be assured that we do not take our responsibilities lightly. Your money will be used for publishing, training, travel, and related expenses as we reach out as a deterrent to crime, addiction, family violence, and social dependency. Your donation insures that each person that God puts within our reach will be challenged to become productively content in the community of Christian faith.

Thank You. May our God continue to bless you!

Jay Holland