BP Partners

Executive Archive: 2003

BP Note:

This is a general letter that basically reflects the increasing need to define Basic Progress to a growing network of support. As we have expanded, I found it necessary to continually assess and define our identity, target audience and intended mission. By this time, I was confident that Basic Progress was here to stay, but did not fully realize what that meant. I really have depended on God steering this ministry. Far too often, I have become fearful, depressed or just outright angry with God. Finances were difficult and, at times, people who have been helped aren't always appreciative. Sometimes, they are just outright ungrateful and spiteful. Loving people is a learned skill; if you don't think so, you don't know enough of them! By the way, God has been faithful.

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Summer 2003

General Letter from the founder of Basic Progress Ministries

To the Board of Directors, Officers, Staff, Volunteers, Sponsors and Friends,

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

Let me first define Basic Progress. It is spiritual formation and character development by way of group interaction. Our classes, workbooks and ministry activity, including fund raising and public relations, revolves around meeting people where they are in life and assisting or coaching them in the ways of truth. Every aspect of our ministry is to facilitate that process. Empowering people to live functionally and productively in a formerly hopeless world is the primary mission of Basic Progress Ministries. Although not complicated, the program is difficult and requires a whole person commitment from everyone involved. To the degree that one holds back, he or she is limiting his or her personal potential. The BP curriculum is a full year of classes, instruction, and discussion -- a year that will change direction and potential for all involved.

Having spent much of my early adulthood as an atheist and a world centered jerk, I am sensitive to prejudice concerning God and Jesus. This is not to say that we are ashamed of the gospel nor does it mean that we consider that secondary. It means that many have been abused or brow beaten by "Christians," run off from church because of "sin," or just by watching couldn't see what the point is. It means that we understand those feelings. God's story as described in the Bible has been, far too often, told without sensitivity to the heartache and the disappointment in life. Most of the people to whom we minister have had significant issues with manmade truth masquerading as the way to God. Nevertheless, I am a Christian. This ministry is about restoring people to their Creator and the only way I know how to do that is by carefully walking with them to Christ's throne. And that's what we do. We take a group, teach them to love, help and support one another and go back to get some more.

Just as important, Basic Progress Ministries is about restoring families, neighborhoods, and the local congregation of believers. It is not my inclination to boldly claim that I am steeped in pity for the BP students. I am much more interested in their spouses, parents, immediate family, and especially the children that have fallen prey to their antisocial and self-centered lifestyle. To take the stance that these people need special care for their own sake is to dishonor their loved ones, their neighborhood and especially their victims. We will not forget.

To be sure, Basic Progress Ministries is not a 'specialty' ministry. This is not a "prison ministry," it is not an "inner city ministry," it is not anything but a format for spiritual removal. It is a tool for the Christian church to deal with those in their midst, those the church leadRes only knew to pray for them. While prayer should continue, (quote me!) God will not force Himself on people who are not disposed to collaborating with Him, participating in His will or even casually cooperating with His activity. More often than not, people's way of thinking, perception or perception needs to be altered so as to be open to God's movement in their lives and the world. Biblically, they are called the deaf and the blind. We serve to open eyes and ears to the Spirit.

All the glory is due our Lord and Savior. I am blessed to have been used in this manner and find it a thrilling adventure to participate in the movement of God and His Spirit in the world. My wish is that you will be blessed as we join hands to proclaim the good news of freedom from self available in the here and now. Although I find it improbable that the Basic Progress approach to spiritual formation and character development is the best approach for everyone, for many it is the only method that will reconstruct a legitimate encounter and personal walk with Christ. Those are the ones we are actively seeking.

We need your help. You are invited to join me as this ministry expands to, not only in the prison systems across the United States, beginning with Texas, but to the internet, to court ordered faith-based recovery, parole and probation mandates, the inner cities, local churches, civic organizations and to places we cannot yet foresee.

May the God of Peace be with you.

Jay Holland Founder and Executive Director Basic Progress Ministries, Inc.