Launch Team?

Pray for me as I’m wrapping up with a designer the little booklet I’ve written called EXPERIENCE GOD.

If you want to be on my “launch team” PM me! I’ll send you and early copy!

Aiming to have it out before Easter 2021

EVERYONE LOVES PEANUTS!!

My "Christmas-Cheer-Traveling-Card-Kit" is ready to go out & gather signatures today through the 18th.

Then they’ll be delivered to those who will be in jail over Christmas.

You can have a significant role in reducing crime and changing lives. Letters and helping keep a social bond with home reduces recidivism.

Jan 7th at 7PM is a Zoom date for those interested in volunteering to regularly send encouraging notes to someone sentenced to state prison.

#chattanoogaendeavors comes alongside them when released to help them adjust to and succeed with life on the outside.

#secondchances

#noogatoday #blackcreeklife

Thanksgiving! We're LOVING Fall!

 

Thanksgiving cards went in the mail last Friday. Nope. Not to you; but to 70 people I may never meet: People serving time in prison who call Chattanooga home. When the blank Thankgiving cards arrived in the mail, I prayed that the Lord would provide at least 15 names signed on each card. For a prisoner to see a BUNCH of names, it would be a powerful visual that they are not forgotten. I thought that 15 names was a big ask, seeing as we're all still pretty isolated. Turns out 15 names wasn't too much to ask of God. In the last couple of weeks about 20 people signed them! My hairdresser did, while my color was processing. Yes. I cover the grey. Fifteen girls who live in an addiction recovery home run by our church signed. Below is a photo of a few who don't mind having their photo taken. There's more... There were some Covenant College girls who wanted to spread the stack of cards on a table in the dining hall one night last week. They'd planned to invite friends to come sign at dinnertime. Then, a bad Covid case quarantined all of the on campus students for the rest of the term! Only 4 roomates signed them. But that's okay! Two women invited me to their Bible Study groups. A high school girl who was fundraising door to door for her band stayed a few extra minutes to sign. Some of these people wrote verses or words of encouragement. They also learned more about caring for the prisoner. At the bottom of this email is a sampling of recent letters that came for me from Tennessee state prisons. So much hope! What are you most thankful for this week? Cameron called me last week to ask for Grandma's Orange Candied Yams recipe. it. He baked it for his "Friends Giving" last night. My mom hated those yams. But she faithfully made a huge batch every year because we all LOVE them! Every year in Asia we had guests or open house for Thanksgiving. Those orange candied yams always went fast. The stuffing, however, was the favorite among our Singaporean and Chinese friends! We're thankful for our first GORGEOUS fall, and for our supportive friends! Kimberly & Jim Creasman P.S. I put an update on the family below for those who missed our last eNews. A letter from William "It is inspiring to me, to see people like you..doing so much to reassure men and women behind the wall are certain that someone out there cares about us and we are not forgotten. That there is hope. Hope for reform. Hope of a brighter tomorrow. Hope of love and hope to laugh again." --Arthur D Arthur writes that he is reading his new Insider Bible free from Prison Fellowship, he's memorizing some verses in Colossians with me, and has his kids signed up for gifts from Angel Tree this year. from Michael from Kenneth If you missed our Family News last month: In September Tyler flew Cameron out to Columbia, South Carolina for a long weekend. We joined them for two of the days. This was thefirst time we'd been all together since my mom's memorial last September. Expect a happy Christmas card photo in your mail next month (if you don't get one, it means we don't have a correct address for you!). Jim is loving his trees, his dogs, American football, investing, giving, mentoring calls, and retirement! Kimberly is getting more connected with other NOVO ministries she can partner with. She's also learning the staff admin requirements that Jim did all these years (Bless you and Thank you JIM for the years you let me be FREE of that!). We both LOVE having a house! Tyler is investigating graduate schools in the US and abroad. The Army has him until Spring next year. After grad school he wants to work internationally for a government agency or an NGO. Also, Tyler has fallen in lovewith a nurse in Sydney, Australia. Sweet Keara Chan is a Singaporean/American gal who attended the same Christian High School as our boys. We all see that the Lord's hand is in their relationship. Even Cameron, who can't believe his big brother is so smitten! We don't know WHEN they'll have the chance to be physically together (thank God for news of a COVID vaccine!), but their courtship, so far, has been sweet. Lord we pray for Tyler and Keara. What are your plans for them? We pray you will to bring your justice and hope to the nations throught these third culture young adults. After layoffs in Austin, TX, Cameron found work with California Pizza Kitchen in Cedar Park, TX. He's a a positive and encouraging young man finding his way in the world.  We're looking at making a trip with Tyler and the dogs to see Cameron the week before Christmas. Happy, happy momma! And Thanksgiving in Atlanta with brother and family...

Hutchmoot ~ Homebound 2020

 

My contribution to the #beeconspiracy #hutchmoothomebound #hutchmoot quilt. If you're an artist who follows Jesus, you need to connect to The Rabbit Room folks. Their Hutchmoot annual gathering was amazing even as a virtual event.

http://about.rabbitroom.com

Things to be Hopeful about ~ November Newsletter

 

Things to be Hopeful about When we follow Jesus, we have a solid foundation that is not dependent upon the affairs of men, or the times we find ourselves in. The "Most High" Rules no matter what happens on November 3rd. We've met so many neighbors since Kimberly put these lawn signs up! The mother of one kid, dressed as a pastor for Halloween, took his picture next to the sign! So funny! We love this article from John Piper about what the most repeated commands of God are. "Be happy" and "Do not fear" are at the top of the list.  Don't get derailed as we watch election returns! "Fix your eyes on Jesus."(Hebrews 12:2). A mantra for me (Kimberly) the last few months has been “confound evil intentions." Absentee ballot fraud, hi-jinks at voting locations, "fake news." None of this is a problem for the Lord Most High. In a prayer from the Bible, Daniel 2: "Wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seaons. He sets up kings and deposes them." The purpose of the Lord WILL stand. Our hope is in him and not in a temporal government system.  Regardless of the election outcome, we believe that it is in our local arena that we can be a force for good. We pray for you too, that you will locally have the most impact for the good news of the gospel, in Word, deed and power. Prayer for the Creasmans... Since 1997 our financial supporters have partnered with us because we were living in Asia. Since 2015, Jim has been traveling there 4 months a year until covid hit. What are we doing in Chattanooga now? We're figuring this out! And it looks like we still get to come alongside other leaders who are also figuring out next steps... For instance: Last week we had a happy reunion with friends from international partnerships for China. I mean, really, what are the chances that an amazing Mainland Ch___ leader (whom Jim has partnered with for more than a decade) would be stuck in Chattanooga? Because of covid travel restrictions back to Ch__, "Mark" received a work permit from a foundation in Chattanooga. It looks like he will stay put for a couple of years and partner with believers in the US who are part of the Chinese diaspora. His focus will be "inspiring generosity and guidance to Chinese Churches." Pray and Invest Global, Act Local We find that our hearts are steadfast for the Gospel: That all people will have the opportunity for salvation through Jesus. Their lives will improve and they'll have purpose through him. Our hearts are still mostly for the underresourced world beyond the USA. Even with this eternal focus, we are also drawn to the issues of better education opportunities for the economically disadvantaged, ministry to prisoners, and effective recovery from addiction and trauma. While our hearts are still for God's Kingdom growth and strength globally (especially for SE Asia), we seek God's direction for where to invest and build his Kingdom locally. In the last 2 weeks, we've met with staff from The MaClellan Foundation, The Generosity Trust, Tennessee Charter Schools, and a few local outreaches.  You've walked with us through thick and thin... Family News: In September Tyler flew Cameron out to Columbia, South Carolina for the weekend. We crashed their party for Sunday night through Tuesday when Cameron flew back to Austin. This was the first time in a year that we were all together. Expect a happy Christmas card photo! As a family we are separated, but in the Lord our hearts are close.  Tyler is investigating graduate schools in the US and abroad. Post grad school he mostly wants to work internationally for a government agency or an NGO. Lord we pray for Tyler and Keara's future together and what your plans for them are to bring your justice and hope to the nations. After layoffs in Austin, TX, Cameron found work with California Pizza Kitchen in Cedar Park, TX. As a young man finding his way in the world, he is gaining maturity and confidence. He is a positive and encouraging young man with many strengths. These recent years of "adulting" are bringing maturity and discipline. With so much gratitude and fondness for your friendship and partnership, Jim & Kimberly Creasman Bi-Partisan Prayer for the Elections: Lord Please grant... 1.  that ALL Christians would pray, and continue to pray, for our leaders, regardless of who is elected. 2. us to lead quiet, peaceable lives, 3. us a government that rewards the good and punishes the evil, 4. this nation a fair and uncontested election, 5. we would vote, and be given moral clarity in our choices when we cast our ballots, 6. that "We the People" would have a "more perfect union" by your grace and our obedience to you, 7. that your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. AMEN. We really would love to know: Where has God been guiding you to "be the change you wish to see in the world?"  Reply and let us know how he has led despite the challenges of this crazy COVID-19 year!   We CAN change our local communites. I love to hear how you are doing that in your circles of influence. Kimberly continues to dig into learning about Criminal Justice. She's devouring Outrageous Justice, the free ebook and a 6 week small group curriculum from Prison Fellowship. She's still writing for Chattanooga Endeavors, supporting prisoners in their hope for a successful "second chance." (Here's another inmate letter I have permission to share). Last month, Covenant College students joined Kimberly in signing encouraging Halloween cards to those serving time in prison who call Chattanooga home. Another 50 Thanksgiving cards have arrived and Kimberly's been invited to some groups to get them signed by neighbors of these prisoners who call Chattanooga home. October 29th at 11am...  This was the view from our backyard! Not even photoshopped!

"Come Inside" ~ An invitation to contemplative prayer

My Child on the Outside,

Come inside to me.

Surrender yourself and enter.

Inside there is safety.

I am so much bigger than all of this.

I see the beginning and the end.

And the endless joy that is coming.

 

That world outside that is huge to you.

It spins and rages when you only stayoutside.

 

Come inside to me.

Quiet yourself in your inner world.

There is peace when you come here with me.

There is no war inside your soul

when your will is surrendered to me.

You do not need to fear because you know me;

The one and only God

Of the Majestic Universe.

(The universe in which your tiny earth spins.)

 

OUTSIDE there is Violence, Danger, Disease, and Poverty

OUTSIDE there is Anger, Fear, and Agitation.

It seems you all can see it now more than ever.

 

So many little self-appointed gods

are all doing what is right in their

own myopic eyes.

They think that their great big world

is all there is and

they must rule it.

 

I am LORD even over all of them.

Even the ones who stay Outside.

I am the LORD over them, even if they fight against me

their entire finite lives on this earth

which I the LORD have made.

 

Forget them outside for awhile.

 

Won’t you just come inside to me?

I have got this.

You’ll just have to wait and see the proof

that it is true.

I am safety.

I am peace.

I am freedom.

I am justice

for all who will just surrender and spend time with me inside.

Another one of our heroes

 

Do you know who this is? Let me introduce you if you don’t!

He’s one of mine and Jim’s heros. I printed and framed this photo of him to hang up in our house. I just mailed this same info to 10 of the guys I'm writing in prison who have decided to follow Jesus and work with him at changing their heart for a successful second chance once they are released.

Jim and I have decided to line the wall of our basement with photos of our heros. We're asking everyone who comes to visit to bring one of THEIRS.

Chuck Colson is one of the saints right at the top of our hero list!

Here’s a little bio on Charles Wendell Colson  (from Wikipedia):

(1931 – 2012), generally referred to as Chuck Colson, was an American attorney and political advisor who served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1970. Once known as President Nixon's "hatchet man", Colson gained notoriety at the height of the Watergate scandal, for being named as one of the Watergate Seven, and pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for attempting to defame Pentagon Papers defendant Daniel Ellsberg. In 1974 he served seven months in the federal Maxwell Prison in Alabama, as the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for Watergate-related charges.

Colson became an evangelical Christian in 1973. His mid-life religious conversion sparked a radical life change that led to the founding of his non-profit ministry Prison Fellowship to a focus on Christian worldview teaching and training around the world. Colson was also a public speaker and the author of more than 30 books. He was the founder and chairman of The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, which is "a research, study, and networking center for growing in a Christian worldview", and which produced Colson's daily radio commentary, BreakPoint, heard on more than 1,400 outlets across the United States (and continues to be broadcast with an alternating panel from the Colson Center).

Born Again, Colson's personal memoir reflecting on his religious conversion and prison term, was made into a 1978 dramatic film(a great book I read when I was a teenager).During his time in prison, Colson had become increasingly aware of what he saw as injustices done to prisoners and incarcerates and shortcomings in their rehabilitation; he also had the opportunity, during a three-day furlough to attend his father's funeral, to pore over his father's papers and discover the two shared an interest in prison reform. He became convinced that he was being called by God to develop a ministry to prisoners with an emphasis in promoting changes in the justice system.

Colson was a principal signer of the 1994 Evangelicals and Catholics Together ecumenical document signed by leading Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholic leaders in the United States.

Colson received 15 honorary doctorates, and in 1993 was awarded the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, the world's largest annual award (over US$1 million) in the field of religion, given to a person who "has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension". He donated this prize to further the work of Prison Fellowship, as he did all his speaking fees and royalties. In 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President George W. Bush.

This year Prison Fellowship collaborated with Tyndale House Publishers to print a Celebrate Recovery Bible "Insider" Edition. It's sent free from Tyndale to any prisoner who writes for one. You can read more about that project here.

Who are some of your heros?

Writing to Prisoners. Some just disappear when they get out.

Here's the letter I sent to three of the guys I write who have the BEST of intentions for life on the outside. But so did the three guys I write who disappeared after they were released...

Dear _______,

Thank you for the two more drawings! The guys around you in prison must be fascinated to watch you work! 

 

I’ve been discouraged this week.

Of the guys who I’d started to write, three have been paroled.One in January never contacted Chattanooga Endeavors for any help, so I pray he’s okay still. I hadn’t written with him very much. The second guy couldn’t find any housing options in Chattanooga for transitional housing, all of his family here are dead…so he found a 1/2way

house in Nashville. He had plans to go to a trucking school. He had wanted to keep writing. Wanted to meet up with Jim and I for dinner…But I never heard from him after release. I called the house he was going to go to. He never showed up. To me, it’s like he fell off a cliff.

I drew this picture for a college drawing class final in 1983. 

I’ve not done much since then, but you inspire me! Look up the verse! It’s one of my favorites – about friendship.

 

The third was paroled May 5th, but required to go to 3 months of rehab/transitional housing, which isn’t really available. He found Union Gospel Mission would take him and went July 9th . (Imagine how tough that would be to know you’ve been paroled, in the midst of COVID, but CAN’T leave for weeks on end!)

 

I went and checked out that place. It’s depressing! Then I drove over there to pass him a fan and some tools. He’d gotten work as an electrician again and was working with his brother. He wasn’t allowed to go out socially for 2 weeks, so we’d planned to take him out to dinner and shopping for some work boots. Then he didn’t reply to my text the next week, or last Friday when I was seeing Oxford Houses (sober living communities) and was SO impressed with the way they run things, and the guys who were living there. I texted to say they have vacancies. And still no reply.  So I called the home. He’d left. Just didn’t come back a week ago. So, I’m praying if he’s done something he’s ashamed of, he’ll not be too ashamed to reach out. 

I hear that this is typical after incarceration of any length: Y’all feel like you’ll be alright because of good intentional, but life is tough and it takes a while to “stabilize.” Years actually. If you’re not living in a supportive positive setting, and even if you ARE, there is often a relapse to alcohol and/drugs…when the first paycheck comes in, or some other thing to celebrate or drown your sorrows about. He said about working in a ó way house, “Some guys just need to fall once to realize that they CAN’T do it on their own, and THEN will be willing to go to rehab, AA or Celebrate Recovery…get a sponsor. “

 

Anyway. After one year of writing to encourage guys…I’m 3 for 3. Feeling like I’m striking out in seeing their lives changed and sucessful. That my writing may encourage you guys while you’re in prison with good intentions, but upon release…well, you can imagine how I feel.

 

So,…please, please, please be realistic when you come out!!!

 

Please start thinking about this: Even if you are granted parole with no requirements, BEGIN at a place like Oxford House (they start you out going 3xs a week to support groups at first while helping with getting work – which they say isn’t so hard…they have a lot of connections). So just PLAN ON not being an exception to what usually happens! Just plan on needing supportand take itfor your future success. By the time you are released, Chattanooga Endeavors will know a lot more options too.

 

This is the first drawing this prisoner sent to me. Amazing detail.

The staff of Chattanooga Endeavors has been having zoom meetings upon meetings this last month about housing. They’ve invited me to listen along. We are learning from people in the city, county and state who help homeless, economically disadvantaged, and those walking in recovery from some kind of substance addictions. All wonderful programs and people. Currently, there is so little available for ex-offenders, and pray for the ones who are sex-offenders! They might as well expect homelessness if they have no family to return to!

 

As we learn from these other people, we hope to figure out how we can advocate or create more housing specifically for those transitioning from prison. I have found that even when a situation seems like there is “no way.” That it’s not “absolutely no way.” 

 

So, even for the NEXT guy, Michael. If he can get a good exit plan, he can come out August 20th. He IS a convicted sex-offender, is older, has no family, and is low IQ with little skills… I’m going to have hope that upon release and the CE guys walking with him in successful freedom, I’m going to be praying:

 

Lord, you know Michael’s needs. You know his heart and his future. You are generous in your forgiveness and grace and offer us all more than a second chance! Guide us in working together to find a place for Michael. A home. A supportive community. A doctor. Transportation. A job. Over all of these needs, will you grant him peace and hope – a sense of your presence and guidance. Nothing is too hard for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Will you pray with me for him too?

Easter Letter to Prisoners ~ Notecard with Art by Charlie N

 I’m writing to let you know that someone is thinking of you and wondering how you are. 

 

At first, I {naively} thought that if anyonewould be safe from this virus, it would be ex-offenders. You’re already“quarantined” away from the rest of society and isolated (This is what officials were telling the general population to do from the beginning. Now they are mandating it). I read that early-on visitation was stopped for you… just like with other groups. The elderly in group homes, or anyone in hospitals were not allowed visitors. Kids everywhere are now schooling from home and isolated from their friends. My son’s birthmother told me on the phone yesterday, that life “on the outside” in THESE circumstances is, in some ways, more regimented than the half-way house she was released from in November.

 

Still, I know it has to be unsettling for you. Even if you are already not having physicalcontact with people from the outside, there is a chance it can come in somehow.Infectious disease researchers studying this virus tell us it doesn’t live many hours away from the “host.” So, things coming in from the outside are generally safe. We catch it from someone sneezing or coughing on us or touching something that has been sneezed or coughed on within a few hours to days (depending on the surface). But, I can just imagine you are all talking about being “sitting ducks.” You have a lack of freedom to make decisions about your life, and limited access to information…so, the fear of the unknown, and has to be mentally and emotionally tough. (If you watch mainstream media, I believe they ALWAYS are competing for viewers by being sensational. Even under normal life, this causes society to have more fear).  

 

Early in March, Colleges decided to teach all their classes on-line, and close dorms. I connected with a group of Foreign Students who were stranded. At that point, officials didn’t know how long it would last. A couple weeks? The semester? These students couldn’t simply return home to other countries and then just fly back when there was an “all-clear.” If they did go back home, some would not be allowed to return again! Legally not allowed to work off campus, and exchange rates are taking a big hit for developing nations. Most of them by now have found places to live off-campus. I talked with one gal on the phone the other day. She is also learning a new kind of flexibility and mental toughness. God will make a way!

 

The biggest battle is always for peace, and it starts in our mind. So, I want to encourage you to be vigilant to stay positive. Don’t let your mind go down the “what if…” trail. THINK ON what is TRUE. You are alive. You influence others around you for positive or negative. You can help yourself and encourage others. 

Or you can bring everyone down…including yourself! Keep a strong focus! (John 14, Philippians 4:4-9)

 

Today I read that in many states, parole is being considered for prisoners who are elderly, at risk, and those who have met their minimum sentence. Perhaps that will be you. This expedited system of release, will be both good (to have your freedom back), but also extra challenging for re-entry. Everyone on the outside is affected, and unemployment set all-time highs last month. So, if you are released, I encourage you to take advantage of re-entry programs...not just for services, but for the community they offer! 

 

I pray…a lot for you, and others. The way I understand God, HE is not wringing his hands wondering about anything! And he offers peace, direction, provision, and hope. If I get the virus. I know where I’m going (though I may not understand it metaphysically!). But how ever “heaven” works, it’s better than the best day I ever had here!