We kicked off May with our One Day With God camp at Alexander Correctional—an incredible experience on many levels. In this blog, however, I want to shine a light on a part of our ministry that is often overlooked: the Caregiver Program. In families affected by incarceration, there is a deep longing—for healing, reconnection, and hope.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Caretaker side of the One Day with God event; I am SO proud that I could participate, and am so thankful for what everyone did for my children… it was emotional, but my heart needed it.
During the One Day With God Camp at Cotton Correctional, a couple of our volunteers brought a “Jesus and a lamb” figure as a simple gift. Such meshed well with our day of grace, hope, and connection. Ash’s reflections capture the true impact of the camp, and we’re excited to share her story
When fathers are engaged, children are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and more likely to succeed in school and life. Such is the key to raising well-rounded, emotionally healthy children. By being present and engaged, fathers not only help shape their child’s future but also enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful relationship with them. It’s never too late for dads to make a positive impact in their children’s lives.
At One Day With God, we have the privilege of hearing countless stories of how our program impacts families and individuals. These stories remind us why we do what we do and highlight the power of connection and encouragement. Remember, as Scottie always says, “If we can reach a person as a child, we may not have to repair them as an adult.”
Our latest One Day With God camp was in Abilene, Texas, and it was an incredible experience. One of the most remarkable aspects of the camp was the facility’s outstanding hospitality and seamless collaboration with our team. Below is a note from one of the leaders sharing their reflections on the experience.
In this week’s blog, I’ve been asked to share a letter from one of our camp attendees. Her moving testimony captures the transformative power of our One Day With God camps and the hope that often is spawned in the midst of life’s struggles—being the daughter and sister of inmates. As she looks forward to joining us at the upcoming Whitworth camp in Hartwell, GA on March 8th, her words serve as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
This past weekend, I had the privilege of traveling to Tennessee to speak at Mountain City Community Church. I was joined by my friend Dru Schneeberger, a dedicated Forgiven Ministry volunteer and leader in our Hickory Brother’s Night group for men. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with incredible kindness and hospitality.
Within the Forgiven Ministry family, you might have heard of the “Uncles Club”—a term we use to describe dads who attend camp even when their children cannot join them. It’s heartbreaking that at some of our One Day With God camps, a father comes with the hope of seeing his child on Saturday, only to learn that, for whatever reason, his child or children are unable to attend. It’s heartbreaking—but good can come from it.
Les Bonnett joined us as Ministry Coordinator in April 2024, bringing a diverse skill set from his background as a USAF veteran, preaching minister for over two decades, USMC Fitness Boot Camp Instructor, Health Coach, and co-owner of UXLGrowth, a marketing company. He holds Master’s degrees in Education and Ministry.
Les is married to Mary Holland from Prince Edward Island, Canada. They met during a visit to a nursing home in South Carolina, where Mary was working as a Speech-Language Pathologist. They have two sons: Pearson, who works at Liberty University, is recently married, and pursuing his MBA, and Nicholas, two years younger, with Down Syndrome. If you meet Les and Mary, you’ll probably meet “Nicks” too!
At Forgiven Ministry, Les will focus on leading One Day with God (ODWG) camps and promoting the ministry’s mission. As Ministry Coordinator, he’ll also manage the blog, facilitate connections with the community, and speak at events as opportunities arise. Outside of ministry, Les enjoys spending time with family, hiking, tackling home improvement projects, and restoring classic cars.
Les and Mary are delighted to be a part of Forgiven Ministry’s family!
Lauren’s passion for helping others led her to Forgiven Ministry. She was born in California, moved to Maryland at 11, and graduated with a degree in Interior Design in 2016. As a military spouse, she moved cross-country multiple times with her husband and now has two children. Lauren uses her creativity and attention to detail to create a welcoming and supportive environment for those served by the organization. Her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact is a testament to her character.
Karen is a valued member of Forgiven Ministry, contributing her extensive financial expertise as an administrative assistant for the past 18 years. Her deep-rooted compassion for inmates and their families stems from personal experience – she witnessed the effects of her sister’s five-year prison sentence during her early adulthood. This encounter inspired her to dedicate herself to making a positive difference in the lives of those affected by incarceration.
In addition to her work with Forgiven Ministry, Karen volunteers at local and out-of-state camps to provide assistance to those in need. Her passion for helping others drives her to go above and beyond, and her dedication is an inspiration to all who work alongside her.
Meet Sunny Church, Forgiven Ministry’s Administrative Coordinator and a proud Ohio native. With a talent for organizing both her own home and the ministry’s office, Sunny is a valuable member of the team. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband Steve and son Luke, whether traveling or simply enjoying a quiet night in.
Since joining Forgiven Ministry in 2022, Sunny has played an essential role in the success of the One Day with God Camps. Her natural organizational skills and attention to detail ensure that everything runs smoothly. Sunny also provides support to the ministry’s volunteers and the families who participate in the ODWG camps.
Introducing Pastor Mitch King, Ministry Coordinator of Forgiven Ministry! He joined us in August 2020 and has been a driving force in leading our ministry to new heights. Mitch’s journey to ministry started in high school, where he met his love, Angela Farr. Since then, their commitment to each other and their faith has only grown stronger.
With a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Mitch felt the call of God on his life in 1993. He obtained his Masters in Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1997, and has served in various ministry positions since. Currently the Pastor at Smyrna Baptist Church in Taylorsville, NC, Mitch’s impact on his congregation and community is immeasurable. Mitch’s energy and enthusiasm for ministry make him an invaluable asset to Forgiven Ministry.
Jack and Scottie were married May of 1972 and began serving with Yokefellow Ministry at
Alexander Correctional. Jack loved working with the inmates and sharing the gospel with them
individually. He and Scottie were blessed to travel with Prison Fellowship’s Operation Starting Line for several years. In 2000 Jack and Scottie formed Forgiven Ministry and is busy sending inmates across the U.S. Bible studies. He is a soul winner and one of the best. He has been chosen so many times to share the gospel in prison segregations. Jack is a man of God who loves to study the Word of God. Kind, gentle and caring would be his attributes.
A verse that describes Jack is:
“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act
justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8)
As the founder of Forgiven Ministry, Inc., Scottie counts it a privilege to lead a faith-based prison ministry dedicated to restoring, reconciling and reaching those impacted by crime through the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Living as a child of an inmate from age 4 to 42, God has taken the pain of her life and turned it into a
wonderful work of His making. At age 54, God placed a desire in her heart to serve Him
in full time ministry, surrendering all. The greatest reward of her life is to be a part of a family coming to know Christ and to reconcile with each other.
My Life Verse: Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.