Endorsements

Endorsement by Richard Dixon, Former TDOC Director of Volunteer Services

Richard Dixon

“As the former Director of Volunteer Services for the Tennessee Department of Corrections, I have seen the Theotherapy Project representing the love of God in a tangible way.  It helps people work through issues that may have led them to where they are today.  They are in prison, so positively dealing with their past issues can help prevent future crimes.  I support Mark West and the work of the Theotherapy Project.” Richard Dixon, Associate Pastor, Bethel Word Outreach Center and Former Director of Volunteer Services TDOC

Endorsement by Chaplain Yolanda Walker

Chaplain Yolanda Walker

“On my spiritual journey as a minister I have been involved in youth ministry, counseling and now prison ministry.  I have been blessed to be able to pray for those who were in the last stages of cancer, passing from this world into their new life.  I have been blessed to work with youth in helping them to find themselves and to find a life of freedom in Christ.  And now, I am blessed to be able to minister as Chaplain to those who have been wounded spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually and socially.  I have come to prison as a wounded healer to minister to those who are incarcerated and I have also been ministered to by them through their prayers, testimonies, encouragement, songs, etc.

 I am amazed as a minister to see how they have struggled and survived the many storms of life.  As a Christian addiction counselor, I have personally witnessed Mark West minister through the Theotherapy model and have seen firsthand the positive effects it has on those who are incarcerated.  Theotherapy is truly life-transforming, not only to those in the free world but also for those behind prison walls.  I was so touched by the ministry of Mark West and the Theotherapy Project that I decided to enroll in this program of study to become a facilitator myself.

 Regardless of the journey, we want to know we are truly making a difference in our respective areas of ministry.  Truly, through Jesus Christ, Theotherapy is making a difference.  I salute you for walking on your journey, serving those who are hurting, incarcerated, depressed, broken, angry and abused.  I believe our Heavenly Father is smiling on the Theotherapy Project’s journey and I believe He is saying, “I am well pleased”.  Continue the journey!”  Chaplain Yolanda Walker, Tennessee Prison for Women

 Endorsement by Chaplain Tim Coleman

“My name is Tim Coleman and I’m the Chaplain at Turney Center Industrial Complex which is located in Only, Tennessee.  I’ve worked at this facility in various capacities for over twenty-four years and have witnessed a lot of things happen over the years.  Some things were bad, other things were good.  One good thing that has blessed our facility is the Theotherapy program.

The Theotherapy Project, under the leadership of Mark West, began ministering to the inmates at Turney Center Prison in June of 2006.  The Theotherapy Project is a great program and it has helped many of the inmates who have taken advantage of this unique ministry.  Unlike many of the religious groups that have just come and preached the Gospel, Theotherapy helps the students resolve past and present issues and also helps them learn how to deal with future issues from a soundly biblical perspective.

Mark and the Theotherapy volunteers are sincere and dedicated to their work.  I’ve heard many of the inmates tell how this program has impacted their lives in such a positive way.  Not only have I heard this from their lips, but also I’ve noticed a positive change in their actions.”  Chaplain Tim Coleman, Turney Center Industrial Complex