Death or Prison

Episode 87: Marianne Van Dongen, Part 2- A New Beginning At The End

God's mercy, love and faithfulness is exemplified as Marianne is released from parole April 17, 2024.

A life no one wants to live.

As soon as he put his fists up, Walter's life changed forever.

Part 2 of Timothy Kane's testimony reveals how a 16-year-old boy sentenced to two life sentences finds joy in his surroundings. Baptized in a prison chapel, accepting the freedom Christ offered, Timothy is out now and preaching at a prison where he spent 18 years of his young life. That's not all...

The last of the 4 part series completes only part of the message. More to come.

Stay Away From That Kid!

14 years old and not heeding his mother's warning, Timothy Kane was arrested for participating in a double murder that 'The Kid' committed. 25 years of adult prison followed.

Six lifers tell it like it is.

Six lifers tell it like it is.

The Mission Continues…

DeepHeart #2 | Bringing Light Into the Darkness

#prison #corrections #podcast

DeepHeart is a family devoted to worldwide prison ministry. Enjoy!

John and Troy have spent a total of 69 years in prison. Graduates of the Dr. Regina B. Shearns Corrections Transition Program, they speak of how the program brings inspiration, education and hope into the lives of the incarcerated.

Dr. Regina B. Shearns Correctional Transition Program is giving education and hope to men who have been incarcerated for more than 25 years. Doc and Alumnae John Eddings discuss the ins and 'outs.'

Six times in prison since the 1980's, Derrick began his criminal career at the tender age of ten. With no father and working the streets, he had little chance. He has now had enough of that life and is committed to rehabilitation and accountability.

Rodney, a man who found Christ early in his incarceration, speaks of his role as a servant leader and living his life to the fullest in prison. In front of the camera, he thanks God for his confinement. 

Cheryl Mason, Education Supervisor at Everglades Correctional Institution, Florida, provides additional information on this important program.

A homeless runaway at the age of 16, arrested for murder and sentenced to life at the age of 18. Although still serving his sentence, Clayton has been living a Christ-centered life since he turned 28. Now 58, he inspires others to live as full a life as possible.

Asst. Warden Scott Siegler details a program that is a method to change people, places and things in preparation for success after release.

"God had His hand on me," says Ricky. While serving 42 years in prison for murder, he was selling drugs, shanked more than once, and was living the 'stinkin thinkin' life. Then God changed everything.

Anthony Smith tried everything but God to get his life together. Then he made a decision. Watch what happened next.

Frank Murphy Jr. at age 15 was arrested for gun violence and faced a 15 year sentence. From that low point, he raised himself to being twice awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. What a story!

Adam Jolly was serving a 50 year sentence then... discover how his life changed in one instant. Doctor, yes Doctor Jolly tells his story.

Tara McCard is doing well now but her life has been a struggle. This is her story of survival.

A major part of Jack Brewer's mission is to serve God, fatherless children and prisoners. That's a mix with a Kingdom impact.

Tara's heart-wrenching story: If I don't die I have one more chance. God gave her more than one.

Before being transferred from one prison to another, Adam Jolly was given a shank by a fellow prisoner, his uncle.  Talk about a generational curse.

In a society within a society, where a gold smile defines a man, Adam Jolly dialed God's phone number (Jeremiah 33: 3) and got an answer. After hanging up, he dedicated his life according to the promise God made in that verse. 

Pastor Esau Green was broken, weeping in the arms of someone who cared. He was in pieces then but is whole today, living a full life as Pastor of a Church in Connecticut. God worked His miracle.

Abandonment and separation from parents at a young age can have SERIOUS consequences as in leading to a 45 year sentence for murder.

Carl Pugh wanted an education and a house for his Mom. Armed robbery and an arrest changed his path. Part 1 of a testimony of a country boy alone, living day to day making wrong choices.

Big Mel was 20 years old and sentenced to 45 years for murder. He didn't feel so big when that happened. Prayers from Mom and a restoration of hope over a lot of years changed him. God gave Big Mel favor. Deacon Mel tells his story. 

Abandonment and separation from parents at a young age can have SERIOUS consequences as in leading to a 45 year sentence for murder.

Pastor Esau Green was broken, weeping in the arms of someone who cared.  He was in pieces then but is whole today, living a full life as Pastor of a Church in Connecticut.  God worked His miracle.

Before being transferred from one prison to another, Adam Jolly was given a shank by a fellow prisoner, his uncle.  Talk about a generational curse.

In a society within a society, where a gold smile defines a man, Adam Jolly dialed God's phone number (Jeremiah 33: 3) and got an answer. After hanging up, he dedicated his life according to the promise God made in that verse. 

Tara's heart-wrenching story: If I don't die I have one more chance. God gave her more than one.

Tara McCard is doing well now but her life has been a struggle. This is her story of survival.

Frank Murphy Jr. at age 15 was arrested for gun violence and faced a 15 year sentence. From that low point, he raised himself to being twice awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. What a story!

Anthony Smith tried everything but God to get his life together. Then he made a decision. Watch what happened next.

One of the notorious Rolex Bandits, Anthony Smith found a rewind in his life on God’s clock.

Marjorie Rodriguez was a gun carrier, drug dealer, and all around bad girl. Until she found both God and her husband Gus and turned her life around.

In the second of two episodes, Agustin 'Gus' Rodriguez tells us 'I knew I died."  It was his repent or perish moment. Now a "New Creation in Christ," Gus is alive and doing God's work.

Agustin 'Gus' Rodriguez was the definition of a thug, 'gangsta', gang leader, hoodlum, a menace to society. You name it; he was it. And he started at age 13. A different man now, what's up with that?

Richard Glau, Manager Faith Based Services, The GEO Group, Inc., left the New York Stock Exchange for a career in prison ministry and the opportunity to bring a 'God Consciousness' to a harsh environment. He loves His work.

Angela Geisinger, Senior Director Academic and Vocational Programs, discusses story topics beginning with a sentence. Sometimes it's a prison sentence.

Raul, Johnny, and Elmo tell of the dynamic decision that each made to change his life.

You are a good candidate for probation, but you are a better one not to be on probation.

Joe Winkler, Assistant Secretary Community Corrections of the Florida Department of Corrections, gives probation guidelines for success.

In the first of a series of interviews, Joe Winkler, Assistant Secretary of Community Corrections, Florida Department of Corrections, details how Probation Officers support the success of individuals released from incarceration and on supervision.

John Eddings has lived a full life. Most of his life, he was committed to crime but is now committed to Christ.

Family, Attitude, Communication, Employment, Improvement, and Taking Responsibility helps individuals succeed. A new and exciting program started by the Florida Department of Corrections gives individuals the opportunity to F.A.C.E. I.T. and a real opportunity for success.

John Eddings has a memorable past. Sentenced to 904 years plus three life sentences for crimes he committed, John spent 38 years, 7 months and 13 days inside. He escaped from two jails and two prisons. But that is not all of the stories. 

Jorge Goudie considered himself Mighty Mouse while growing up, constantly getting in fights, abusing drugs and looking for trouble. From criminal to Christian, hear his story.

The 'Secret' is simple: think about the Kingdom of God more than you think about yourself and activate leadership in others.

Author of the Book 'Hero Maker,'  Dave Ferguson discusses 5 essentials for encouraging others to be their best. Hold the mayo, pour on the oil and salt. Enjoy the taste.

In this second episode, Richard DeLisi tells of the 'good lasagna' a Chiros Christian group of men served during a 4 day Bible meeting. Not only was lasagna on the plate, but so was The Bread of Life. In the proverbial 'bait and switch,' Richard switched to a God centered existence and from then on, time worked for him.

Richard DeLisi lived a fast, loose life ended by the longest prison sentence ever handed out for the non-violent crime of marijuana smuggling. 32 years later and 30 days out, he tells his story.

Kevin Sabbath reentered his community after a long, 'Same Day' sentence. Determined to be a business minded man, his achievement is now his life. 

Kevin Sabbath has a high IQ, a lot of street knowledge and a great last name. The first part of his life he didn't keep the Sabbath Holy. What happened?

Eddie Vidal sang songs of worship after the Judge sentenced him to 25 years. What made him so grateful? 

Eddie Vidal came out of his prison cell mad. He told the Preacher off. What happened next?

Brandon Boyce smoked pot at age nine and progressed to cocaine then heroin, all in a spiraling addiction that led to his brothers and uncles deaths, parents divorce, homelessness, burglaries, panhandling, jail then prison. Learn how he changed in prison and why June 11, 2012, was his day of salvation.

Secretary Inch discusses the ‘Inmate Welfare Trust Fund’ devoted to promoting a more peaceful prison environment.

An inspired FDOC program mixes short sentence stay inmates with long sentence inmates who are trained in mentoring and incentivizing positive life choices.

Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Mark Inch speaks to Florida’s reentry plan in this first of a three part series, 'Roadmap to Restoration'.

John Giles tells of how losing a game of football led to living a life of crime. After arrest and incarceration, brutal Friday night 'test of heart' fights became the norm. He was tough but had little hope. He considered suicide. Until, on a different Friday night, he asked Jesus into his heart and immediately experienced the salvation that now rules his life. Hear his testimony.

'Lay Away While Away' reminds the incarcerated to prepare for release by planning for the day. Money put aside while inside, will aid in obtaining good credit, a necessity for a better life.

Two former criminals, one law enforcement officer, and answers to peace.

The toughest of stories, hard to tell, harder to hear, connected through our humanity and God’s plan.

Suicide in prison is a dangerous reality. This episode focuses on three solutions: Mentors, God, and Welcoming Churches.

Evert Doyle tells his story of crime, prison and a remarkable God driven change.

Herdy Casseus, 17 years old and facing a life sentence for the use of a mask and firearm during a robbery, found the answer to his future after pleading guilty and doing 10 years. Herdy discovered an old, unused guitar in a prison closet, taught himself how to play and unlocked his future in music. Herdy says it was a gift from the Lord.  

Oswald Newbold ll spent 25 years in prison. He speaks to the importance of using the time, not just doing the time. While inside, he prepared his mind, educational level and skill set, for an eventual release. Learn what a difference planning made in his successful transition and of the community work he is now doing with at-risk youth.

Oswald Newbold ll describes his path to prison. After committing a crime with a gun, he was arrested and sentenced to 2 life sentences, plus 15 years. It was the worst moment of his brief life; he was 19 years old. Learn how he used time while doing time and prepared for an eventual release.

Casey Diaz goes from seeing a movie on his 8x10 solitary cell wall to having Hollywood produce a movie of his story. A script is in the works. His story is not over. Stay tuned.

While in solitary confinement, sentenced to serve 12 years and 8 months for second degree murder, Casey Diaz had a face to face experience with Jesus Christ. Described in detail, this encounter cannot be denied.

Our second interview with Casey Diaz details his arrest at the age of 16 for second degree murder and 52 counts of armed robbery. His sentence and eventual confinement to the Solitary Housing Unit in Folsom Prison puts him alone in an 8x10 cell. A prayer team from South Central Los Angeles visits Folsom and contact is made by a little woman with a powerful purpose; she tells Casey God has a plan for his life, and she puts him on her prayer hit list.

Casey Diaz began his life of crime in Los Angeles. He was recruited to join a notorious gang, the “Rockwood Street Locos”, when he was eleven years old. He proved himself over the years through home invasion, robbery, stabbings and murder. He had game and became the boss; The Shot Caller. Hear Casey's story in this first of at least three programs telling his story of crime and eventually, an encounter that changed his life and the life of others, forever.

Listen to Freddie Morales talk about being 'diffused.' Freddie spent 29 years, 3 months, and 9 days inside and after devoting himself to the Lord while doing his time, became a Saul to Paul example.

29 years, 3 months and 9 days inside some of Florida's most notorious prisons and an unexpected result! What you will witness is the story of Freddie Morales and his testimony of God's redemption. After being released and home for only 8 days, Freddie tells of his sometimes brutal survival and the new life he now wants to live for God.

Elmo Golden and Willie Goldsby continue their conversation. Remember, when Elmo was 16 he shot Willie. Listen as Johnny leads the discussion of how Elmo while serving 17 years in prison, fixed his life, and made peace with other inmates.

Johnny Branham and Elmo Golden are joined in studio by the man Elmo shot. They continue their conversation about the pain that families of inmates face day in and day out. Listen to part three of the collateral damage discussion as they share real-life stories from the perspective of their families and how all their lives were changed forever.

Johnny Branham, Elmo Golden, and Raul Lopez continue a deep discussion of the unintended consequences and pain that families of inmates face. Listen to part two of the collateral damage discussion as they share real life stories from the perspective of their families and how all their lives were changed forever.