McFadden Ranch December 3rd

Join us Saturday, December 3rd as we share Good News with the sixty boys at this Texas state facility.

Volunteers should arrive by 8:30 am. The program begins at 9:30 am. We will have lunch with the boys and have opportunities to listen, talk, and witness to them. We will conclude at 2:45 pm. First time volunteers should attend a one hour training session (to be announced). Everyone should submitt a Youth Direct form a full week before the event. The facility is beyond Southlake going west in Roanoke.

Google Directions: :
McFadden McFadden Ranch
400 Haynes
Roanoke, Texas 76262
(If lost - call facility at 817 491 9387)

PARENTING TODAY'S YOUTH - NOW "ON DEMAND"

After seven years, the popular and well received radio program Parenting Today's Youth is available ON DEMAND. Just go to WBAP.com and enter the keyword: family.

At no charge, you can download programs into your IPhone, IPod, or computer.

Each week, five programs will be offered. With the continued sponsorship of Five Star Ford, new dynamic guests, including teachers, authors, pychologists, and other experts will give valuable information to parents grandparents, and caregivers.

This is an important program for the whole family.

Visit WBAP.com and enter keyword: family Listen ON DEMAND

EXCITING NEW BOOK

We are pleased to announce the new streamlined edition of the powerful book Mended by God with a new ending written by Tony Pack. Sales benefit our outreach to youth.

See the video below and visit resources to obtain a copy.

RE-RELEASE OF AWARD WINNING FILM

After 16 years, the new Director's Cut of A Pale Horse is being released on DVD along with the dynamic soundtrack.

Acclaimed for its use of atmospheric low key lighting, the film won over 9 awards at film festivals nationwide.

With a riveting and chilling performance by Jeannette Clift George (The Hiding Place) this PG-13 rated film is based on a true story.

Click RESOURCES to order your copy.

Don to Speak at Dallas Theological Seminary Chapel

Don has been invited to speak to faculty and students at the Dallas Theological Seminary, September 20th. His talk is titled Like Father, Like Son.

Jeannette Clift George Interviews

Jeannette Clift George was interviewed by host Don Smarto for four shows on Parenting Today's Youth Radio Program.

This accomplished and award winning actress talked about her career on major stages across America, and her role in the motion picture The Hiding Place

Theses interviews can be heard on WBAP September 5th -11th (go to www.WBAP.com Keyword: Family)

Chicago Programs in September

Youth Direct will present programs in four large state juvenile facilities in September.

A great line up of performers include Yago Williams, champion athlete with feats of strength, Moses Uvere, national Rap Artist, and Ex-Offender Shawn O'Neil with a powerful story of failure and ultimate change

NEW BOOK - Heart of the Young Gladiator

After two years of writing, Don Smarto has completed his tenth book.

Heart of the Young Gladiator is an essay about the incarcerated youth Don taught Creative Writing to. He chose the best poetry and prose from the youth. Clearly, these young people have talent that in many cases the school system did not discover or encourage or "labels" defeated their spirit.

The reader will enjoy this varied collection of humor, insight, loneliness, and faith. You will discover, as Don did, the creativity and potential of these young men.

This promises to be one of the most powerful and exciting books released about the hope for change in delinquents. (click Resources to order your copy)

Consider giving a CD on PARENTING, GRIEF, HEALING EMOTIONAL WOUNDS, MARRIAGE, ABUSE, EVANGELISM, and many more topics to a friend or family member going through tough times.

Don Wins International Award

Don was one of 34 photographers awarded from over 1,024 entries from 45 countries for the photographs in his book Heart of the Young Gladiator.

The award was announced in York, England , February 1, 2011.

His photos will appear in the book Storyteller by WonderPick Publishing.

The award honors talented photographers from around the world.
(see press release)

Gladiator Book Wins Angel Award

In Hollywood, it was announced that Don has won his 16th ©Angel Award for his new book Heart of the Young Gladiator. The award given by the Excellence in Media Foundation was for a work of "Great social and moral impact".

Previous winners have been Tom Hanks, Bill Cosby, Steve Martin, Art Linkletter, Randy Travis, George Burns, Pat Boone and Roy Rogers.

Don has tied Billy Graham (Worldwide Pictures) for the most awards given to one person.

Click here to read the entire press release from the Excellence in Media organization.

Tony Campolo Praises New Book

On September 22, 2010, author and international Speaker Tony Campolo said "Heart of the Young Gladiator looks brilliant. The photographs of the young men were incredibly moving. I hope this book sells well. It could do a lot of good for the Kingdom if it gets out there where people can get hold of it."

Josh McDowell Recommends New Book

On October 7th, acclaimed author and international speaker endorsed Don's new book. "Heart of the Young Gladiator is a great resource! I enjoyed the book. Thank you so much for sharing this book.

FREE BEHIND BARS
By Don Smarto

Are some prisoners authentic Christians? Are some inmates freer than some church people?

At first glance, these questions seem simplistic. Those in Prison Ministry know many offenders are authentic Christians. But how can a man or woman behind walls, razor ribbon, bars, and heavy metal doors be more free than people in the “free world”?

The answer begins with a key Scripture, John 8:36 “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed”. In a later passage, Jesus relates the freedom he is talking about to truth. We tend to think in black and white; either we are captive or have freedom. But Jesus was not talking about mobility. Paul was free although in prison. John was free although in exile.

read the rest of the story

Youth Direct Featured in Newspaper

Don and his work with troubled youth was a feature story in the October 10th edition of the Dallas Morning News.

The story was on the front page of the Sunday edition, written by reporter Jon Neilson who visited with Don several times at the Youth Direct headquarters in Duncanville and accompanied him when he spoke to incarcerated youth and when he conducted a Writing Seminar in a Texas Youth Commission facility. The story referenced Don's new book Heart of the Young Gladiator . The story also related how Don overcame his own family crimes to go to college and inspire other young boys to reach their potential.

Midwest Review of New Book

Richard Blake's review of Heart of the Young Gladiator was published in the Midwest Book Review.

Mr. Blake wrote: "Don Smarto takes the reader behind the scenes of juvenile correctional facilities and into the minds and hearts of incarcerated gang members.The book includes 55 poems and 40 photos of prisoners. The poems are authentic, simple, original, and imaginative marked by a fierce individuality that resonate the inner being of the soul. The still photos are captivating."

The Genuine Change Agent
By Don Smarto
For many years I have been perplexed by people's criticism of the criminal justice system in one specific area. It takes the form of this basic question: Why doesn't the system change criminals? Implied is a change for the better, meaning transformation into a stable citizen and law abiding person. The disapproval is aimed at Prisons, Probation, and Parole in particular.

If we define criminal behavior as sin, the work of regeneration never has been and never will be the work of any secular government agency but of the Holy Spirit, and it is the role of the Church to restore a sinner through Salvation, confession, repentance, prayer, discipleship, and accountability, which is to say as an instrument of God's grace.

read more

In Youth Ministry, Having a Good Heart is Not Enough
By Don Smarto ©2010

In three decades of working professionally with delinquent youth, I have seen many well intentioned people fail. There is often "God talk" and emotion but working with minors requires a higher vigilance and degree of professionalism. One incident of physical abuse, sexual misconduct, or neglect is enough to shatter a ministry permanently, not to mention criminal charges and a civil law suit. Many "wilderness" programs have "hit the Press" in the past ten years. The papers are in the business of selling papers and will rarely back off from an opportunity to expose a ministry that has been irresponsible.

The "Best of" Parenting Today's Youth Now Available
The radio ministry of Youth Direct has produced 1000 programs. Many wonderful guests have been interviewed. Now, some of the best programs are available on CD at very reasonable prices. From interviews with Josh McDowall talking about why youth are not accepting basic church doctrine, to Dr. Jim Denison discussing the real threats from radical Islam, and Judge Grace Lewis reflecting on the origins of crime, plus many more guests and subjects, these CDs will be a significant addition to your library. Redeem your commute time in traffic, listen from your PC or I Pod on a plane trip, or play at home for spiritual growth and information. The interviews are lively and engaging and filled with useful facts. Whether you are a student, pastor, or parent, there is something for everyone in these recordings. Each CD is only $5.00 (plus shipping & handling)

Visit the RESOURCES page to purchase several, today. You can safely use your credit card using PayPal.

Is The Door Closing?
By Don Smarto

For many years, I heard prison ministry leaders talk at conferences about the "open door in prison ministry". That was back in the 1980's. They were right. The open door was an unprecedented accessibility of faith based programs into the prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities of America.

There were several reasons. Many wardens and superintendents were Christians and bold about their faith. As an example, Norm Carlson the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons would welcome Charles Colson and ex-offenders into his Washington, DC office with discussions about the role of faith in regeneration. Chaplains were often strong evangelicals like Harry Howard of San Quentin, Manny Craig of Leavenworth, Al Worthly of Springfield, and Emmett Solomon of the Texas Department of Corrections.

read more

NEW AFTERCARE SEMINAR

Don has created a new seminar Planning Adult & Juvenile Reentry. This dynamic Powerpoint incorporates the latest research and Don's personal travels to view over 200 aftercare programs in 25 states.

He presents model programs in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, California, Missouri, North Carolina, and Texas. The seminar presents ideas on ex-offenders keeping jobs, accountability, learning styles, and experiencing community.

Elaborating on the ideas in his books: Keeping Ex-Offenders Free, Faith-Based Mentoring, and Lost & Found, Don gives practical examples of why some juvenile and adult ex-offenders succeed and why others fail.

This is an important presentation for correctional professionals, prison ministries, and churches that mentor and work with ex-offenders.

Don presented this seminar at the Texas Corrections Association Annual Conference in Galveston in June.

Please read OUTLINE, SOURCES, and MODELS.

The Sexual Offender Dilemma
By Don Smarto © 2009

For thirty years, I have closely observed the restoration of criminal offenders. Christians in particular, embrace the power of God to change people who were criminals through the stages of remorse, repentance, reconciliation, and forgiveness. People of faith believe all sins can be pardoned and (with the exception of doubting the Holy Spirit's ability to cause that change) they consider no sin is beyond God's mercy and grace.

Now, this is a theological exposition of Biblical truth, but I do not always observe this mercy in the hearts of all people when it comes to sexual offenders. As a society, America does not practice the old axiom: "Time served pays your debt to society". As a matter of fact, the punishment phase continues for sexual offenders after release in the form of banishment, heightened observation, prejudice, mapping, community alerts, and Internet postings.

click here to read more

Bible Studies for Adult and Juvenile Prisoners
By Don Smarto

Bible studies in jails and juvenile facilities are important for discipleship and evangelism for the "almost persuaded". A new Christian needs direction, and a systematic course of study.

"Bible Study" sounds good but I have witnessed prisoners fascinated by the Book of Revelation yet combining the truths of that book with new age philosophy and the prophecy of Nostradamus. The imagery and metaphors are rich but Revelation should be reserved for Bible Study Grad School. Most prisoners were unchurched growing up and are biblically illiterate. They require the basics (Elementary Education) of the Gospel of John, for example. Read more....

In 2011, Lives Will Be Changed!
This year join our dedicated volunteers and impact troubled and lost youth with the power of the Gospel. Fill out the 2011 APPLICATION (on this web site) and check our SCHEDULE. We will provide training.

Want to see a Youth Direct program? Come to our March 6th event in Grand Prairie.

Strengthening Youth & Families Conference
In Austin in November, Don gave a presentation on Helping Youth with Mental illness in the Juvenile Justice System. An article from his presentation can be dowloaded from the web site. This is an important subject and one seen as a stigma and often met with denial. Please read this important article.

Visit the archives to learn more about this ministry.

Faith-Based Mentoring
This new book by Don Smarto is a practical manual for mentoring troubled and delinquent youth. The book has 51 separate subject headings with applications for adult mentors. The book is 265 pages.

Important features include supplemental training guides, a bibliography, and a profile of an incarcerated Texas youth.

As Don's eighth , it comes from his experiences having mentored 12 young men, each for one year and his observations from years of research and study of programs across America.

There are 1700 mentoring programs in America but few that have a biblical world-view. The author believes that a faith based approach leads to lasting change and suggests that the building of trust and relationships ( which take 1-5 years ) is preferred over short term measurement like reduction in truancy and better grades.

The book is priced at $12.95 each (+ $2.50 shipping and handling). Prison or Youth Ministries receive a discount for a box of twenty books.

ORDERS: Youth Direct
PO Box 764499
Dallas, Texas 75376

CHECKS PAYABLE TO AUTHOR

Order a copy online today!

WRITING SEMINARS

The new writing seminars for incarcerated youth are being received with enthusiasim. Seminars are scheduled for McFadden Ranch and San Saba. Don will read selected writings on his daily radio show Parenting Today’s Youth, 100.7 FM, at 8pm. Invite your friends to listen to our radio ministry.

New-Family Secrets

320 Pages, Paperback

Click here for more information and to order.