Opening this envelope and taking the time to read this letter is
like opening your home and your heart to me and my family. It takes
a special kind of person to care that much! Would you mind taking
a break in the midst of your busy day? Go ahead and find that
favorite chair. Maybe even take the time to grab a cup of coffee.
Put your feet up for a few minutes and allow me the privilege of a
brief visit. [See, you won't even have to get me a cup of coffee
with this kind of visit!]
In a few weeks' time, I found myself on-line, stumbling around the
local free-net, trying to figure out how to use this new-fangled
invention. Gathering my courage, I launched out into new explorations,
feeling very much like a pioneer. One day, I discovered, much to my
disbelief, a place on the internet where people from around the world
meet to discuss suicide and how to end it all.
I stepped out on a ledge and posted a simple message, offering
spiritual help to anyone in the group who was interested. Much to my
surprise, I received replies from 23 individuals from all parts of the
world. That was the beginning of a new dimension in ministry for The
Missing Link.
At the end of each message I post, I add the following lines:
The Missing Link, Inc.
Linking Troubled Youth and Adults with Life-Changing Programs
These few lines have brought us inquiries and requests from all
points of the globe. We've been able to both provide referrals for
life-changing programs and find information on new programs through
Christian friends on the internet. Through electronic mail, we've been
sent addresses of prisoners so we could write them and send them Bible
studies. We've been able to send files full of helpful booklets to
minister to the needs of individuals addicted to all kinds of sinful
habits.
Today, I'm operating an on-line chapel,
offering spiritual help and
encouragement to people all around the world. I'm able to post urgent
prayer needs and alerts
to Christian families and send them around the
world to praying Christians within a matter of seconds.
Each week I post a new Bible story
for children and once every three
weeks I post a new Bible study from
David Wilkerson. As I find out
about new Christian resources on the
internet, I make that information
available to others at our on-line chapel site. Included in these
helpful resources is information which comes directly from top leaders
in missions around the world.
In just the last few days, a friend on the internet has created a
23-page site - absolutely free-of-charge - for The Missing Link on the
World Wide Web. Soon we hope to be able to offer the newsletter
through electronic mail to computer users, bypassing the costs of
printing, addressing, and postage. As a matter of fact, this entire
dimension of ministry on the internet is absolutely free. The only
expense involved is the wear and tear on the computer system.
If you're a computer user and you'd like to know more about this new
dimension in ministry, you may contact me via electronic mail. [CompuServe users must
preface with "Internet:"] If you're really into it, visit our web site
- http://misslink.org
- Barbara Haas
The
Haas family picture (50k)
[Note: In case we haven't met, I'm
Chaplain Mario's wife and the
mother of all those children in our family picture, ranging from
3 to 21 years old. Try having that many children at my age, and
you may wind up in cyberspace, too. 8-) That's a smiley face
with glasses on, but you need to look at it sideways.]
Back to In this issue...
Tips for Writing Prisoners
DOs and DON'Ts [The voice of experience!]
Here are some tips to use when writing inmates:
DOs and DON'Ts
- Do keep your letters Christ-centered.
- If married, do minister as a couple. Encourage your spouse to
write a portion of each letter. However, it is best for females to
write females and males to write males, but if this is not
possible, you write the letter for your spouse and see that your spouse signs the letter.
- Do share Scriptures.
- Do encourage inmates to pray for your needs and share when God answers.
- Don't send money.
- Don't get involved with problems of a personal nature.
- Don't send tapes, books or any materials until you find out the rules and regulations of the institution.
- Don't send stamps.
- We do not recommend sending pictures of females to inmates.
Writing a prisoner is a very serious matter. It is like a lifeline
being thrown out to a sinking person. Once correspondence has been
started, we cannot break it off, unless it is by the request of the
prisoner. If an inmate is released or transferred to another prison,
your letter will come back.
If you don't get a response from the inmate, it is important to
keep writing and praying for him. Many inmates go through periods of
deep despair and depression that only being behind bars can bring.
Please be understanding. Don't forget him now when he needs someone
the most. You may be his last hope. If you fail him, he may never
come to know the Lord.
Be patient and try putting yourself in his situation.
Be honest and tell him from the start your main purpose in writing
is to help him spiritually and if he doesn't have a personal
relationship with Christ or doesn't even know what in the world a
personal relationship is, to let you know, and that you'll be glad
to share with him the dearest friendship one can ever have.
Persist in showing him God's love. He will soon realize your
sincerity. Ask him thought-provoking questions to determine where he
stands in his knowledge of God. See if he reads the Bible and prays
every day. Needle him to level with you so you can really help him.
Tell the inmate it really doesn't matter to you why he's in prison.
Tell him God still loves him with an unconditional love. Regardless
of what he's done, Jesus still loves him and always will. You can
enclose helpful Christian tracts and pamphlets. The inmate has
nothing but time on his hands and is glad for something to read. You
would be amazed to know how many times he reads your letter over and
over again, so please pray for wisdom before you write him. God will
guide you in your choice of words and drop Scriptures into your heart
that will minister directly to the inmate's deepest needs.
Be sure the inmate has a Bible. We can send him one if he doesn't.
Just let us know. [IMPORTANT: We MUST have the prisoner's complete
address, including his identification number in order to assure
delivery. A small offering to cover the cost of the Bible and shipping
would really help.]
We do not recommend sending pictures of females to inmates.
Just stop to think about their situation for a minute. These men are
incarcerated - separated from society, separated from women - with
nothing but time on their hands. The majority of them spend their time
dwelling on wrong thoughts. We have found from past experience that
pictures of females only create fantasies in the mind of inmates and hinder the writer's goal
toward spiritual birth and growth.
It is best to withhold your home address for your own security.
You should use a post office box number. Find someone with a church
or business box number that you can use. Mail regulations can be
obtained by writing the Department of Social Services at the inmate's
address.
Back to In this issue...
Straight Talk from Inmates
Let's open the mailbox!
"Since I have been here, I have been studying the Word of God. I
would like a free copy of Rock Bottom and if you would be able to send
me a Bible, I would be more than pleased - Old Testament or the New
Testament - for I'm just a baby in God's Word and I need to learn more.
"Also, Chaplain Mario, if you could send my mother a Bible, I would
also be greatly pleased.
"Please pray for me & my family." - Darryl [Ohio]
"I really appreciated receiving the Complete Bible Study book from you.
My wife and children may also benefit from your organization as well." - Robert [Kentucky]
"The reverend here passed out Bibles with the Missing Link address in
it, and I decided to write you.
"Chaplain, my heart is very, very heavy right now. I came to jail on
5/24/95 and my husband died 5/25/95. Would you please write to me before
I lose my mind. P.S. Or see me. Thank you." - Anne [Ohio]
[NOTE: We were not permitted to see Anne, but we were able to leave some
solid Christian literature and turn her over to the hands of her chaplain.]
Back to In this issue...
Faithful Volunteer
Dodie never giving up!
Dodie, one of our female volunteers, continues to minister faithfully
one-on-one, week after week at our local county jail to the female inmates.
Most of the ladies who ask to see her request a Bible. Dodie ministers to
all kinds - from the elderly to the very young, from drug addicts to those
with deeply religious backgrounds.
Pray that God will protect and
anoint her as
she reaches out to those who are hurting.
Pray for Dodie's son who has
rejected his
godly upbringing.
Back to In this issue...
Free Web Page [No kidding!!!]
Want a free page on the World Wide Web for your church, ministry, or
Christian business? Currently, GOSHEN Extended Internet Services are being
offered at no charge.
Your organization needs to be on the internet. Electronic mail, the World
Wide Web, and other internet services will save you time and money.
Furthermore, your presence on the internet will be a valuable resource for
Christians worldwide.
Find out more about this global on-line service helping evangelize nations.
For more information, contact David Perrotta, Communication Coordinator, or
Bob Rudis, Network Specialist, at Media Management, P.O. Box 21433, Roanoke,
VA 24018; voice: [540] 989-1330; fax: [504] 989-5890; or e-mail them on the
internet at America Online: MediaMgmt@aol.com or on CompuServe:
71736.702@CompuServe.com
[NOTE: They won't be free for long, folks, so hurry!]
---
[UPDATE SINCE NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION: Folks, I was just in touch with David
Perrotta and he told me that Bob Rudis, their main programmer, needs special
prayer. Bob has been diagnosed with Hodgkins disease which has severely
limited his ministry. He's been going through chemo treatments which have
made him quite miserable. The prognosis is very good and his spirits are up,
but he's very uncomfortable. Please pray for Bob's complete healing. If you
can lend David a hand at this time, please let him know. I'm sure he will
appreciate it.]
Back to In this issue...
Free Ministry Brochure ... at your request!
A free, descriptive ministry brochure is now available to present The
Missing Link to your friends and your church, school or civic organization.
Please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope when you make your request.
That will really help us.
Address your request to:
Ministry Brochure Request
The Missing Link, Inc.
P. O. Box 40031
Cleveland, OH 44140-0031
U.S.A.
If you want an on-line edition of our ministry brochure, you can find it
at our web site:
http://misslink.org
Back to In this issue...
This Could Happen to You ... Who,
Me???
My story is one, I'm sure, that's unlike many of the others. I was 33
years old, a professional person for ten years, possessor of both a
bachelor's and master's degree, homeowner, and family man with a wife and
three young children. Furthermore, I had never been in trouble with the
law as an adult or juvenile. As a matter of fact, I had never even had a
detention going back to grade school.
I certainly didn't fit the typical profile of a prisoner - someone with
a history of trouble with the law, uneducated, or with economic and/or drug
problems.
To the contrary, I had it all and was living the American dream - that is
until a relative of mine took a family squabble to the police and had me
arrested, claiming that taking a $5 item out of his home constituted
burglary and that I had also repeatedly harassed him.
Because of my position in the community and the resulting local publicity,
I found myself sitting in prison, facing four years, with only the hope that
shock probation in six months would have me home again with my loved ones.
Soon I realized that the jobs, career, and reputation I had lost were
quite trivial. All that was important was my wife and children at home and
the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord to help get me through the
horrible mess I was facing.
The prison I was at, thanks to God, had a good chapel program. Although
the prison chaplains were, for the most part, hog-tied by the
administration, there were a few fine Christian men/chaplains/ministers from
the outside who came to see us on a weekly basis. These men were true
Christians, non-judgmental, and only concerned with filling the inmates with
hope and the Spirit of God.
One of these individuals - Chaplain Mario Haas of The Missing Link
ministries - was more than just helpful to me. He provided me not only with
hope and the love and Spirit of the Lord, but with direction and focus as
well.
His Bible studies appeared to personally touch many of the inmates, and I
hope and pray that they made a difference in those people's lives as they
did in mine. Even in such a horrible environment, my heart was many times
filled with joy as I listened to Mario and it gave me something to look
forward to from week to week.
I then, and still today, cling to many of the Scriptures he shared with
us, including Romans 8:28, which says, We know that in all things, God
works for the good of those who love him. I just knew, even in the crazy
circumstances that brought me there, that God was working for me.
This particular passage means so very much to me today, and always will,
as I will remember how it, along with the Lord Himself, prayer and
devotional time, and the person who brought much of it into focus for me -
Chaplain Mario - helped me get through my particular ordeal. The Lord, with
Chaplain Mario's guidance, helped me turn a horribly, negative experience
into one of positive spiritual growth.
Thanks to the Lord and the prayers of literally hundreds of my supporters,
I was released after just six months. My children, my wife, and myself are a
stronger family unit now than ever before, because I brought this spiritual
growth home with me. We are no longer just Sunday Chiristians, going to
church on Sunday and nothing else.
I also, thanks to God, have been given the opportunity to rebuild a career
despite the difficulties that accompany having a conviction on one's record.
This one glitch in my background has been a hurdle, but one I've slowly been
able to overcome. And, most of all, I have stayed in touch with Chaplain
Mario and am both a rooter and supporter for his ministry. I truly thank God
for bringing him into my life.
- Paul [Ohio]
Back to In this issue...
"Mario" or Kurt?? [Who is this guy anyway?]
I'm often asked where I got the nickname Mario. Well, in case you're
wondering, too, let me tell you the story...
Way back when I was maybe 13 or 14, I worked in a tea room in Switzerland
[my homeland] after school. Most of the employees who worked with the
pastries were guest workers from Italy and they could never pronounce my
name Kurt. Being around them constantly, I had learned Italian so well,
they decided to give me an Italian name. That's how I came to be known as
Mario.
Mario sounds more like a minority name and always went over well in both
street and prison ministry. That's how it's stuck with me through the years.
- Kurt Mario Haas
Back to In this issue...
My Personal Background - Chaplain Mario
The Matterhorn
If you
could hear me talk, you would immediately detect a foreign accent.
You see, when God created the world, He kissed it - and then He made Switzerland. That's where
I'm from!
[Click on the little Swiss flag at the beginning of this paragraph for a fine surprise.]
I left home at the age of 14, when my parents devastated me with the news
of their divorce. This led me down a lonely road of alcohol addiction for
nine years. Going from one country to another, trying to run from my
problems, I found work as a professional waiter, bartender, and maitre d'
in high class restaurants.
Finally, at the age of 24, I came to work at a steak house off Broadway in
New York City. Thronged by the Manhattan crowds, I felt cut off and suffered
the pain and heartbreak of loneliness.
One day, my sister in Switzerland sent me the book The Cross
and the Switchblade written in the German language. I read it, only because I felt so
lonely and was dying to read something in my native tongue. After reading the
book, I immediately set out to fulfill my sister's request - to find out if
this David Wilkerson, author of the book and
founder of Teen Challenge, was for real.
Walking up and down Greenwich Village, I finally found The Lost Coin, the
coffee house mentioned in a second Teen Challenge book called Twelve
Angels From Hell. Once I met "Mom" Wilkerson, I felt
compelled to visit her at the coffee house again and again. My searching went
on for eight long months. Little did I know that the Teen Challenge workers
had a 24-hour prayer chain going for this stubborn Swiss.
Finally, one night, I stumbled down the aisle of Glad Tidings church, drunk
as a skunk. But you know, when I got up from that altar, I was as sober as
the preacher behind the pulpit.
I entered the Teen Challenge program, stayed on as a staff member, and later
went on to complete my studies at
Ozark Bible Institute and Ashland
Theological Seminary, where I earned a Master's in Pastoral Psychology and Counseling. The
degree meant little to me spiritually but has served as a door opener to
opportunities for ministry in prisons where I otherwise would have been turned
down.
In 1972, Barbara became my faithful helpmeet. (You can read the story of
our "Miracle Wedding" here.) God has blessed us with five
mighty arrows in our quiver. Together, we have served as a family, ministering
one-on-one and in both church and prison chapel services to people who are
hurting. With God's help, we will continue bringing deliverance to the captive!
Back to In this issue...
A Chaplain's Plea for Bibles
Dear Chaplain Mario:
The demands outweigh the supply; therefore, we are appealing to you and your
staff for another shipment of Bibles. The Cuyahoga County Jail population
continues to increase daily.
We are grateful to you for the support that you have given us in the past and
continue to give, especially your coming to the jail to minister to the inmates
and the Bibles that have been given.
Chaplain, as you are aware, the population at the jail at this time is fast
approaching the two thousand mark (2000), and the demand for Bibles is critical
at this time. If you can help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated.
One case or ten cases - whatever you can give we can use.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) Otis F. Newton
Head Chaplain, Cuyahoga County Jail
[NOTE: This is only one of the many jails we supply with Bibles. The demand is
far more than we can meet. A Bible is one of the first things an inmate asks
for. Pray that God will burden Christians' hearts to meet this great need.]
Back to In this issue...
Special Ministry Needs
How you can help
Prayer Backers
Foremost, we need volunteers commited to daily prayer for this ministry.
Ministering on the frontlines, we need God's daily protection and anointing.
Bibles
Donations of soft-cover Bibles are always welcome! (Leather or imitation
only. Hard-cover is considered a weapon. We avoid paperback editions, because
we have found they are quickly destroyed in the prison environment.) We are
SORELY in need of Bibles and can never keep up with the demand from chaplains
and prisoners. If you know of contacts for Bibles, you could help us immensely
by pursuing those leads in our behalf.
Program Information
You can help The Missing Link collect information on solid, Christian,
residential programs for troubled youth and adults. We need people to help
locate these programs worldwide and send us the information on services
provided. (A special form will be provided to collect this data uniformly.
The form is at our web site.)
Contributions
The Missing Link is a family ministry and it takes a great amount of money
to purchase Bibles, Bible studies, and other Christian literature for inmates,
not to mention the postage and office expense involved in getting the materials
out to inmates. We don't require it, but we'd like to offer you an opportunity
to become involved in this ministry in a practical way - perhaps through a
love offering. This would really help us out and make it easier for us to
provide inmates with the materials they need so very much.
Miscellaneous
- We need donations of materials to pave a driveway and volunteers to do the
paving.
- We need donations of materials to replace the trim on our building and
volunteers to do the work.
- We need volunteers to donate their landscaping skills and a nursery to
donate what is needed for the landscaping.
- We need donations of carpeting and volunteers to lay the carpeting.
- Please, if you can help us in any of these areas, let us hear from you by
phone, fax, or e-mail - whichever is most convenient for you.
Back to In this issue...
Thank You to Our Prayer Backers - You're number
one!
We couldn't stay on the frontlines without your prayer support. Please
remember, your prayers are VITAL to this ministry and much appreciated. We know
as we unite together and believe Him Who is able to do exceeding abundantly
above all we ask or think, great things will be accomplished for the Kingdom of
God. Let's continue to keep our chins up and our knees down!
Back to In this issue...
How to Reach Us
[Phone, fax, web, e-mail, or regular snail mail...phew!]
Internet E-Mail Address
World Wide Web Address: misslink.org
Snail Mail:
The Missing Link, Inc.
P. O. Box 40031
Cleveland, OH 44140-0031
FAX: [440] 960-1871
Telephone: [440] 282-1683
Your help is so much appreciated!
Back to In this issue...
We Need to Hear from You
[Who me???...Yes, you!!]
Hey, thanks for taking the time to show your interest! You can return this
form by e-mail, snail mail or fax - whichever is most handy for you. By the
way, your comments and suggestions are most welcome!
-------------------------------------------------- cut here----------------------------------------------
Chaplain Mario,
[ ] I will faithfully do my best to remember you and The
Missing Link in my prayers each day.
[ ] You have stirred my heart, please pray for me.
[ ] By faith, as God enables me, I will commit myself to a
Monthly Faith Promise of $_______.
[ ] Use my gift where needed most.
[ ] Please provide me with envelopes for giving. I'm enclosing
my regular mail address.
[ ] Please contact me, I want to help with a special ministry need.
[ ] Please send me information on an affordable Christian
alternative to health insurance.*
[ ] Please send me information on how I can save 30-50% on my
long-distance phone bills.*
*Beloved, I only mention these to provide you with a way to give
these tremendous savings to missions! These programs are not a
part of The Missing Link. We only refer these as a service to you.
Important: Please provide a business-size (#10), self-addressed,
stamped envelope for this referral information. Your SASE really
helps save our ministry time and money. Thanks for being so considerate!
Back to In this issue...
Some Food for Thought... [Yummy!]
Be good to your brother. You may share a cell with him tomorrow.
Back to In this issue...
How Do I Subscribe to This Newsletter? [Free advice!]
That's easy! Just press here to 
Back to In this issue...
This web site is a service of
The Missing Link, Inc.®
Linking Troubled Youth and Adults with Life-Changing Programs
Web site - misslink.org
Chapel Site: misslink.org/chapel2.html
Home of David Wilkerson's Times Square Church Pulpit Series Multilingual Web Site
www.tscpulpitseries.org
Copyright © 2003 - The Missing Link, Inc. ®
Top of Page
Last updated December 25, 2003.
Webmaster
Chapel Site: misslink.org/chapel2.html
Home of David Wilkerson's Times Square Church Pulpit Series
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The Missing Link Goes On-Line [On what???]
