Toughening the program: markers & an unexpected THANKS

Re: Apprentice Completion required for full admission to our program

I am warning our other volunteers to expect resistance to this new phase of our program development. Some inmates obviously did not like the idea. Several wanted to know Why Now? I might have said, had I been quick enough, because some former leaders in this program, really good men, are already back in jail with one or more felonies being charged. And we must always seek to make this program one that can not only help keep you out of jail, but summon and challenge you to examine how thorough and complete your life style change must be. The program must be developed.

Today, someone put a four page handwritten, unsigned, letter in Chaplain Howell's Admin box (I have not seen it) addressed to Chaplain Paschal Baute, Thanking him for the Fierce Landscape for the Spiritual Warrior program. Later I emailed the Chaplain there who had emailed me: "You must have had a great session Tuesday."

"Did not expect a warm response.
Put them on the spot. Demonstrated, (to some) that they were talking the talk and not walking it.

Only 1 out of 3 could tell me a scripture they had memorized for personal use. I said here you are complaning about time being heavy on your hands, admitting that your biggest personal problem was dealing wiht addictive thoughts, and you have not even extended yourself to learning a single scripture passage by heart. Hello!!!

Is that slacking off or not?

I said we are putting all sorts of tools in your hand, and you think that just by talking about these things, you are going to be able to go straight and be clean. I said most of you are probably just thinking about your highs next time without getting caught or breaking the law, in other words, simply being SLICKER. (One person said "That is what I have been doing")
What kind of commitment is that? I asked?

P.S. I can be good at confrontation, lots of practice holding business execs' feet to the fire (good trng also from wife, regularly, whose role in life, she admits, brags? is "Keeping me in my place!")

I expect some resistance to our placing these new markers and requiring one on one reviews and regarding their status as apprentices until they pass muster on that. Accountability is the name of the game for us, and we must be diligent and bold in demanding it. Too many prison programs are "Talk about God, read the Bible, pray, have good intentions, talk not walk." Anyone can do that for an hour or two a day and still be nothing changed when they leave.