Prison Minister: Patricia Burt

Since September 1996 we have reached 1000's of inmates in Texas and beyond. These inmates are not judged by color, race, religion, backgrounds or their crimes. I write to them along with the Bibles studies sent. Some do not want to do formal studies but rather discussion on the Bible. Either one is fine with me. I do not visit the actual prisons as they are so widespread. I have found the letters are very important to them as their families don't or can't visit. They don't get letters either for the most part. Also they can discuss what they have questions or comments on their Bible study. Inmates are very hungry for the Word of God. It is amazing to see the changes or rather read the changes in them over time. God is definitely at work.

I started this ministry after my brother was released from prison. He was the one who opened my eyes & heart to this kind of ministry. You just don't understand how it is in prison until you have a family member incarcerated. Before he went, I was under the same impression many people are that prison inmates were on the same level as animals & non-human. I forgot that they were members of a family. While there are a lot of people in prison for heinous crimes, many are there for stupid mistakes that they made. There but for the Grace of God...

Letters from a few students

Did you ever think that a simple Christmas card could save a person's life??? Well, one of mine did last Christmas! How awesome that God could use a little card to save a life! One of my students, Goldie, wrote: "I got into a depression mode. I was getting ready to attempt another suicide until the officer came to my cell door and asked my TDC number. He handed me a small envelope. So when I looked at it and seen it was from you, I just laughed.
I haven't wrote to you in so long. I never thought I'd get a card from you. So I'm letting you know I appreciate the card. You just don't know how it felt to get a card from someone. If I hadn't received your card I would probably be dead by now. So I like to say thanks again for the card." That just gives me goosebumps & awe for what the Lord can do. (I have had more just like this since then!!)

This is a snippet from one of my newer student's letter:

Patricia, I know what is generally said and believed about you as being an honest outspoken Christian woman who puts a lot of physical and mental energy into what you want to achieve in doing for each of your students. I know that your love for the Lord in working with us in reaching this goal is set in your heart in changing prisoners lives. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. You telling me I should never be ashamed, that I was special and you was proud to have me as your friend. I can't describe what those words meant to me. You gave me the confidence to come forward, and I'll forever be in your debt. You see, not only did you help prepare me for my new life, but you also let me in on the family secret...God's love. In spite of all my painful memories, I want God to be a part of my identity.

Here is another touching testimony from another student. I didn't know much of his story or how he got my name before I got this. It is long but worth reading.

In 1996 I was in the 5th grade and I was living with my Grandparents in Small town Texas. My Grandfather was a Baptist Preacher and my Grandmother was the most Godly woman I have ever known. I went to church every Sunday & Wednesday. You couldn't tell anyone I did wrong. They weren't going to believe it.

I had been drinking for about a year and an older cousin introduced me to marijuana. At first it was just smoking on occasion with my cousin. But being stoned took the place of all the pain and anger and hatred that had formed a shell around my heart and kept me from knowing what love was and who my Savior and comforter really was.

My parents were divorced when I was about 3 years old. And I was bounced back and forth most of my school years. By the time I was 9 years old I had spent 2 1/2 years in Germany & 1 year in El Paso with my Mom & Stepdad. I was very familiar with verbal, physical & sexual abuse. So being in my Grandparents house and having freedom, I did what I wanted.

I never got in trouble so no one knew. By the age of 13 years a friend and me were selling pot to just about every one in town who smoked, even the adults and older teens. We were stoned all day every day and drunk all weekend. I went to church every Sunday morning with a hangover and I was just the best little boy in town. I didn't want to learn nothing about God & Jesus. They weren't doing nothing for me , they weren't easing my pain, helping me make money or keeping me safe at night.

At the age of 15 I borrowed a girlfriend's car with a friend and two other girls. We were drinking and smoking & I had a pint of Everclear. Well, this girl's boyfriend didn't like me driving his girlfriend's car so he chased us and I tried to get away from him. I hit a dirt embankment at what the police said was about 120 mph. I was the only one hurt. I had 34 stitches in my bottom lip, my gums and under my tongue. I was lucky to be alive. Then came the hard drugs. I began snorting cocaine and shooting up cocaine and methamphetamines.

By 1988 I had done about every drug on the market and I was severely strung out on crack cocaine. My best friend had been clean 2 years, was married & had a baby boy, his life was good. He was trying to get me to clean up my act. I promised I'd try. He left me that night. The following morning I was arrested for forging $1500.00 worth of checks on my Grandfather. I spent all that day in jail, sick & coming down real hard. About 3:00a.m. the following morning they pulled me out & took me to the Jail Captain who informed me that my best friend of 18 years had just been found dead on his way home from a concert shortly after his 21st birthday. After the autopsy we found out he died clean & sober, yet here I was in jail strung out & "safe". All I could think was why Russell? Why couldn't it have been me instead?

I eventually got out of jail and I met a woman in May of 1989 two weeks after my release. She had two children and took me for who I was. Even though she didn't drink or do any drugs. I married her in Dec. '89. In Aug. "89 our son was born. In about March of 1990 I made another trip to Prison.

My drugs & alcohol & need for money just got me further in the hole. I got out in late 1991 and my wife got pregnant with our daughter. All through the pregnancy I stayed depressed, worried and scared I was going to lose my wife and or daughter. Beth was a diabetic and there were a ot of problems. At the end I broke and went back to drugs. Within two weeks I amassed several charges. Auto theft, forging, possession of controlled substances.

My daughter Kallie was born in June of 1992. I was strung out and on the run. I got to the hospital the next day after finding out Kallie almost died during delivery. I knew I had warrants and my family was gonna need money. I went on a crime spree sending money & different things to my wife through friends. She never knew where it came from, only that I sent it.

July 4, 1992 I was finally arrested. In Dec. '92 I received a letter from my wife telling me Kallie was having severe health problems. I turned to the only thing I could think of, God. I just wanted her to be okay. I didn't care about me. In Mar. 1993 Mike Barber came to see us on the Wynne Unit. He led me to Christ. For once I felt maybe there's a chance. I remember praying one night that I could be home for Kallie's 1st Birthday. I was released June 4, 1993 two days before her birthday. I guess in my mind that was just a coincidence. I stayed out 2 1/2 yrs.

I went to church on special occasions. But I was still drinking & drugging. In Dec. 1995 I found myself right back behind the walls of a cell. This time my wife divorced me. We had been having problems and everything was coming to a head. See, I was accused of "touching" my step-daughter in an inappropriate way. Now my whole life was coming apart. Nothing I did was coming out right. I had 20 yrs. in Prison to do, a divorce, I was 3 hrs. from my closest family, my Mother hated me, my Father, well he was always non-existent. I was getting no visits and the only thing I had going for me was the fact that I was gang related & I could easily intimidate. From Dec. '95 to Jan. '98 I became the most violent, hate filled, racist, institutionalized person you could imagine. I had respect, but I was still alone.

In Jan. '98 I cut both wrists and I overdosed on pills. I wanted everything to end. I was lost and alone with nowhere to turn & not a friend in sight. I was transferred to a psyche unit & put in a strip cell (4 walls, a ceiling & a floor - all concrete)with a hole in the middle for a drain. No clothes, but I had a blanket to lay on the cold floor in the middle of Jan. in Lubbock, Tx. NOW I was at the bottom. NOW God truly had my attention becuase if anyone could help me HE was the only one. After 3 days in this strip cell, I was given a pair of boxer shorts & a cell with a mattress, sheets & blankets. And a man across the hall that was in about the same state of mind I was in.

I told him I needed a friend to write. I didn't care who it was, I just wanted someone to share my thoughts with and make me feel that maybe I had a reason to hang on. He gave me this address. I remember he told me "Its some Christian chick, but she seems nice." So I wrote to this lady. And the first letter I got, she was so encouraging. She sent me a Bible study & I did it & sent it back to her. For 4 yrs. I have been doing the studies she sends and corresponding with her. She helped me to find Light while I was in a very dark tunnel. She has encouraged me and helped guide me in many ways.

For the first time in many years I felt like I had a true friend. She has never let me down and never asked me for anything. She has been a God-send. For once in my life I met someone who wasn't a user. She has shared God's Word with me and helped keep me on the straight road when I was really down. I fully gave my life to Christ in June of '98 and thanks to Patricia Burt and the things she has shared with me and advice she has given me towards how to react and think when it comes to my own children I have grown considerably.

I put my whole life in God's hands and have let the Spirit guide me in my actions. I am no longer 3-6 hours from home. In Nov. '99 I came to the Powledge Unit and am 30 mins. from home. I see my kids about once a month. My ex-wife talks about reconciliation.

The truth has yet to come out on my case & I am still doing this 20 yrs., but I'm doing it with Christ. I know everyday is a blessing & that God's Will is being done. All the time that I felt lost & alone, all the accidents, nights of driving drunk, weeks of filling my body full of poisons, I know now, everything in life has a purpose. God's Word says, "For all things there is a season."

My Aunt told me at a visit a couple months ago, she said if I thought 15 yrs. ago the way I think & act now, I wouldn't be here now. If I had not gone through the things I have I would not be thinking and acting the way I do today. God has a plan for each & every one of us. That plan will be followed. There may be some delays here & there, but when it comes time we will do His bidding. The one thing I can say about all that I have learned is this. He will take us just as we are, but He will not leave us like He found us. The desire of God is that we share in the benefits of being an heir to the throne. He gave His Son for our salvation. Why should He deny us anything we ask. He loves us that much.

Thank you God for never giving up on me and thank you Patricia Burt for helping me to learn that we are each and every one worth loving. I have been behind these walls for 6 years now, but never in my life have I felt more free. I finally know how to love and how to be loved and have no desire to return to my old self.

You have been a true blessing in my life.When we first began communicating I was just out of a strip cell, stitches still in my wrists and searching for a reason to continue living. I was truly at the bottom of the pit that was my life.

With love in Christ, Jarvis Baker

This is another testimony from another of my students. He has made some great changes in his life.

I guess the place to start with is to say during my childhood there wasn't very much access to the Word of God. I did go to church, but I was in the Boy Scouts at that church, so I wasn't there to learn about God. Even though some things said somehow penetrated my rebellious skull.

I grew up knowing nothing but alcohol and violence. At the age of 17 I set off on my own, after numerous runaway attempts. In the need for money I resorted to stealing. Two days after that event I turned myself in and plead guilty.

During my 3 1/2 years in prison, I prayed not even knowing if I was being heard. I wasn't being led to God because I was afraid of what others might think. After my release, I somehow met this woman who also wasn't a Christian, but her Dad was.

My Wife's Dad convinced me to attend his church. As I walked into this small church in Kountze, TX the welcome I received was so warm. I began to listen and believe. My heart was real tender and everytime the Altar Call was offered, I felt like crying. Then one day my Father-in-law somehow knew what I was feeling and told me it's time. I accepted Jesus into my life, and for the first time in my life there was peace.

Well, my Wife and I started having problems and I began to let her down. So, I followed in my Father's footsteps and stopped going to church and went back to the alcohol. It was a short time after I started to hit the bars, fighting and cheating. Even after I left my wife and family, my Wife continued to want me back. My fighting became every night until I went over board and really hurt someone.

After I returned to prison I wanted to become a part of something, so I joined a prison gang which resulted in more violence and drugs. I then caught a drug case and thought my life was over. My Wife had completely stopped writing, my Brother killed himself, and my Mom passed away.

I felt there was a better way, so I tried to commit suicide. That landed me in the psychiatric institution hospital. There the Chaplain and one Captain really took time with me.

Then a fellow inmate had an address to this Christian lady, Mrs. Burt. After I told her my situation, she started sending me Bible studies and the most inspiring letters. Even when I started to backslide again, Mrs. Burt and Jesus never left. Now if I look back on my life I would only change a few things. One would be hurting my Wife and the other would be not getting to know God sooner. Mrs. Burt and her Bible studies have helped me grow. With God by my side I haven't been in any kind of trouble and I'm on my way home.

I feel very blessed to know there is a woman out there that cares about my future. I am now looking forward to my new life in Jesus. I don't consider this place an institution of grief and pain any longer. It's a place where I was given a chance to see how much love the Lord has for me through Mrs. Burt.

May God bless you and I thank God for His many blessings. Sincerely thankful, John O'Bannon

Here is a poem that John wrote: Some things in life are not meant for us to understand So we live from day to day doing the best that we can. We get up every morning not acknowledging what need to be seen, Just thinking it's another day and living on a dream.

A dream may come true to you one day, But I know a man that can show you the way. He'll lead you through a path that is narrow and strait And take you to a place with golden gates.

He inspired people to write a book that is one of a kind And as you read it, He'll speak through your mind. The more you study, the more you'll grow And your body will be full of joy and become whole.

The man I know will never lead you a try So let's get on our knees tonight and pray. Make sure you ask Him to forgive you for what you have done Because I'm sure you know by now, I'm talking about God's Son.

If you don't know Him, I'm asking you now, To walk up to that Altar and take a bow. This is a man you'll love above all, Cause He'll always be there to catch you when you fall.

Now it's time to return to bended knees And thank the man we love, for His daily deeds... Remember to ask forgiveness day after day Because none of us is perfect. "In Jesus name I pray. Amen"


Here is a testimony from one of my students who has become very dear to me. His is a success story.

Hello! My name is Luis G. Costas, Jr. and I'm currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Corrections. I've been in prison since Feb. 15th, 1993. 8 years going on 9.

I'd like to share with you my testimony on how wonderful God has been to me.

I grew up a Catholic. I'm originally from the island of Puerto Rico and came to the USA at the age of 7. I lived in Connecticut until I was 17 years old. I came to Texas in 1992 and in 1993 I got involved with the wrong crowd. Now I am paying for the mistakes I made as a Youth.

I wasn't your typical inmate, in the sense that I've never blamed anyone else for my mistakes. I was a little wild in here, though. I ended up losing all of my privileges in July of 1996. It wasn't until early 1997 that I came to realize I wanted to make a change.

I met sister Tricia through a mutual friend. Right from the beginning I knew she was a special person. I mean, society tends to look down on us. She didn't. She treated me like a normal person.

If you'd just give us a chance, we could prove to be worthy of a friendship.

I wasn't sure I wanted to be a Christian. I had been a Catholic my entire life. I went to a Catholic school. I was even an altar boy. I started reading what sister Tricia sent me and doing the bible studies. But I slacked off. Then in 1998 I lost my girlfriend to a car accident. She was a Christian who tried everything in her power to convert me. She planted the seed and Mrs. Burt watered it!

I decided to become a Christian and I gave my life to Christ. I was baptized at the French Robertson Unit in Abilene, Texas. I had finally found the inner peace I'd been looking for. I decided I would change and do everything I could to be productive like I was in the free world.

I was shipped to Huntsville to the Estelle Unit in Oct. 2000. Since being here, Jesus has blessed me! I was given contact visits and I was able to hug my parents after 4 years of not being able to. I got into a G.E.D. program. In June I passed the tests and was Salutatorian on the Estelle Unit.
I then took the T.A.S.P. college entry test and passed that, too. I was given Trusty status. I am now a college student in Lee College on the unit. I'm also in a Windham vocational course studying to be a Computer Drafter.

Just recently in Sept. my Mother decided to dedicate HER life to Jesus as well. Thank the Lord!

All of this would not have been possible if not for the love and attention that Mrs. Burt puts into her studies and students.

I also thank the Nichols Street Church of Christ for having a Prison Ministry. There are many Christians in prison. It's difficult but the battle with Satan is being won behind these walls. Please keep us in your prayers as well as the Prison Ministry and Mrs. Burt. I'd also like to thank sister Tricia for seeing in me the potential to succeed and accomplish my dreams. Thank you and God be with you all!

Meet Our Prison Minister

Patricia Burt joined the Nichols Street staff in 2000. She has been married to G.W. Burt since 1974. She has one son, Geordan and granddaughter, Vanessa. Tricia's main responsibilities fall under the category of office administration, but she has also served many years as the Prison Ministry leader at Nichols Street.