Forgiven Felons

SOWING IN HARD TIMES

Every time we get an offering from someone on the inside, it breaks me. It challenges me.

When people see our show on the tablet, are moved by one of the guests or the devotions we do, give their lives to Jesus and are prompted to give, it blows me away.

We are so thankful for the platform God has trusted us with.

This lady has never written us before. We don't know anything about her yet. We don't know if she is one of the 909 people who have given their lives to God in the last 8 days or not. But something moved her to give.

While millions of people are giving to presidential campaigns right now, Teri thought enough about us to give out of what she has. We are undone.

Thank you Teri. We pray God pours back into your life somehow in a big way. We can't wait to meet you one day and see how your story continues to unfold out here.

I'm sitting here whining because we are under budget this month, and other months too. I don't often let it be known though. And then we get this from Teri. It's not enough to cover our budget, but God is a multiplier. She lifted my spirits.

If we had 1000 people match Teri's $3 we could make budget. If those same 1000 people gave $3 monthly, we'd hit our budget each month. Thank you to all of you who already give.

Check out our donation page for a short list of monthly expenses and to give once or sign up to be a monthly partners.

From prison trips, to inmate correspondence, to the podcast, to sowing shirts into them when they first get out, it all adds up in the books but we know it all adds up in Heaven too.

https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

or you can mail checks, MO's, or cashier's check to:

Forgiven Felons
PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Whether it's Background Check shirts, Forgiven Felons shirts, or the new, about to drop, "Been There" shirts, we love sowing seeds into newly released men and women with free shirts.

And we also love sending the shirts and recently ordered sweatshirt, to people who buy them as well.

Visit forgivenfelons.org/shop to buy yours today.

Our new shirt "Been There" is just another way of getting people to ask about the shirt so you can share your story. One of the most powerful ways to connect with people is to be able to say, "I've been there" . We will be coming out with customizable ones that might say other things than "forgiven felons" on them.

Soon we will be making more shirts for everyone once we get our DTF system set up at the house.

DISTRACTED PRAYERS

Anyone else try tons of ways to stay focused during prayer time?

Whether I lock myself in the studio and turn off all the lights, or pray in the garage, or walk in the neighborhood, Satan tries anything he can to distract me. Whether it's the time for me to pray, or the time for me to just listen, he doesn't want any of it to happen.

This morning I noticed the difference in concrete from one area to the next, then I noticed some weird staining on the edges of the sidewalk. Then I start trying to figure the how and why it all happened.

I refocused.

Then I notice the orange wire that has worked itself back up to the surface for the third time on my fence line. Why does it keep coming back up after each time they come to rebury it?

I fight through the distractions every time. The devil doesn't want us to pray. When we pray, Heaven reacts on earth.

Fight through the distractions. They'll come. Just refocus and keep praying. A distracted prayer is better than no prayer at all.

MLB All Star game.

Baseball is my first sports love.

My favorite baseball game is the all star game.

The BEST all star game in pro sports is baseball.

Since the 2003 all star game, it's meant something different.

21 years ago I was in county jail waiting to get transferred to prison. I wanted to watch the game so bad. I thought I'd get moved before the game.

I got moved to a smaller quieter cell a few days before the game. I got to watch the game and post game.

Shortly after that, I heard "Gumm, pack your stuff"

The next morning I was headed to prison.

It wasn't lost on me that God smiled down on me in the middle of the darkest, scariest time of my my life. And I wasn't even serving Him at that time.

To be able to get to do something I loved right before heading into a journey I'd never been on, was a little comforting.

God loves us even when we don't love him back, even when we don't deserve it, even with the smallest of details.

Let's Go AL

Better job on national anthem tonight.

As of 10:00 a.m., there were 13 units operating on emergency generator power (Ramsey, Terrell, Stringfellow, Clemens, Memorial, Lychner, Hospital Galveston, Jester III, Scott, Vance, Carol Young, Luther, and Bell). As a result, inmate tablets and phones at these units are unavailable at this time.

At this time, all staff and inmates are safe, and there has been minimal structural damage to units. For questions regarding inmate releases, please contact the Reentry Hotline between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. at (877) 887-6151.

We will continue to monitor and update our social media channels and website.

BE ALL OF JESUS

Don't just be the "flipping tables" Jesus.

Don't just be the "preaching to thousands Jesus"

Don't just be the "feed 5000" Jesus

Be the "not afraid to touch lepers" Jesus too

Be the "picking tax collectors and thieves as your staff" Jesus

Be the "hanging with sinners and disreputable people" Jesus

Be the Jesus that the religious leaders got mad at.

Be the "not afraid to get his hands dirty" Jesus

Be the "love Judas til the end" Jesus

Be the "take up my cross, lay down my life for others" Jesus

Be the "Father forgive them who are crucifying you" Jesus

Be ALL of Jesus not just our favorite parts.

(Encouraging everyone but preaching to myself too)

If you weren't able to come to Open House and you'd like to experience our 4th of July celebration, watch this video.

If you have a loved one in prison or jail across the nation, and they have a tablet, they can watch inside while you watch out here and you can watch fireworks as a family.

We are thankful for all the military personnel who allow us the freedoms we have. We are also thankful for the freedom we have in Jesus as well.

We celebrate both.

Happy 4th

Enjoy the fireworks

EP 177 "Forgiven Felons Open House" 4th of July Celebration, Full Fireworks Show, Shout Outs. We create episode like this for the men and women behind bars across the nation. It's a recap video of our Forgiven Felons Open House 4th of July celebration...

Right now, I walked into Tiger Mart in Waxahachie, and this man was staring at me. So long that I thought maybe I knew him. I went to the restroom and walked out to pump my gas.

Then he came up to me while he was walking out and said excitedly in his broken english, "What's up man? I watch you on the podcast!"

We were both so excited. He's doing so well. He's at a great transitional house called Haven of Rest. He's got his CDL already in the 5 months he's been out and is successfully reentering society.

We recorded a shout out video for an upcoming episode and he gave a shout out in spanish. He talked about enjoying see the amazing videos and having Jessa help me. Then, as we were parting ways, he said, "hey, thank you so much for the uploading the documentary in spanish. It impacted me so much"

We couldn't have done that without our great friend Stanley Jackson's generosity in helping get it dubbed. Stanley, you're helping to impact the Kingdom of God in other languages.

Hector, you are why we do this man.

YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/?si=D20Senst2BpI4APQ

"Sowing into his Sobriety"

We are so thankful for all our partners who give generously to Forgiven Felons.

Some of you give out of your abundance, others out of sacrifice, but all of you give from your heart, and it's amazing seed being sown on amazing soil.

Over the years, so many inmates have given to Forgiven Felons. Some have given $9 a year, consistently, other state inmates have given from their inmate organization's fund, and a lot of other inmates had donated craft items to auction off.

We are thankful for each giver, no matter where they give from.

But Sean's story just hits differently. Sean is doing life for intoxication manslaughter. He's been in since 1996 and will come up for parole in 2026 for the first time.

But for the grace of God, there go I. I went to prison for my 4th and 5th felony DWI's. I've probably driven drunk a thousand times. He's been sober longer than I have. 28 years to my 21.

He started giving to Forgiven Felons back when we were just on audio only. He was inspired by my recovery journey. He works in the craft shop and he felt led to start tithing to one of the ministries he gets fed by on the tablet. He chose Forgiven Felons.

We are humbled and grateful and know that God blesses him immensely.

He knows he will get out one day and the choices to drink will be there. He wants to do whatever he can to make sure he stays sober. He's literally sowing into his sobriety because he knows we are praying for him, his life in prison, his life out of prison, his sobriety, his future.

I've learned from him. I've learned that sowing into things that are already the way you want your situation to be, will produce fruit one day.

A seed planted from inside prison carries just as much fruit producing power as a seed sown out here. No matter where you are, no matter what season of life you are in, you will ALWAYS have the ability to sow a seed.

I can't wait to share his story on the podcast one day. It's going to change lives.

Sow have a good day.

Thank you Sean. I know you won't see this for a while, but I just want you to see it one day.

Playing skip bo with mom this morning while listening to her favorite group, the Florida Boys.

Clear Sky Rehab Waxahachie. Room 106 if you want to stop and say hello. She’s there under Gumm, not Davidson.

Nation Wide Connect Zoom Call! TONIGHT.

BEFORE THE DEBATE, which has felons in it, come hang out with some amazing Forgiven Felons on a zoom call.

Thursday June 27th at 7pm

Join other people from the across the nation as we encourage each other, share resources, and say hello to loved ones still on the inside.

If you want to share encouragement, or you need encouragement, if you have resources, or need resources, join us tonight. If you are a second chance employer from any state, please join us.

If you are a resource for people reentering society from prison, join us to share about your organization.

If you want to shout out to your loved one in prison, and they have Securus or NCIC tablets, join the call. At the end we will do shout outs.

Please share

click below to join or go to comments

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5911567296

This

Nation Wide Connect Zoom Call!

Thursday June 27th at 7pm

Join other people from the across the nation as we encourage each other, share resources, and say hello to loved ones still on the inside.

If you want to share encouragement, or you need encouragement, if you have resources, or need resources, join us tonight. If you are a second chance employer from any state, please join us.

If you are a resource for people reentering society from prison, join us to share about your organization.

If you want to shout out to your loved one in prison, and they have Securus or NCIC tablets, join the call. At the end we will do shout outs.

Please Share

Blessed to be a father to these amazing children.

Got some fun gifts this year. Air fresheners with kids and dog on them. Cory Seager jersey. Mammoth Headware hat.

2023 Forgiven Felons Christmas Party Recap Video.

Watch it and more on our YouTube channel.

If you haven't seen "12 Days of Christmas: Prison Style" you have to watch it.

2024 Christmas Party Recap Video We had our Christmas party a little later than usual due to our hectic schedule, and a few people were sick so we weren't as crowded this year but we had mor...

There was a time in my life, 20+ years ago, where New Years Day, a blade, and some baggies, meant I was fishing for trouble.

Today, we set up our little tackle box, put line on the rod and reel, and went to our local pond fishing for rainbow trout. We were hoping there was some left from the Dec 4th stocking.

But no luck. We had fun trying though. We will try again on the next stock.

2024 More family fun activities.

The girls are putting together a late Christmas gift and I noticed something.

Me: “oh, they gave you a prison mirror”

Them: “what?”

Me: “never mind”

IYKYK

The Wisdom of Charles Schultz.

Famous people get all the adoration and recognition. But Peanuts creator, Charles Schultz, helps us recognize the real heroes in our lives, whose story should be part of our own legacy.

The questions below should inspire you to share a legacy story!

Just read the questions to this quiz. You don't need to know the answers.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do with these 6 questions:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?

The lesson . . .
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
————-

Have a great year and don’t forget to reach up and ahead (where we want to be) for learning, and reach down and back (where we used to be) for giving back.

This never gets old.

Sitting on my sofa staying up because Jessa lives to stay up watch fireworks for the new year.

20th year in a row I’ve been sober on NYE.

Life is just better without alcohol.

Got a call from a gentleman named Robert today. He was so excited when I answered the phone.

He just got out a few days ago and is at another halfway house but couldn’t wait to call and say he was out.

He let us know the podcast helped him so much through hard times.

He wanted to wish all of us at Forgiven Felons and Background Check Podcast. I told him the same.

This is why we do it.

Thank you to all who helped us with our mission of "Helping people with a PAST realize their FUTURE.

Whether you bought off our amazon list, gave directly, through cash app, clothes, one time or are a monthly partner, shared your story on the podcast, or came into prison with us, THANK YOU. We couldn't do what we do without you.

The Kingdom vision for 2024 is bigger, but we need you. It involves more prisons out of state. It involves us starting the tshirt classes. Looking for another men's and women's home, based on the letters we are getting the need is higher than what we have capacity for now.

If you've never partnered with us, or you would like to give above what you already partnered with us, please consider a gift here at the end of 2023 OR at the beginning of 2024.

A few monthly expenses: Rent $3500, utilities $1500+, repairs and maintenance $500, stamps $300, website and software for donation collection and tracking $300. PO Box $25. And more too much to list.

If you cannot partner financially please pray for us and all the people we reach through prison trips, podcast reach across the nation, and ones that come through our house.

https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Forgiven Felons Christmas party was one to remember. Recap video coming soon.

We had our usual door prizes, side dish and dessert winners, ugly sweater winner, Santa, trivia.

We had parents of an inmate join us. We had two men who recently got out, one as recently as Dec 20th. All were talking about how Background Check Podcast has impacted their lives. The Holy Spirit moved me to ask everyone to bless the man who got out Dec 20th, along with his Fiance. They almost didn’t come due to having to fix their car. We blessed them with a cash love offering. Their names are Austin and Yaqui.

We had our annual ornament contest with the residents but this year included inmates. We got some great ornaments from everyone.

We had a wall of Christmas cards that inmates had sent us. Some were handmade. They were all beautiful.

We were missing a few people due to sickness, whom we missed very much, but we still had fun.

I bought the men of forgiven felons socks, hot chocolate, and a bag of dope, oops, it’s spelled DOUGHP. Cookie dough you can eat or bake. The founder of .moreira has an amazing recovery story which includes starting this business.

So, what’s better than bags of Doughp for forgiven felons?!

Jess and I love our tribe! Jessa and I love doing the podcast.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Forgiven Felons and Background Check Podcast.

Check out our YouTube channel for a couple of Christmas special episodes, and shout outs to the inmates from some very cool people. Channel is

Special Single Out Now. I couldn't tag everyone so share with someone you know might like it.

We got together with Yuri and Michael Music to create a "Prison Style" 12 Days of Christmas.

Song: 12 Days of Christmas: Prison Style
Lyrics: Nancy Sue Akers, Jay Dan, Yuri Luckette
Vocals: Yuri, Jessa, Jay Dan Gumm
Guitar: Michael Farley
Cajon: Yuri Luckette
Location: Nancy Sue and Yuri's house

Special Appearance by reindeer, Donner, Cupid, and Blitzen outside living room window, while recording.

Inmates all over the nation will get to see this on the Pando app.

Please share with anyone you know who's been to prison or jail, especially if they need a good laugh.

If your loved is in prison where Securus tablets are, tell them to look up Forgiven Felons.

Thank you to all who helped make this video, Nancy Sue and Yuri for providing their home, Nancy Sue and Yuri for helping to write the lyrics, Jessa and Yuri for helping with vocals, Michael and Yuri for playing instruments, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice for providing years and years of material for us to use in the writing of this song.

"12 Days of Christmas: Prison Style" presented by Background Check Podcast. Written by Nancy Sue, Yuri, and Jay DanPerformed by Yuri, Michael, Jessa, and Jay Danwith appearances by reindeer during performance. Please share and tell y...

Hey Everyone,

Our reach inside the prisons and jails across the nation is growing and we need more contacts for resources for released inmates across the nation.

If you live in a major city, no matter what state, and you are aware of parole resources, ESPECIALLY LADIES TRANSITIONAL HOMES, but really everything, please let me know.

We know a lot in our DFW area, but we get letters from all of the the country needing help. Other states just do not have the resources we do, or if they do, they are not aware of them.

In Texas, we need a ton more ladies clothing ministries, and ladies transitional homes. Please help if you know of any.

We want to be able to share them on our podcast.

Thank you in advance.

Special Episode for the inmates all across the nation. Tour lights with their families.

After the special July 4th fireworks episode we did for the inmates, we are back with a "Tour of Prairie Lights"

This episode was made so that the inmates could call their families, and while their families watch on youtube, the inmates watch on Pando. This way the family can look at Christmas lights together.

Jessamy, Jemma, and Snowman, man the inside duties while Jessa and myself sit in the back of the truck and narrate. There's a time where Jemm and I go in to get hot chocolate and walk through the lights on the inside.

If you have loved ones in prison, or know someone who does, send them this link.

In one week, over 51,000 inmates have viewed this video.

Background Check-In. Christmas episode. Tour of Prairie lights. Special Christmas episode for the PandoApp, for inmates in prison, and jails all across the nation.If you loved one is in prison with a securus tablet, you c...