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Corsicana Volunteers Youth Direct volunteers embody dedication and a passion for sharing Christ with youth that are often forgotten by the public and even their families.
On a recent Saturday morning, 58 volunteers from many Dallas area churches boarded vans and a bus to go to the Texas Youth Commission facility in Corsicana, Texas. They spent seven hours in a facility with both boys and girls that have emotional and mental health issues. Over thirty youth made a profession of faith in Jesus and an equal number rededicated their lives to Jesus as Lord. Many people would not give up a weekend day to visit such a facility. In our fast paced society, we are all busy. These volunteers could have used many excuses not to share their faith; yard work, a need for extra sleep, cleaning the house, running errands, and shopping. But instead, they responded to a “mission field” here in Texas, literally in their own backyard. We applaud our dedicated volunteers. Without them our ministry could not function. They also gave their time in attending training and many are currently corresponding with these youth. There is no fear, when we have love. The Holy Spirit prompts our volunteers and they respond. In the above photo you will see most of the volunteers who went to Corsicana that day. Many of them have been to over twenty Youth Direct events. We thank God for them!
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After
two years of writing, Don Smarto has completed his tenth book.
A
recent guest on the ministry radio program Parenting Today's
Youth has struck a chord with our listeners. 
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.
For
the second consecutive year, producer Don Smarto has won the
2010 ©Angel Award for two media productions, the documentary
film The Youngest Brother and the audio book, Mended
by God.
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)
Don
Smarto has presented his testimony with unique visuals to
over 100,000 people in churches and schools across America.
Now, for the first time, this dynamic presentation The Youngest
Brother is available on DVD. This digitally mastered program
includes sound effects, music, and 500 photos, some seen for
the first time. This is a powerful, true story that has received
critical acclaim. The DVD is a great companion to the book
Family Secrets and the Audio Book, too. Don is an expert storyteller
and delivers this presentation with captivating facts and
Biblical applications. Share this modern day parable with
your teens, in a church group, or in a Christian school. Go
to Resources to get your copy today. The PG Rating advises
parents that some themes and visuals may not be acceptable
for small children.
NEW
LANYARDS
The
ministry has two new resources for our volunteers, a Bible
laminated bookmark with MINISTRY STANDARDS on one side and
SECURITY GUIDELINES on the reverse side. Also new is the SCRIPTURES
FOR SALVATION bookmark with important themes for teenagers
on the reverse side. Volunteers may keep these valuable resources
or purchase additional copies at cost.
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. 
As
a public service to schools, community groups, PTAs, and churches,
Don is offering an important and new Powerpoint seminars The
Dangers of Technology. After an enthusiastic reception
to this seminar in Pennsylvania, it became obvious that the
information in this seminar is essential for parents and grandparents.
The
Excellence in Media Award (Angel Award TM) was given to the
book Mended by God; The Tony Pack Story. Accepting the 2009
Silver Angel honor was the book's author, Don Smarto. 
Don’s
new book MENDED BY GOD is an inspirational story of a near
fatal accident and the courage and faith his family demonstrated
as they went through a roller coaster of emotions. 
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.
Billy
Graham 
Charles
Colson 
Josh
McDowell 
