Perhaps the best way to describe our ministry is through the words of the men who have been a part of our services. Here are a few testimonies from some of them:
June 19, 2015
Brother Lance has been the most consistent and faithful member of the Central State Prison Ministry team. Through the preaching of sound doctrine and constant reference to the Scripture, he leaves no question as to whether the weekly message is based on his opinion or the Word of God. It is always the Word of God.
Through circumstances set by the prison that work against our services, Brother Lance has seldom failed to make the trip. Through inclement weather, holidays, canceled services and indifference (on the part of others within the prison), Brother Lance has not lost sight of the mission which is to bring the Word of God to the brothers at Central State Prison.
Sincerely,
M.M.
Lead Usher
Central State Prison
Re: Habakkuk Ministry, AKA “Church Behind the Walls”…
I very much enjoy Brother Lance. He presents the WORD of GOD in boldness, and from a sincere heart. I always look forward to the Wednesday night services each week here at Central State Prison. I love the way Brother Lance breaks the scriptures down so that each individual may receive and understand what God is saying.
I wish and pray somehow God will make a way for Brother Lance and “Church Behind the Walls” to come to the prison more than just on a Wednesday. I’ve only been at Central State a few months and I’ve learned so much from Brother Lance, When you have a man of God that’s dedicated to preaching and teaching God’s Word, no one should hold him back. Let him loose and watch God move.
Keep doing what God has ordained and called you to do. Your service and dedication has not gone unnoticed. Continue to let the Lord use you for His Glory!
Not only does Brother Lance bring the Word, but I know he is a giving man. He assists the Chaplain with donations and other assistance that the Chaplain needs. His time, love, dedication and donations are very appreciated by the men that are hungry for the Word and that are indigent. We thank God for him.
God Bless,
J.P.
Central State Prison
To Whom it May Concern:
My name is Joe, an inmate at Central State Prison. I work as a Chaplain’s aide. I have known Chaplain Marthaler for four years. I have been incarcerated for 22 years and a Chaplain’s aide for 21 of those years. During this time I have met many volunteer ministers. But, Chaplain Marthaler stands out above all that I have met. He has been so much help to the institution as well as the inmates.
He is very sincere in his preaching and teaching the Word of God. And he shows the Love of God and Jesus Christ to the staff as well as the inmates.
His donations throughout the years, and the time he has spent here have truly been a blessing. It is hard to find the words to express it.
Thank you, Chaplain Marthaler, and to the “Church Behind the Walls”!
Joe
Central State Prison
To Chaplain Lance Marthaler and “The Church Behind the Walls”
I write to commend Chaplain Marthaler on the outstanding job he does here at Central State Prison. Brother Lance always delivers a strong and uplifting sermon for the men here at Central. Every week we look forward to hearing the Word of God, our Savior, from Brother Lance, delivered with passion and sincerity. We hope the Savior Lord Jesus Christ continues to bless and strengthen him and provides a way for us to see more of Brother Lance.
Also, we are tremendously grateful for the indigent donations supplied by Brother Lance and the “Church Behind the Walls” ministries. Many of the men here have no outside support and donations are the only way of receiving hygiene products. On behalf of the twelve hundred men here at Central State Prison, I say thank you and may the blessings of God continue to pour out upon your ministry.
Thank You Much
A.A.
Chaplain’s Aide
Central State Prison
July 12, 2015
To Church Behind the Walls Ministry…
My name is M.S. and I am an inmate at Central State Prison. I am writing this letter to share what Church Behind the Walls (CBTW) Ministries has done for me as well as what they mean to me. CBTW has devoted themselves to prison ministry. They have been a great influence on me as well as others here at Central State Prison. This ministry has a great love for us in prison and has committed their time and efforts to changing peoples’ lives through the preaching of the Word of God. They clearly have a passion for proclaiming the absolute truth of God’s Word. CBTW Ministries is marked by thought provoking insights into God’s Word and commitment to sound Biblical principles and expository preaching. It has helped me greatly in examining my life and has motivated me to make changes in my life to being a role model for my kids as a father.
This ministry has helped my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and has given me a hunger and a thirst for God’s Word to learn Christ’s example and become better equipped to share the Gospel. Chaplain Marthaler has provided an in-depth Bible Study Class entitled “Transforming Your Life Through God’s Word” that brought clarity in a step-by-step process in transforming one’s life through the Word of God. In Isaiah 61:1, the Word says: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and opening of the prison to them that are bound.” That describes this ministry. Anointed, compassionate and concerned for the lost souls.
This ministry has also provided countless hygiene products and items each year to the prison through the Chaplain for our Christmas packages. They establish guidance in the starting of prayer teams throughout the prison, encouraging men to pray and intercede for others. I wish there were more ministries with the heart and love that this one has.
Thank You and God Bless,
M.S.
Ministry Team
Central State Prison