“So it was there in Cass County Jail that I turned my life over to Jesus. I wanted to live for Him.” Kristi

(a former Cass County inmate)

Newsletter Archive

Welcome to the Peace Officer / Jail Chaplains Association Newsletter Archive.

This Newsletter was created to provide updates on the ministry. This Newsletter, provides a quick and easy way for you to stay up to date and get the latest information wherever and whenever you need it.

For questions, comments, or to request additional information about the ministry, proceed to the Contact Us page to communicate directly with our staff.

Summer 2009

Note from the POJCA board

Pastor Curt Frankhauser

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Jesus changed Miguel’s life! Fargo Forum writer Heidi Shaffer wrote the following story.

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 Daddy Letter

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Winter 2008

A GIANT WENT TO SLEEP by Curt Frankhauser

My day on January 29th started out like any other Tuesday, working with Chaplain Mike, going through the support mail, making a ministry deposit at the bank, just ordinary jail stuff. Then my cell phone rang and my brother Jeff called saying he was at my parent’s home and that dad was on the floor with no heart beat. Dad’s life had ended at 86 years.

Joe Frankhauser was my dad.  A candy salesman who often said he sold candy to support himself in the ministry.

My dad believed he was in the ministry.  My father was passionate about the things of God. Material things had little meaning. Souls, lost people, missions were his passion.

I was about 15 when dad and some other men began a jail ministry in the Ottertail County Jail in Fergus Falls.  Every Saturday evening these men had a service in the jail. Many Saturday evenings I stood next to my dad as they shared the love of Jesus to the inmates on the other side of the bars.

So where did my passion for inmates and law enforcement come from?

As I stood looking into my father’s casket a fresh fire grew in my belly.  I told dad, “this ministry is going to step it up another notch, sleep on man of God, see you soon!”

Many kind words have been said to our family but I think this e-mail below stirred my heart the most.

“I’m sorry for your loss, but know Joe is in good hands! He led me to the Lord in the county jail in Fergus Falls back in 1970. Praise God for this precious man.  I didn’t realize Joe was still living or I would have come to see him.  He came to my heart and mind about a week ago and I looked in the white pages on line. I didn’t connect the Fargo address.  I’m sorry to go on and on, but I loved Joe very much!

I will look forward to seeing him on the other side. Much love to you and your family.  HE WAS A GIANT FOR JESUS!”

James Boswell, Detroit Lakes, MN

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NOTES FROM PASTOR CURT

With the passing of my father, Joe Frankhauser, I want to say thank you for all your heartfelt sympathy. I still find it hard to say his name without getting emotional. I also get emotional when I think of all the wonderful people who gave memorials in honor of my dad to this ministry.

JOE FRANKHAUSER MEMORIALS (PARTIAL LIST)

Gerald Aberle, Ed Anderson, Jim Anderson, John Austinson, Franklin Bahr, Donna Becker Family, Barb Beckstrand, Mark Bekkerus, Arlo Blumhagen, Dwayne Blumhagen, Bob Bohn, Nancy Bradley,
Miriam Dakutak,Gary Dawson, Bonnie Dittus, Jeff Dixon, Paul Dobis, Dwaine Dockter, Randy Dronen, Dave Druede, Art & Vicki Eberhardt, Hulda Entzminger, Judith Fuglestad, Dwight Fevig, Gordon Fevig, Eugene Field,
Vera Frankhauser Family, Mark Frisk, Bryce Funk, Harold Graff, Mike Graff, Charlie Green, Wallace Grund,L.M Hagan, Roger Hagen, Rita Haman, Bryant Haugrud, Robert Herzog, Melvin Hofer, Morlan Howard, Doug Johnson, Pat Johnson, Bernard Just Family, Andrea Kautz, James Kempfert, Irene Klemetson, Mathew Klemetson, Cliff Langerud, Harold Larson, Larry Larson, Roy Lemke, Dan Lewin, Myrtle Ludemann, Richard Manderud, Brad Marrow, Peter Mehl, Dean Meyer, Marion Miller, G.R. Nation, Gen Nelson, Gladys Nelson, Dennis Nolte, Bob Norwig, JoAnn Oelke, Edmund Oster, Leonard Oster, Sharon Oster, Donald Pake, Audrey Pauling, Sherman Payne, Tim Pender, Gerry Peterson, Gery Quernemoen, Russ Quernemoen, Norma Raney,
Thomas Rendahl, Craig Rise, Michael Robertson, Jon Rognlie, Steve Schlangen, David Schneidermann, Hilda Schneidermann, Walter Schneidermann, Ken Schwanke, Gale Scott, Lowell Seidler, Eileen Severson, Lisa Sivertson, Robert Slininger, Bob Softing, Mike Sonju, Scott Stensgard, Lynn Swedberg, Larry Swenson, Russ Tweiten, Loretta Tweten, Marvin Van Zante, Bill Walker, Samuel Weatherhead, Ron Weiss, Tim Wetsch, Gary Withnell, Roger Wright, Greg Zillmer

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TRANSITIONAL HOUSE UPDATE–RESEARCHING THE POSSIBILITIES

There may be a number of people who receive this letter and were not at the meetings we held at the Jail last Fall. As discussed during those meetings, we are starting to explore the idea of a transitional house but do not want to move too quickly and without solid plans, funding and the right model in place. A group made up of POJCA board members and Pastor Scott from First Assembly continued to build our knowledge by visiting existing houses during an exploratory mission to get ideas and thoughts about what to expect if there is an opportunity for a transitional house in the Fargo/Moorhead area.

There are a number of parties thinking about how a transitional house could become a reality. Prior to making any decisions, we are taking careful steps to get educated and understand various modes and implementations. The purpose of this article is to share what we learned to ensure everyone has solid information to pray about as we seek His will in this area.

On Saturday, January 26th, POJCA board members, Pastor Curt and Chaplain Mike Sonju were accompanied by Pastor Scott Stensgard of First Assembly, to began the process of investigating how a transitional house for inmates being released from the Cass County Jail might look.  The following is a list of what we did, and what we learned.

First, we visited Rewind Center, which is a facility in Perham, Minnesota, and interviewed staff at this facility.

We also visited Matthew House, which is a facility in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and interviewed staff at this facility.

There is a spectrum of services offered by transitional houses.  On the bottom end of the spectrum, are “sober houses.”  These facilities house recently released jail inmates for a temporary time period, typically 30 to 90 days, and provide minimum services. On the top end of the spectrum, are “treatment houses.”  These facilities house recently released jail inmates and other individuals, for a temporary time period, usually a minimum of 90 days, and provide counseling, educational, employment and other services. Rewind Center is a treatment house, and Matthew House is a sober house.

Both Rewind Center, which regularly houses between eight and nine residents, and Matthew House, which regularly houses between five and eight residents, are owned by nonprofit organizations that receive some form of government funding. As anticipated, this funding is beneficial but has certain limitations. For instance, neither facility can house sex offenders.  Staff at both houses indicated that government funding is a significant component of annual revenues, and extremely important for financial stability.

Both Rewind Center and Matthew House only house male residents.  Having male and female residents in the same facility is problematic.

Both Rewind Center and the Matthew House have struggled financially.

Although it is possible to have an unsupervised transitional house, this procedure is not wise.  Transitional house residents are at difficult points in their lives and often revert to bad habits, e.g. using alcohol or drugs.  Currently, both Rewind Center and Matthew House have live-in staff.

Arden Loven, executive director and the live-in staff person at Matthew House, told us, “If you are not committed, don’t start.” This comment speaks to necessary struggles that often accompany a spiritual endeavor of significance.

The “quiet progress” being made in these facilities is impressive. When you drive by the facilities, they look just like other old houses. When you’re inside the facilities, they are alive with people failing, succeeding, thriving and growing.  These facilities are uncomfortable, but the Lord’s quiet presence is evident.

The following is a list of items as to where we go from here.

Pastor Scott has accumulated information related to successful transitional house facilities and how these facilities are financed. In addition, Mike Edwards, of Bismarck Teen Challenge, has been accumulating information about North Dakota funding for transitional facilities. We will be reviewing information gathered by these individuals.

A meeting will be convened in March with POJCA and other organizations in Fargo/Moorhead who are also attempting to start a transitional house. It is our hope that we can share ideas, concepts, progress, etc.

As a board we are trying to understand the Lord’s plan and timing for the transitional house.  We don’t want to be premature and lose energy, time, enthusiasm and money.  On the other hand, we don’t want to be like the unfaithful servant in the parable of the ten talents.

In the interim until a transitional house is established, we are attempting to assist inmates in transitioning. We have benevolence money set aside for this purpose.  We are looking to Chaplain Mike to identify situations where POJCA can pay for an individual’s first month rent and/or a security deposit on an apartment or provide temporary housing at an inexpensive motel.

We need ministry supporters to assist us with the transitional house.  “What type of assistance?”  Well, we need consistent prayers for guidance, someone with organizational and planning skills to assist with the transitional house investigation and someone who could donate a house.  Maybe you can think of other types of assistance.

We will update you concerning transitional house progress.

Please pray for us,

POJCA Board of Directors

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Spring 2008

RESTORING MOTHER’S DAY

It is a privilege to share with you the stories of four mothers whose lives have been dramatically changed by the power of the gospel. Each story is a testament of God's goodness and grace and how He is transforming their lives and their families. Hopefully, these stories will encourage you and give you a glimpse of the vital ministry He has called our chaplains to in the Cass County Jail.

Lynn Burdine (A Charlie Chaplain)

The following story is from Kristi, a former inmate of Cass County Jail.

*****

Mother's Day 2008 is going to be much different than the Mother's Days of the past. In years past, I was addicted to drugs and that was my number one priority. Family was farther down the list in my life.
 In March ,2006, I was arrested and served time in the Cass County Jail. During my incarceration, my mother who lives in Hatton, N.D. was the guardian of my two children. She was also diagnosed with uterine cancer and making daily trips to Grand Forks for radiation and chemotherapy treatments. She became too ill to care for them and had to relinquish guardianship to relatives. This was a very difficult decision for her and I was overwhelmed with concern for her and guilt over my situation. All seemed hopeless.

I was sentenced to Teen Challenge, a faith-based drug treatment program and graduated in August, 2007. This year is a year of rejoicing and thanking God that I am free of addiction and can celebrate Mother's Day with my Mom. Over the past two years, my Mom has struggled to hang on to life. She's seeing a different daughter than she's known in a long time. I've turned my life around. I am a new creation in Jesus Christ, " the old is gone, the new has come." My relationship with my Mom has been restored and I am thanking Him for every minute He is allowing me to share with her.

NOTES FROM PASTOR CURT:

Once again, thanks to everyone who donated to this ministry in memorial of my Dad, Joe. While I miss him daily, his legacy lives on in my life and many of those whose lives he touched.

The following are additional memorials received in honor of Joe Frankhauser….

Arlyne Symonds, Benjamin Dahl, Calvin Hedlund, Doyle Fevig, Dr. Ron Peterson, Duane Fuglie, Elda Symonds, FGBM Fergus Falls, Jason Mitzel, Judith Johnson, Ken Kornkven, Linda Mullins,
Louis Previti, Mike Previti, New Song Community Church Bismarck, Paul Korsmo, Robert Finke, Rosemary Braun, Steve Larson

Thank you,
Pastor Curt

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BOARD NOTES:

First, thank you all for your ongoing prayer and financial support of this ministry.

Second, as we continue in our third year of serving the Cass County Jail, we are encouraged by the progress we have made in adding a fulltime chaplain, expanding programming and building a fiscally responsible financial foundation.

We continue to seek God’s will for this ministry, both within Cass County Jail and through the mentorship and transitional housing initiatives underway in the community.

Finally, the Board is starting to work on long range plans to outline the future vision and mission of the Peace Officer / Jail Chaplain Association.

Blessings,
Your Board of Directors!

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ANGIE ENGEBRETSON’S STORY

I am the mother of three wonderful children. While pregnant with my third child, I was so addicted to drugs that I could not stop. To protect my unborn baby, social services stepped in and sent me to the treatment center in Jamestown. I was devastated when I learned that I would not be allowed to keep this child. I also knew that I had to participate in the adoption process or social services would do it for me. I found the strength to call the Village and tell them my situation. The social worker immediately came to Jamestown with portfolios of families wanting to adopt. Although it was hard and at times I felt like I was in shock with what I was being forced to do, I still pressed on carefully researching the families to find a home for my baby. While searching, the Lord directed me to a family that allowed an open adoption.

 In January, 2005, my son was born. I was allowed to spend three wonderful days in the hospital with him and on the third day, the new family came to take our son home. As I handed him over to his new parents, I remember having the most peaceful feeling I had ever felt. As I handed him to them, the new mom said to me,

"welcome to the family". I knew then that all would be fine. On that January day we went our separate ways, but not for long. After two months, I received a packet of pictures and gifts. Then another at six months and on his first birthday. They now come and visit twice a year. I have visited their home in Dickinson, N.D. They have given me the name, "Mama Angie." His adopted mother has assured me that as he grows and asks questions about me that she will tell him the truth. My daughters know they have a little brother and when he comes to visit he is visiting his other family.

 The Lord has blessed me many times over the years but this is truly the ultimate blessing. This adoption is so open that it's almost unheard of. We are all one family and I am very grateful. I have learned through this that the will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.
 

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THIS ‘MOM’S IN TOUCH’

This Mother’s story  is from Jodi, another former Cass County Inmate

*****

I am the proud mother of two amazing children that I have been separated from.  I am also a meth addict.  Four years ago my addiction spun out of control and led me to abandon my children, my husband, my home and my career.  My addiction controlled my life and it left me broken and hopeless.  I frequently ended up in Cass County Jail where I would attend Mom's In Touch.  It was there that I was introduced to a loving God, who I was assured, wanted to restore my children to me.  I began to trust Him and I began to pray for my children.  Things got worse before they got better and I ended up being sentenced to prison.  My addiction and my actions kept moving me farther away from my kids, but I clung to God's promise of restoration and I kept praying.  I ended up making a second trip to prison and then I entered Teen Challenge.  After six months in Teen Challenge, God moved a mountain and showed me a miracle.  It had been almost three years, but I was allowed to see my precious children.  It was very brief, only forty-five minutes, and very strained to say the least, but it fueled my hope and I prayed even harder.  I was blessed by a second miracle a month later.  I was allowed to spend a weekend with my kids.  We played games, ate pizza, went swimming, and I got to hear the sweetest words I ever could..."Mom, I love you."  Since that visit, four months ago, I have been unable to see or talk to my kids.  I continue to have complete trust in the Lord that he will reunite my family.  I have quit asking God to restore my children, but I simply thank Him each day that He will and I patiently wait for His perfect timing.  Praise Him!

Note: Mom’s in Touch is one of the Women’s programs provided by POJCA in the Cass County Jail.

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PROVIDING HOPE!

Dear Mike, 
 I am writing to tell you how much I appreciate your ministry to my son and my family during the time Bob spent in custody at the Cass County jail.  Without a doubt, this past year has been a nightmare for us.  From that terrifying night that Bob's alcoholism caused him to be arrested, the time he spent in jail and the time he spent awaiting his sentencing, you were there to offer comfort and most of all, hope.

 The deep pain I felt when I could not see or talk to Bob was almost unbearable.  No one can understand this pain unless they have experienced it.  When I could finally talk to him, he told me about you visiting him and how much it meant to him.  One time, when I visited him in jail, he was holding a Bible that you had used in your Bible study.  He said you had talked about Jesus spending 40 days being tempted in the wilderness and how that made it more bearable for him to be in jail.  Bob also told me that when he felt like giving up and despair was consuming him, he would try to find you to talk to him.

I also appreciated it very much to have you at Bob's sentencing.  Without a doubt, that was the lowest point in my life.  Your words of comfort meant more to me at that time than you will ever know.  Thank you, also, for continued ministry to Bob.

We appreciate all you do, Pastor Mike and all the other chaplains, to ease our pain and offer hope to us when fear has taken over our lives and it seems there is no reason for hope.

Sincerely,
 Harriett Light

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Summer 2008

SEED PLANTING & FRUIT by Pastor Curt & Julie Stanley

This is an exciting story from a brand new Christian. Pastor Curt shares his story and then Julie follows with her testimony.

Chaplain Sonju and I were  walking out from the cell block of the Cass County Jail into the main lobby.  As we were     passing through the lobby I noticed two women that had such sad faces and looked so lost. We stopped and           introduced ourselves as the Chaplains and then prayed with them. The Holy Spirit did the rest. Mike and I had long    forgotten about this event. The Chaplains ministry is such a powerful seed planting ministry. Rejoice with us as you read Julie’s testimony.
Pastor Curt Frankhauser
 

Julie Stanley’s testimony:
God brought Chaplains Mike and Curt into my life at the Cass County Jail when my friend and I were in the lobby bailing out my friend’s husband. These two Chaplains made a permanent impression on me because they were filled with so much love and compassion, not only for the inmates but for the two of us as well.

About an hour and a half after the Chaplains shared with us I had such a strong feeling that I had to find and talk to them about what was going on in my life. I went back to the jail but they were gone by then. I asked God to please help me find them and He literally led me to First Assembly. I didn’t find the Chaplains that day but I met Pastor Cal, the Youth Pastor. That day my life and the lives of my children were changed forever.

My son, Mike Jr., now attends church close to his home. My daughter Shyla and I have been baptized and attend First Assembly. Shyla is involved in the Children’s Ministry and I am active in Celebrate Recovery, Life Skills, Mentoring Class and the Sunday services.

A couple of months after praying with Pastor Cal I ran into Chaplain Mike at church. I haven’t seen Chaplain Curt since that first meeting but I thank God for bringing these two men into our lives. I now know the difference of what it means to believe in God and serve Him.

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A WORD FROM PASTOR CURT:

We welcome our newest board member, Ken Schwanke to serve the Peace Officer Jail Chaplains Association. Ken is owner of Quality Auto Body in Fargo and Valley City. Ken is married to Linda.

Linda (Ross) was a church kid where I was a pastor. Ken was new to the church and took notice of this young lady and the rest is history.  Ken and Linda are the parents of four children and I have watched them built two successful businesses.  I look forward to the business wisdom Ken will add to this ministry.

Pastor Curt & Kathy

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A CHARLIE CHAPLAIN UPDATE by Lynn Burdine

One of the goals we have as chaplains is to be replaced in ministry by inmates who have received Jesus Christ as Savior while incarcerated. These individuals know firsthand the issues and difficulties faced by this population.  Their experience and insight is a powerful witness and gives credibility to the gospel and to the transforming power it can have in the inmates’ lives.

God is allowing us to see His fruit at work in our weekly Moms in Touch prayer group.  Angie Ingebretson, a former Cass County inmate, has joined Karen Adams and me as a co-leader.  What a privilege it is for us to work with Angie and see her love and immediate connection with the women who attend.  Her desire to serve the Lord and share how her life has been changed is a great influence for Christ in the Charlie Pod (women’s unit).

Karen and I are blessed to have this privilege.  Angie is our “Timothy” and we are waiting with joy and anticipation for more. We know there will be others as we hear the women pray for God to change their lives and the lives of the children and families.  To God Be The

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A CHARLIE POD TESTIMONY: ANGIE INGEBRETSON

I have been working with the inmates at the Cass County Jail for a little over two months. We lead a prayer group called Moms in Touch. We all get together and pray for our children and their caregivers.  This program is so rewarding to me and the inmates.  As I share my past with these young ladies I can see the hope in their eyes.  It inspires them to know that it is possible to make it.  We have a great time of prayer and fellowship and when we are through I get a sincere “thank you” from each of them.

What I see in these women is what I used to be and that makes it easier for me to relate.  They are filled with hope and in jail they have time to think about how their life can be different and make plans for the future.  I believe that the Moms in Touch prayer group reconnects them to God and to the love they have for their children and it also gives them hope to see me there as an example.  It is also rewarding for me to pray with them and know that I am helping others.

What it all comes down to is that we are all people and we all make mistakes.  As the saying goes, “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.”

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KAREN ADAMS STORY

It’s Tuesday and my friends and family know that for my week it is “jail day”. Every Tuesday at 12:30pm I go to jail, go directly to jail, I do not pass go, nor do I collect $200.00. However, my rewards are immediate as wee as eternal. I have the privilege of being a volunteer under Chaplain Lynn Burdine to assist in a Mom’s In Touch prayer time for any interested women in Charlie Pod of the Cass County jail.

Call us Charlie’s Angels, if you wish even though it is we who receive the blessings as we pray with the women for their children and their children’s caregivers.  Together we share, pray, and simply love on them through the power of Jesus Christ.  Time is always too short!.

Wes, we do see the fruit.  As I listen to one inmate pray, “I just want to be the person you created me to be”, I am rejoicing within regarding her new found spiritual understanding. It never fails that when I leave the facility I feel better than when I came. In the natural it may not make sense that time spent with the jail can give me a lift, a smile, and a skip in my step.  However, in the spiritual realm, it does exactly that.

Then there is Angie, once an inmate, now assisting our ministry from the outside through the power of a changed life in Jesus Christ.  What positive proof of God’s never ending, unconditional love.  Angie is like an angel in our midst as the gals listen and receive hope; thinking, if she can do it, maybe we can too!

So who better to hear from than Angie as she relates her experiences as she ministers in our Mom’s in Touch ministry.

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