I’m writing from Halloweentown. That’s where Mr. Pumpkin lives. Wait. You’ve never heard of Mr. Pumpkin?

I’m writing from Arkansas Children’s Hospital. My daughter broke her arm. Her other arm. The humerus bone in her left elbow. It wasn’t funny.

I’m writing from Mississippi. I’m here for the Mississippi Book Festival in Jackson.

I’m writing from the Pope County Fair.

My kids are with me. My parents are on their way. My wife, on the other hand, is at home, mowing the yard.

I’m writing from a writer’s worst nightmare. My laptop crashed.

Ending Your Life Is Not The Answer To Your Situation

You are at the end of your rope and you can’t take it any much longer. You are in pain and you feel there is no hope. The first step you need to take is to seek treatment for your mental health issues. Do not...

Hope, Work, Spirit: From My Book Better Angels

By Dakoda Pettigrew
Sep 21, 2025

The past will not always illuminate the ideal, and the present may seem destined for the damnation of a nearing future, but, as Theodore Roosevelt believed, “when the tale is finally told, I believe that it will show that the forces working for good in our national life outweigh the forces working for evil, and that, with many blunders and shortcomings, with much halting and turning aside from the path, we shall yet in the end prove our faith by our works, and show in our lives our belief that righteousness exalteth a nation.”

This book is an attempt to join in the mission of knowing ourselves. The Scriptures tell us to “Rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” So, too, must we embrace the American struggle, knowing that through our courage, freedom is strengthened; through our toil, ideals are better realized; and through our hope, the truth and promise of our creed endures.

Streetwise Prison Ministry

"From the moment you begin reading Streetwise Prison Ministry, you will see why this book is vital for those interested in or currently serving in the prison system. It is a very helpful tool and resource to enhance your efforts." - Knoxville Daily Sun

Authored by Rebecca Lewis, this book offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for ministering to incarcerated individuals.

FORREST CITY, AK – Rebecca Lewis devoted over three decades to serving as a chaplain in county jails and federal prisons, encountering numerous well-meaning but inexperienced religious volunteers. She witnessed their singular focus on spreading the gospel to inmates, often overlooking the harsh realities of the environment they were entering. This oversight frequently led to their manipulation by inmates, hindering their efforts to effect positive change. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of security environments and effective functioning within them, Lewis is driven to address this crucial aspect.

Her book, Streetwise Prison Ministry (published by Archway Publishing) offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for ministering to incarcerated individuals. It serves as a cautionary guide, alerting religious volunteers to potential pitfalls they may encounter in these challenging settings. By delving into topics previously overlooked by religious prison ministry volunteers, the book equips readers with essential knowledge, ensuring not only their safety but also the efficacy of their spiritual mission in transforming the lives of inmates.

"Be forewarned. This is not a religious pep talk. I’m not into fluffy religiosity. Some of the information may shake up your ideology and maybe your theology. But don’t be concerned. Our belief in God’s plan for us encompasses the big picture that started well before the literal birth of Christ. My faith isn’t dependent on the baby in the manger but the fulfillment of the King on the throne. And a king tells it like it is and wants people to be strong and wise in his service," Lewis asserts.

When asked about the book's takeaway message, Lewis emphasizes the need to dispel the stereotype of the naive Bible enthusiast ignorant of human behavior realities. She stresses the importance of preparedness and understanding the broader mission of bringing the gospel to the troubled confines of jails and prisons, urging volunteers to become informed and equipped agents of positive change in these challenging environments.

Streetwise Prison Ministry
By Rebecca Lewis
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 226 pages | ISBN 9781665756242


About the Author
For more than three decades, Rebecca Lewis has served as a chaplain in county jails and federal prisons, bringing spiritual guidance and support to inmates. Drawing from her extensive experience, she has penned three gripping suspense novels. Beyond her literary pursuits, Lewis has also played a pivotal role in training law enforcement and corrections personnel, as well as leading seminars for religious prison volunteer groups, addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities. With academic credentials in criminology and education, including a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, Lewis has been a dedicated leader in her field, having served as the past president of the American Protestant Chaplains Association.

Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the worldwide leader in self-publishing, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kind, Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, please visit www.archwaypublishing.com or call 844-669-3957.

Life Truths & Helps