Over two decades ago, the Holy Spirit encouraged us to become a modern day “Good Samaritans” by reaching out to hurting people wounded from negative anger emotions (Luke 10).  In this ministry of mercy, faith-based anger management classes for inmates started in 1992.

Our program materials quickly spread from the detention centers, and today we are helping youth, men and women from most walks of life, cultures and income levels. Since January 1992, Anger Solutions has ministered to over 14,000 people damaged from anger emotions.  Now they have fresh Biblical insights and usable faith-based tools to apply in their everyday relationships.

Today you are reading our first newsletter for 2007. Please review the rest of ASN’s home page and give us your recommended suggestions for improvement. 

God is opening numerous doors for us to expand His ministry of mercy. Some of these recent events follow:

1.     During the past twelve months, we have serviced 1,680 individuals through our various programs and classes.

2.     We have continued facilitator training through the Northside Independent School District. Two sessions were held in 2006 and the participants qualify for continuing education credits in various professions.

3.      The Baptist University of the Americas staff has completed the English to Spanish translation project for our copyright client workbook. 

4.     Two licensed marriage and family counselors, along with a few additional volunteers, have teamed with this ministry to help hurting people in our area.

5.     Our second Anger Solutions Center remains open to service additional clients downtown at 503 San Pedro, the Family Renewal Center.

6.     The Counseling and Family Resource Center has agreed to let us use their offices to see clients in the Stone Oak area.  

7.     We are working for future activities with the Restorative Justice Ministry Taskforce.

8.      Our Board of Advisors currently totals nine wonderful and gifted volunteers.

9.      Numerous presentations have been made at varying times periods for the following: Jefferson United Methodist Church, Trinity Baptist Church, Crosspoint Incorporated, Urban Ministries and First Presbyterian Church.

10.  We have initiated a program of sending a series of letters to pastors and mission committees of churches asking for an opportunity to present programs to their churches and seeking some financial support for this ministry.

11.  We sent out 50 survey letters asking for an evaluation of our program to past one-on-one clients.  All replies were favorable or very favorable. 

12.  In 2006, our ministry income exceeded our expenses and we are starting this year on a positive note, but funding assistance is still needed. 

13.  Our awareness video project is completed and funding support was raised to cover the cost to produce and record the video. All Board of Advisors members and staff have a copy of the promotional video. We are working to get this video on the home page.

14.  To improve our faith-based anger management support to the emotionally wounded, three ministry staff members recently completed a forty-four hour basic training course in conflict mediation.  Several staff and volunteers will also attend conflict resolution training. 

15.  The Bexar County Probation Department recently approved ASN to become an approved vendor to the County for anger management.  

16.  Dr. Kenny Iwunwa, radio host on KLUP, recently had our executive director and programs director on his live show for two hours. Dr. “Kenny” desires to have ASN on his program several times a quarter. 

17.  With a generous donation from a local office furniture company, all twenty-one chairs in our ministry office have been upgraded.   

 Our ministry has daily needs which should be shared with you.

1.  Daily prayer support
2. Scholarship funding needed for at-risk clients
3. Equipment & supplies for ministry offices
4. Scholarship funding for client workbooks and notebooks
5. Community awareness improvements
6. Office receptionist volunteers
7. Facilitator and teacher volunteers
8. Fund raising /grant writer volunteers
9. Website maintenance volunteer
10.  Donation/contribution coordinator volunteer 

Your prayers and support are important to this growing ministry of mercy.   

In His Service,

Jay Burchfield

Executive Director