The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Programs and Services Division, offers and recognizes the Overcomers program as an addition to, and in lieu of, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and other self-help programs. This popular program is available at nine units and there is a high interest in the program. Participants have said it is personal and demanding as they keep a daily diary in their workbooks and credit the program for positive changes in their lives. The Overcomers Recovery Support Program is a beneficial part of our programs and services.

June Groom, Assistant Director
Programs and Services Division
Texas Department of Criminal Justice

In 1985 I became acquainted with the Overcomers program and the workbook "A Daily Choice." I saw how it could be an effective tool to help prisoners struggling with life-controlling problems. Our ministry was granted permission to develop Overcomers support groups in two Georgia State prisons. Over the years I watched how God used this program to change people's lives.

In 1992, our ministry headquarters relocated to Dallas, Texas, where we organized an Overcomers group in a state prison. The reception was overwhelming. During the last five years, approximately 100 prisoners graduate from the Overcomers program every 90 days, and a waiting list remains full for each new series of weekly Christ-centered, 12-step meetings.

My wife and I recently spoke at an Overcomers graduation ceremony in this prison. As we walked into the chapel, a man in his mid forties approached us and asked if I was responsible for getting the Overcomers program in the prison. When I answered "yes," he hugged me and burst into tears. As he regained his composure he said, "Overcomers saved my life. I have been through seven or eight rehab programs, but it wasn't until I got into Overcomers that I found freedom." Today he is free from his addiction, free from prison and living a productive life.

Through the efforts of Worldwide Voice in the Wilderness, the Overcomers program has been approved by the Texas Depart of Criminal Justice, both the Chaplaincy and Substance Abuse Treatment Departments, to organize Overcomers recovery support groups in all 114 Texas prisons. Certified teachers are facilitating Overcomers 12-step meetings in numerous Texas prisons, while more trainees are preparing to teach the program in U.S. and international prison systems.

We have also established Overcomers groups in four local churches. In our own church, Hillcrest Church in Dallas, the Overcomers group is changing lives by helping people find victory over life-controlling problems and stability within the Body of Christ. I encourage every pastor to contact the Burtons for information on starting an Overcomers group in your church.

The best thing I can say is to quote a prison warden who said to me, "Overcomers works!"

Rev. Johnny Moffitt, President
Worldwide Voice in the Wilderness Prison Ministry
Coalition of Prison Evangelists (COPE)
Richardson, Texas

I can't count the number of times that as I walked a church member out of my office I felt like I had not given usable advice or even scratched the surface of the problem. They had shared with me that they were having difficulty with their marriage and/or work. However, I sensed the problem that was destroying their life had never been addressed. I was reluctant to ask if they had a chemical abuse problem . . . because I didn't know what to do if they said, "Yes."

My pride wanted to say that, "Surely none of my church members would have a problem like that - especially if they sat under my preaching on a regular basis." An immediate sense of relief came when I admitted that there could be people in my congregation that might have a chemical abuse problem and that there was a program called Overcomers that could truly assist these folks.

I discovered that Overcomers was a program that would not only help the person to break the stronghold on their lives, but at the same time it gave them the "how to" of going "deeper" in their walk with Christ. The Overcomers Ministry through our church has definitely become an extension of my ministry as Pastor. I have seen people come from a chemically controlled life to a vital and vibrant asset to our body of Christ. I have seen fathers regain the respect they had lost with their spouse and children. This program builds a commitment and a sense of concern and care that far exceeds the commitment I've seen in many "regular" church members. Our Overcomers Ministry cares and ministers to not just the abuser but also to the abuser's entire family. They understand how such a lifestyle can undermine the family unit. They exercise a "tough love" among themselves that is fleshed out in the changed lives of individuals and their families.

I would encourage every Pastor to listen intently to the message that Overcomers can bring to their church. This is not a program to fear. Overcomers is not a threat to your ministry . . . it is a liberating asset! This is a ministry that can do something that you as Pastor cannot do . . . come along side a chemical abuser and assist them on a return journey that will regain their respect and integrity.

Sincerely in Christ,
Dr. Bob Price, Pastor
Cornerstone Baptist Church
Terrell, Texas

As a Christian psychologist, I have known few times when ministries present information that is sound Biblically and practical enough to "take home." The Overcomers Recovery Support Program of Sharon and Charles Burton is refreshingly simple and profoundly solid!

The teaching and ministry of the Burtons has blessed me for almost 20 years. Over the past few years they have consolidated their teaching into a workbook "A Daily Choice, Overcoming Life-Controlling Problems," along with training materials available on cassettes and CDs, to guide those wanting to establish support groups. Not only will you find the information extremely helpful, but you will also enjoy the style of both.

If you have a life-controlling problem or you would like to help others, you will not find any material more informative or anointed, anywhere! After years of graduate school, I would more highly recommend their program than anything I learned in my formal training! Not only is it user friendly and effective, it is also filled with the Spirit of our Lord!

Celebrating Life!
Dr. Neecie Moore
Dallas, Texas
PhD - Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy
MS - Counseling and Special Ed
LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor

I have had the privilege of knowing Charles and Sharon Burton for more than fifteen years. During that time, I not only observed their Overcomers work, but have also used their materials in starting four Overcomers groups in Philadelphia. You can be assured that the program works.

The Burtons have poured their lives into developing their material and showing others how to apply it to their lives. Countless individuals have been impacted eternally and have gone on to impact others. If you have been looking for help with ministering to those with some sort of dependency, look no more. The Burtons have the Christian perspective that you need!

Nick Barbetta, Executive Director,
Crossroads Prison Ministries and
Director of Chaplaincy Services for the
Philadelphia Prison System