Help Chaplain Anna write a prison ministry book.

Hello!

My name is Chaplain Anna Braun. I'm a wife of 19 years, mom of six children, and a correctional chaplain in Southern Alberta, Canada. I grew up on the East Coast, learned under men and women from a wide range of beautiful and fascinating backgrounds, moved to the Midwest and now am an ordained minister and clinically trained spiritual care provider. During my journey of working with those inside the walls, I have spent the last 7+ years working in a correctional centre as a student and volunteer at first and then as a pastor, teacher, volunteer coordinator, staff and inmate caregiver and advocate.

Over the years of my education and throughout ministry both before and since prison work, there have been messages for the church about the vulnerable, the outcasts, the victims and the perpetrators that I feel need to be shared. Sometimes I am given the opportunity to speak at churches or to groups about His work but during the pandemic that has slowed down, just as the life of the Spirit has stepped up inside the walls. I have been mostly silent but recently God confirmed that the time to speak up is now. The time to share what He's doing in prisons with those who would hear is now. The time to challenge some of the notions we have about justice, grace, sin and life is now. Now.

For anyone reading this who is concerned, don't worry. I'm not some religious fanatic, nor am I even all that terrifying. I am a mommy after all. Rest assured, I do not plan to do a tell all book. Nor do I even really want to write something that is gritty. There may be items which surprise or even shock, parts that confuse or enrage, or maybe even parts that make you cry, but there will be no secrets told or confidentialities betrayed. If the reader comes away feeling they were on a voyeuristic journey, I will feel very sad. I want to write about God and His people for God and His people. I'll speak only truth and only with respect and honor for the journey we are all on.

In order for me to do this, I will be taking a time away at a writing workshop in BC at the end of October. The stated costs for accommodations, travel, training, feedback and food run at $2000. I expect it could run a bit more but I will be content with whatever God provides through you during this endeavour. For those who need it, I can provide a detailed list of expenses at the end of the journey. If there are any extra funds raised, that do not pay for this particular event, I will use that to fund chapel support needs like DVD teaching series and books for the chapel library. Full accounting of where gifts go will be made available by November 30th to any who wish to know.

Gift receipts cannot be made by myself for your charitable records.

Thank you so much for your hearts of support. Even if you cannot give, please, please pray. I've already started writing and my heart has gone into this work. It's exhausting! And it's exhilarating. Please pray for strength and humility, provision and joy as this portion of my journey goes forward.

Blessings,

Chaplain Anna Braun