BRAZIL – Just in time for the Easter holiday, Trinity Broadcasting Network is gifting free faith-based television satellite programming to the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch – the second such partnership in America.
“TBN is blessed to be America’s most watched faith and family channel and the world’s largest religious broadcaster,” said Mark Reynolds, National Director of TBN’s Second Chance programming, which usually helps restore hope to jail and prison inmates. “We’ve watched the Indiana sheriffs’ progress these past few years and have been excited by their commitment to helping parents and grandparents raise well-adjusted kids with safer futures.”
Reynolds said, “TBN is providing five age-appropriate broadcast networks free-of-charge for ISYR visitors at the Sheriffs’ Lodge & Conference Center, the hub of Youth Ranch activities. TBN first learned of ISYR in 2017 from leaders of the Florida Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches. Since then, TBN has followed the steady progress as Indiana sheriffs and deputies have planned, purchased, and developed their not-for-profit academy for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses and victims of crime. Now that they are open to small groups of teens, TBN has decided to offer this unique uplifting gift – appropriately enough – at Easter.”
Coinciding with TBN’s talks with ISYR, Indiana Sheriffs announced the expansion of a Chaplain’s Fund to provide at-risk visitors with needed personal hygiene and clothing items as well as desired copies of the Bible, Torah, and other faith materials. Recently, ISYR leaders also named Pastor Phil Ping of Indianapolis as Senior Chaplain of the 62-acre non-profit training retreat.
As a senior chaplain, Ping will help sheriffs and deputies develop an inter-denominational group of volunteer chaplains representing houses of worship from across Indiana.
“TBN’s broadcasting will be an extraordinary tool for our team of volunteer chaplains and a wonderful resource for young visitors whose lives may already include faith and offer new hope to those who choose to participate,” Vigo County Sheriff and ISYR Board President John Plasse said. “Everything at the Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch is voluntary. Parents, grandparents, and guardians will be made aware religious activities and materials are available on-site, so they can help decide their child’s participation.”
“Television programs and faith-based films provided by TBN will represent a diverse group of ministries from evangelical to traditional protestant, Catholic, and Jewish”, said Cass County Sheriff Ed Schroder, ISYR board secretary.
“TBN owns and operates several broadcast networks, each reaching different demographics. In addition to the main Trinity Broadcasting Network, TBN will provide our Youth Ranch free subscriptions to TBN Inspire, Positiv TV – which has faith-based and family-friendly movies, SMILE (children’s) Network, and ENLACE (Spanish language) Network,” said former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, who serves as ISYR’s vice president.
“We will work with denominations represented across Indiana to make certain all teens from all backgrounds feel included and comfortable,” said ISYR’s Treasurer, John Jones, owner of John Jones Auto Group across southeast Indiana.
For more information or to donate to ISYR, Jones said to call 317-460-4242, email ScottMinier@yahoo.com or write the Chaplain’s Fund, c/o Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834.
