What Is NewLife Behavior Ministries?
NewLife Behavior Ministries (NLB) is a 501 ( c ) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization. We are a "curriculum-based" ministry. This means we research and develop curriculum designed "to reconcile individuals to God, family and society" through changing the way we conduct our daily lives. The NLB curriculum provides comprehensive studies leading to an understanding of ourselves and the value of discovering a meaningful relationship with God. Our curriculum has been edited and field-tested for 20 years.
First and foremost, we engage in the research, design, and development of cognitive behavior tools to be used by volunteer instructors in a variety of settings with youth and adults (churches, schools, jails, prisons, boot/work camps, substance abuse treatment centers and other community efforts).
Secondly, we publish and distribute the curriculum as widely as possible to "reconcile individuals to God, their families and society." The best curriculum in the world accomplishes zero unless it is used. Users receive a set of courses "originals" along with an individually numbered license in exchange for a small donation, entitling them to lifetime reproduction privileges.
Thirdly, we seek to recruit and train volunteer instructors throughout the world in the use of these materials. All the courses include an Instructor's Guide and a formal "proposal" for its implementation. Regional Directors are available for consultation and training in addition to special workshops and seminars. Additional training materials and tools are being developed.
Fourthly, we seek to translate the curriculum into every language. The first eight courses (plus the Children's Edition) have already been translated into Spanish, Russian and Chinese.
A Brief History
This all started in August 1984 when Dr. H. M. Motsinger (an educator and family therapist) joined a group of trained Christian volunteers in a meeting with inmates. Over the next eighteen years Dr. Motsinger developed the first seven courses and the "Children's Edition" of the NLB curriculum.
With the support and guidance of the Skillman Church of Christ in Dallas, NLB became a separate 501 (c) non-profit and tax-exempt organization in 1988, functioning under a Board of Trustees. NLB is supported by churches, individuals, businesses, foundations and grants.
Impressed with the structure and results of NLB curriculum, Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) officials requested an extension of its impact to families of offenders. A pilot effort was launched in 1993 at the Michael Unit in Palestine with the help of Chaplain Bill Brewer. Wives were invited to participate with their husbands in studies, integrating an essential facet of the prisoner's behavioral modification--the family unit! Subsequently, FamilyNet has been added to the growing list of NLB programs.
In 1994, the TDCJ encouraged the use of NLB throughout the system. In 1997, TDCJ honored NLB with the Governor George Bush Award for being the Best State Jail Program in Texas.
In 2000, NLB began combining its efforts with Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) to magnify its impact inside and outside of jails and prisons. The same year Buck Griffith authored Course VIII (CASA) of the NLB curriculum. CASA is also approved by TDCJ and is licensed by the State of Texas as a faith-based alcohol and drug treatment program. CASA began in Corpus Christi in 1988.
In July 2002, the NLB Board of Trustees asked Buck Griffith to succeed Dr. Motsinger as its President. Thus, the NLB office in Lancaster was closed and combined with the CASA office in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The Founder of NLB, Dr. H.M. Motsinger, has a worldwide vision and passion to see the curriculum translated into every language, taught and studied everywhere. So while President Buck Griffith focuses on the United States, Dr. Motsinger leads NLB efforts outside the borders of this country. Presently, emphasis is being placed on works in Russia, Mexico, Zambia, Nigeria, South Africa, and the Philippines.