You're Invited to Darrington Penitentiary Chapel on August 29th, 2011

THIS IS THE LAST CALL FOR YOUR RESERVATION. WE WILL ACCEPT NO MORE RESERVATION REQUESTS AFTER AUGUST 5, 2111. A RESPONSE FROM YOU TO THIS EMAIL IS REQUIRED. If you wish to reserve a seat, you should to respond to this email so we may put you on the Gate List to enter the Darrington Penitentiary for this historic event--- as described below!

WHAT: History is in the making. Texas is opening its first 4-year Seminary in a Texas prison. The new Seminary is sponsored by Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, and The Heart of Texas Foundation-- and has had significant help from the Madison Foundation; the State of Louisiana; Senior Warden Burl Cain at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola; New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; Edd and Nina Hendee, owners of the Taste of Texas Restaurant; the Houston College of Biblical Studies; and individuals like you who have added their prayers, financial support, and labor to the task.

In the planning for many months, the first Darrington Seminary classes begin in August, and we'll be celebrating the event with a "grand opening ceremony" for the Fall Semester. This event will take place on August 29th in the Penitentiary itself. And YOU are invited! The 40 new Freshmen are in place and ready to begin this exciting journey. They have been moved to Darrington from prisons all over Texas. An Article about the development of the Seminary can be read by clicking this link: Seminary Article. This voluntary Seminary program, funded by private donations, is open to men of all faiths.

This opening ceremony event is officially known as the Seminary's "Convocation," and, along with Senators John Whitmire and Dan Patrick, will feature the President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Paige Patterson, who will deliver the key-note message. It is through his leadership that his prestigious Southwestern Baptist Seminary, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, agreed to join The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, The Heart of Texas Foundation, and others, to give birth to this historic "campus". The new Seminary is located within Darrington Prison, a maximum-security Penitentiary in Rosharon, Texas, just minutes south of Houston.

Also present will be honored guests from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice who also played key roles in the formation of this dynamic program. Our Texas Seminary is modeled after the famous Angola Seminary, now in its 17th year, at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, LA. Its dynamic Senior Warden, Burl Cain, will also be in attendance. You are invited! Seating is limited to 300 guests, so let us hear from you right away if you'd like to reserve a seat!

WHERE: Darrington Penitentiary, 59 Darrington Road, Rosharon, Texas (a few minutes south of Houston).

WHEN: August 29, 2011, at 3:00 pm. You should plan on being at the Main Gate for security check in (like at an airport) at 2:15-2:30 pm. The Convocation is from 3:00-4:00 pm in the Chapel at Darrington. You will be escorted in.

WHAT TO BRING: Your driver's license or photo ID (passport, etc.). Leave all billfolds, credit cards, cell phones and money in your car in the parking lot.

DIRECTIONS: Darrington Penitentiary is 5 miles North of Rosharon, Texas on Highway 521. It is due south of Houston. Highway 521is easily reached via Sam Houston Tollway, or Highway 6. CLICK HERE for a map.

When you arrive at the Darrington Unit, have your Driver's License ready to show to any officer who asks. Do not have any weapons in your car. Drive into the prison grounds and park in the large parking area on the left at the end of the road. Go to the main gate under the Guard Tower, and there you will be asked to present your driver's license. Tell the officer you are "here for the Chapel Service at 3 o'clock." That's it! Carry nothing in with you except your driver's license and a Bible or notebook if you wish. No cameras, no cell phones, no ipads or any electronic devices.

WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW: If you would like to reserve a seat in the Chapel, do the following right now:

• Reply to this email, clicking "Reply"
• Give us your name as it appears on your driver's license
• Give us your Driver's License number
• Give us your cell phone or current telephone number
• Give us your email address
• Tell us you'd like to reserve a seat at the Convocation