Posts by John Rusnak

I could not have said this any better. An excerpt from Earl Hipp’s Man-Making blog: “An engaged and loving father is the most powerful man-making force on the planet. The opposite is also true. When fathers are absent, physically or emotionally, the wounds that results are profound. It touches a man to his core and…

Hebrews 13:3 ‘Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” In December of last year, we sensed God drawing us to serve more kids. After a successful fundraising event we took a step of faith and moved…

This very popular Christian quote has been attributed over the years to theologian Francis of Assisi but he never said it. As the linked article states, “it is intended to say that proclaiming the Gospel by example is more virtuous than actually proclaiming with voice.” At unCUFFED we walk the walk. We come alongside kids…

            “This is Prince from Towson. I know this letter is coming out of the blue. But I wanted to make sure you knew I am more than grateful for everything you have done for me. I was blessed to have you on my side even though my outcome was what it was. I am…

“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose Word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4 Working with young boys, incarcerated and charged with egregious crimes can sometimes feel like a recipe for…

This post was originally written in 2015, and now we will be telling Josh’s story at our Celebration on 11/15! I’m locked down in a room for 45 minutes with Pastor George Hopkins because there has been a fight on one of the tiers and they cannot transport young Joshua to see us. It’s a…

In 1 Corinthians, Paul boldly states, “I exhort you, be imitators of me.” This is what we are called to in our Christian walk, to set an example for others by imitating Christ and imitating mature believers who have lead us. Leading up to my incarceration, Joe Ehrmann was a man who gave me great…

Psalm 34:17-18 “The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” A boy can be understandably depressed, upset or angry when he is incarcerated. Perhaps he is remorseful for his actions, feeling guilty and…

Some days you go inside expecting one thing to happen, the plan is changed, and something even better occurs. We planned a Bible Study but God had great conversations in mind instead. CB is being released in two months and he is planning for his future now. He brought me over to his cell to…

I meet weekly with a young man in a Detention Center in Annapolis. He is charged as an adult with a serious crime but has expressed sincere remorse for his actions. I don’t mean “I’m sorry I got caught” but more like “I am sorry that I made so many poor choices that led up…