Staff Biographies
Barbie Getchell
My name is Barbie Getchell, and my husband Adam and I have two daughters aged 13 and 9. For most of our lives, my husband and I called ourselves Christians but rarely went to church and did little to truly follow Jesus. In 2004, the Lord convicted me in a dream about my lukewarm faith. In the dream, I was laying in the road dying after having been in a car accident. As I lay there feeling my life slip away, I wondered where I would go when I died and if there was really a God. When I awoke, I was so shaken by how uncertain I was in my faith that I began taking the family to church. A few months later, I was baptized, and the next year, my husband was baptized as well.
Since then, my husband and I have been committed to living radically for the Lord and walking through any doors He opens. In 2007, our family spent two months in India. This trip opened our eyes to the lost and hurting people who had never heard the Gospel, and we developed a passion for missions. When we came back to the US, we helped form and eventually lead the missions group for our church, The Pursuit. Our focus was on missions abroad as well as local missions. Around that same time, we heard James give his testimony and later shared his vision for forming Three Oaks with the congregation.
At the beginning of 2010, our family went back to India, this time for six months. This was a turning point in my life where God challenged and refined me through one of the deepest valleys I’ve ever experienced. He also revealed to me that when I returned, I needed get involved in a prison ministry. Shortly after arriving home, I contacted Three Oaks and decided to join the team to reach the lost and broken right here in my own country. I am excited about being the hands and feet of Jesus to people who need hope and direction through Jesus Christ.
Executive Assistant
barbie@3oakstransformation.org
Since then, my husband and I have been committed to living radically for the Lord and walking through any doors He opens. In 2007, our family spent two months in India. This trip opened our eyes to the lost and hurting people who had never heard the Gospel, and we developed a passion for missions. When we came back to the US, we helped form and eventually lead the missions group for our church, The Pursuit. Our focus was on missions abroad as well as local missions. Around that same time, we heard James give his testimony and later shared his vision for forming Three Oaks with the congregation.
At the beginning of 2010, our family went back to India, this time for six months. This was a turning point in my life where God challenged and refined me through one of the deepest valleys I’ve ever experienced. He also revealed to me that when I returned, I needed get involved in a prison ministry. Shortly after arriving home, I contacted Three Oaks and decided to join the team to reach the lost and broken right here in my own country. I am excited about being the hands and feet of Jesus to people who need hope and direction through Jesus Christ.
Executive Assistant
barbie@3oakstransformation.org
Beverly Post
My name is Beverly Post and I am the Office Administrative Assistant. I came to work for Three Oaks in July, 2011. I have watched the ministry from the beginning become a tool that God is using for His glory. I am excited to become an active part of the team as we allow God to mold us into the servants He wants us to be.
I became a believer in Jesus Christ when I was in grade school and have served Him in many capacities over the years. My most enjoyable area of service has been as a wife, mother and grandmother. I am blessed to be James' mom. I previously spent my time caring for his and Terri's children (my gorgeous grandchildren - no prejudices here). Now that they are growing up, I look forward to filling my time helping with this ministry. I am also excited to get to know each of the staff and join them in praying for the work the Lord has for us to do. I enjoy spending time in the word of God. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, Sudoku and listening to the Atlanta Braves on XM radio.
Office Administrative Assistant
beverly@3oakstransformation.org
I became a believer in Jesus Christ when I was in grade school and have served Him in many capacities over the years. My most enjoyable area of service has been as a wife, mother and grandmother. I am blessed to be James' mom. I previously spent my time caring for his and Terri's children (my gorgeous grandchildren - no prejudices here). Now that they are growing up, I look forward to filling my time helping with this ministry. I am also excited to get to know each of the staff and join them in praying for the work the Lord has for us to do. I enjoy spending time in the word of God. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, Sudoku and listening to the Atlanta Braves on XM radio.
Office Administrative Assistant
beverly@3oakstransformation.org
Boyd Chikatulah
My name is Boyd Chikatulah. I am faithfully and happily married to the most beautiful wife and friend, Erin Epp Chikatulah. By the grace of God through faith, I am a child of the King and a believer in Christ, who struggles with sin and its effects. In the past, I battled with anger, unforgiveness, lust, pride…the list is endless. I am now born again and daily being renewed and transformed to be more like Christ. I believe, as the Scripture says, “We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is spirit.” I started serving the Lord nine years ago, and over the years I have been called to minister to the broken and hurting. I believe I am at Three Oaks on purpose for HIS purpose. I find fulfillment as I serve in the area of training leaders for effective ministry as the Vineyard Leadership Institute (VLI) program director. My role as the clergy director at the Ada County Jail is another perfect fit for me. I am exceedingly blessed to be part of what God is doing in the lives of men and women who are behind bars and far from the reach of many. My desire is to be an instrument that God will use to empower laborers for the harvest, to bring healing to the hurting, and to instill a hope in others to focus on the future God has for them.
VRC at ISCI (Yard) & Ada County Director
boyd@3oakstransformation.org
VRC at ISCI (Yard) & Ada County Director
boyd@3oakstransformation.org
Marty Sondermann
I am currently the Volunteer and Religious Coordinator (VRC) at South Idaho Correctional Institution
(SICI). I have worked at SICI since late 2009, and have enjoyed the experience very much. I have also filled in when needed at IMSI, ISCI, and ICC. My first experience inside any of the facilities was as a volunteer nearly ten years ago. It was eye-opening, and made quite an impression on me. Over the past fifteen years, I have been involved in various ministries. In the mid- to late-90’s, I was part of a Christian music ministry. I was then a Youth Pastor, an Assistant Pastor, and most recently a Teaching Pastor. I enjoy spending time with my family, playing guitar, coaching, and teaching. I am always up for new challenges, and in this current role, that has never been a problem. Being a part of the 3 Oaks team has been a great experience. The staff members are some of the kindest, most loving, and most servant-hearted people I have ever met.
VRC at SICI
marty@3oakstransformation.org
(SICI). I have worked at SICI since late 2009, and have enjoyed the experience very much. I have also filled in when needed at IMSI, ISCI, and ICC. My first experience inside any of the facilities was as a volunteer nearly ten years ago. It was eye-opening, and made quite an impression on me. Over the past fifteen years, I have been involved in various ministries. In the mid- to late-90’s, I was part of a Christian music ministry. I was then a Youth Pastor, an Assistant Pastor, and most recently a Teaching Pastor. I enjoy spending time with my family, playing guitar, coaching, and teaching. I am always up for new challenges, and in this current role, that has never been a problem. Being a part of the 3 Oaks team has been a great experience. The staff members are some of the kindest, most loving, and most servant-hearted people I have ever met.
VRC at SICI
marty@3oakstransformation.org
Tricia Sykes
My name is Tricia Sykes and I am the Director of the Christ-Centered Change Program at Three Oaks Life Transformation Center as well as the Volunteer and Religious Services Coordinator at South Boise Woman's Correctional Center. I met my husband Jordan in May, 2009, and we married in April, 2010. Our daughter, Brynlynn Pearl Sykes, was born in November, 2011. We are totally blessed that God has chosen us to be starting a new role as parents to this little one. We both have a passion for the outdoors and love to spend as much time as possible: hiking, camping, biking and just enjoying God's creation. Our other passion is working on our home, which we purchased March, 2010. Between both of us, we have plenty of experience in building and remodeling, so we decided to take on a project house for our first home. Although there have been times I wish we hadn't taken on so much in our first couple of years of marriage, it has been a remarkable journey to see the transformation take place, not only in our home, but also in each of us individually.
I got involved with Three Oaks Life Transformation Center before we had even become an organization. In 2007, I began a transformation journey God had planned for me that has changed my life in so many ways. I had come to a point in my life where I was ready to figure out why I chose to allow all the hurt and pain that I had been experiencing to build up and affect my life and those around me. I met James Barnes at my church and he introduced me to Christ-Centered Change. I knew at that very moment, as he talked about how the class worked and what was involved, that was exactly where God wanted me to really experience true healing from my past. Through 2 very intense years in the class, God revealed so many lies, deceptions, and of course, His truth to me. I grew into a completely new person, becoming more self-aware of my negative thinking and how that affects my actions on a daily basis. After going through this program for 2 years and seeing the healing that God brought to me and so many others, I felt that God was calling me to help facilitate the Christ-Centered Change classes; I wanted to be a positive influence to those going through the program after me and to be a walking example of the change and healing that God could bring to their lives. Now, 2 years down the road, after graduating the CCC program in October, 2008, God has continued my journey and brought me to a place of trusting him, to step out in faith and quit my current job to come on staff full-time with Three Oaks Life Transformation Center as of July, 2011. I feel so blessed to be where I'm at in this ministry and to be able to see so many lives transformed through the healing power of Christ. I look forward to each and every day being able to do what Christ calls us as Christians to do, to minister to the hurting and broken in this world.
VRC at SBWCC & CCC Director
tricia@3oakstransformation.org
I got involved with Three Oaks Life Transformation Center before we had even become an organization. In 2007, I began a transformation journey God had planned for me that has changed my life in so many ways. I had come to a point in my life where I was ready to figure out why I chose to allow all the hurt and pain that I had been experiencing to build up and affect my life and those around me. I met James Barnes at my church and he introduced me to Christ-Centered Change. I knew at that very moment, as he talked about how the class worked and what was involved, that was exactly where God wanted me to really experience true healing from my past. Through 2 very intense years in the class, God revealed so many lies, deceptions, and of course, His truth to me. I grew into a completely new person, becoming more self-aware of my negative thinking and how that affects my actions on a daily basis. After going through this program for 2 years and seeing the healing that God brought to me and so many others, I felt that God was calling me to help facilitate the Christ-Centered Change classes; I wanted to be a positive influence to those going through the program after me and to be a walking example of the change and healing that God could bring to their lives. Now, 2 years down the road, after graduating the CCC program in October, 2008, God has continued my journey and brought me to a place of trusting him, to step out in faith and quit my current job to come on staff full-time with Three Oaks Life Transformation Center as of July, 2011. I feel so blessed to be where I'm at in this ministry and to be able to see so many lives transformed through the healing power of Christ. I look forward to each and every day being able to do what Christ calls us as Christians to do, to minister to the hurting and broken in this world.
VRC at SBWCC & CCC Director
tricia@3oakstransformation.org
Grady Zickefoose
I was born in Nampa, Idaho in the campus hospital of Northwest Nazarene College where my father had just graduated from. We moved all around the northwest and I graduated from high school in Aloha, Oregon. After graduating from NNC with a degree in religion, I married a beautiful cheerleader and headed to seminary in Kansas City, MO. After graduation, we pastored two churches, one in Texas and one in Colfax, Washington. In Colfax, I became involved in the County Jail, God showed me favor with the county sherriff, he allowed the community-eligible inmates to attend our church on Sundays, amd I was able to lead various Bible studies.
Prison ministry got into my blood and we moved, with three children, Salem, Oregon, to volunteer in the prison there. After 18 months, my denomination asked if I would consider going into the Bureau of Prisons as a Chaplain. I applied and we moved to El Reno, Oklahoma, to serve as a staff chaplain at the Federal Correctional Institution. My 22-year career took our family on quite a pilgrimage around the United States serving in Texas, Oregon, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, and finally in Brooklyn, New York, as a Supervisory Chaplain. Our children are now all married and fruitful providing us with eight grandchildren so far.
In December 2010, I retired from the Bureau of Prisons and we relocated to Boise, Idaho, to be closer to many family members. In May 2011, I began a new adventure as a staff Chaplain at the ICC and now have joined the 3 Oaks team as of July 15, 2011.
Chaplain at ICC
grady@3oakstransformation.org
Prison ministry got into my blood and we moved, with three children, Salem, Oregon, to volunteer in the prison there. After 18 months, my denomination asked if I would consider going into the Bureau of Prisons as a Chaplain. I applied and we moved to El Reno, Oklahoma, to serve as a staff chaplain at the Federal Correctional Institution. My 22-year career took our family on quite a pilgrimage around the United States serving in Texas, Oregon, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, and finally in Brooklyn, New York, as a Supervisory Chaplain. Our children are now all married and fruitful providing us with eight grandchildren so far.
In December 2010, I retired from the Bureau of Prisons and we relocated to Boise, Idaho, to be closer to many family members. In May 2011, I began a new adventure as a staff Chaplain at the ICC and now have joined the 3 Oaks team as of July 15, 2011.
Chaplain at ICC
grady@3oakstransformation.org
Rob Wright
I grew up in northeast Washington, where I have spent the majority of my 13 years in full-time ministry. While in Washington I, served as a
Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Lead Pastor. After ten years in these various capacities, I transitioned to working with Teen
Challenge, a Christ-centered residential recovery program. A position as the Executive Director for the Boise Adolescent Center brought me and my family to Southern Idaho in 2009. It was during this time that I learned about 3 Oaks and began working with the "Life Hurts, God Heals" program.
My relationship with the 3 Oaks staff naturally transitioned when an opportunity for prison ministry arose. I began working with 3 Oaks in July, 2011, as the VRC at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. Then, after a few months, I transitioned to the Chaplain's position at the Idaho Correctional Center. The role of Chaplain has been a great opportunity to develop my leadership and work with various leaders throughout our communities.
I find great joy in both the opportunities and challenges found in investing in the lives of those around me.
Chaplain at ICC
rob@3oakstransformation.org
Challenge, a Christ-centered residential recovery program. A position as the Executive Director for the Boise Adolescent Center brought me and my family to Southern Idaho in 2009. It was during this time that I learned about 3 Oaks and began working with the "Life Hurts, God Heals" program.
My relationship with the 3 Oaks staff naturally transitioned when an opportunity for prison ministry arose. I began working with 3 Oaks in July, 2011, as the VRC at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. Then, after a few months, I transitioned to the Chaplain's position at the Idaho Correctional Center. The role of Chaplain has been a great opportunity to develop my leadership and work with various leaders throughout our communities.
I find great joy in both the opportunities and challenges found in investing in the lives of those around me.
Chaplain at ICC
rob@3oakstransformation.org
Holly Graham
“Conversion for me was not a Damascus Road experience. I slowly moved into an intellectual acceptance of what my intuition had always known.” - Madeleine L'Engle
This was very much my experience when I became a Christian eight years ago, and although I am still in process, God has orchestrated a slow yet remarkable transformation in my life. I still struggle with sin, and probably will for the rest of my life, but I am grateful to say that I struggle with sin. I no longer am oblivious to it or acceptant of it.
I first became involved with Three Oaks in 2008, as a student in their "Life Hurts, God Heals" class, and later Christ-Centered Change. It was the first time I had experienced first-hand the discipleship and fellowship described in scripture. It was the first time I experienced a sense of family as a member of the body of Christ. Being a part of the Three Oaks family has been both a challenge and an incredible blessing. I am grateful for the equipping that takes place there so that I can become a more effective blessing to those I come in contact with. My prayer is to be able to show others that in Christ there is fulfillment, that life doesn’t have to be empty and aimless any longer! I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and the ways God will grow and shape me through them as I begin a new season in life.
VRC at North Idaho Correctional Institute
holly@3oakstransformation.org
This was very much my experience when I became a Christian eight years ago, and although I am still in process, God has orchestrated a slow yet remarkable transformation in my life. I still struggle with sin, and probably will for the rest of my life, but I am grateful to say that I struggle with sin. I no longer am oblivious to it or acceptant of it.
I first became involved with Three Oaks in 2008, as a student in their "Life Hurts, God Heals" class, and later Christ-Centered Change. It was the first time I had experienced first-hand the discipleship and fellowship described in scripture. It was the first time I experienced a sense of family as a member of the body of Christ. Being a part of the Three Oaks family has been both a challenge and an incredible blessing. I am grateful for the equipping that takes place there so that I can become a more effective blessing to those I come in contact with. My prayer is to be able to show others that in Christ there is fulfillment, that life doesn’t have to be empty and aimless any longer! I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and the ways God will grow and shape me through them as I begin a new season in life.
VRC at North Idaho Correctional Institute
holly@3oakstransformation.org
Ruth Walker
I was born in South Wales, (Great Britain) in 1965 and was one of three children. As a child I attended “Welsh Chapel” where I was taught on the wrath and judgment of God (hell, fire and damnation) and heard nothing about the love of God and the salvation that we could obtain through Jesus Christ. I was blessed with a very loving family which I am so grateful for.
I was married at the age of 21, and had two beautiful children from the marriage. Amy was born in 1988 and James was born in 1990. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce. This was a very hard time in my life as I was on the receiving end of emotional and physical abuse for a number of years. Shortly after, my brother, who I was very close to, died very suddenly at the age of 28 from a brain aneurism. During the following 6 weeks, my grandfather died, I was also diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and my daughter Amy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 3.
My life was just falling away before my eyes and I began a personal journey to find some answers. I began visiting some churches and didn’t feel at all welcome. Then my daughter’s teacher invited me to go to her church, so the next day my children and I went with her. The moment I entered the doors of the church, I felt accepted for who I was, broken, lost and searching. Over the course of the next two weeks, I began to hear about Jesus and the love, forgiveness, healing and acceptance we could obtain through Him. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior in June, 1991, and then requested prayer from the Pastor. I told him that I had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and that I believed that Jesus could heal me. He prayed over me and said that God had showed him that I was going to have another child, to which I replied, “Don’t I need a husband first?” Over the next few weeks I had appointments with various Doctors and I received a call from them in August, 1991, stating that they could not find any signs of cancer in my system. I could not believe it! Why would God do this for me? I immediately fell to me knees and prayed a very simple prayer to God: "God, you have saved my life, so now my life is yours, do with me as you will.” And, believe me, God heard my prayer.
In November, 1991, I became the Youth Pastor at my church, a position that I've been in now for the past 19 years. I began a prison ministry which covered several prisons, which I felt a real calling to.
Seven years after my healing, I brought a team of young people to America on a missions trip and that’s where I met my husband, J. We have been married fsince March 21, 1998, and have been blessed with another child, Sarah. Born on March 7, 1999, she is a miracle as I was told that I would never be able to have any more children because of the cancer treatment that I had gone through. But, with God, ALL things are possible. After 3 years as interim pastors, my husband and I have been pastors at a church here in Orofino since May, 2008. We are now grandparents as our oldest daughter Amy and her husband blessed us with a grandson. Our son, James is in his senior year at a university. Has life been a bed of roses? Absolutely not! But, we are not promised that. What we are promised is that “He will be with us in the fire”. God has never steered me in the wrong direction, never lied to me, never abandoned me, always answers me when I called and always loves me.
I began my calling at the Prison here in Orofino in November, 2010. It was a door that God opened for me and one of which He had been preparing me for for the previous two years. God is doing a work and we are His hands and feet. I am blessed beyond measure and am looking forward to what God is going to do both today and every day! I wouldn’t change a thing.
VRC at ICIO
ruth@3oakstransformation.org
I was married at the age of 21, and had two beautiful children from the marriage. Amy was born in 1988 and James was born in 1990. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce. This was a very hard time in my life as I was on the receiving end of emotional and physical abuse for a number of years. Shortly after, my brother, who I was very close to, died very suddenly at the age of 28 from a brain aneurism. During the following 6 weeks, my grandfather died, I was also diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and my daughter Amy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 3.
My life was just falling away before my eyes and I began a personal journey to find some answers. I began visiting some churches and didn’t feel at all welcome. Then my daughter’s teacher invited me to go to her church, so the next day my children and I went with her. The moment I entered the doors of the church, I felt accepted for who I was, broken, lost and searching. Over the course of the next two weeks, I began to hear about Jesus and the love, forgiveness, healing and acceptance we could obtain through Him. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior in June, 1991, and then requested prayer from the Pastor. I told him that I had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and that I believed that Jesus could heal me. He prayed over me and said that God had showed him that I was going to have another child, to which I replied, “Don’t I need a husband first?” Over the next few weeks I had appointments with various Doctors and I received a call from them in August, 1991, stating that they could not find any signs of cancer in my system. I could not believe it! Why would God do this for me? I immediately fell to me knees and prayed a very simple prayer to God: "God, you have saved my life, so now my life is yours, do with me as you will.” And, believe me, God heard my prayer.
In November, 1991, I became the Youth Pastor at my church, a position that I've been in now for the past 19 years. I began a prison ministry which covered several prisons, which I felt a real calling to.
Seven years after my healing, I brought a team of young people to America on a missions trip and that’s where I met my husband, J. We have been married fsince March 21, 1998, and have been blessed with another child, Sarah. Born on March 7, 1999, she is a miracle as I was told that I would never be able to have any more children because of the cancer treatment that I had gone through. But, with God, ALL things are possible. After 3 years as interim pastors, my husband and I have been pastors at a church here in Orofino since May, 2008. We are now grandparents as our oldest daughter Amy and her husband blessed us with a grandson. Our son, James is in his senior year at a university. Has life been a bed of roses? Absolutely not! But, we are not promised that. What we are promised is that “He will be with us in the fire”. God has never steered me in the wrong direction, never lied to me, never abandoned me, always answers me when I called and always loves me.
I began my calling at the Prison here in Orofino in November, 2010. It was a door that God opened for me and one of which He had been preparing me for for the previous two years. God is doing a work and we are His hands and feet. I am blessed beyond measure and am looking forward to what God is going to do both today and every day! I wouldn’t change a thing.
VRC at ICIO
ruth@3oakstransformation.org
Shauna Robinson
Hi, my name is Shauna Robinson. I am happily married to a wonderful man who has taught me a lot about living life and together we have two amazing children. For me, it is surreal to be a part of the Three Oaks Staff as I feel so ill-equipped; yet, on the other hand, it makes perfect sense. My parents divorced when I was 6 and I lived between 2 families that were both dysfunctional, but in completely different ways. In one family, there was extreme religious control and abuse; in the other, alcoholism and various forms of abuse.
When I was a teenager, I went wild and began using drugs and alcohol in order to escape the pain of my life. When I finally got a wake-up call, I knew I had to make a choice about which direction my life was headed. So, I decided to immerse myself in church and search to really know God for myself. God has been so gentle and kind to me as He has shown me what His love looks like while giving me opportunities to surrender and trust Him. I am overcome by His amazing love and His desire to know and relate with each one of us personally. I have experienced His willingness to truly meet us where we're at and walk forward from there. It is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. I believe God would have me to be an open vessel following His lead as He desires to use me however He chooses in bringing healing to the broken-hearted, as He has used others to do for me. (Isaiah 61:1-4) I believe that everything evil intends for destruction in our lives, but God will turn it around and use it for good in our lives to honor and glorify Him.
I have served in Women's Ministries and lead various small groups for women, such as Story Group, Captivating, and groups for women who have been sexually abused. I have taken some classes for lay counseling and gone through Story Workshop and Recovery Weeks with Dan Allender. I am excited and so honored that God would include me in what He is doing through Three Oaks Life Transformation Center!
Nampa IDJC
shauna@3oakstransformation.org
When I was a teenager, I went wild and began using drugs and alcohol in order to escape the pain of my life. When I finally got a wake-up call, I knew I had to make a choice about which direction my life was headed. So, I decided to immerse myself in church and search to really know God for myself. God has been so gentle and kind to me as He has shown me what His love looks like while giving me opportunities to surrender and trust Him. I am overcome by His amazing love and His desire to know and relate with each one of us personally. I have experienced His willingness to truly meet us where we're at and walk forward from there. It is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. I believe God would have me to be an open vessel following His lead as He desires to use me however He chooses in bringing healing to the broken-hearted, as He has used others to do for me. (Isaiah 61:1-4) I believe that everything evil intends for destruction in our lives, but God will turn it around and use it for good in our lives to honor and glorify Him.
I have served in Women's Ministries and lead various small groups for women, such as Story Group, Captivating, and groups for women who have been sexually abused. I have taken some classes for lay counseling and gone through Story Workshop and Recovery Weeks with Dan Allender. I am excited and so honored that God would include me in what He is doing through Three Oaks Life Transformation Center!
Nampa IDJC
shauna@3oakstransformation.org
Lori Szmak
"Lord, we want to move out of New Jersey, where should we go? " Married since 1991, that was the prayer for my husband and me. Tony and I have been serving the Lord since 1992, leading Bible studies, feeding the homeless, ministering to battered women, and supporting Christians who were losing their faith. We attended a wonderful church in New Jersey and we have many close and dear friends there, but we knew it was time to leave and start a new life with the Lord somewhere else.
In 2007, I heard the word "Idaho" while I prayed and really knew nothing about the state at all except that it was across the country. So, thanks to the internet, I researched the many areas and felt the Lord pointed us towards Idaho Falls. We decided to test our thoughts with a trip out west and asked the Lord to show us if Idaho Falls was the place we were to go; and He did. So we came. It took 2 1/2 years from the first time we first visited Idaho before we actually moved here. During that time, the economy crashed and we were both laid off from our jobs, but the Lord sustained us and made a way for us to leave NJ in financial prosperity. Only the Lord can do things like that.
After coming to Idaho in March, 2010, I started as a volunteer with Three Oaks at St. Anthony and, within 9 months, I became employed as the Faith-Based Resource Developer. Only the Lord would have put me in this position since I've never worked with incarcerated youth before, but, He has changed my heart and my life with this job and ministry. I've never looked back, only ahead to see where the Lord is going next. I know the Lord has plans for all the kids at St. Anthony and I am humbled to be a part of those plans.
FRD at St. Anthony IDJC
lori@3oakstransformation.org
In 2007, I heard the word "Idaho" while I prayed and really knew nothing about the state at all except that it was across the country. So, thanks to the internet, I researched the many areas and felt the Lord pointed us towards Idaho Falls. We decided to test our thoughts with a trip out west and asked the Lord to show us if Idaho Falls was the place we were to go; and He did. So we came. It took 2 1/2 years from the first time we first visited Idaho before we actually moved here. During that time, the economy crashed and we were both laid off from our jobs, but the Lord sustained us and made a way for us to leave NJ in financial prosperity. Only the Lord can do things like that.
After coming to Idaho in March, 2010, I started as a volunteer with Three Oaks at St. Anthony and, within 9 months, I became employed as the Faith-Based Resource Developer. Only the Lord would have put me in this position since I've never worked with incarcerated youth before, but, He has changed my heart and my life with this job and ministry. I've never looked back, only ahead to see where the Lord is going next. I know the Lord has plans for all the kids at St. Anthony and I am humbled to be a part of those plans.
FRD at St. Anthony IDJC
lori@3oakstransformation.org
Daniel & Treasa Sabo
Daniel and Treasa Sabo are so glad to be a part of Three Oaks Life Transformation Center. They share the same heart to reach students and people wherever they are and in whatever life circumstances they find themselves in.
Daniel and Treasa have been married since September, 2001, and together they have 3 young children, Isaiah, Priscilla, and Joshua. Treasa grew up in the Lewiston Clarkston Valley and Daniel grew up just south of Seattle. Daniel and Treasa have been serving in ministry together for their whole marriage. They have a real heart for families and see the need for Jesus to be the center of them. Daniel attended Howard Payne University with a Christian Studies Major with an emphasis on Greek.
It is their desire to share the saving love of Jesus Christ through their testimony and to equip others to do the same.
FRD at Lewiston IDJC
daniel@3oakstransformation.org
treasa@3oakstransformation.org
Daniel and Treasa have been married since September, 2001, and together they have 3 young children, Isaiah, Priscilla, and Joshua. Treasa grew up in the Lewiston Clarkston Valley and Daniel grew up just south of Seattle. Daniel and Treasa have been serving in ministry together for their whole marriage. They have a real heart for families and see the need for Jesus to be the center of them. Daniel attended Howard Payne University with a Christian Studies Major with an emphasis on Greek.
It is their desire to share the saving love of Jesus Christ through their testimony and to equip others to do the same.
FRD at Lewiston IDJC
daniel@3oakstransformation.org
treasa@3oakstransformation.org
Bob Black
I am the chaplain at the maximum security institution. I began working here in late 2011 and have enjoyed it greatly. I worked in the prisons as a volunteer for a number of years and continue to work as a volunteer in the county jails. My prayer was always that God would open a door that would allow me to reach more inmates with the gospel. This job has been an answer to prayer and I look forward to seeing God work even more through the programs at Three Oaks and the open doors that I am finding at the prison.
I was saved as a young man while living in Alaska. I wish I could say that I served God from that day forward, but unfortunately, I served myself for a number of years. I thank God that He is longsuffering and was there when the prodigal returned. God has blessed me beyond measure and has continued to allow me to lead others to Him. The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:23, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." I'm so thankful that someone brought that word to me one day. Lord willing, I will be able to take it and share it with as many people as possible. Our time here is limited and John 4:35 says "the fields" are "white already to harvest"; there are souls in need of Jesus Christ. The need is great! Thank God we get to be a part of His work for His glory and honor.
VRC - IMSI
bob@3oakstransformation.org
I was saved as a young man while living in Alaska. I wish I could say that I served God from that day forward, but unfortunately, I served myself for a number of years. I thank God that He is longsuffering and was there when the prodigal returned. God has blessed me beyond measure and has continued to allow me to lead others to Him. The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:23, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." I'm so thankful that someone brought that word to me one day. Lord willing, I will be able to take it and share it with as many people as possible. Our time here is limited and John 4:35 says "the fields" are "white already to harvest"; there are souls in need of Jesus Christ. The need is great! Thank God we get to be a part of His work for His glory and honor.
VRC - IMSI
bob@3oakstransformation.org
Keith Gardner
Keith has more than 30 years of experience in the substance abuse field as a counselor and instructor. Keith’s career began in Wyoming as Director of an outpatient alcoholism program, instructor at the Western Regional Alcohol Training Center at the University of Utah, Counselor and Program Director at the National Council on Alcoholism and other Drug Dependencies, and has worked in the alcohol and drug field in Idaho for over ten years, providing counseling, group facilitation and assessments. He has also served as the Prison Fellowship Ministries Field Director for Idaho and Montana. He is the former President of the Treasure Valley Alcohol and Drug Coalition.
Keith has a Master’s Degree in Psychology and is a Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (CADC) as well as an Internationally Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ICADC). He is also a Certified Substance Use Disorder’s Case Manager and Certified Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN- I Site Interviewer). Keith is also a licensed Alcohol/Drug evaluator for the state of Idaho.
Keith has provided substance abuse awareness training for thousands of clients, supervisors, employees, students and professionals throughout the United States. Keith trained supervisors and employees on the implementation of the Drug Free Workplace and Department of Transportation alcohol/drug regulations.
Keith and his wife, Lindy, have been a volunteers at the Idaho prisons and Ada County Jail for over ten years. They currently volunteer in the Ada County Jail, Idaho Maximum Security Institution, and the South Idaho Correctional Institution-PRC unit.
“I met James in 2002 when he and Terry hosted the Purpose Driven Life series in their home group. We’ve kept in touch over the years and worked together briefly at New Hope’s biblical-based program. I facilitated biblically-based alcohol/drug programs for several years there and, when they closed their doors, felt a real loss. In the summer of 2011, James and I had a God-ordained meeting in Cascade, Idaho. We agreed to pray about His direction for Three Oaks and my love for the addicted person; God made it clear to open up a recovery program guided by His word. I feel God will bless and grow Three Oaks to accomplish His will in the
lives of many people. It’s an honor to be a part of a new direction God is taking us in the Treasure Valley.”
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC)
DUI & substance Abuse Evaluations
keith@3oakstransformation.org
Keith has a Master’s Degree in Psychology and is a Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (CADC) as well as an Internationally Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ICADC). He is also a Certified Substance Use Disorder’s Case Manager and Certified Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN- I Site Interviewer). Keith is also a licensed Alcohol/Drug evaluator for the state of Idaho.
Keith has provided substance abuse awareness training for thousands of clients, supervisors, employees, students and professionals throughout the United States. Keith trained supervisors and employees on the implementation of the Drug Free Workplace and Department of Transportation alcohol/drug regulations.
Keith and his wife, Lindy, have been a volunteers at the Idaho prisons and Ada County Jail for over ten years. They currently volunteer in the Ada County Jail, Idaho Maximum Security Institution, and the South Idaho Correctional Institution-PRC unit.
“I met James in 2002 when he and Terry hosted the Purpose Driven Life series in their home group. We’ve kept in touch over the years and worked together briefly at New Hope’s biblical-based program. I facilitated biblically-based alcohol/drug programs for several years there and, when they closed their doors, felt a real loss. In the summer of 2011, James and I had a God-ordained meeting in Cascade, Idaho. We agreed to pray about His direction for Three Oaks and my love for the addicted person; God made it clear to open up a recovery program guided by His word. I feel God will bless and grow Three Oaks to accomplish His will in the
lives of many people. It’s an honor to be a part of a new direction God is taking us in the Treasure Valley.”
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC)
DUI & substance Abuse Evaluations
keith@3oakstransformation.org
John "Tex" Kurtin
July 25th, 1984 – It was a Wednesday night and my dad’s boss, also our Royal Rangers leader, led me to the Lord. My life will forever be changed because of that night. I wish I could say that I’ve made all the right decisions since then, but I haven’t. After failed marriages, time in jail, time in rehab, and time running from God, I finally made a decision to let “Jesus take the wheel” in my life. As a single father of four amazing children, it was time to be a Christian, a father, and whatever else God wants me to be.
In early 2007, I believe, I met James on a night when he shared his testimony at our church. I was immediately drawn to him and it was then that he let me know God had prepared him for that night. He told me God had given him a verse for me, Psalm 46:10, which simply says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It took a few years to get the “Be still” part, but, through attending James' CCC course and letting him mentor me with extreme accountability, I've finally graduated to the “know that I am God” class. I struggle daily with “taking the wheel”, but I know that He is God and He’s got my back. I know that life has plenty of challenges ahead, but, I also know that the last thing I need to do is try to insert my own will into the situation. For the better part of 38 years, that's what I did; and, it didn't work out so well.
When I came on staff as a volunteer in October, 2011, James informed us that he had been praying me to this position for 2-3 years. I had no idea, but I guess it’s just one more reason to believe that God answers prayers. As a volunteer Marketing Director, it’s my job to educate and excite the community and state about what God’s doing in and through 3 Oaks. This job is not short of challenges, but the good news is, I’m not driving. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has the wheel and I’m just along for the ride.
I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you, and growing with you in Christ.
Marketing Director
john@3oakstransformation.org
In early 2007, I believe, I met James on a night when he shared his testimony at our church. I was immediately drawn to him and it was then that he let me know God had prepared him for that night. He told me God had given him a verse for me, Psalm 46:10, which simply says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It took a few years to get the “Be still” part, but, through attending James' CCC course and letting him mentor me with extreme accountability, I've finally graduated to the “know that I am God” class. I struggle daily with “taking the wheel”, but I know that He is God and He’s got my back. I know that life has plenty of challenges ahead, but, I also know that the last thing I need to do is try to insert my own will into the situation. For the better part of 38 years, that's what I did; and, it didn't work out so well.
When I came on staff as a volunteer in October, 2011, James informed us that he had been praying me to this position for 2-3 years. I had no idea, but I guess it’s just one more reason to believe that God answers prayers. As a volunteer Marketing Director, it’s my job to educate and excite the community and state about what God’s doing in and through 3 Oaks. This job is not short of challenges, but the good news is, I’m not driving. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has the wheel and I’m just along for the ride.
I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you, and growing with you in Christ.
Marketing Director
john@3oakstransformation.org
