Happy Thanksgiving! What a wonderful month to focus on thanking God for his incredible work of grace in our lives, culminating on Thanksgiving Day with family and friends. This is the key to tangible, everyday joy.

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” 1

Be Thankful for Everything…

We are called to live a joyful life, always prayerful, and giving thanks in everything, which is God’s will for our life. Being thankful releases the gift of the Holy Spirit (God’s continual helping presence in our lives), instead of stifling Him by our complaining.

Merry Christmas! My prayer is that you will have renewed hope this Christmas, no matter what situation, hope personally, for family, career and for our country. Ultimately, our hope is in God’s plan and purpose for each of us. If I can have hope in prison, you can have hope too!

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.” 1

Welcome! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. If not in person, maybe over the phone or social media. You may be able to identify with many prisoners who had nobody to call. They’ve burned all their bridges. In 2015, let’s trust God for a better New Year for us all.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” 1

A Future and a Hope…

Things may seem pretty hopeless starting off the new year. You may find yourself lacking vision for the future. I’m asked often, “Charles, how do you do it after all these years? It can’t be easy.”

Happy Valentine’s Day! I write often about things I share with the men in prison for their encouragement. As a result, I’m told often that I’m more free than a large percentage of folks in the free world. My sole purpose is for the world to know that God loves them.

Where is the Love?

Early in my life as a believer, the Lord revealed to me that I had been searching for love all my life in all the wrong places. In reality, I was rejecting real love and being deceived to believe that love was found in wine women and song – the externals.

I became convinced that I’d never find real love, so why bother? I realized a need for someone to love me unconditionally, but I often felt judged, and feared failure. Looking for acceptance, I fell prey to a manipulative love from people wanting to use me for their selfish ends, and became one of them. Can you identify?

Welcome! It’s such a privilege to share with you. Of course, we haven’t met, but you’ve heard of me. “Once ready to die for Charles Manson, now living a new life for Christ.” Forty Years ago, I came to understand that God loved me. Up to that point in life, I thought He was angry at me, but He wasn’t. He was only waiting for me to respond to His love and grace. “For whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 1

A Praise Report…

“I recently read your book and anything else I could find on you. I am interested in your life and choose not to dwell on the past as I can see you have moved on from that dark place. Praise God for the journey you have travelled thus far.

Happy Easter! The true Easter view is all about celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We see ourselves raised up out of past failures into the victory of Christ. Nothing else, not philosophy or any of man’s ideas or concepts can trump God’s plan for man’s salvation by faith in His Son’s finished work. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1

A Letter From Abroad…

“I’m an author and documentary film maker from Scotland, United Kingdom. I found your website and read it with interest, and thought I’d write to offer support.

Welcome! You may be on this site for the first time; amazed that a former Manson family member could be forgiven and reaching out to the world. Well, it's true! I am forgiven and you are too, if you will only receive Christ's payment for sin. this is the good news! I beg you to spend time on this website in a allow the Lord to change your heart and life.

From A Teenager...

I'm just a teen, but I've been wanting to write to you, and I finally am. I started reading stuff on the so-called "Manson Family" and though you were a big part of the crimes, and I don't know you personally, I couldn't help but feel bad.

 What a wonderful privilege to be able to speak into your life. With so much sadness in the world, my purpose is to bring you a message of gladness, because of what the Lord has done. His word for you is,

“...Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” 1

Contact Charles...

Many of you write praise reports to me as a result of coming to the site. It makes my day to hear that you are blessed by what you read. Your response is the only way I hear of the results, such as this one from Jamie, writing,

"I have begun reading your books, "Will You Die For Me?" and "Manson's Right-Hand Man Speaks Out!" I just felt that I had to write you. I have so many questions about who you are now and have so much to say. Your books are both very well written and informative. Truth be told I can hardly put them down.

Welcome! My prayer is for you to experience God's healing power while on aboundinglove.org. That your heart will be open to God's love and grace, realizing that if He can forgive me, there is hope for you, too. I believe something new and exciting is about to take place in your life.

Change Is Possible...

"I recently looked at your new website and really love the new look. It is truly a beautiful website and as always, the monthly views are inspiring. I can honestly say that I always take something from what you have to say. It always makes me happy to see so many people write with so many positive words for you. People look beyond what brought you to prison and see the new man inside.

Welcome! If this is your first time to visit the site, I'm throwing out a lifeline to rescue folks from drowning in the delusions of this world. I was rescued in 1975, after my false beliefs took me down the road to destruction. Since that time, I've become a part of the rescue party, bringing many on board for a life of victory and vision.

A Cry For Healing...

“I hope this letter finds you well. I noticed a monumental countenance change in your face, as I compare the look you had a long time ago, to now. While most people’s looks do change as they get older, with you, this is not just the case, in my opinion, because I feel what is also being seen is the life of Christ.

Welcome! My purpose is to demonstrate God's love for you no matter what your past. My hope is for you to experience His unconditional love in the depths of your heart, resulting in freedom from rebellion, pride, fear, insecurity, guilt, shame, etc. For this reason, I'm offering a new link and brochure called "God's Divine Flow."

The anointing of love...

You've heard “God loves you!” as a cliché many times, but have you really experienced God's love in the depths of your heart? Many answer “no”, so you aren't alone. For me, I experienced God's love when I was born - again. “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again [born from above], you cannot see [perceive] the kingdom of God [love].” 1

Welcome! It is a joy to have you visiting the site. Oh, that more would show up to view and read about the goodness of God. You can easily help your friends and family experience God’s love and grace by referring them to the site.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” 1

Viewing God's mercy...

I'm surprised by how many write, unaware of aboundinglove.org. They've heard the testimony, read the books and are rejoicing, but desiring more. Wendy writes,

“I recently read two of your books and was thrilled to read that you are a born-again Christian. I heard some years ago that you got saved but wondered if it was for real. I came across your book Manson's Right-Hand Man and almost didn't read it; I'm so glad that I did! You have a thrilling testimony and a true example of pure Lord's saving grace. I am amazed at your knowledge of the Bible; it's invite you study a lot. I'm glad that the Lord is using you in prison ministry, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. I wish that a program like '60 minutes' would do an interview with you so that others could see you are no longer the man you were 46 years ago. May the Lord continue to bless and use you on the work He has called you to do.”

Happy Thanksgiving! It's always so wonderful to hear from those seeking and appropriating forgiveness as a reality in their lives. If you are struggling with hurts, resentments, fears and the inability to forgive or be forgiven, this website is for you!

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” 1

A Letter of Thanksgiving...

Those who write to me have no idea they could be proclaiming to the whole wide world what God has done. Listen to Kimberly, who wrote:

“I hope this finds you doing well. I am 39 and live in rural Georgia, with my four children on a small little farm that keeps me busy.

I must tell you how I came to find you. I've been struggling with some personal health issues over the past two years. I love the Lord and have turned to Him for support and guidance. He has been my rock. I praise Him!

Merry Christmas! I pray the Holy Spirit will help you realize that Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. Listen to the angel Gabriel speaking to Mary before His birth:

“You will conceive and give birth to a son and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his kingdom will never end!” 1

Joy To The World...

Many of us are familiar with the Christmas lyrics, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come, let heaven and earth rejoice.” As you look around the world today, especially with the recent terrorism in France looming in our minds, the reality of joy seems far off. As our hearts break with the people of France, the victims, their families and loved ones, our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

Welcome! It is always a privilege to share with you each month. In the United States of America, a week is set aside each year to focus on those victimized by crime. Although it is all about the victims and their families, some share their hearts with groups of inmates in prison, especially in California. This is not only a healing balm for the victims, but for the inmates who get in touch with their feelings, gain compassion and learn to empathize.

VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK…

This week was a three day event in April for those housed at Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP), especially for those involved in the Victims Awareness Offenders Program (VAOP). Each day, Staff members escorted family members of victims into the chapel to speak to a group of inmates, but none were victims of inmates at MCSP.

Some question the ability to trust an inmate in such a setting. But be assured, the three VAOP learning phases equip the men with four core values: respect, care, trust and humility. We have learned to listen intently and to ask appropriate questions when called upon. Our motto is: “NO MORE VICTIMS!”

The men were mesmerized by the sharing of members from four organizations:

Welcome! I need your help to proclaim that God’s love and grace is greater than the Manson madness through tweets and email sharing the link to aboundinglove.org with family and friends. I pray, “That we may publish with a voice of thanksgiving and tell of all God’s wondrous works.” 1

BE AN INSPIRATION…

Many people write me unaware that the answers to their question are on my website. One such person named June had this response after hearing from me:

“You asked if I had been to aboundinglove.org, and I had not. I wasn’t aware of the site until you mentioned it. I have since been there and have watched the movie and am reading the books.

You are such an inspiration not only to me but to others as well. Thank you for sharing your life with us all. You are truly a blessing! I am glad that I have gotten with you.”

Welcome! It is wonderful to hear from so many who are being blessed by God through this website. “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with the joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.“1

YOU ARE LOVED…

My heart goes out to those of you who are not experiencing love of any kind. It could be that past hurt and rejection has robbed you from the awesome power of God’s healing love.

Because of your childhood, you may find it hard to accept love. I could have benefited from more hugs and kisses myself. By my teenage years, I felt that love was a physical need, not realizing love’s spiritual side. Though as a child I sang “Jesus loves me this I know”, I didn’t know real love – the God kind of love.

Welcome. It is so wonderful to experience God’s loving kindness and freedom from the baggage of the past. If you are tired of guilt and shame, it is time to accept God’s forgiveness through the finished work of Jesus Christ at the cross. “He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.” 1

Right Believing …

Our choice is to believe it or not. For me, it is a no brainer to receive forgiveness, and not to wallow in the more of the past. Listen to Jeff’s response:

“I have followed your story for a good number of years. I was a history major in school and did a lot of specialized on notable crimes. But it was the born-again Christian in me that has become fascinated with your story. I had always struggled with some guilt and shame over things in my past. I am a recovering drug addict, so you can imagine, I had found the Lord, there was still an overwhelming sense of doubt… the idea was stuck in my mind that God could never or would never forgive me: not for the sins I had committed. I began to wonder if I had ever really changed as a person or if I was lying to myself. It was after reading your books, that God made it real to me that He could do ANYTHING; change anyone, forgive ANYONE, love anyone; that His blood had already washed my sins. It was that day that all of the guilt, those questions, those doubts were lifted from me.

Welcome. I pray that God’s goodness will become real to you this year, and that His love will be experienced deep in your heart. The psalmist David said, “I would have fainted, unless I believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”1

The purpose of this website is to show you the goodness of God. As members of the body of Christ, we represent Jesus Christ on Earth. “And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the Devil, for God was with Him.”2 So what would Jesus do in 2014?

Seek and Save The Lost…

First, He would tell everyone that He came 2000 years ago to seek and save the lost at the cross.3 That He died there fore their sins and rose again to give eternal life, which was in expression of His love for them. This is the Good News:

It is my heart's prayer that you receive Jesus as your personal Savior while visiting this site, and for those who have, to "...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 1

The Pride of Life

My pride kept me from receiving Christ into my life until I was twenty-nine years old. As a result, I was filled with worry, anxiety and fear. The spirit of fear caused me to act out in anger and to medicate the pain with alcohol, sex and drugs. Listen to the apostle Paul,

"For God has not given me a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2

After I received Christ, my fear did not just cease, but I had received the Holy Spirit to help me overcome fear. He comforted me in my anxiety and strengthened me in my time of trouble. I began to experience His presence and peace as I turned to Him on a daily basis.