Christian New Creation (CNC) welcomed guests on Saturday, April 30, 2022 to celebrate the grand opening of The Deacon Jeff Schmelter Lamplighter Club and The Bob & Peggy Naughton Enlightenment Center. The opening of this additional meeting space completes Phase 1 of CNC’s campus expansion.
“This is an amazing time at the Isaiah and Providence Houses,” said CNC Executive Director Tony VanDerbur. “We could never have done it without the direction and support of all who are present today.” CNC has 41 beds and 100 men at Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facilities who are on the waiting list. The phrase “Carrying the Torch” refers to the turning point opportunity that these men will have upon release to make a change at their fork in the road and carry the torch to light their way in the future. It is an opportunity for these men to change the direction of their path and allow their lives to be transformed through Christ.
“Both Jeff and Bob were lamplighters in both their chosen paths,” says Tony, “helping those who otherwise would not have the safety to travel the paths that they were taken.” The mentorship of Bob and Deacon Jeff, both in and out of the prisons, has changed so many lives through spiritual direction, education and addiction recovery.
“Thank you for all the support of the transition of the old garage into an education center focused on helping the former men in white to be what they dreamed in prison about: to be the sons, husbands and fathers that their loved ones prayed for.”
Tony VanDerbur
