Roy had never seen anything like this before. Escorted by a group of officers, he descends down a long flight of concrete stairs leading to El Salvador's notorious underground prison.

In this "dungeon" live some of the country's worst criminals—most of whom are gang members that remain faithful to their colors even behind bars. Leaving their cell blocks, they hesitantly approach Roy. Here, visitors are even more uncommon than sunlight.

Separated only by steel bars, Roy begins telling them about Jesus as his team passes gift bags through the openings. After several minutes, he then asks who would like to become a Christian, a brand-new child of God. Knowing that raising their hands would bring certain death for a gang member, one by one they begin making eye contact with Roy to signal they just gave their hearts to the Lord. And although the prison doors are still guarded and locked, they are more free today than they've been their entire lives.

Thanks to the generous support of our friends and partners, in 2006 thousands of prisoners worldwide were offered the same love and opportunity for a fresh start as these men in El Salvador.

From Pennsylvania, Mississippi, and Louisiana to India, Canada, Mexico, Grenada and South Africa, our prison ministry team personally distributed hygiene gift bags—containing soap, shampoo and one of Joyce's books—to more than 174,000 prisoners in 126 prisons. High-quality products like soap and shampoo are something most prisoners can't afford...and they are often the very things that open their hearts to reading the enclosed book.

During our visits, God also provided us with many opportunities to hold services, preach the Gospel and share His love with these precious people.

One of the year's many highlights occurred in Rwanda. During Hope Rwanda—100 Days of Hope, we launched one of the most massive prison outreaches in the nation's history, delivering gift bags to every inmate in the country. That's more than 70,000 prisoners. By week's end, more than 18,000 gave their hearts to Jesus!

Friends and partners, through your support we have distributed hygiene gift bags to more than 1.3 million prisoners in twenty countries over the past eight years. And for many, this act of love represents the only visitor they may receive all year long...and possibly their one single chance to hear the Gospel message.

So for all those behind bars...for all those who needed a fresh start...for all those who have been given new life and new hope, we say thank you. Your support has meant the world to so many who need a second chance.

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

It's a bitterly cold Friday night, and our St. Louis Dream Center staff and volunteers set out once again to find some of the hundreds of men, women and children living on the streets.

Many they know by name and visit their "homes" made of old milk crates or cardboard boxes. Others they meet for the very first time. But to each one they bring friendship, encouragement and prayer—as well as food, clothes and blankets that may literally save their lives on this rough winter night.

Since its inception more than six years ago, the St. Louis Dream Center church and outreach facilities, founded and operated by Joyce Meyer Ministries, have offered hope and a new beginning to thousands of inner-city residents.

And 2006 was no exception. In fact, this past year, through our cutting-edge ministry outreaches, we were able to have a greater impact on more people in more ways than ever before.

Through our thriving street ministry, we provided over 180,000 meals to the hungry and ministered to and cared for more than 18,000 homeless people. We visited more than 41,000 people in their homes, offering prayer, gifts, and loving guidance. And we helped thousands through our dynamic outreaches to help bring prostitutes and drug dealers off the streets.

With your support we were able to powerfully impact the young and old alike. Through our Nickelodeon-style Super Saturday program, we reached the next generation, teaching God's Word to more than 20,000 kids. We also brought the love of God to what many consider the "forgotten generation," visiting over 20,000 elderly in nursing homes and retirement communities all across the metropolitan area.

And at the St. Louis Dream Center, it's about more than just numbers—it's about helping people, changing lives, and reviving the dreams of a once- thriving community.

"There is nothing more rewarding or precious to God than seeing someone find hope in the good news that God loves them and has a special plan for their life," says Pastor Jeff Allensworth. "We do what we do for the hope of seeing lives changed."

And lives are changing—not only at the St. Louis Dream Center, but also through the many other inner-city ministries you are helping us support...ministries like Urban Youth Impact and the Los Angeles Dream Center.

Some say that the sun never sets on the St. Louis Dream Center...and they may be right. Whether it's summer or winter...rain or snow...day or night, your support has allowed us to shine a ray of hope into the darkest of circumstances and reach out with love to those who need it the most.

Click here for more about our prison and inner-city ministries.