Leland was raised in Coleman, Texas, and graduated from Howard Payne University with a B.S. degree in Business. He and his wife, Linda, are founders of LOOPS, Inc., (Loved Ones of Prisoners), a non -profit organization that ministers to inmates and their families. Leland serves on the board of directors of the Texas Baptist Men’s Restorative Criminal Justice Division and also on the board of directors of Texas Restorative Criminal Justice Journal. He serves as a police chaplain in Odessa, Texas, and outlined the chaplaincy program for the Ector County Law Enforcement Center. Leland and Linda coordinate Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree program for both Midland and Odessa. They also aid in the beginning of support groups for families of inmates. Leland and Linda conduct discipleship and marriage seminars in prison throughout the state.. They also pioneered the first family seminar (taking children into prison) called “A Day With Dad”. Leland teaches a weekly life enrichment program called “From Garbage to Gems” at the Ector County Parole Office. LOOPS (Loved Ones Of PrisonerS), Inc. is a non-denominational, non-profit, religious organization dedicated to the support and restoration of prisoners and their families through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Leland and Linda Maples head the ministry of LOOPS and are aware that this mission may be accomplished in various ways with various means. There are other good prison related ministries with which LOOPS cooperates so as to not duplicate another's ministry. If you would like to know more about LOOPS, contact them by e-mail. They would be more than glad to answer any questions you may have.
