JULY 2026 News
VERSE OF THE MONTH
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” ~Micah 7:18
Paula’s Perspective
Greetings!
The participants in our Living Forward Program classes are newly released from prison, and we are one of their first points of contact as they reenter society. I recently came across a very insightful writing about what their experience is like coming home. Part of showing grace and mercy to others is gaining a clearer understanding of what they have experienced. Please join me as we take a walk down their path.
PRISON DIDN’T FIX HIM. IT TRAINED HIM.
People love the word correction. It sounds clean. Controlled.
Like something is being repaired.
Like a man goes in broken…. and comes out better.
But that’s not what prison does.
Prison doesn’t teach people how to live right. It teaches them how to survive wrong. It teaches hyper-awareness.
How to read a room before you even step into it. How to scan faces, body language, tone—instantly.
Because missing one signal can cost you everything.
It teaches emotional shutdown. Because feelings are liabilities in an environment where vulnerability gets exploited.
So you bury them. Over and over again. Until you no longer even know how to access them.
It teaches distrust. Not just of strangers – but of systems, authority, and sometimes even people you love. Because inside… trust can get you hurt, or worse.
So you build walls. Thick ones. Permanent ones.
It teaches control through silence. Say less. Show less. Feel less.
Move smart. Stay ready. Never relax.
Because peace isn’t something you’re given in there. It’s something you survive without.
And then one day…..the gate opens.
And the same system that trained him to live like that expects him to suddenly function in a completely different world.
Smile more.
Trust people.
Be patient.
Be soft.
Be normal.
Like survival mode just… shuts off. But survival doesn’t have an off switch. It lingers. In how he walks into a room. In how he watches people. In how he reacts to stress. In how he struggles to connect… even when he wants to.
So when he gets out and things don’t go smoothly…
They say he didn’t learn his lesson. They say he’s institutionalized. They say he failed.
But nobody talks about what he was actually taught.
Nobody admits that the environment didn’t rehabilitate him…It conditioned him.
Rewired him. Prepared him for a world that doesn’t exist on the outside.
That’s not correction. That’s survival training in a controlled environment…with no transition plan.
And the hardest part?
The people judging him the most have no idea what it took just to make it out.
More of the author’s writings can be found on Facebook from Inside Out Family Prison Group. (Shared with permission).
Grace + Peace,
Paula Creswell
Executive Director
Tangible Hope Ministries
Partner Spotlight
Cornerstone University SOAR™ Program
SOAR™ by Cornerstone University redesigned business degrees for individuals looking for a smarter education that fits their goals and values. As a pioneer in Christian higher education and online learning, Cornerstone created a radically affordable, 100% mobile-delivered degree pathway. SOAR™ accelerates on-the-go, self-paced learning and eliminates cost barriers by using the technology already in your hands — your smartphone.
Tangible Hope Ministries has partnered with Cornerstone University to offer the SOAR™ program to returning citizens through our Living Forward program. Participants in our Living Forward program receive discounted tuition and help with preparing their FAFSA. This frequently results in free tuition covering their bachelor’s degree!
For more information, visit https://www.cornerstone.edu/soar/
pen pals on the outside
We currently have over 50 inmates waiting for a pen pal. You may sign up by clicking the link below. If you currently have a pen pal and have room for one more, please email paulac@cardsforprisoners or text 616-446-3174.
pen pals on the inside
“I look forward to your next letter. It brought me out of a dark place in my life. It’s nice to know that there are total strangers out there who love you no matter what you have done.
~Mark, inmate at Thumb CF
PEN PAL PALOOZA IS BACK!!!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2026
Mars Hill Bible Church
3500 Fairlanes Avenue SW, Grandville, MI
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Snacks & beverages provided by Mars Hill
Stop in and leave at your convenience
1,800 holiday cards will be available to be written and addressed to men and women in prison throughout the country!
Bring a roll of stamps to be entered into our grand prize drawing
Special guest speaker at noon – you don’t want to miss this!
Trivia and prizes every hour
Stay tuned for more details!
Tangible Hope Ministries Mission:
Motivated by the teachings of Jesus, Tangible Hope Ministries endeavors to show unconditional love to people overlooked by society, to inspire hope, dignity, and a path to restoration with family and community.
Tangible Hope Ministries Vision:
Tangible Hope Ministries envisions a world where no life is defined by its darkest moment. We partner with local churches and organizations to offer second chances, build community, and share the power of tangible hope.
Tangible Hope Ministries | P.O. Box 413 | Grandville, MI 49468 US
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