September 2026 News
VERSE OF THE MONTH
“Two are better than one, because there is a good reward for their labor together. For if they fall, then one will help up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to help him up. Also if two lie down together, then they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm by himself? And if someone might overpower another by himself, two together can withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” ~Ecclesiates 4:9-12
Paula’s Perspective
Greetings!
Fall is just around the corner. I know because I have seen geese flying south for the winter. Have you ever watched them flying overhead? I find the V formation interesting. They work together to travel farther than any one bird could go alone. The geese take turns leading, allowing the bird in front to rest while another takes its place. When one becomes tired or struggles, others adjust and stay alongside it.
I think we can learn a lot from geese about partnership.
I have seen again and again that we cannot do this work alone, and we aren’t meant to. God has brought churches, law enforcement, businesses, volunteers, donors, and community organizations alongside us, and each partner brings something unique to the journey.
One organization may open a door. Another may provide resources. Someone else may offer encouragement, expertise, or simply show up when help is needed. Individually, each contribution may seem small, but together they create something much greater.
Our recent partnerships have reminded me that ministry is strongest when we work together toward a common purpose: bringing hope, dignity, and new opportunities to people who are often overlooked or forgotten.
Thank you to everyone who has chosen to fly alongside Tangible Hope Ministries! Whether you give, volunteer, pray, open your doors, or share your expertise, you are part of this journey. We are grateful for the opportunity to go farther together than any of us could go alone.
Blessed & grateful!
Paula Creswell
Executive Director
Tangible Hope Ministries
New Community Church’s vision is to be a community that accepts people as they are, showing them the love of God, connecting people with others in meaningful ways that promote the work of God in their lives, and walk together toward Jesus. Tangible Hope Ministries is excited to partner with a church that truly welcomes everyone and offers programs designed to serve people from all walks of life. We are grateful for their heart for the community and their commitment to creating a place where everyone is valued, supported, and encouraged.
Golden Ticket: Sharing Hope in Our Community
Tangible Hope Ministries was honored to partner with the Kent County Sheriff’s Department for the Golden Ticket event, an opportunity to remind returning citizens and families of those who are incarcerated that they are not forgotten.
Through this partnership, Tangible Hope Ministries was able to share Bags of Hope with returning citizens and families impacted by incarceration. Each bag is more than a collection of practical items—it is a tangible reminder that someone cares, that there is a community willing to walk alongside them, and that there is hope for the future.
We are grateful to the Kent County Sheriff’s Department for inviting Tangible Hope Ministries to be part of this meaningful event. Partnerships like this demonstrate what can happen when churches, community organizations, law enforcement, and individuals work together to support families and create pathways toward restoration.
At Tangible Hope Ministries, we believe hope is more powerful when it is made tangible. We are thankful for every opportunity to show Christ’s love through practical support, meaningful relationships, and a community that believes in second chances.
pen pals on the outside
We currently have inmates waiting for a pen pal. Most have been on the list for several months. 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
“How do you know when the Holy Spirit is moving you or telling you what to do? I always ask myself that. I’m actually glad that I did take the chance and wrote that letter asking for a pen pal. Why do you think things like that happen? Just curious! God is good!”
~Jose, inmate at the Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice
SAVE THE DATE!
PEN PAL PALOOZA
Bring a roll of stamps to be entered into our grand prize drawing
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
1,500 holiday cards will be available to be written and addressed to men and women in prison throughout the country!
Special guest speaker at noon – you don’t want to miss this!
Trivia and prizes every hour
Food, fun, and fellowship!
Fill a Bag of Hope with a Click
Every graduate of our Living Forward program receives a Bag of Hope filled with practical essentials to help them take the next step toward a successful future. These bags include hygiene products, socks, T-shirts, and other everyday necessities that many returning citizens simply don’t have when they begin again.
You can help by shopping from our Amazon Wish List. It’s one of the easiest ways to make a direct impact—simply choose an item, purchase it, and it will be shipped directly to Tangible Hope Ministries. Every donation helps us ensure that each participant leaves our program knowing they are valued, supported, and not walking this journey alone.
Click the Amazon Wish List button below to provide hope, encouragement, and practical support to a Living Forward graduate today. Thank you for helping us give returning citizens the tools—and the confidence—they need for a fresh start.
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
