November 2026 Newsletter
VERSE OF THE MONTH
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ~Hebrews 12:1
Paula’s Perspective
Greetings!
In my athletic years, I ran a few 5 K/10 K races. I wasn’t fast, and I’m sure it wasn’t pretty, but I had motivation and a goal: to cross the finish line!
Some runners seem to fly across the finish line, while others struggle just to keep moving forward.
Our walk of faith is much like running a race. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” God doesn’t ask us to run someone else’s race or compare our progress to those around us. He asks us to keep our eyes on our goal and to trust Him to guide our steps.
Of course, every race has its challenges. There are hills to climb, and moments when we wonder if we have the strength to keep going. Life is no different. Sometimes our past mistakes, difficult circumstances, or the opinions of others make it hard to believe we can move forward, much less finish.
But a difficult beginning doesn’t mean we can’t have a hopeful ending.
We see this every day at Tangible Hope Ministries. Through our Living Forward program, Cards For Prisoners, and our work with youth, we have the privilege of encouraging people who are running some very difficult races.
For someone returning home after incarceration, the road ahead can feel overwhelming. There are obstacles to overcome, relationships to rebuild, and new beginnings to navigate. For someone who is incarcerated, a card or letter can be a reminder that they have not been forgotten. And for a young person facing difficult circumstances, knowing someone believes in them can make all the difference.
We cannot run the race for someone else, but we can walk alongside them. We can offer encouragement when they feel like giving up, remind them that they are valued, and help them see that God still has a purpose for their lives.
That is what Tangible Hope Ministries is all about. We believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, offered hope, and given the opportunity to move forward. Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to come alongside us and remind us that we don’t have to run alone.
And as we run, may we always be willing to reach out a hand to someone struggling along the way. We never know how God might use us to help another person take the next step in their race.
Thank you for running alongside Tangible Hope Ministries. Through your prayers, generosity, and willingness to serve, you are helping others discover their story isn’t over and that, with God, there is always hope for a fresh start.
Blessed & grateful!
Paula Creswell
Executive Director
Tangible Hope Ministries
DONATE to help keep our programs RUNNING!
Community Partner Spotlight
A heartfelt thank-you to Striders and its owners, Jeff and Paula Jauch, in Grandville, for partnering with Tangible Hope Ministries to help us provide shoes for participants in our Living Forward program! A good pair of shoes may seem small, but it can make a big difference for someone working toward a fresh start. Their generosity reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful ways to show we care are through simple, tangible acts of kindness. We are so grateful for community partners like Striders who believe in our participants and are helping them take steps toward a brighter future. Thank you for walking alongside us!For more information, click the visit Striders Website .
pen pals on the outside
Se necesitan amigos por correspondencia que hablen español (pen pals who speak Spanish are needed)
We currently have three inmates who have requested to correspond in Spanish. If you are fluent in writing and reading Spanish and have a few minutes each month to write a note, please reach out to paulac@cardsforprisoners.org
pen pals on the inside
“Most times it seems as if we are forgotten in here. I thank your program for caring enough about people like me. It changes our hearts in here to know we still matter.”
~Inmate at Lakeland CF
A Friendly Reminder About Purchasing Stamps
We want to remind our pen pals to be cautious when purchasing discounted postage stamps from online vendors other than the official U.S. Postal Service. While these offers may look like a great deal, some discounted stamps sold online may be counterfeit or invalid, which means your letters may not be delivered. We encourage you to buy stamps directly from the U.S. Postal Service or a trusted retailer to ensure your postage is legitimate.
PEN PAL PALOOZA
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!
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.
