June 2027 Newsletter
Verse of the Month
“Some people have given up the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.”
~Hebrews 10:25 (CEV)
Paula’s Perspective
Greetings!
Tangible Hope Ministry’s Living Forward Program began on September 9th last year. We had no idea how far-reaching it would be and the impact it would have – not only on the returning citizens, but on all involved by way of prayer, volunteering, donating, teaching, and visiting classes.
Once a month, we purchase pizza for the class. We were hearing a lot of comments on how delicious it was on one particular day. A couple of the participants stopped me and explained that they haven’t had pizza, one since 2016 and the other since 2017. They had forgotten how good it tasted. Oh, how we take so many things for granted as we live in the free world.
Our team tries to show these men and women that even though they stepped out of a prison cell a week or so ago, we see them as God’s amazing creation. We treat them with respect and acceptance, but we are also careful to add in correction when needed. It is refreshing to see how our participants accept that correction when they are approached with the love of Christ. That loving correction has been building a bond of trust that many of these men and women have not experienced.
Someone on our team stated that this felt like church. They explained how the love and acceptance these men and women give to us and each other is such a beautiful representation of what the church is supposed to be.
It’s hard to put into words, but we feel that each time we meet on Monday and Tuesday, we gather to encourage one another. And really, isn’t that what Christ has called the church to do?
With a thankful heart,
Paula Creswell
Executive Director
Tangible Hope Ministries
Home Acres Church
Tangible Hope Ministries would like to extend our sincere thanks to Home Acres Reformed Church for being one of our supporting churches. Home Acres recently allowed our Cards For Prisoners team to stop by the church during their Wednesday evening dinner. After sharing a wonderful meal, we addressed well over 100 spring encouragement letters to men and women incarcerated throughout the country.
Home Acres Church meets at 21 Murray Street SE in Grand Rapids, MI.
Visit Home Acres Church Website discover more.
Your congregation can join us and become a Tangible Hope Church—walking alongside those often neglected and forgotten. .E-mail paulac@tangiblehopeministries.org for information on how your church can become involved.
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.
Living Forward Participant card
WOW!
“Thank you for taking your time out of your day to help a bunch of misfits. It’s not a lot of people who believe in us and the people we’re trying to become. It’s a daily struggle to adapt and adjust to this life. We deal with so many losses. We lose all we know when we make a commitment to become better people. But this program helps us to readjust and realize the men we’re trying to become. Thank you for having faith, love, and compassion for us. We greatly appreciate it, and I will always remember and carry this with me. I pray you never give up on the underdogs. Love Always,”
-Jay a Living Forward Participant
OUR BAGS OF HOPE INVENTORY IS GETTING LOW!
Tangible Hope Ministries is collecting new, unopened hygiene items for graduates of our Living Forward reentry program. Donations of deodorant (cannot contain alcohol), shampoo, body wash, razors/shaving cream, lotion, and other personal care products help us provide practical support and encouragement to individuals rebuilding their lives. Thank you for helping us share hope in tangible ways!
Click the link below for a specific list of items requested.
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.
