January 2014 Volume 27 ISSUE 1

It’s a new year. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3. It’s amazing to think it is now 2014; where did the year go? I am pleased to be here at Jesus is the Way as Director of the men’s aftercare program. And so thankful to all of you who read our newsletter and have given donations of money, food, time, professional services, building materials, a refrigerator, hygiene materials etc. We have volunteers that do Bible studies, money management groups, come play pool or watch a movie with our residents, paint, repair etc. etc. A very blessed year, so thankful so thankful! As we have made some new friends this year we thought we would start our Jan. newsletter by sharing a little bit about who we are and what we do for those of you who are unfamiliar.

My name is Nancy- here at the ministry we have an offsite ministry at the prisons and jails as well as an on-site ministry with males coming out of prison which is where I’m involved. I am the aftercare director of our on-site ministry. Our on-site program is three-fold – First and foremost our aftercare program is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a ministry which includes Bible study classes done by loyal volunteers that build Christ’s character into our residents. We also continuously seek for men who can be mentors. A mentor is a Christian man that can take time to establish a relationship with one of our residents, pray with him, pick him up and take him out to another Bible study or for a cup of coffee etc. These relationships are vital to coach our residents how to live a Christ centered life. Second, we are licensed by the State of Illinois as a recovery home which means we encourage each of our residents to find a sponsor to work with on an individual basis. We also require all residents to take a relapse prevention class that I teach and attend both traditional and spiritually led 12-step meetings to learn to live clean and sober. Lastly we are an aftercare center which means we have a goal of stair-stepping our

residents back into the community as productive law abiding citizens that now give rather than take from their community. Our men serve at the Vineyard food pantry, Books 2 Prisoners, Salt and Light Ministries, as well as the Canteen run for the homeless every month. We also have life skill groups with practical applications which include nutrition, money management, domestic violence/anger management and job search classes to get the residents ready to graduate and live self-sufficiently within our community. Therefore there is a lot to do on a regular basis and a lot more we would like to do in 2014. That’s where may be you or your church or a group of friends could help?

How you ask?

• We are in need of drivers. For example we have a resident that attends school at Parkland Mon - Thurs. 8am to 3:30p.m. And other residents in need of physical and mental health care appointments.

• We are in need of recreation. For example may be you have a small group that could sponsor our residents for a night of bowling with your small group or come on a Sat. with snacks and games to play? Or even donate pool passes or even a gift certificate to McDonalds; our residents would like to be able to have a little more downtime outside of the facility.

• We are in need of repairs. We were enormously blessed this year by many different people who helped us with outside upgrades to our resident building. However we have encountered numerous problems this year with old/outdated , plumbing, wiring and heating and air conditioning problems- In general our building is just wore out and now that the outside is looking beautiful with insulation, siding, and more energy efficient windows staff is praying this year for help with the inside. (continued on Page 2).

NEWSLETTER

Phone: (217) 892-4044Fax: (217) 892-5995

E-Mail: J-I-T-W-P-M@msn.cominfo@jesusisthewayprisonministries.orgwww.jesusisthewayprisonministries.org

(Continued from Page 1).

• We are in need of a volunteer for a Bible Study. We have curriculum for a series called Men on Target and are looking for someone to come for a weekday evening or Sat. to lead the group.

• In general if you are interested in volunteering in any way- please call as we are always open to new ideas and are re-vamping our resident schedule now.

For I know the plans I have for you, “ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11In addition, to our resident schedule we are inquiring about what our resident’s personal goals are for this year. If you would be willing to pray over the following list that would be a tremendous blessing!

Ray:

1. I trust God to handle the small issues, but I need to let God take care of the small issues, and to let God take care of the big problems; the tough decisions also.

2. I need to learn to show mercy and love to others.

3. I desire to continue to have a right relationship with God and others.

Ben:

1. I want to be successful at Parkland this year and pass all my classes.

2. I need to find a part time job on the weekends.

3. I want to make a smooth transition from the ministry to Champaign when I graduate the program.

Dustin:

1. I need to obtain employment and save money.

2. I want to graduate from the ministry program.

3. I need to maintain sobriety.

James:

1. Stay out of trouble

2. Gainfully employed

3. Drug Free

Thank you for all your prayers and support. Nancy

Some of Jesus is the Ways’ past and present residents and

Zane enjoying a recent trip to the Bowling Alley.

Three (3) of our residential rooms are without carpet. Can

you help us get the needed carpet purchased? Or maybe you are a carpet installer and

would like to donate your skills. Give us a call at 217-892-4044

for more details.

Ministry Needs

Video CameraToilet Paper

Paper TowelsCleaning Supplies

OR CURRENT RESIDENT

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 25Champaign, IL

JESUS IS THE WAY PRISON MINISTRY P.O. BOX 98602 LIBERTY AVE.RANTOUL, IL

OFFICE: (217) 892-4044FAX: (217) 892-5995EMAIL: info@ jesusisthewayprisonministries.orgwww.jesusisthewayprisonministries.org

OFFICE HOURS:9:00 am – 5:00 pmMonday – Friday

FoundersJesse Mathes/Edith Mathes

(1942-2008)

Executive DirectorDennis Daniel

Aftercare DirectorNancy Neukomm

Prison Services CoordinatorJohn Henderson

Grant Writer & EducatorPeter Patton

Logistics ManagerLarry Peak

Rantoul StaffBrenda Mathes Krile

Vicki Schoonover

Board MembersThomas BrownDennis Daniel

John HendersonRev. Steve Lombardo

Edith Mathes Tammie Pruitt

Attorney Bill ScottDeveloper Rob Zabka

Members of 1st Presbyterian Church in Champaign installing curtain rods and curtains in the resident’s rooms. Thank you 1st

Presbyterian for all of the support that you have given to Jesus is the

Way over the years!

We appreciate it so much!