2007 - 08 - August
THE Grapevine NEWSLETTER > August 2007
Matthew 25 Ministries, Inc.:
A Ministry of Prison After-care
P.O. Box 5690, Lake Worth, FL. 33466 (561) 432-9072
Dick Witherow, Maggie Witherow dick@matthew25ministries.org
Visit us on the web: www.matthew25ministries.org
THIS IS AMERICA (Part 2)
Matthew 25 Ministries was founded in 1990 to assist men and women coming out of prison. Many of these come from homes that were impacted by tragic circumstances. Divorce, violence, and sexual issues plague many families. Problems manifest when the abused become abusers. From early ages, patterns of trouble and problems with bad social behavior are working to develop tomorrow’s criminal offenders. In today’s world, families are under attack! The issues of alcohol and drug abuse are all too common. TV programs have glorified fast living and immoral behavior and dulled our sense of right and wrong. Society is being impacted in ways we can’t imagine. In today’s drug and sex-saturated society our young people are being bombarded with wrong messages designed to trap them into activities that lead to addictions. The music industry sends a message to our youth that drugs and sex is “Where it’s at.” Hollywood reinforces this through the mediums of movies and TV. We see the innocence of our children when they are four, five and six years old, but ten years from now far too many of them will not be innocent. Our prayer is that parents will monitor what their children are watching on TV and their activities on the Internet. We want them to be spared the heartbreak of finding their child going to prison.
THREE CARS IN ONE MONTH
In one thirty day period recently, our ministry received the donation of three cars. A 1989 Toyota Station Wagon donated by Jerry & Ann Shepard, a 2002 Ford Focus Sedan donated by Lawrence Smith, and a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer from an anonymous donor. The donation of these cars enabled us to upgrade two staff cars and made another one available for one of our students or alumni to get a much-needed car.
Dick receives donation from Jerry Shepard
Email vs. Snail Mail
With the cost of postage ever increasing we are looking for ways to lower the cost of distributing our monthly newsletters. For those who don’t mind receiving them by email we would ask that you:
- Visit www.matthew25ministries.org
- Enter your email address (in the box on the right-labeled Email Newsletter Sign-Up)
- Click “Sign-Up”
- You’ll then get an email requesting that you activate your subscription.
JESUS IN THE CLOUDS
Our artist friend, Robert Jackson’s painting “The Dream”, depicting the Christ of Revelation, coming in the clouds has been made available to us to offer to those who would like a print of the original. This beautiful 23 ½” by 18 ½” painting can be yours for a donation of $25 or more. Write the word “painting” in the memo part of your check.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
August 7th - Chapel Service Martin C.I.
August 12th - Chapel Service Okee. C. I.
Monday’s – Alcoholics Victorious Meeting Glades C. I. *
Tuesday’s – Bible Study Okeec. C.I.*
Tuesday’s - Anger Management, Okeechobee Jail.
Wednesday’s Sexual Purity Glades C.I.*
Thursday’s - Woman’s Work Release. *
Thursday’s - Kairos Broward C.I.
* These programs are conducted by volunteers
INMATES SUPPORT TROOPS
Last month some inmates at Glades Correctional sent 10 care packages to servicemen in Iraq. They want to be able to give back by helping others. Their motto is “Service Without Reward. ” The servicemen have a need for toilet articles, chewing gum, socks, underwear, etc. The Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 2 W. Palm Beach sponsor them, but this inmate group needs additional finances to carry out their mission. To donate articles, or to give the name of a serviceman you would like to receive a care package, contact prison volunteer Will McDeavitt 561-688-1422. To help them financially make your check payable to Matthew 25 and put “servicemen” in the memo.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Dick is writing a book concerning sex offenders. It is time that the public hears the truth regarding what is the extent of danger they pose to our communities, when they are released from prison. This is perhaps the most difficult task he has ever undertaken. He asks for your prayers for the success of this project.