Matthew 25 Ministries

THE Grapevine NEWSLETTER > September 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 IT

After months of searching, we have found the mobile home park that will meet the needs of those we serve. It is a 41-unit park in Leesburg, Florida. In addition to giving us the capability to minister to a large number of men coming out of prison, this mobile home park will be a moneymaker. It will enable us to purchase other property to once again minister to women coming out of prison.

We have contracted to buy this park for 1.2 million. Now we do the water walking. We only have until October 11th to secure the financing needed. We need a down payment of $300,000 and financing for the $900,000 balance. While we have some funds, we will need to raise $150,000, and we need to secure the mortgage loan. We solicit your prayers.

In the natural this would seem to be an insurmountable task, but if God be for us!

We are going to need those who have the capability to make a sizable donation to step up to the plate, but everyone who believes in this ministry can do their part. No amount is too small. Put “Miracle Park” on your check.

Pension Protection Act

Recently enacted legislation, the Pension Protection Act of 2006, opens a window of opportunity for IRA holders who are over 70 years of age to transfer a total of up to $100,000 tax free from their IRA’s to qualified charities. If you fall into this category, you have until December 31st to take advantage of this tax benefit. The transfer of funds from your IRA to the charity must be handled correctly. You may not send IRA assets to a charity directly. If you would like to make arrangements for the transfer of funds from your IRA to a charity, contact your stockbroker, or you may contact Ed Aiello with Smith Barney (561) 422-2408.

PRAYER WORKS!!

Our son-in-law Ralph Casazza is a cancer survivor. Many of you have been faithful to pray for him. Here is what your prayers accomplished. In the spring of 2004 Ralph found out he had an inoperable tumor on his back. It was a fast growing cancer and he was told that without treatment he would be dead in two weeks. He consulted with several doctors before picking a medical team that included nutrition, psychology, and traditional treatments. He underwent radical chemotherapy and radiation that killed the cancer, but because of the type of cancer he had to have stem cell replacement to keep the cancer from coming back. Not having a compatible donor, he had to harvest his own stem cells. This almost killed him, and took him months to recover to the point where he could even begin to lead a semblance of normality. Then horror of horrors! Another cancerous tumor. His doctors told him his only chance of survival was to have another stem cell replacement, although they admitted that the procedure this time would probably kill him. But Ralph had done his research. Our daughter Bonnie said they had learned that the reason cancer is so deadly is that our bodies don’t have enough anti-bodies to kill the cancer cells and therefore the bad guys win. Their research showed they needed to build up the bodies’ natural immune system so the good guys would win. Ralph found a group that would walk him through the process of using natural ways of treating his cancer. Several months later as his doctors ran their final tests prior to scheduling the stem cell replacement, they were shocked to find Ralph cancer free. Hallelujah!

His doctors are not believers, but they had to acknowledge that his recovery was truly a miracle. Ralph and Bonnie gave their testimony at a meeting we had arranged. We have asked them to put their testimony on tape.

THE BLOOD

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God’s call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor’s son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor’s son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor’s son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this: “My fiancée’s past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?” The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

GOOD FRUIT

What a joy it is to see those you have ministered to over the years, now ministering to others. Pat Powers came to us from prison, found the Lord in our ministry and is now director of our men’s program. Pat spends much time in prayer as he seeks God’s guidance for this ministry.

Ron McGurn knew the Lord when he came to us, but while with us, he prepared himself for ministry. He is now ordained and pastoring a home church.

I am constantly running into those whom I have long forgotten, who say, “Dick, do you remember me?” Then they tell me how they received Christ through our ministry. Yes, we have children and grandchildren in the Lord, and because of your support these are also credited to your account.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

Sept. 2nd - Chapel Service Okee. C. I.

Sept. 4th - Chapel Service Martin C.I.

Sept. 26th –29th Coalition of Prison Evangelists Convention Dallas, Texas

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