We have been so blessed to be apart of Ambers journey! What a powerful testimony of God's ama Grace, second chances and healing from mental health and trauma! 
Ambers story will give you HOPE that No matter how dark the situation is No one is ever Beyond Hope! 

Read powerful testimony below! 
I would like to share some of my story with you. I have struggled with my mental health and addiction for years; however, God has always been there for me (not to say I haven’t lost hope before). 

      I first got into trouble with the law in 2019 due to severe mental illness and addiction. I gave birth to my 3rd son Mason in 2019 causing horrible post-partum depression and a bad relapse happened (I reached for the bottle instead of the Bible). I served a year in jail and then went to a hospital for some time after that. I believe it was a prayer that got me into a bed at the hospital and the help that I needed. I remember talking to my mom on the phone from jail when I found out there was a bed available at the hospital. She said “I prayed for this” (she did) I felt defeated, I was torn from my newborn, was hopeless and had lost my faith at the time. That would change. 
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           After doing better for some time my mental illness once again declined and I relapsed that time and that landed me in jail and legal trouble a few times on top of homelessness and a low place mentally, unstable, with no faith and hopelessness surrounding me. That is when I first connected with Hope and a Future Ministries.

        I remember sitting in the jail during that time in my life writing letters to my kids not knowing when I would see them again. That time in jail I randomly reached for Rachelle Benthin’s book “Beyond Hope” and after reading it I felt a glimmer of hope and was overjoyed at how relatable her story was to mine, I began to regain hope. I remember telling one of the girls about the book and she let me know (by pointing out a flyer on the wall) that Hope and a Future ministry sometimes came to the jail. Well, they did and we all sang, worshiped and prayed (I hadn’t in so long). I felt the Holy Spirit enter the room and my hope began to restore.

            I was released from jail and life was good for a short time, then once again my mental health and addiction came back with a vengeance. Funny how at that time I was no longer praying. Faith and hope being replaced with a bottle and addiction. Leading once again to homelessness. I got through that dark time by Gods unfailing love and mercy (that I couldn’t recognize at the time). 

          In 2023 I got into trouble with the law once again only this time worse, a possible felony. Thankfully no one got hurt. I was blessed and by God’s Grace I got into a program called Wellness Court (a year and a half long program for people with charges due to their mental health and addiction). It was rough at first, I was staying at the work center where a friend of mine had reached out to Rachelle and Hope and a Future Ministries who brought us both bibles and backpacks full of things we needed. This was such a trying time and I later got a good job at a bank and a place of my own. Only to find out I had another blessing on the way. I got through wellness court and graduated the program several months into my pregnancy. 

             This was when life got even harder with baby number four on the way. I ended up losing my job at the bank due to my mental illness and could no longer afford my apartment. My faith began to shake but God wasn’t done with me yet LOL. 

              In 2025 I gave birth to my fourth son Dalton whom is now 9 months old. I had lost all hope and faith after my postpartum depression set in, leading into postpartum psychosis. Then about a week after Dalton was born, he was taken from me. 

              I relapsed and turned to a bottle instead of the Bible. After that I ended up in the hospital and was released to transitional housing which is where I am now and have been for a couple of months missing my kids terribly feeling hopeless. 

             When I say God puts people into our lives for a reason, I mean that. Something told me to reach out to Hope and a Future Ministries and Rachelle, so I did. Feeling hopeless and lacking faith, I wasn’t sure how I had gotten here, a mother of four kids not having contact with any of them, hopeless. I was raised in Christian household and had gone to church growing up, but that is what addiction does, that is how ugly of a disease it is. 

             After talking with her on the phone, Rachelle came and visited with me and brought me a bible and a backpack filled with all kinds of things I need and a copy of her book. We prayed together and my faith began to restore. I could feel that God was doing something different in my life. He is teaching me to take away the false idols “things” in my life after losing my apartment and all of my belongings. He is showing me what really matters! My kids! My sobriety! My health! My recovery! My family! My friends! My relationship with God, how he already loves me and I am good enough! He taught me this time to reach for the Bible instead of a bottle. 

           I was missing my baby Dalton 9 months old and my three other kids, Mason 6, Trenton 13 and Jayson 15. Whom I hadn’t talked to in a while. After praying Rachelle took me to church with her and the sermons really spoke to me. My hope began to feel a lot less bleak and a lot more joyful. 
             Although I still didn’t have contact with my children I continued to pray
             Still wondering, longing for the day I would see my kids thinking it would never get here, something amazing happened. Both in the same week God performed miracles in my life, this week I was able to visit with both my 6-year-old Mason and my 9-month-old Dalton! What a blessing, the beginning of weekly visits with baby Dalton. Such a relief and the greatest gift a mother could ask for. I thank God every day, prayers answered! 

          Not a day goes by that I don’t pray for reunification with my 13- and 15-year-old sons Trenton and Jayson. I am also praying for the apartment I have been given the opportunity to apply for. I remind myself that God has already worked out our struggles. I know God will have it happen in his perfect timing. 

            I give all the credit and glory to God for being where I am today, sober, in recovery, on the right track and getting to see two of my children. I believe God has everything to do with it. Glory be to God may we continue to praise and worship him and his name on high. Amen! 

            As Jelly Roll put it winning his Grammy - and I quote “Jesus is for everybody” Amen to that! A big thank you to Rachelle and Hope and a Future Ministries for your continued support as I continue on the journey God has for me. My hope is to have a joyful focus for now and the future and a relationship with all four of my kids and a stable foundation based on continued recovery and growth. God will be there on the Journey ahead.  Sincerely, Amber
 
 

The picture above: Theatre group at CCCF womens prison.
Hannah is the sencond from the left:
Read more at: https://wilsonvillespokesman.com/2025/12/02/wilsonville-prison-theater-company-heals-through-acting/

"Hanna’s story of God's Amazing Grace"
Serving a life Sentence and fulfilling her purpose!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "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."

When God gave the Israelites the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 they were still in captivity and he told them it would last 70 years in Baylon. He gave them a promise there would be an end to their captivity! It wasn’t a promise to escape the captivity but a promise to thrive within it and experience Gods faithful hope filled plan for their future after 70 years! God commanded them through the prophet Jeremiah to settle down, live their lives and prosper. Build houses. Plant gardens, marry, have children. And pray for peace and prosperity for Babylon. The message was a call to live faithfully in exile trusting that despite their current circumstances Gd had plans for their welfare and a future restoration for a hope and A Future!

Read powerful story below:
Hannah Martin grew up in Medford and attended Medford schools. She was gifted in music, dance, and the arts. In the summer of 2018 Hannah helped with VBS at my church and was loved by the kids. She had so much potential and loved the kids.

Hannah's words: Sometime between 2018 and the time I was arrested in March 2022 my life strayed so very far from the Lord. He was always there, always protecting me. When I think back on it, I can see where His hand has been during this trying time in my life. I am so grateful to even be alive today.

When I was placed in custody at the Jackson County Jail (charged with murder), I felt absolutely hopeless. My despair hit an all-time low. I was ready to die. Then I was placed in a cell with a believe, who urged me to talk with Chaplain Darrel Wiltrout. I openly expressed my thoughts of suicide to Darrel, and he prayed for me and never stopped talking about God's love, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, and salvation.

Mentor Jan: Knowing Hannah's family and being involved in jail ministry with Hope and a Future, I reached out to Hannah with notes of encouragement. She was interested in having a spiritual mentor, so I began to visit her 2-3 times per month, sharing scripture and catching up with each other's lives. She was so hungry for more of Jesus.

Hannah: I spent 27 months in the county jail preparing for the trial. I used that time to developed my relationship and get close to the Lord. God was preparing me as He put enough faith into me to see hope and hold onto His light no matter what happened. The trial did not go as expected and I was sent to CCCF with a life sentence for murder.

The Lord has abundantly blessed me and has produced growth in me as well as others who are walking with me. I do not know how long God will keep me planted here, but I know that when I follow Him, I will fulfill the purpose He has for my life. I have peace and joy and thanksgiving and am learning to love Jesus more and more.

In the 2 1/2 years Hannah has been at CCCF she has blossomed in ways she could not imagine. She serves in the intake area, meeting the new women from Jackson Co and beyond. She attends worship services, Bible studies, and has become part of Prison Fellowship academy! This past year she participated in a drama class, and they put on a production of a Greek tragedy "Elektra". Hannah had the lead role and her family was able to see one of the performances. Hannah began writing songs of praise while still in jail, and she continues to sing her words of praise to her Lord Jesus. It is a privilege to write to her and a great joy when I receive a letter from her. She is a shining light for Jesus!

A song written By Hannah

Heaven within these Boundaries
Heaven within these boundaries
I found Heaven within these walls
Heaven within these boundaries
Maybe we didn't really fall that far –

From the place of Your kingdom
From the glory that You are
from the satellites above us
To the shining of Your star

I found freedom locked in a cage
I found freedom writing on a page
​I found freedom within this age -
From when locked doors ignited my rage

There is Grace -
In the place of Your kingdom
In the glory that You are
In the satellites above us
And the shining of Your star

Katie, was in the County Jail waiting for court and to be sentenced! When the Chaplain walked into the laundry room where she was working in the jail and handed her Rachelle's Book, "Beyond Hope"

Katie now says, "I know I am not a nobody! I know I have a purpose!" "You gave me HOPE and proof that we do RECOVER!"

Read katies letter below:

​Rachelle,
First and foremost, “Praise to God for making you the woman you are today!”  My respects to you for becoming a survivor and a woman of God!  My prayers include you as you fight this current battle.  You are a warrior!  Much Respect! Amen.
 
My name is Katie Christine Barajas.  I am currently serving time in Jackson County Jail awaiting our father’s decision on what he wants to do in my life. Like you, I could write a novel (literally) on my life as an alcoholic/addict but for now let’s
Just say I’m a child of God and Survivor as well!  I just recently finished reading Beyond Hope in the walls of the laundry room of Jackson County Jail and I sincerely have been moved!  Deeply, Truly, and Faithfully.  But there’s more . . .
 
God told me I was supposed to send this letter to you and I will tell you why.  I picked up your book and thought “Oh, cool, that’s nice, good for her, Praise God” but didn’t read it, just said those things and nodded when another inmate told me about it.
 
Then, Chaplain Darrel came in last Wednesday morning and handed it to me, “God Said “Read this daughter”.  In the same time frame and currently I have been having this recurring dream! (Another sign . . .  get ready) over and over, night after night I’m dreaming of CLEANING.  Rooms full of clutter then I read your book – BOOM!  Our Father I believe is speaking to me, I can feel it.   (1) Either it’s time to clean my mess up and finally be free or  (2) serve “the less (like me)” like you have done!  or both?  Just going on a whim!  Your book, I believe is the missing puzzle!  I know He wants me to serve the word instead of drugs!  I believe this to my CORE!
 
I do believe at another time I will have the opportunity. To explain my life and testimony and how it’s brought me to you!  It’s lengthy but astonishing never the less.  I pray I meet you one day!  I pray that there can be something I can do (even if it’s cleaning toilets) to give back and start making a difference when I get out.  I don’t know what I’m facing yet…A second prison set or suspended sentence and treatment.  God’s will I pray be done.  I’m just waiting.  Please pray for me and I pray that contact is kept between either you or one from “our family” from now on.  Please I pray.  Thank you for your testimony! You gave me Hope and Proof “WE DO  RECOVER” and that I’m not a “Nobody”.  I know I have purpose.  GOD IS GOOD!  I would love to meet and possibly work for you one day?  Fingers crossed
 
Thank You Rachelle
   You are Strong
   You are a Fighter
   You are a daughter of God
Sincerely, Katie Baraias
P.S. All prayers your way – Amen

Katie was sentenced to two and a half years in prison! We continue to write her and will keep in conatct through her prison sentence! Our hearts are to let the ladies know they will never be forgotten! 

We recenetly got another letter from katie saying, Thank you for writing to me! It means alot! When the deputy dropped my letter to me I was thinking who could possibly write to me? Means the world to me! Your words were very encouraging to me. I have the upmost respect for you with everything you are going through you took the time to erite to me! THANK YOU, Katie
 

Letter from Mary to Rachelle - September 4, 2025

Dear Rachelle, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the impact you’ve had on my life. When I was at one of my darkest points, God placed you in my path, and through your visits and your book “Beyond Hope”. I began to see that my story wasn’t over — that God truly had a plan for me.

I’ve put together my testimony in the attached packet, and I wanted to share it with you as a way of honoring the part you’ve played in my journey. As you’ll see, Jeremiah 29:11 — a verse that we both hold close — has become a cornerstone of my faith and a reminder that God’s plans are always good.

Thank you for allowing God to use your life as a vessel of hope. I am so grateful for you, and I pray that your story continues to reach many more people, just as it reached me. With love and gratitude, Mary, your sister in Christ
 
Mary’s Powerful Testimony
I want to share a little bit of my story with you. For a long time, I was trapped in
addiction. It led me to a very dark place — so dark that I ended up in county jail,
waiting to go to Federal prison. In that place of hopelessness, God sent someone into my life: Pastor, Rachelle Benthin.
 
She came to see me weekly at the jail, and through her I began to see that my life was not over. Rachelle shared her own story with me — how she had once been in the same situation, but she turned her life to God. Her words planted a seed in my heart that maybe, just maybe, God could do the same for me.
 
Later, when I read her book “Beyond Hope”, I realized how much of our journeys were alike. Though we came from different families, our addictions and our struggles felt so similar. Reading her story opened my eyes and made me feel like I truly knew her —not just the Rachelle who visited me in jail, but the woman whose life God had completely redeemed. In her story, I saw a reflection of what God was beginning to do in mine.
 
Yes, it was God Himself who saved me — but He used Rachelle as a vessel, placing her in my path at the exact moment I needed hope. Because of her, I realized that my life was not hopeless, and that the same God who rescued her wanted to rescue me too.
 
So, if you’re here today and feel like your story is over, I just want you to know — God can redeem your life too, just like He did mine. I’ll always be grateful that He put Rachelle and her book in my path, and even more grateful for the new life I have in Him.
 
One verse that Rachelle and I both hold close is Jeremiah 29:11 — “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.” That verse has become a promise in my own life, just as it was in hers. To God be all the Glory.
 

 Mary's, Prayer Before Sharing her story - Giving God all Glory!! 
Lord, thank You for saving me and giving me a new life. I know this testimony is not about me, but about Your glory. Calm my heart, steady my voice, and let every word point to You. Thank You for using Rachelle and her book “Beyond Hope” to reach me when I felt hopeless. I pray that her story continues to go into many hands, so that others can feel the same hope and freedom I felt while reading it.
I also thank You for the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 — that You have plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future.
That promise carried Rachelle, and it carries me now.
 Use my story today to bring light to someone who needs it. In Jesus’ name, Amen Mary 

Mary's Pocket Notes and takeaways
- Addiction brought me to a very dark place — ended up in county jail on my way to Federal prison.
- God sent Pastor Rachelle Benthin to me weekly in jail. She shared her story and
gave me hope.
- Reading her book *Beyond Hope* — realized our lives and addictions were so
similar.
- Through her, I saw how God can redeem any life.
- It was God who saved me, but He used Rachelle as a vessel.
- Verse we both live by: Jeremiah 29:11 — God’s plan to give me hope and a future.
- My story is proof: God can do the same for you.

​Only God could have orchestrated this! A signed copy of Rachelle’s story Beyond Hope reached a prison ministry leader in Gatesville Texas! It was signed on 5/23/23 Published on 5/4/13
 
Hello, my name is Debra Busch. I have known Rachelle all the way back to when her dream of Hope and a future ministry first came to fruition. I remember the first lady who graduated from her first transitional house within the Women's Gospel Mission in Medford Oregon in 2010. Rachelle, was also the Assistant Director of the Mission. In the meantime, the Ministry of which she founded has grown immensely from dreaming of having a traditional house to actually acquiring one. And now a book entitled Beyond Hope has been written which is a wonderful depiction from the heart of what God has done in her life and how he had fulfilled her dream.
 
Now moving forward, I have officially become a team member for the Kairos international Christian prison Ministry here in Gatesville Texas where there are nine women prisons. Of which Dr Lane Murray is where I'll be going inside to share the heart of Jesus with the ladies in white. Well, the training began August 2nd where I met other volunteers, one of which I had told about the book, Beyond Hope. I seen her write it down on her paper. To sum it all up here's the second training Day August 23rd that same lady surfed online for the book and she purchased a used copy from thriftbooks.com. I'll tell you what, God was definitely still working through Rachelle's Ministry because what I seen on the inside cover when this lady showed me, was an inscription with Rachelle's signature and message of which was originally signed in Oregon. The book had made its way to Texas through the means of a donation after the original owner read it. I had to share this excitement with Rachelle, all I can say is that God is amazing and I wonder how many other signed copies are out there that people will be blessed by. We cant wait to see how god is going to use rachelles story to bring Hope to many in Gatesville , Debra

News from Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

​Angela shares how she found Hope in one of the darkest times of her life while serving a 46 month prsion sentence!
 
ONLY GOD! - WOW! Genesis 50:20 “What the enemy meant for evil God turned it around for my good”
 
Just 3 months before Angela's release from prison God arranged for her to be at the right place at the right time in the prison chapel where she found Rachelle’s book Beyond Hope on a bottom shelf! God's providence for sure! He showed her His unconditional love and His forgiveness! AND she began to HOPE again!
Read Angela's testimony below
 
I spent 46 months in prison. I felt so very lost. I love to read and refused to buy a tv. In the minimum prison there is no library. I’d read a book a day. Every self-help and nonfiction I could get my hands on. I heard there were books in the chapel. I was not about to go to the chapel. No way, it’s not my thing. 2 years later I had to go there to deliver a message. I did check out books about Buddhism, L.D.S, and Scientology etc. I read them all. But had a friend return them because I just didn't want to go back to the chapel.
 
It’s hard to explain but 3 months before my release something led me to the chapel. Something in me felt different, I walked in to the chapel and I felt light and a sense of awe, I walked in and something directed me to the bottom shelf. I saw Rachelle’s book Beyond Hope and the name Benthin and began to cry. It’s really hard for me to be emotional. I'm very strong. I know many of the Benthin's personally and felt an immediate connection.
Reading her book, I felt hope and a future for the first time in many, many years. I was enlightened. My darkness escaped. Rachelle was a huge sinner and so was I. I felt forgiven!
 
After reading her book, I wrote her she responded. I asked for more Beyond Hope books to pass out to all the ladies on my unit where I was housed in the prison and she sent them. I received letters and cards weekly.
 
I had never ever, ever felt the Holy Spirit before, it was amazing. A felt a sense of awe. I am forgiven and I felt peace then. I had a VERY strong resistance to GOD for many reasons and He understands. No more uneasiness. Her book changed my life.
 
I look forward to hugging her in person. Sincerely, Angela