Pasta with A Purpose Fundraiser

Please join us as we celebrate women who have been Set Free from chemical dependency and incarceration.

Seating is limited so Please RSVP by: October 25th

​Pasta with A Purpose will consist of:
All you can eat pasta with a choice of Sauces, Salad, Breadsticks, Beverage and Desert. Hear life changing testimonie, music, fun keepsake photos, raffles and more!







​Besides having a great time...our true focus is to raise funds to help us
to continue our services, which are to prevent recidivism from the cycle
of crime, prison and release. We bring the message of HOPE and our
reentry services to the Jackson County Jail and the Oregon State Prison
for women. We mentor women throughout their jail and prison sentences
and then assist and encourage them as they transition back into the
community.

Become  a Sponsor and Make a Differnce 
 We have sponsorships available for bussiness, churches and anyone who would like to sponsor this event with  a  finacail doantion to off-set the cost and support our ladies.

To RSVP or request a sponsorship form : call the office @ 541-500-1250

​God’s Grace in Action:
Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman - Luke 7: 36-50


The woman had a very bad reputation in her town, racially and morally she was an outcast.  Uninvited, she entered the home of a wealthy religious leader, a Pharisee. Jesus was a guest and was eating dinner when she approached Him, bent down and began to anoint His feet with expensive perfume. Crying, she wiped His feet with her tears.
 

It took great courage for her to walk into a room full of sophisticated, religious leaders—but she had to get to Him! She was forgiven and she had to get to Him!
 
For a woman who was a sinner, possibly a prostitute, to enter the home of a Pharisee and weep at the feet of Jesus had to be an uncomfortable moment for all the guests at the table. Mary had to be conscious of the looks of disapproval sent her way, but that did not stop her from lavishing Jesus with her adoration. She made sure that Jesus knew what an impact He had made on her life.
 
Outraged, the Pharisees began to complain that Jesus was touched by a sinner—but Jesus didn’t push her away.
 
Every time I read this story, I am moved by the compassion and love Jesus showed this woman. The fact that He acknowledged what she had done for Him, once again gives me a picture of the depth of His grace. And in more ways than I can even explain, it challenges me to develop this kind of deep love for our Savior. The story of the sinful woman in the gospels gives us even more insight into how much Jesus loves the sinner, no matter what their past may be.
 
Mary’s alabaster box was her most precious and treasured possession. She had saved up a year’s wages to buy it. This expensive oil was of great value to her. As an act of worship and adoration for the Lord, and gratitude for the depth of grace and forgiveness He gave her, Mary’s alabaster box had to be broken and poured out as an offering unto the Lord. The alabaster box was a symbol of her old sinful life. Though it was very beautiful and costly, but it had no relationship with God.
 
Though she didn’t say a word, her actions spoke volumes. She knew she was forgiven and she was so thankful for all that He had done for her, she just had to get to Jesus! She took her most valuable possession, the jar of oil she saved a whole year for, and kneeling and weeping, with her tears falling on His feet, she kept kissing His feet and pouring the oil on Him. WOW!
 
“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown Me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”  Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”  Luke 7:47-48 
 
Once Mary broke the alabaster box and the oil spilled out, there was no going back! It was gone! Just like her old sinful life was now gone, she gave it all to God as an act of worship and repentance!
 
He poured out His grace on her—grace is to favor or honor someone. Jesus honored the sinful woman in this story. He honored her above the religious leaders in that room.
 
Grace is the intentional act of forgiveness which God offers, bestows and gives us. Forgiveness of our sins and old life. He replaces all the past with salvation. Grace is not based on our “religiousness.” The Pharisees in the Bible knew the Law and they looked spiritual, but they didn’t have a relationship with Jesus. They didn’t know Him personally! WOW!

​Grace is God’s unearned favor
Ephesians 2:8-9 shows us that grace is a gift from God, proclaiming, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage underscores that grace is not earned through righteous deeds but generously bestowed upon believers. Grace, in its purest form, is unmerited favor granted to humanity, irrespective of worthiness or merit. It’s not something we can earn.
 
The Pharisees were educated men, they had book knowledge but they didn’t have heart knowledge. But the sinful women was given more grace and honor than any of them. Because she loved much, she was forgiven much.
 
The sinful woman knew the depths of her sin and what she had done in the past, and she knew she had been wholly and completely forgiven. She also knew her forgiveness was not earned through righteous deeds, but though God’s grace alone.

Understanding the Concept of Grace in the Bible
The concept of grace in the Bible is more than mere kindness or pardon. It shows God’s boundless love and mercy extended to His creation, even when undeserved. This unearned favor is a testament to the following principles:

• Unearned Favor: Grace is not earned; it is a gift freely given, reflecting God’s loving nature. It’s an unearned favor that is often highlighted in various Bible stories, showing the Lord’s willingness to forgive and embrace those who come to Him with a contrite heart.
• Redeeming Power: Through grace, individuals are redeemed and their sins are forgiven, enabling them to begin a renewed relationship with the Lord. It is through grace you have been saved, offering a path to salvation and eternal life.
• Transformation: God’s grace doesn’t merely save. It transforms lives, instilling a sense of purpose, hope, and spiritual enlightenment among believers. It’s a catalyst for change, guiding people towards righteous living and spiritual fulfillment.

When we look at the Bible’s teachings on grace, they lead us to reflection, gratitude, and a deeper commitment and relationship with Jesus, the One who is so gracious to us! Through this, believers can experience the joy and peace that comes from living our lives in and through the grace of God.
 
 Luke 7:36-50 NLT tells this story:
 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat.  When a certain immoral woman from that city heard He was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind Him at His feet, weeping. Her tears fell on His feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing His feet and putting perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know what kind of woman is touching Him. She’s a sinner!” Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” He said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied. Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”  Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said. Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer Me water to wash the dust from My feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet Me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing My feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint My head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.  “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that He goes around forgiving sins?”  And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
 
More Examples of Grace
 
* The woman caught in the act of adultery - John 8:1-11
* The woman at the well - John 4
* The prodigal son – Luke 15:11-32
* Peter’s restoration after he betrayed Jesus – acts 9: 1-19
* The conversion of Saul - Acts 9:1-19 Paul went from a murderer to preaching the Gospel
* David’s sin with Bathsheba – 2 Samuel 7:15 and 2 Samuel 11
* David was a man after God’s own heart but he sinned with Bathsheba and even killed her husband and covered it up. But David had repented from his heart when he messed up!  He asked for forgiveness.  Psalm 50:10-12

Come Celebrate the One Year Anniversary of Beyond Hope’s Publication at Evangel

Join us Saturday, May 4th from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
at Evangel Bookstore in the Rogue Valley Mall, Medford, Oregon
To celebrate Beyond Hope’s one-year Birthday we will have cupcakes and refreshments available.
 
We are celebrating a 20-year dream that has become a reality and all that God has done in the lives that have been touched and changed by Rachelle’s book, Beyond Hope.
 
Beyond Hope, Rachelle’s true-life story, is changing lives inside prisons and jails, as well as out on the streets. This book is easy to read, and a wonderful gift for anyone affected by addiction.
 
This is an amazing story of restoration and redemption. From prisoner #6560891 aka Rachelle “Shelly “Benthin from the darkest pit of addiction and crime to founder of Hope and a Future Ministries. This is a gut-wrenching story of loss and consequences. Yet through the darkest days Rachelle found Hope Beyond all hope.
 
Come meet Rachelle, the author of Beyond Hope, get a picture and your book signed. We will have beyond hope books for Purchase at this event. All proceeds will go back into Hope and A Future Ministries to Support our ladies. Hope is a powerful thing – If you know someone who needs Hope bring them to this event! 
 
​“A huge heartfelt THANK you to evangel for hosting this event”
 Lets support our local Christian bossiness and share the message of Hope
 

Book Review Below 
This book is absolutely inspiring! Whether you are a recovering addict or know someone who is, this book will touch your heart. I could not put it down! A true testimony of what God can do. Such a beautiful message of hope, a must read! Ashley

                                                                               









                                         2024 is the year of open doors and fulfilling the will of God.

Isaiah 60:1-2 “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.”

We want to personally THANK YOU for your prayer support and financial support up to now!!

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I came off my sabbatical. During this time, God has been busy plowing the ground to prepare it for new growth and opportunities to reach more in 2024. My heart is to reach as many people as I can before Jesus Comes back!! Not only women who are battling addictions, in jail and prison but their families!

Last March, Hope and a Future was asked to facilitate a weekly Bible study in our local County Jail! We are privileged to go into the ladies housing unit. We share the Gospel of the Good News, plant seeds and build relationships. We have seen many women set free, touched and changed as they receive Christ. When a woman is sentenced to prison, we continue to mentor her through the mail. We send her cards and letters to let her know she hasn’t been forgotten. We also work with the staff, chaplains and ministries like Prison Fellowship at the prison.
Hope and a Future provides practical assistance to help our women transition back into the community! IE: Transportation to appointments, mentoring, general release planning with local resources.  Our backpack program with hygiene items and necessities is another way to plant seeds and connect with the ladies upon release. We also, provide resources, like backpacks, mentoring, reentry support with resources for them upon their release.

When covid hit in 2020 the program in which I was volunteering was completely canceled at the prison. I re-apply for an ID badge which allows me to walk through new doors of opportunity to minister to the ladies. I have a heart to travel to Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, the women’s state prison in Wilsonville, at least four times a year to meet with the ladies! We are currently planning a trip to the prison in June with a team. We will be ministering at the Prison Fellowship meeting there.

In 2023, I published my life story from darkness to light. This book “Beyond Hope” has opened new doors to speak and share the message of HOPE. I have been able to reach those in other county jails too.  Clatsop County, Curry County, Mason County and Salinas California have all received my book! The Lord is opening many new doors for me to speak and share my book at churches and different venues!

I feel the Lord calling me to travel more in order to share the message of HOPE. As you know funding travel is costly! Running a nonprofit donation can fluctuate from month to month! Our biggest obstacle is receiving a consistent monthly income.  I feel I have done all that I can to raise enough money to support Hope and a Future yet we are still in need.

Would you consider a tax-deductible monthly pledge? This would help Hope and a Future plan more affectively. Or perhaps you would like to sponsor a trip or two to the prison? My estimated cost to travel to Wilsonville to ministry at the women’s facility is approximately $300.00. This includes gas, lodging and meals. You would be a blessing to me and the women as I minister if you said “Yes!”

​Our address is below. or you can click the donate link below and sow a seed on our website!! 
Thank you in advance for your help. You are advancing the Kingdom and rescuing people out of the pit of darkness by your donation. 

Sincerely, Hope and a Future Ministries Founder, Rachelle Benthin and the Board of Directors

Hope and A future ministries - P.O. Box 8503 - Medford, OR 97501 – Office: 541-500-1250

​The ROC Recovery Center hosted the 5th Annual Donor's Appreciation Banquet on Tuesday --- The theme of the night was "Giving the Gift of HOPE."

I Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"

Our 3 speakers, Adam Todd, Ovie Maheu and Rachelle Benthin absolutely did an amazing job. It just goes to show you that what God delivers you from, HE gives you a voice for. I just love the say Rachelle used at the end of her message....simple but so true. May we all practice this...."As long as there is breath, there is HOPE."

If you or someone you know that is struggling with addiction and or compulsive behaviors, then please reach out to us at the ROC. We have an amazing staff of dedicated and compassion people that were once at the same place where you may find yourself now!

"When you addiction says "give up, HOPE whispers give it one more try."

Call us at 541-200-3000 
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