Happy New Year! 2025 letter

Happy New Year 2025 
from all of us at Hope & A Future Ministries

The Year of “My story for God’s Glory”


As I reflect back on all that God has done this past year, my heart is overwhelmed by the goodness of God!

“How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring the good news!” Romans 10:15

I cannot tell you how honored and privileged we feel to meet with women weekly at the Jackson County Jail for a Bible study. For the past two years, we have been able to plant many seeds of HOPE and build relationships in the lives of these ladies. We have met some of the most precious women, who have a desire for real change! We have seen lots of tears of sorrow, as well as the joy and gratitude for answered prayers. When a woman is sentenced to prison, we continue to mentor them throughout their prison sentence, through the mail and prison visits. Planting seeds is so much fun!
 
I traveled to Coffee Creek Women’s Prison multiple times this past year (2024) to meet with several women and help them with transitional needs and mentoring. One of the highlights of 2024 was sharing my story of redemption at a Prison Fellowship service with my longtime friends and ministry partners: Retired Corporal Patty Davis (A cop and an ex-con) and Linda Van Dorp. Several ladies received Jesus for the first time!

My book, Beyond Hope, was made available to the women. Through this book, they were given renewed hope that they too could change, live a successful life and be restored to their children and families! (Not a dry eye in the place.) Beyond Hope continues to touch incarcerated women and their families. We have gotten many testimonies of the lives that have been changed by this little book. Beyond Hope is giving them hope that no matter “how dark the situation is,” no one is ever beyond hope. I am so overwhelmed by the love and grace of God to bring this hope to so many through, “My story for God’s Glory.” There is nothing more fulfilling than giving people hope! My heart is full!
 
The Well Pen-pal Prison Ministry continues to send cards and letters to our women in prison. The ladies live for the mail. Some have burned so many bridges; they have never even had a visit or received any outside contact. Our hearts are to share the love of Jesus and knock their socks off with cards, letters and notes to let them know they are not forgotten. I can imagine the excitement on their faces as they hear their name called for mail!
 
We continue to provides practical assistance to our women as they transition back into the community. We help with transportation, mentoring and general release planning, coordinating with local resources. These ladies are often released with absolutely nothing. Our Backpack Program is another way to plant seeds and connect with these ladies upon release. The backpacks provide hygiene items and necessities they need. You wouldn’t believe how a backpack, a hug and a big “Welcome Home” blesses them!

 “We cannot force someone to hear a message they are not ready to receive,
but we must never underestimate the power of planting a seed.”
 
We are so beyond grateful for your generous hearts to give so selflessly over this past year! NO ONE person COULD DO THIS on their own. It’s all because of the hearts of people like you, that are dedicated to seeing lives set free and transformed. Please continue pray for the ladies, the staff and the Chaplains in the facilities. We have a great respect and appreciation for the work they do. And pray for us as we prepare each week and step into the new opportunities God has for us to set the captives free in 2025!
 
Sincerely, Hope and A Future Ministries, Founder, Rachelle Benthin and the Board of Directors