 JULY 2025 VERSE OF THE MONTH One day, children were brought to Jesus in the hope that he would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus intervened: “Let the children come, don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these. Matthew 19:13-14 (The Message) WE HAVE BIG NEWS-AND A BIGGER MISSION! Tangible Hope Ministries is honored to announce a powerful new partnership with Western Michigan University’s Youth Juvenile Justice Fellows. Together, we are launching a transformational program, “My Journey In Reverse.”On August 21, 2025, we’ll host an evening like no other — an intimate and honest gathering with teens and their families who are part of WMU’s program, as well as youth from Kalamazoo’s juvenile detention center.We will hear raw, personal stories from those currently incarcerated and returned citizens who will bravely share their journeys in reverse. They’ll reflect on the decisions, circumstances, and missed opportunities that shaped their lives. Through these stories, we will explore the pivotal moments where intervention, mentorship, and hope could have rewritten the narrative.This is more than an event. It’s a movement to reach youth caught in cycles of trauma, incarceration, and isolation — and to offer them a different path.We invite you to join us in this mission by giving generously. Your donation is not just a financial gift — it’s an investment in healing, redemption, and new beginnings. Donate by clicking the link below, or mail a check to PO Box 413, Grandville, MI 49468.100% of all donations go directly into programming and are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Because we can’t change the past, but together we can reverse the future.  Paula Creswell Executive Director Tangible Hope Ministries DONATE |
    Tangible Hope Ministries would like to extend a huge thank you to The Local Church GR for having 43 faithful pen pals who have been writing to inmates through Cards For Prisoners for the last 2 1/2 years! TLC moved to their new location on May 11, 2025, 1300 East Beltline Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. Please stop by for a visit on Sunday morning! Services are at 9:00 & 11:30 AM. TLC is a casual church focused on building community and relationships with Jesus. No need to dress up, unless you want to!They typically have a pretty modern worship set. It can get loud! It’s always full of passion, and it’s always for the Lord. You’ll hear a teaching from the scripture that is authentic, relevant, and challenging. TLC wants to push you closer to God and closer to your community.Click the link below for more information. Your congregation can join us and become a Tangible Hope Church – walking alongside the often neglected and forgotten in our society. E-mail paulac@cardsforprisoners.org for information on how your church can become involved. The Local Church Information |
pen pals on the outside  “I didn’t hear from my pen pal for a few months. When he finally wrote, he let me know he didn’t have envelopes or stamps, but my cards helped so much during a difficult time. I’m SO glad I didn’t stop writing!” -Penpal since 2023 pen pals on the inside  “There is very little to look forward to in here. Having your name called at mail is something too many in here don’t get. Thank you for helping me not be one of those.” – Inmate at NCCI Gardner CF |
| BECOME A PEN PAL |
 WHAT DO I WRITE TO MY PEN PAL? We often get asked, “What do I write to my inmate if I am not hearing back from them?” Please keep in mind it may take a few months to hear back – please continue to write monthly; however, if it’s been longer than three months, let us know, and we will check into it. Below are a few ideas to keep the letters flowing! 1. Getting to Know Them What’s your favorite way to spend your time? Do you have a favorite childhood memory? If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why? Do you enjoy reading? If so, what’s the best book you’ve read? What kind of music do you like? Do you have a favorite song or artist? 2. Hobbies & Interests Have you ever tried writing poetry, stories, or songs? Do you enjoy drawing, painting, or any kind of creative activity? If you could learn a new skill or hobby, what would it be? What’s your favorite type of movie or TV show? Do you have a favorite sport or athlete? 3. Fun & Lighthearted Questions If you could have dinner with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be? What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Do you believe in luck or fate? If you were an animal, what would you be and why? Tell them a dad or mom joke! Tangible Hope Ministries exists to bring encouragement to incarcerated individuals and their loved ones through heartfelt notes and cards. We share God’s love with those currently incarcerated, both teen and adult, and offer support once they are released as they rebuild their lives. Our mission includes engaging the local church to walk alongside those impacted by the criminal justice system, fostering community, and “Tangible Hope.” |
