PRAISES:
We officially celebrated our one year anniversary of the merger of Criminal Justice Chaplaincy with 70×7 Life Recovery. God continues to bless the work we do and our Grand Rapids office has grown this past year. Please share our correct address with others: 70×7 Life Recovery – Grand Rapids Program Center 2950 Clyde Park Ave SW Wyoming, MI 49509
70×7 Life Recovery celebrated and shared our ministry accomplishments at our Annual Fall Banquet Fundraiser and Silent Auction on Thursday, November 1, 2018. This was a combined event with the Grand Rapids and Holland Program Centers at The Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville. Keynote speaker, author and evangelist, Manny Mill, and Testimonial speaker, Brandi Spaniloa, shared their powerful stories We were so blessed and encouraged by all who attended and contributed financially to help us continue the work we do in this important ministry.
We have seen positive transformations, large and small, in the lives of those who have completed ourChanges class.
We are grateful for the many bicycle donations received this year. We have provided 33 used bikes, repaired and refurbished, along with locks to clients in need of transportation.
We are so grateful for all volunteers, mentors and prayer partners who show such grace to our clients and staff.
REQUESTS:
We recently announced we will be starting aFamily Support Services program called “Stronger Together.” We are very excited about the opportunity to help the families and loved ones of those incarcerated by providing a place of emotional support, education and connection. We are working hard now to get the pieces in place and plan to launch after the first of the new year. Pray for all those involved and that this unique program will meet the needs of those we aim to serve.
Our Changes classes are an essential part of our workforce development program. Pray that all who sign up can participate fully, value what is conveyed, and take advantage of the employment opportunities. Pray also for an increase in employee partners in the Grand Rapids community.
Pray for ourServing Together program. Local churches provide volunteer opportunities and guidance forChanges participants as a final step before employment so job readiness can be assessed. Pray these church partnerships flourish and participants grow in this important step towards employment.
We have had good attendance, networking opportunities and fellowship at ourReentry Networking Lunches. Pray for continued blessings on this program!
TheTake Charge Program, a life skills and support group for women, finishes the Fall series in November and starts again in January. Pray the women attending have experiences that are positively life changing and that more women will attend. Pray for wisdom and insight for the speakers and blessings on the volunteers who faithfully help.
Mentor training is regularly available at our offices most Tuesday evenings; additional dates and locations are happily accommodated. Our need for mentors is growing, especially for male mentors, as our programing expands. We know how crucial it is for a successful, smooth transition to have a mentor walk beside our participants. Please prayerfully consider volunteering to become a mentor! Contact Reuben at reubenn@70x7liferecovery.org.
Housing is a tremendous struggle for many low/no income individuals, more so for those with a criminal background. Pray for those who are struggling to find safe, affordable housing – especially in the winter months, that more affordable housing becomes available and we can strengthen partnerships with landlords.
Pray for health, protection and family life balance for volunteers, clients and staff. We know of several people involved in our ministry undergoing very difficult circumstances, health crises for themselves or close loved ones, or mourning recent deaths. Pray that God provides each person with all they need.
Pray for those who work in prison & other institutions that they would be strengthened in their difficult jobs and be able to show compassion and provide guidance in their role of corrections.
In this busy season, pray for continued blessings on the work we do. Pray that we will have staff & resources to meet the needs presented, that donors continue to support these programs and those in them, and that changes being made will bless all involved now and going forward into the future.
THANK YOU:
Thank you so much for praying. Without your support, the work we do is not effective or long lasting. “The prayer of a righteous man (woman) is powerful and effective.” James 5:16.
Submitted by Cheryl Wyma
