Our home wasn’t extravagant, but it was in great shape when we moved in. Over time, the wear and tear of children, dogs, weather, and aging materials began to show. We did our best to keep up with repairs and improvements over the years. However, one project kept getting postponed—it was too expensive and too big for Hendrina and me to handle alone.
The vinyl siding had faded, cracked, and developed holes. It had become a patchwork of different colors due to pieces being replaced after a roofing project damaged them. The siding had reached the end of its lifespan, and we needed help to restore it. The truth is, when we buy a home, we commit to a lifelong restoration project—one that ultimately transforms the house.
Stepping into a prison, we see people who have broken rules, are being punished, and have been removed from society. It reminds me of what happened to Adam and Eve when they disobeyed God’s command—He punished them and removed them from the Garden (Genesis 3:23-24). Yet, despite this, God has continued to love humanity, guiding us back to fully reflecting His image (Genesis 1:27).
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
I desire to reflect God’s goodness always (Psalm 145:9), yet too often, I miss the mark. I cling to thoughts and behaviors that Scripture warns against. I struggle to forgive. My words and actions can tear down rather than build up. At times, I am intolerant and come across as rude. But becoming more like Jesus requires a lifetime of intentional work and reflection (Romans 8:29).
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips” (Colossians 3:8).
Our mentors are looking beyond their students’ actions and consequences, showing them Christ’s love—just as God has done for us (John 3:16). Through their presence, they remind them, “Jesus loves you, and so do I.” The lessons reveal truth, and their words encourage students to keep going, even when they fail or fall short. Our mentors remind their students that following Jesus is a lifelong restoration project. There will be setbacks, but with each step, there is an opportunity for growth and renewal. It all begins in the heart, and our outward expressions reflect that transformation.
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45).
When the hired crew tore off our old siding, they carried it away piece by piece. Slowly, new vinyl siding replaced it, looking fresh and bright. Our house looked better than when we first moved in—fully restored. Yet, inevitably, there will be more home improvement projects in the future. My home, like me, requires ongoing restoration. But unlike the house, the day will come when I will be fully restored (Revelation 21:4).
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
Restoration takes time, but we don’t have to go through it alone. Your encouragement can make a difference in the lives of people in prison. Will you participate in the work of restoration by joining our team of volunteer mentors or supporting Crossroads’ ministry today?