Volunteer mentors are the heart of Crossroads Prison Ministries. In order to provide ongoing training and encouragement for volunteers, we provide monthly newsletters called Just for Mentors. Each newsletter includes tips, ideas and encouragement from Doug Cupery, director of church mobilization at Crossroads, and important news and reminders for mentors. We hope these newsletters help you become the best mentor you can be!
Just for Mentors: FEBRUARY 2025
Just for Mentors: February 2025
In this issue of Just for Mentors, Doug shares a personal story of learning the art of self-reflection through crocheting and how it relates to addressing sin in our lives. He encourages mentors to guide students in examining their hearts, asking tough questions, and seeking God’s help in uncovering blind spots. This issue also emphasizes the importance of embracing “do-overs” in life and trusting in God’s guidance to correct mistakes, restore peace, and grow in Christlikeness.
Just for Mentors: JANUARY 2025
Just for Mentors: January 2025
In this issue of Just for Mentors, Doug shares his neighbor’s cancer diagnosis and the prayers for healing. He reflects on Jesus’ miracles and encourages trust in God’s power to heal. Doug encourages mentors to remind students that faith in God’s timing and purpose is crucial, highlighting the importance of surrendering to His will and drawing inspiration from others’ faith.
Just for Mentors: DECEMBER 2024
Just for Mentors: December 2024
Just for Mentors: NOVEMBER 2024
Just for Mentors: November 2024
Just for Mentors: OCTOBER 2024
Just for Mentors: October 2024
In this issue of Just for Mentors, Doug encourages mentors who may feel discouraged as they invite others to join them in mentoring. Encourage your students to invite others to share information on how to get involved with the ministry.
Just for Mentors: SEPTEMBER 2024
Just for Mentors: September 2024
In this issue of Just for Mentors, Doug reflects on the grief and guilt incarcerated individuals face surrounding their families, especially during the holidays. Encourage your students to hold onto the unwavering hope found in Jesus and to trust in God’s work in their lives and families. This issue also includes the Scripture reading and prayer guide for September and October.
Just for Mentors: AUGUST 2024
Just for Mentors: August 2024
In this issue of Just for Mentors, Doug ponders the question, “Have we made a difference?” Since this question can be difficult to answer, he proposes another goal: to be a difference and trust God to do the rest. Encourage your students to be a difference to those around them.
Just for Mentors: JULY 2024
Just for Mentors: July 2024
In this issue of Just for Mentors, Doug imagines what it will be like when we stand before Jesus and examines what it means to live out His purpose for us until that day. Encourage your students to join you in reflecting on the gift of salvation and putting your faith into action.
Just for Mentors: JUNE 2024
Just for Mentors: June 2024
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug discusses the challenges and benefits of leaving our past behind and seeking God’s will for our lives. Encourage your students to ask the Holy Spirit for daily guidance in their pursuit to follow God’s will. This issue also includes the Scripture reading and prayer guide for June and July.
Just for Mentors: MAY 2024
Just for Mentors: May 2024
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug reflects on decisions and shares how his decision-making process has changed since becoming a follower of Jesus. As your students face consequences from choices they made in the past, encourage them to look to God for wisdom in all their future decisions.
Just for Mentors: APRIL 2024
Just for Mentors: April 2024
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug shares his thoughts on showing love and mercy to others. When we do so, we are “bringing forth the bread of life to the starving multitudes” (Charles Spurgeon). As you show love and mercy to your students through your caring letters, encourage them to do the same to those around them.
Just for Mentors: MARCH 2024
Just for Mentors: March 2024
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug reflects on gratitude and how it can often be elusive for those behind bars. Empathize with your students if they struggle with gratefulness, and encourage them to reflect daily to find something positive for which they can thank God. This issue also contains the Scripture reading and prayer guide for March and April.