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: 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.
Just for Mentors: FEBRUARY 2024
Just for Mentors: February 2024
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug reminds us that our failures should not shape our futures. Although we may struggle with feeling like our failures are part of our identity, Jesus came to earth to free us from those burdens and offer the gift of forgiveness. Remind your students to find their identity in Christ.
Just for Mentors: JANUARY 2024
Just for Mentors: January 2024
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug shares his thoughts on turning life’s tests into our testimony and life’s mess into our message. As we endure difficult times, what is God trying to teach us, and how is He working through us? Encourage your students to listen for God’s voice amid challenges and to share their testimonies with others.
Just for Mentors: DECEMBER 2023
Just for Mentors: December 2023
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug discusses the downsides of taking shortcuts when trying to reach goals in life. Similarly, we must not take shortcuts in our spiritual lives because growing spiritually is a lifelong process. Encourage your students to persevere as they continue on their spiritual journeys. This issue also includes the Scripture reading and prayer guide for December and January.
Just for Mentors: NOVEMBER 2023
Just for Mentors: November 2023
In this month’s Just for Mentors, we share a favorite letter from the archives as Doug recovers from surgery. How do we pray for students who ask for prayer but don’t give any details? Doug’s letter shares ideas and encouragement for lifting students in prayer with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Just for Mentors: OCTOBER 2023
Just for Mentors: October 2023
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug discusses a surgery that caused him to reevaluate his understanding of living one day at a time. When we face crises and situations out of our control, we are called to release all our anxieties to God and trust in Him. Encourage your students with the truth that God is with them in their difficult circumstances.
Just for Mentors: SEPTEMBER 2023
Just for Mentors: September 2023
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug recounts a frustrating experience at an airport in which blame was wrongly assigned. While blaming others can quickly get out of hand, a better response in such situations is to let go and trust that God is in control. This issue also includes the Scripture reading and prayer guide for September and October.
Just for Mentors: AUGUST 2023
Just for Mentors: August 2023
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing generational patterns. It is only through Jesus that trauma and damage passed from generation to generation can be healed and redeemed. Encourage your students to ask God for help in breaking the cycle of harmful generational patterns.
Just for Mentors: JULY 2023
Just for Mentors: July 2023
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug urges us to remember that the church behind prison walls is not “less than” the church on the outside. Encourage your students to contribute to the body of Christ in whatever ways God has equipped and called them to serve in their present circumstances.
Just for Mentors: JUNE 2023
Just for Mentors: June 2023
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug compares guilt and shame and the ways they can affect us. Remind your students that through Christ, there is no shame or condemnation. This issue also includes the Scripture reading and prayer guide for June and July.
Just for Mentors: MAY 2023
Just for Mentors: May
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug examines what it means to be a dependable person. As we strive to be dependable, we reflect the faithfulness of our God. Assure your students that they can always depend on God!