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: 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!
Just for Mentors: APRIL 2023
Just for Mentors: April
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug discusses the importance of consistency in training puppies and in our daily interactions with others. We also announce the launch of our new lesson specifically designed for students in jails and short-term facilities.
Just for Mentors: MARCH 2023
Just for Mentors: March
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug recalls a health scare that challenged him to focus on how to live the days he had been given. We invite you to reflect on the greatest commandment and encourage your students to do the same. This issue also includes the Scripture reading and prayer guide for March and April.
Just For Mentors: FEBRUARY 2023
Just for Mentors: February
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug reflects on the ministry of restoration. As God’s ambassadors, we are called to participate in His restorative work. We invite you to ponder what this means for you as a mentor and to challenge your students to seek ways to contribute to this work in their current circumstances.
Just for Mentors: JANUARY 2023
Just for Mentors: January
In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug recalls wrestling with loneliness and heartache in prison as he questioned whether God was there with him. He turned to Psalm 23 for comfort and peace. If your student is searching for God’s presence, remind them of the truths in this beautiful psalm.