Just for Mentors: December

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug acknowledges how hard it can be to forgive ourselves. At Christmas, we remember the hope we have through the birth of our Savior, who came to take away all our sins. Remind your students of God’s gift of forgiveness! This issue also contains the Scripture reading and prayer guide for December and January.

Just for Mentors: November

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug discusses the challenges of remaining patient in inconvenient or frustrating situations. Many Crossroads students find their patience tested daily, as they have very little choice or control in their everyday lives. Encourage your students to ask God to help them let go of the things they can’t control and practice patience.

Just for Mentors: October

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug ponders the similarities between road construction projects and God’s restorative work within the hearts of believers. Although the process may be long and painful, God is faithful. Encourage your students to look for ways God has been shaping and molding them along their journeys.

Just for Mentors: September

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug describes a major disappointment in his life that challenged his faith. When you hear stories of trials, frustrations, and heartbreaks from your students, encourage them to lean on God to help them persevere.

Just for Mentors: August

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug recalls a time when someone told him they had prayed for him and how much that blessed him. Following the apostle Paul’s example, you can bless your students by writing words of prayer in your letters.

Just for Mentors: July

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug reflects on living with integrity. When we treat others with love and respect, trust is built, and we can leave a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Just for Mentors: June

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug discusses a meaningful encounter with the first chapter of James. As you review lessons and read the Bible verses covered in the material, challenge yourself to apply the teachings to your life—and then challenge your students to do the same.

Just for Mentors: MAY

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug reminds us that no one is beyond redemption. After God transformed the apostle Paul into a new man, he was no longer defined by his past but by his new identity in Christ. Share this joyful news with your students!

Just for Mentors: APRIL

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug emphasizes the importance of building a solid foundation on Jesus Christ. When people returning home from prison lean on God and not on their own understanding, they stay on a steadier course. Encourage your students to center their lives on Christ, the Chief Cornerstone!

Just for Mentors: MARCH

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug discusses a common theme found in letters from Crossroads students: a longing for restoration. Some students may express this very candidly; others may only hint at it. No matter what your student decides to share with you, be sure to encourage them with the good news that we serve a God of restoration!

Just for Mentors: FEBRUARY

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug addresses how the evil one works hard to make men and women behind bars and those who have served their sentences feel hopeless. When facing an issue as big as mass incarceration, creating change can seem overwhelming or even insurmountable. But we know that mountains can be moved. Change starts with faithful prayer. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to download our prayer journal (cpministries.org/prayer-journal) and commit to twenty-four days of prayer.

Just for Mentors: JANUARY

In this month’s Just for Mentors, Doug speaks on how life-altering events in his family life are teaching him valuable life lessons. These situations occur to our students as well, and can encourage them to respond by taking a hard look at their lives and reevaluating priorities. This season, encourage your student to seek God’s heart in all their plans by setting goals.