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 #10
Just for Mentors: JUNE 2018
Love, grace and mercy. They are words that we all know as Christians. But what does it look like to show love, grace and mercy to our students in our letters? Doug tackles this topic in this issue of Just for Mentors.
Just for Mentors #9
Just for Mentors: MAY 2018
In the book of Philippians, there is a little-known character named Epaphroditus, who travels hundreds of miles to visit Paul in prison. In this issue of Just for Mentors, Doug outlines what we as Crossroads mentors can learn from this obscure Bible character.
Just for Mentors #8
Just for Mentors: APRIL 2018
As a Crossroads mentor, you will likely encounter students of different faiths. In this issue, Doug challenges us to lovingly come alongside them on their spiritual journey and point them toward the love of Christ.
Just for Mentors #7
Just for Mentors: MARCH 2018
In this issue of Just for Mentors, Doug talks about the trauma and pain that prisoners experience when they are defined only by their crime. Find out how you as a Crossroads mentor can speak words of hope and point your students to their true identity in Christ.
Just for Mentors #6
Just for Mentors: FEBRUARY 2018
“Will you please pray for my family?” It’s a simple question but often loaded with pain and uncertainty for prisoners. In this issue of Just for Mentors, Doug helps you know how to pray for and encourage your student in their relationships with family.
Just for Mentors #5
Just for Mentors: JANUARY 2018
The letters you write and the Bible studies we share with our students not only affect their present situation but also their future. In this issue, Doug talks about the Church’s role in caring for prisoners in every phase of their journey.
Just for Mentors #4
Just for Mentors: DECEMBER 2017
Doug shares a letter from a Crossroads student who has been incredibly blessed by his interaction with Crossroads mentors and what all mentors can learn from his experience.
Just for Mentors #3
Just for Mentors: NOVEMBER 2017
Do you often use “church talk” or “Christianese” when talking with fellow believers? In this issue, Doug shares why this stained-glass language shouldn’t be used when writing to Crossroads students and how to reach your students effectively in your letters.
Just for Mentors #2
Just for Mentors: OCTOBER 2017
In this issue, President Lisa Blystra shares what biblical mentorship looks like and casts a vision for Crossroads mentors bringing encouragement, love and guidance to their students.
Just for Mentors #1
Just for Mentors: September 2017
In the first issue of Just for Mentors, Doug offers five things prisoners need to hear. Also in this issue is a get-to-know-you interview with Doug.