May 2023 • Newsletter
On April 1, 2023, Along Side Ministries hosted its first Homecoming & Volunteer Appreciation Day event with more than 200 attending, which included board members, staff, teachers, mentors, prayer warriors, graduates, programmers, and guests. It was an amazing day!
Men’s Program Manager
Bob Lee
“I loved the response to the Volunteer Appreciation event from our wonderful volunteers who work hard and make sacrifices to serve our incarcerated brothers and sisters. Fellowshipping with our graduates and programmers was so much fun. Celebrating our volunteers’ accomplishments and hearing powerful testimonials was a highlight for me personally.”
A Teacher’s Perspective
Tom Mayer
“As I looked out over the crowd, I watched the open love being shared. People hugging, often not letting go for some time, laughing, enjoying each other. Many were catching up after months apart, and each seemed so eager to be encouraged by the others current story “in Christ.”
God has been at work at ASM for two decades. He has shown His miraculous healing, transforming power through the lives His plans are working in. Jesus made this April 1s a day when His people showed what wisdom looks like by living out His Word in their lives.”
Women’s Program Manager
Ruth Hoffman
“I was delighted to see some 100 volunteers and 50 program alumni come together. One of the long-term volunteers shared how she has seen this program from many different viewpoints, having volunteered in many aspects of the ministry. The whole experience of the day was exciting!”
Hebrews 10:25 “…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as in the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching.”
A Programmer’s View
Henry Fischbacher
“The day was awesome and informative to hear the testimonies and stories from those who graduated the Along Side program. To hear what their life has been since graduating, their work, where they live, what their lives look like outside of prison. It helped me to navigate issues and challenges that I face, and to see normal lives taking shape – where there is no desire to return to the old life.”
Come One, Come All!
A Graduate Says
Jen Charon
“It was so wonderful to see all our
brothers and sisters living out their
purpose, and knowing that so many
lives, friendships, families, and
marriages have been made stronger
while walking along side each other.
Can’t wait to see what God has in store
for all of us. Thank you to everyone who
came, and of course to all the Along
Side staff for all the love you always
show us!”
The New ASM Alumni Association
It has been with great hope and joy that several graduates of Along Side Ministries have banded together to form the 1st Along Side Ministries Alumni Association. What a great opportunity to serve those who are now walking the same road we have all walked in Christian Discipleship.
We are lining up guest speakers who can speak Jesus into the lives of our people, and we are exploring options for our first Alumni Field Trip. More to come always!
Alumni Board: President, Thomas Jackson
Vice-President, Mike Dawson
Treasurer, Raquel Redmond
Secretary, Jeff Madden
