Bethel, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and faith-based program in Boise, Idaho, helps recently incarcerated men become law-abiding, productive members of society. Bethel provides family-type setting, transitional homes where men are matched with mentors, obtain employment, attend a structured program of life-skill classes, and participate in group and individual counseling during their six to twelve month stay.  Bethel provides an invaluable service to Treasure Valley families and all Idaho by providing many newly released prisoners the necessary services to successfully transition back into society. Bethel’s success in providing the needed life-skills and supervision during this vulnerable transition period strengthens community safety and reduces re-offences that save Idaho taxpayer dollars.

News from Bethel
On a very happy note, Rob Lee, Executive Director, and his wife Allison had a baby girl Marlie Marie about 7 months ago. The Lee family became partners in a business called Coatings Plus located in Garden City. As a result Rob has been able to employ several Bethel residents, a blessing to Bethel Although 2012 started off with some financial challenges, the Lord ensures Bethel’s needs are continually met. Please continue to pray that God will provide the necessary funds for Bethel’s operations. Each year we honor Bethel residents who complete the Bethel Ministries discipleship program requirements for graduation. This year’s graduation is scheduled for December 8th.

Agreement with Provenance House
One of Bethel’s homes, Bethel 3, has housed graduates over the last 2 years. While Bethel 3 can
accommodate 8 men, only 2 men are housed there causing a financial drain. Some weeks ago, Rob Lee was contacted by Doug Hardy from Provenance House (Provenance), a Christ-centered ministry that provides housing and training for recent parolees. Doug inquired about placing Provenance residents in Bethel 3. The Bethel Board and Provenance representatives met to discuss the request and work out terms of an agreement. A two-year Agreement was signed effective October 1st. The Agreement should be mutually beneficial to both ministries. The Bethel Board looks forward to working together with Provenance to transition men back into society through the power of God and
Jesus Christ.

Bethel Presentations
For a Bethel Ministries presentation at your local church or civic organization, please contact Rob Lee at the e-mail address or phone number listed below.How to help You may donate through PayPal or send checks made payable to Bethel Ministries, PO Box 44106, Boise, Idaho 83711-0106. Your support is always greatly appreciated.

Additional ways to donate
In addition to your prayers and monetary donations, Bethel is seeking all types of household items such as kitchen ware and appliances, draperies, furniture — such as beds, chests, washers, dryers, freezers, tables and chairs, and also mens clothing. Bethel can always use donated food. Please contact Rob Lee at roblee@bethelministires.net or call 208-475-1284 to have your donated items picked up, or to find
out where you may deliver them.

October 2011

Bethel Ministries
A Ministry of Reconciliation

This Newsletter is the 10th for Bethel Ministries (Bethel). The newsletter is sent out regularly to contributors, churches, and interested public.

Bethel, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and faith-based program in Boise, Idaho, was established to help men leaving incarceration change their lives to become law-abiding, productive members of society. Bethel provides transitional homes where the men reside in a family-type setting. During their six to twelve month stay, the men are matched with mentors, obtain employment, attend a structured program of life-skill classes, and participate in group and individual counseling.

Bethel provides an invaluable service to Treasure Valley families and all Idaho by providing many newly released prisoners the necessary services to successfully transition back into society. Bethel’s success in providing the needed life-skills and supervision during this vulnerable transition period strengthens community safety and reduces re-offences that save Idaho taxpayer dollars.

News from Bethel
Due to the untimely death of his son Charlie in April, Rob Lee, Executive Director, took an extended leave of absence from his full-time position. Chris Roberts took over supervising Operations on an interim basis. Initially, Rob transitioned back by coordinating Invitations; then on September 2^nd, Rob resumed his full-time duties over Operations. The Board recognizes and appreciates Chris’s dedication over the last several months. On a very happy note, Rob announced that he and his wife are expecting a “new arrival” in March.

Although 2011 started off with financial challenges, the Lord has ensured Bethel’s needs are continually met. Please continue to pray that God will provide the necessary funds for Bethel’s operations.

Bethel residents continue to struggle finding employment. Please pray for jobs for the Bethel men during these difficult economic times for Idaho and our nation.

Each year we honor Bethel residents who complete the Bethel Ministries discipleship program’s requirements for graduation. At the September 22^nd Board meeting, the Board scheduled the Bethel Graduation and Banquet for 6PM Friday, November 18, 2011 at the Mountain View Church of the Brethren, 2823 N. Cole Road, Boise. We are pleased to have Mark Hubbell, Executive Director for Prison Fellowship Northwest, as this year’s special guest speaker.

Bethel Presentations
For a Bethel Ministries presentation at your local church or civic organization, please contact Rob Lee at the e-mail address or phone number listed below.

Erasing the Bars

The Community Information and Resource Fair.

Churches, state agencies, and community help and support groups came together On September 21, 2011 for the first Annual Community Information and Resource Fair at the Vineyard Church in Garden City.  Participants highlighted the community resources they offer and learned about one another. The day opened with speakers: State Senator Denton Darrington; Brent Reinke, Director, Idaho Department of Correction; and Rogelio (Roy) Valdez, Deputy Director, Idaho Department of Labor.

State prison wardens and parole officers attended the group’s meeting and visited with various booth participants. Fair goers visited over 90 different tables where they received information about the different participant services.

In addition, a statewide information web page has been established listing different churches, agencies and organizations. The site will inform counselors, pastors, and serving agencies of available community services. (http://www.offenderresourcesidaho.org) This valuable resource helps all who work with men and women in prison, and their families, identify needed resources.

The Fair was a huge success and similar events are being considered in other Idaho locations.

By  David McKellip, Idaho Restorative Justice Committee, Facilitator

How to help
You may donate through PayPal or send checks made payable to Bethel Ministries, PO Box 44106, Boise, Idaho 83711-0106. Your support is always greatly appreciated.

Additional ways to donate
In addition to your prayers and monetary donations, Bethel is seeking all types of household items such as kitchen ware and appliances, draperies, furniture — such as beds, chests, washers, dryers, freezers, tables and chairs, and also men’s clothing. Bethel can always use donated food. Please contact Rob Lee or call 208-724-1734 to have your donated items picked up, or where you may deliver them.

January, 2011

Bethel Ministries
A Ministry of Reconciliation

This Newsletter is the 8th for Bethel Ministries (Bethel). The newsletter is sent out regularly to contributors, churches, and interested public.

Bethel, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and faith-based program in Boise, Idaho, was established to help men leaving incarceration change their lives to become law-abiding, productive members of society. Bethel provides transitional homes where the men reside in a family-type setting. During their six to twelve month stay, the men are matched with mentors, obtain employment, attend a structured program of life-skill classes, and participate in group and individual counseling.

Bethel provides an invaluable service to the families of the Treasure Valley and all Idaho by preventing many newly released prisoners from re-entering communities void of rehabilitative services necessary to help such men on the right track before being on their own within the community.

News from Bethel
On November 20, 2010, ten men were graduated from Bethel’s program. The service was held at Mountain View Church of the Brethren, Boise, Idaho and was very inspiring to all who attended. Melanie Snyder, author of “Grace Goes to Prison” was the featured speaker addressing restoration justice.

Overall, 2010 was a good year for Bethel without the financial problems that occurred in 2009. Executive Director Rob Lee and wife Allison were blessed with the birth of a baby son Charlie. Bethel generally received the support and cooperation of the staff at the Department of Corrections.

The new year of 2011 is starting off with some financial challenges. Please pray that God will provide the funds needed to continue to keep the staff going full speed ahead and to maintain Bethel housing. Please also consider a special contribution to Bethel to help out during these difficult financial times.

Bethel Presentations
If you would like a presentation at your local church, please contact Rob Lee or Chris Roberts at the e-mail addresses or phone numbers listed below.

Article from a Bethel Graduate:

Bethel to Me
Ask ten different people what Bethel ministries means to them and you could easily end up with eleven different answers.

To me and my family, the ministry means a number of things. The longer our involvement, the more varied, significant, and meaningful it becomes.

Initially to me, Bethel represented an alternative. When the parole board denied my release plans, I was left bewildered and perplexed, wondering what I would do and where I would go. I also knew that, since God had stood by my side through all my trials, I had no need to despair.

When a trusted friend, an inmate with a Master’s of Social Work degree told me about Bethel House, I was listening. He said it was a Christ-centered transition home for guys leaving prison. He said there would be other guys there who could help and support me because they would have experience with the challenges I’d be facing.

My mother was tremendously relieved, my entire family was, and I was happy to be telling her on the phone about Bethel and how highly recommended it was.

When I got there, the guys accepted me warmly and made me feel welcomed. Bethel House One was clean, had a well-tended yard, and a pleasant atmosphere. Larry, the house coordinator, took me under his wing and the other guys were eager to help. The reassurance I felt from the guys was comforting, and Bethel House indeed felt like a home.

Together, I met with the guys each morning for daily devotion and Bible study. Weekdays were spent seeking work and the evenings were spent together with the guys from the other two Bethel Houses in various discipleship classes.

One evening, I missed a class and found myself home alone. In prison, you miss privacy, you don’t miss other guys, but here I was, missing the guys. That’s when Bethel, I realized, had become more that simply an alternative, it had become a brotherhood.

By now, I was getting to know Bethel administrators and lay members of the Church of the Brethren, the church that supports the ministry and provides a place for meeting and a sanctuary to worship in.

My understanding of the Bethel program continued to expand and I was feeling more and more an active part of the church community. The forgiveness and inclusion proved a marvelous thing. God was blessing me through these children of His, and they were finding me a blessing to them. The love of God through His children was working on me, and helping to restore me to a place of wellness.

I graduated Bethel Ministries’ six month program, and what a graduation it was! The attendance was exceptional, the atmosphere ablaze with cheer, appreciation, congratulations and well-wishing.

Bethel Ministries has been a good many things to me, an alternative, a brotherhood, but more than anything, it has been proof that God’s plan for me is greater than my plans for myself.

How to help
You may donate through PayPal or send checks made payable to Bethel Ministries, PO Box 44106, Boise, Idaho 83711-0106. Your support is always greatly appreciated.

Additional ways to donate
In addition to your prayers and monetary donations, Bethel is in need of many other types of donations including household items such as kitchen ware and appliances, draperies, furniture, such as beds, chests, washers, dryers, freezers, tables and chairs, and also men’s clothing. Bethel can also use donated food. Contact Rob Lee or 208-724-1734 or Chris Roberts at 208-602-3885 about having your donated items picked up or where you may deliver them.

August, 2010

Bethel Ministries
A Ministry of Reconciliation

This Newsletter is the 8th for Bethel Ministries (Bethel). The newsletter is sent out regularly to contributors, churches, and interested public.

Bethel, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and faith-based program in Boise, Idaho, was established to help men leaving incarceration change their lives to become law-abiding, productive members of society. Bethel provides transitional homes where the men reside in a family-type setting. During their six to twelve month stay, the men are matched with mentors, obtain employment, attend a structured program of life-skill classes, and participate in group and individual counseling.

Bethel provides an invaluable service to the families of the Treasure Valley and all Idaho by preventing many newly released prisoners from re-entering communities void of rehabilitative services necessary to help such men on the right track before being on their own within the community.

News from the Chairman
Income and Employment Status
Bethel has been holding its own financially. However, many residents are still unemployed and jobs are difficult to find, especially during the summer months when many students are looking for jobs. Please continue to pray that all our residents can find jobs.

At the July Board meeting, it was decided to ask the Leadership Council to develop a community services program for Bethel residents. Unemployed men would be required to spend a certain number of hours, perhaps 20 to 30, each week devoted to community service projects. We hope to initiate such a program in September.

Adopt Bethel
A number of months ago, Bethel Ministries started a new program where churches can adopt Bethel as one of their outreach ministries. Adoption by a church means that a church supports Bethel’s program by offering prayers for Bethel’s residents and success for the program, and when possible, providing financial support. Churches that notify Bethel of adopting the ministry will be so listed on our web site shown below. More information on the adoption program may be found on the Donations page of our web site. To date, only two churches in Boise have adopted Bethel as an outreach ministry. Surely, there are more Christian churches in the Boise valley that would like to take this initial step? More information on the adoption program may be found on the donations page of our web site.

Bethel Presentations
If you would like a presentation at your local church, please contact Rob Lee or Chris Roberts at the e-mail addresses or phone numbers listed below.

Note From A Bethel Graduate
Editor’s Comment
As humans, we categorize sin. We believe some sins are worse than others. But the Biblical fact is that any and all sins result in receiving the death penalty from a just God (Romans 6:23). That penalty can be removed and atoned for through accepting the sacrifice of Christ Jesus as the son of God.

In the following article, a Bethel graduate writes about the sin of child sexual abuse. A lot of questions are raised and the author recognizes the difficulties of trying to help those who have such tendencies. What is the solution to preventing child sexual abuse or any other sexual perversion? The answer must be found in educating young children in Christian values and much Godly love in a Christian home environment. But how can this be done in a world that often rejects their Creator, God’s Word- the Holy Bible, and His Son Christ Jesus? As a group of Egyptian Christians boldly and joyfully declared, “Christ Jesus is the ONLY answer to the world’s problems”!!

Until such time that effective programs exist to prevent sexual abuse, Bethel is here to help those who commit crimes, through a ministry of reconciliation through Christ Jesus.

What is our objective in fighting child abuse? Wouldn’t it be nice if there were no more child sexual abuse? How do we stop it? If just one person would come forward and admit that they have a problem with sexual thoughts about children and ask for help that could save any potential victim that would cross their path. Maybe it would save just one. Maybe it would save fifty, or a hundred and fifty. The point is to get potential perpetrators to come forward and ask for help before they abuse. I am a sex offender. I believed that there was no help for me. I believed that no one understood what I was going through. I believed that if I were to admit to a problem like that I would be locked up for life and forgotten about.

Isn’t that what society wants for “child molesters”? Unless, of course, it happens to be your brother or son that has committed the crime, then maybe you would want some type of help or counseling for them. Why do we have such a large hammer over their head? Don’t get me wrong, I agree wholeheartedly that children need to be protected from those that would abuse them.

How do we get people to admit that they have a problem with sexual issues, especially with children? Do you believe that the threat of life in prison is going to get them to open up and ask for help? I don’t. And I’m not sure what would. I do know that a bigger hammer is not the answer. Maybe some types of leniency would be in order for those who came forward on their own accord. I don’t know.

I also believe that there needs to be a place to house and treat sex offenders separate from other felons. This would definitely help in the need to be honest. I know that sex offenders can change. I am making progress every day with God’s help. I just needed the right help and direction. First, I needed to understand the importance of honesty. I mean real gut-wrenching, face-the-embarrassment, keep-talking-about-it honesty. This is not easy. I didn’t do it ‘til it seemed my only option (other than suicide, I’m too chicken to kill myself) so honesty seemed like a pretty viable option at that point. It’s not that I really wanted to die. It just seemed less frightening than telling the truth; that I was sexually attracted to children and didn’t know how to stop molesting.

Imagine a world where death is more attractive than telling the truth. Well, for some people, more than would ever admit it, that is the world we live in. We ridicule those who are different. We fear those that we don’t understand and then we hate them for making us afraid. So why would we expect people to come forward and ask for help with their sexual desires for children. It seems that many men think that the best option, then, for people leaning toward pedophilia, would be to keep their mouth shut and try to cope with it themselves. You can see how well that’s working? It’s NOT!

How to help
You may donate through PayPal or send checks made payable to Bethel Ministries, PO Box 44106, Boise, Idaho 83711-0106. Your support is always greatly appreciated.

Additional ways to donate
In addition to your prayers and monetary donations, Bethel is in need of many other types of donations including household items such as kitchen ware and appliances, draperies, furniture, such as beds, chests, washers, dryers, freezers, tables and chairs, and also men’s clothing. Bethel can also use donated food. Contact Rob Lee or 208-724-1734 or Chris Roberts at 208-602-3885 about having your donated items picked up or where you may deliver them.

June, 2010

Bethel Ministries
A Ministry of Reconciliation

This Newsletter is the 7th for Bethel Ministries (Bethel). The newsletter is sent out regularly to contributors, churches, and interested public.

Bethel, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and faith-based program in Boise, Idaho, was established to help men leaving incarceration change their lives to become law-abiding, productive members of society. Bethel provides transitional homes where the men reside in a family-type setting. During their six to twelve month stay, the men are matched with mentors, obtain employment, attend a structured program of life-skill classes, and participate in group and individual counseling.

Bethel provides an invaluable service to the families of the Treasure Valley and all Idaho by preventing many newly released prisoners from re-entering communities void of rehabilitative services necessary to help such men on the right track before being on their own within the community.

News from the Chairman
New Residents
Since our last Newsletter, Bethel has been blessed to receive a number of new residents. To accommodate new residents, the Leadership Council moved some graduate residents to a house called Bethel 3 that is currently set aside for graduates. Bethel now has a total of 21 residents. Our current housing capacity is 24. Based on projections, we may be at capacity later in June. Please pray for Christ-changed lives for the residents.

Adopt Bethel
Bethel Ministries recently started a new program where churches can adopt Bethel as one of their outreach ministries. Adoption by a church means that a church supports Bethel’s program by offering prayers for Bethel’s residents and success for the program, and when possible, providing financial support. Churches that notify Bethel of adopting the ministry will be so listed on our web site shown below. More information on the adoption program may be found on the donations page of our web site.

To date, two churches in Boise have adopted Bethel as an outreach ministry: Mountain View Church of the Brethren and Grace Communion International.

Bethel Presentations
If you would like a presentation at your local church, please contact Rob Lee or Chris Roberts at the e-mail addresses or phone numbers listed below.

Income Status
Bethel is currently in good shape financially. However, many residents are unemployed and jobs are difficult to find, especially during the summer months when many students are looking for jobs. Please pray that our residents can find jobs.

Note From A Bethel Graduate
My name is John Smith (fictitious), but that is not nearly as important as the story I’d like to tell. I’m a registered sex offender.

This puts me in what is probably one of the most hated or disliked groups of people in the world. Sometimes we hate or dislike because we are afraid. Sometimes our fear is based on not understanding or a lack of knowledge. It is my deepest hope that this information I share will shed some light on “sex offenders” and maybe, just maybe, alleviate some of your fears and hatred for this group of people. That’s right, I used the word “people.”

We are people that made poor choices due to a distorted belief system and we are held accountable for it. However, we are not all the same. We are all somewhat different, just as you are different from other people.

Some sex offenders need to be locked up until such time as they are not a threat. I am not pretending that I know when that is, because I don’t. It’s a case by case thing. I believe that I needed a time out from society to get my life together. I know that I did not set out to be a sex offender. I did not wake one morning and decide to be a pervert. It took years for me to actually step over the line and offend.

I grew up in a dysfunctional environment. That is not an excuse. It is a fact. I grew up with no boundaries to speak of, no real concept of appropriate sexual behavior. I am not trying to justify sexual offending or defend it in any way. It is wrong. It is an inappropriate way to meet the needs we have as human beings. We all need to feel loved or needed in some way.

It’s the way we are made. If those basic needs are not met in us in a healthy way, we find ways to compensate for the unmet need. We look for something to fill that need or emptiness. A good example is water. It finds the lowest point and pools. It is the law of the universe. It’s the way it’s made. It looks for the path of least resistance to get there.

When we have unmet needs, we tend to look for the path of least resistance to get those needs met. And believe it or not, you are no exception. If we can’t get those needs met, we find ways to cope with the loss or pain, usually through drugs and/or alcohol and sometimes through a fantasy life with pornography. There are many ways to cope with emptiness or pain. Almost as many different ways as there are people in the world. I chose the sexual fantasy life to deal with my feelings of loneliness and rejection. Then to deal with the guilt, pain and shame of my “perverted and unacceptable” behavior I turned to drugs so I could live with myself.

There is also the issue of religion. When sex offenders turn to religion, is it a cop out or can they be saved or even helped by turning to God? Does God love people who commit sexual crimes?

Can God love any criminal? Doesn’t the Bible say, “For God so loved the right wing conservatives that he gave his only begotten son….”, no, wait, maybe it says “God so loved the left wing liberals…”.No, it actually says, “For God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only begotten son that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him shall have everlasting life and not perish” (John 3:16). The World. The whole WORLD and everything in it. “Nothing can separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39).

It was difficult for me to accept that anyone could love me after my secret deviant life was discovered, especially God. But, I know it to be true, God truly loves me. Why else would he send His only begotten son to die for me on the cross? Knowing and believing that God loves me helped me to change. I became open to His Word. Since I had nowhere else to turn, I turned to God. People told me to have faith. They told me to pray about it.

I read in the Bible and it said the same thing, pray and have faith. So, I did. It didn’t happen overnight. Not by a long shot. But it did happen. The thing I had to do was “let go and let God”.

Do you have any idea how difficult it is for a control freak like me, to ‘let go and let God’? I’m a CONTROL FREAK!, I don’t let go of anything unless there’s something in it for me and you’re telling me to let go of my means of survival, my means of coping with the world (my addiction), and for what? Faith? You want me to let go of this and hold on to faith? Something I can’t see, smell, taste or touch? I have a difficult time imagining it, much less, holding onto it.

I kept praying and I kept talking about those things that were my weaknesses. I knew that being honest about them was the only way to get the help I so desperately needed to change them.

Letter from an incarcerated man
Pastor Dave,

Hey, first I want to thank you for the updates and I pray for you and the ministry a lot. I hope you’re doing great and I’ll be seeing you around soon enough. I have about another month and a half left here. I’ve decided to try parole and give myself a chance. At first I was contemplating topping out, but that’s a pretty selfish thought. I don’t want to keep my daughter waiting any more than I have to.

So you asked about testimonies and for all the thought I’ve given to your request my faith continues and I won’t give up, because I know God won’t give up on me. Circumstances change. Situations change. At the end of the day I know God’s love is still the same, and for all the things that happen here in this life and on this physical pain, nothing can change that. That’s one of the greatest things in this life, to know that these walls are not my prison, it’s all in my head. I’m free.

Well, pastor, I’m going to sleep soon, so I hope this letter finds you well.

Sincerely,

Name withheld

How to help
You may donate through PayPal or send checks made payable to Bethel Ministries, PO Box 44106, Boise, Idaho 83711-0106. Your support is always greatly appreciated.

Additional ways to donate
In addition to your prayers and monetary donations, Bethel is in need of many other types of donations including household items such as kitchen ware and appliances, draperies, furniture, such as beds, chests, washers, dryers, freezers, tables, and chairs, and also men’s clothing. Bethel can also use donated food. Contact Rob Lee or 208-724-1734 or Chris Roberts at 208-602-3885 about having your donated items picked up or where you may deliver them.

April, 2010

Bethel Ministries
A Ministry of Reconciliation

This Newsletter is the 6th for Bethel Ministries (Bethel). The newsletter is sent out regularly to contributors, churches, and interested public.

Bethel, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and faith-based program in Boise, Idaho, was established to help men leaving incarceration change their lives to become law-abiding, productive members of society. Bethel provides transitional homes where the men reside in a family-type setting. During their six to twelve month stay, the men are matched with mentors, obtain employment, attend a structured program of life-skill classes, and participate in group and individual counseling.

Bethel provides an invaluable service to the families of the Treasure Valley and all Idaho by preventing many newly released prisoners from re-entering communities void of rehabilitative services necessary to help such men on the right track before being on their own within the community.

News from the Chairman
New Residents
Since our last Newsletter, Bethel has been blessed to receive a number of new residents. Bethel now has a total of 18 residents. Our current housing capacity is 24. Based on projections, we may be at capacity later in April.

Adopt Bethel
Bethel Ministries recently started a new program where churches can adopt Bethel as one of their outreach ministries. Adoption by a church means that a church supports Bethel’s program by offering prayers for Bethel’s residents and success for the program, and when possible, providing financial support. Churches that notify Bethel of adopting the ministry will be so listed on our web site shown below. More information on the adoption program may be found on the donations page of our web site.

To date, two churches in Boise have adopted Bethel as an outreach ministry: Mountain View Church of the Brethren and Grace Communion International.

Bethel Presentations
If you would like a presentation at your local church, please contact Rob Lee or Chris Roberts at the e-mail addresses or phone numbers listed below.

Letter from Director of Ministry David McKellip

Jesus, The Perfect Sacrifice for sin
In this life, Salvation is in part and not in the whole. What I mean by that…. Salvation, as I understand it, is a process and not a place of arriving. Jesus’ grace is sufficient for anyone to bring salvation. But the process doesn’t necessarily always happen all at once. In fact it may take a lifetime. I used to tell my kids “Grow up!” Salvation is a growing up process, a maturing of the spirit and soul. We grow in the likeness of Jesus. We become more like Him.

Sin is a terrible part of our world today. It is much a part of people’s lives. The Bible says, if some say that they are not a sinner, they lie and the truth is not in them (1 John 1:8). All sin, and all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). However, the Scripture also says that Jesus was without sin (1 Peter 2:21, 22). This pureness and completeness that Jesus was made Him the Perfect Man; a Man without sin.

Jesus chose to become the perfect Sacrifice for all (1 Peter 2:23, 24). He is the Son of God…. And even more, He is God. He said to one of his disciples, “You have seen me, you have seen the Father… the Father and I are one.” (John 10:30). So what does it mean to be saved of sin?

Many believe that because of Jesus’ death on the cross that we are saved from the punishment of sin. It is true, He took on our punishment; therefore, we do not go to hell. But there is even more.

We can live life abundantly
The fact is, because of Christ Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we can be cured from sin. We can be freed from sin (John 8:36).

There are people who seem to enjoy sinful living. People who want to live a sinful life have the illness that brings death. It is like an addiction. It may be enjoyed for a time, I suppose. But the truth is, sin gets a hold of a person and there is a time it is NOT fun. Remember, sin not only brings judgment but it brings death. When a person is truly caught up in sin, they lose sight about what a person (man or woman) really is.

But there is a cure for sin. When Jesus changes our hearts, we move away from sin. But understand it is a process. Growing to maturity in Christ is a process (Ephesians 4:15; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18).

We learn abundant life lessons. We do not have to live in sin when we grow up in Christ. I believe that sin does not just bring the punishment of hell but sin brings death (Romans 6:23). The Good News is that Christ Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient to not only save us from our sins but to bring a transformation from sinning. Adam and Eve ate the fruit and their sin not only cost them the life in the garden, it cost them life. It separated them from God in relationship.

The lust of the flesh leads to selfishness, bitterness, anger, strife, all crime and divorce. The list goes on and on. Sin brings about so much heartache, pain and destruction. War is Sin. A lot of illness is the result of sin. Prisons and jails are full because of sin. In general, lives become broken because of sin.

Redemptive Justice
Praise God there is a cure and the cure is Jesus. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help with sin. The Holy Spirit brings conviction. He lets people know of their downfall with sin. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, He brings hope and healing. He brings the mercy and love of God so that the weight of sin might be lifted and we can begin to grow up in Jesus.

Justice… God is a just God. Jesus died to take the punishment of sin. The truth is, there is collateral damage with sin. Our world has laws. Many of those laws are God’s laws. If you break a law, the world brings justice. This is why we have prisons and jails. The world brings punishment for the breaking of law. When someone is punished for their breaking of a law and pays for their crime, there needs be a time for moving on and forgiveness.

It is recognition that there is Redemption. There can be a changing of life. People can move away from bad actions of the past and a willingness to give people another chance in life. It is the understanding that people can grow up and leave sin behind. It means no matter what you have done in your past, there is a time where God makes us new people…. more in the image of Jesus. Jesus saves from the gutter-most to the uttermost. Amen!

Praise God for His love! Great God Almighty, peace at last.

So the question is… If my Lord and Savior forgives His children, who am I not to? When we understand Jesus’ love, we are called to offer His grace to anyone willing to seek it.

Suggested reading: Romans 12

How to help
You may donate through PayPal or send checks made payable to Bethel Ministries, PO Box 44106, Boise, Idaho 83711-0106. Your support is always greatly appreciated.

Additional ways to donate
In addition to your prayers and monetary donations, Bethel is in need of many other types of donations including household items such as kitchen ware and appliances, draperies, furniture,  such as beds, chests, washers, dryers, freezers, tables and chairs, and also men’s clothing. Bethel can also use donated food. Contact Rob Lee or 208-724-1734 or Chris Roberts at 208-602-3885 about having your donated items picked up or where you may deliver them.

February, 2010

Bethel Ministries
A Ministry of Reconciliation

This Newsletter is the 5th for Bethel Ministries (Bethel). The newsletter is sent out regularly to contributors, churches, and interested public.

Bethel, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and faith-based program in Boise, Idaho, was established to help men leaving incarceration change their lives to become law-abiding, productive members of society. Bethel provides transitional homes where the men reside in a family-type setting. During their six to twelve month stay, the men are matched with mentors, obtain employment, attend a structured program of life-skill classes, and participate in group and individual counseling.

Bethel provides an invaluable service to the families of the Treasure Valley and all Idaho by preventing many newly released prisoners from re-entering communities void of rehabilitative services necessary to help such men on the right track before being on their own within the community.

News from the Chairman
New Residents
Since our last Newsletter, Bethel has been blessed to receive a number of new residents. Bethel now has a total of 18 residents. Our current housing capacity is 24. Based on projections, we may be at capacity later in April.

Adopt Bethel
Bethel Ministries recently started a new program where churches can adopt Bethel as one of their outreach ministries. Adoption by a church means that a church supports Bethel’s program, offers prayers for Bethel’s residents and success for the program, and when possible provides financial support. Churches that notify Bethel of adopting the Ministry will be so listed on our web site. More information on the adoption program may be found on the donations page of our web site.

Bethel Presentations
Since November, presentations by Bethel staff have been given to the Celebration Church of God, Ontario, Oregon; Mountain View Church of the Brethren, Boise; and Grace Communion International, Boise. If you would like a presentation at your local church, please contact Rob Lee or Chris Roberts at the e-mail addresses or phone numbers listed below.

Letter from Director of Ministry David McKellip

An Open letter to those in and out of prison
Redemption is a powerful thing. Making a serious decision to “come to Jesus” can be truly life changing. It is an act of surrendering our wills to God. It may be a frightening experience in that we surrender control in our lives to God and other people.

I have had the privilege of being involved with Bethel Ministries almost since the beginning. The program has changed in some ways but for the most part it has not. Jesus’ redemption has always been there and God’s grace is the center-point of all God’s ministry.

Let’s talk about the Program at Bethel.

First of all, I need to say I am writing some things here that come from my heart and that I feel need to be said. They are not easy things for me to write. They may feel confrontational in some ways and could make you angry. That is not my intent. But I need to say them because there is a misconception out there by some that this ministry has thrown some folks away. Because I care about you and about them, I want to make it clear.

Jesus Christ does not ever throw people away, and neither does Bethel Ministries. Having said this, I have to say that for us it seems some people have walked away. Bethel is not for everyone. The reason it is not is that if you decide to come to Bethel, you truly need to be serious about needing changes in your life. You need to be serious about what Christ Jesus means to you. I suggest you take a good look at your life right now… How’s it working for you? If you are in prison that might just tell you that some things are not working very well. Life truly is not rocket science. If you are in prison or jail, you have probably made some serious mistakes in your life and there needs to be some major changes. Our Lord Jesus calls us out of this need for change and that is what we, at Bethel, seek to be here for. Our deepest goal is to help you find a new way of living.

If you agree that this is your need, then Bethel Ministries just might be for you. When you come out of prison, there is a stigma that will be and is a part of your life. Frankly it can be difficult finding work in just a couple of days and sometimes even weeks or months.

For nine years, Bethel Ministries has been there for men coming out of prison. We have been able to help many find work. We have provided daily needs and support. We have seen nearly 100 men graduate from the program. We have had a handful end up back in prison over the years and it is obvious that life has not worked very well for those who have gone back. If you feel we have let you down, then we want you know how sorry we are. We also want you to know that Bethel is still here and we ask for another chance. We want to give you another chance. Let’s help one another… That’s what grace and forgiveness are all about. Please understand and remember that a good number of men have found success in life with the help of what we do at Bethel.

There are a number of men who are in the midst of finishing their college degree. Many are holding good jobs and living successful lives. Through the power of Christ Jesus, damaged relationships in families are being healed. Dads, mothers, and their children, are getting back together. God’s grace is at work for so many.

From time to time, on the pages of this publication you will read some of the success stories. I encourage you to read them carefully and then take a look at your life and see if just maybe some of these stories may be your future stories.

There are those out there who will tell you why the program did not work for them. Some even may blame the Bethel program. Consider what has worked in those folks’ lives.

I encourage you to take another look.

Ask the people who are finding success in their lives who are free today, who have jobs, and growing family relationships. Ask them how Bethel has worked for them.

Now as I close this writing, please know that we are praying for you. We have hope for you. And you can have hope too. Jesus Christ is offering you a new way of living, “a new life”. He is offering real growth and most of all He is offering His grace. Know at Bethel, we believe in redemptive justice.

How to help
You may donate through PayPal or send checks made payable to Bethel Ministries, PO Box 44106, Boise, Idaho 83711-0106. Your support is always greatly appreciated.

Additional ways to donate
In addition to your prayers and monetary donations, Bethel is in need of many other types of donations including household items such as kitchen ware and appliances, draperies, furniture, such as beds, chests, washers, dryers, freezers, tables and chairs, and also men’s clothing. Bethel can also use donated food. Contact Rob Lee or 208-724-1734 or Chris Roberts at 208-602-3885 about having your donated items picked up or where you may deliver them.