What kind of people do you celebrate?
Kindness, helpfulness, and humility are qualities that attract people to one another. Those who make a difference in the lives of others deserve to be celebrated for their generosity and kindness.
One of those people is Matthew. Matthew’s journey with JUMPSTART SC began while he was incarcerated at Perry. After completing our prison ministry program, he came back the next year to serve as an inside leader. He grew into one who gave hope. Who helped others discover the purpose in Christ.
Upon his release in October 2020, he knew JUMPSTART’s transitional program was where the Lord was leading him. Immediately, he began serving others. He began taking on more responsibility than he had to because he wanted to love those around him well. When he graduated two years ago, he could have moved back to his hometown to be closer to family, but he chose to join our team as a housing manager.
In this role, he lives as a missionary in our intake home ensuring those in the program have the daily encouragement, support, and accountability they need to thrive.
Matthew has had a difficult few weeks. He has been in and out of the hospital. His doctors are still uncertain what is wrong with him. Yet, even in difficulty he remains steadfast and eager to serve others. In the midst of difficulty, he lives as a Christ follower should. We ask you to pause for a moment and pray that, if it is His will, Matthew's health will be restored fully.
JUMPSTART is committed to breaking the cycles of addiction and crime. We love seeing people secure their own transportation, become employed, and save for their future. We are full of awe as we witness God give them beauty from ashes. When we see one transform from a prisoner to a homeowner we literally cheer with joy.
However, these results are a by-product of what the JUMPSTART family prizes most. We believe freedom from addiction, making responsible choices, and serving others are natural outcomes of discipleship. When men and women are taught to follow the Lord, cycles of crime and addiction are replaced a lifestyle serving others, taking responsibility for one’s future, serving in church, and being wise and diligent with the opportunities one is afforded.
Matthew may never be a homeowner. He may never marry again. But these aren't the things most important to him. Matthew’s hope is in Christ and whatever He has for him. He knows he is getting closer to his eternal reward every day. Matthew understands his purpose is to make a difference in the world for God’s glory. Matthew is rich in the things that matter most.
JUMPSTART SC exists to teach incarcerated individuals about God's purpose for their lives, how to live as a disciple, and to provide tangible support to people coming out of prisons so they can flourish and live passionately for God's glory above all else.
God uses the JUMPSTART family to make redemption stories like Matthew’s possible. Many have served and given to ensure discipleship and transformational opportunities are available. There are many other stories like Matthew’s that we’ve all witnessed over the years. And there are more stories like theirs that will occur as we each do our part to ensure more men and women have access to discipleship and transitional services.
If you are able and want to become more involved than you are currently, please reach out. Together, as we continue to join the Lord in His work, more will come to know and love Him as King.