August 2025

COME WITH ME TO PRISON

All missionaries say, “send me” . Today I’m giving you the opportunity to “come with me”.

Although you know that the #1 goal of Team 5:18 is to develop multi-generational, reproductive disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20) “equipping the saints for the works of service” is very high on our priority list as well. There are two opportunities coming up for you to serve the Lord alongside us.

A DAY WITH DAD event is scheduled for Saturday November 1st. A DAY WITH DAD is a beautiful day of reconciliation, forgiveness, and bonding in which we are allowed to bring children and grandchildren to the prison to spend the day with their fathers and grandfathers. The schedule includes a well thought through program that includes both fun, meaningful, and spiritual activities. We attempt to have 1 volunteer assigned to each child and last year we had 60 children attend. This is also the only opportunity for women to attend as we assign a lady to each female child. If you think you would like to help, take the light and love of Christ into the often dark environment of prison, email me at shane61453@mac.com or text me at (504) 723-7262.

COME WITH ME TO THE CHILDRENS HOME

Team 5:18 provides mentors for the children at the Methodist Children’s Home. I began the work there 17 years ago and for the past 15 Jeff Boren has been our staff person handling the ministry there. Jeff is now in the process of moving to Arizona so I will once again be coordinating the program. Our mentors are called “Life Coaches” and after training are paired with one of the boys. The job requires the mentor to visit their mentee twice a month for a 1-hour period. Our next orientation/training is scheduled for Saturday September 6th and will be held at St. Timothy’s Church in Mandeville. Attendance dosen’t obligate you but will give you a full picture of what to expect and if you decide to serve, you will already be trained. If you feel the Lord may be leading you to volunteer to enhance the life of one of these children text or email me.

Those of you who remember the good old CAMPUS LIFE days may be interested in knowing that we are also doing two Campus Life meetings each week at the Children’s home.

Vickie and I covet and appreciate your prayers more than I can say. The fruit of this work flows from the Word of God, the power of the Holy Spirit and the prayers of the saints. Thank you for your prayers!

In His Love,

Shane and Vickie