October 2025

Dear Friends,

The two months leading up to “ A DAY WITH DAD” are the busiest of the year by far yet it’s difficult to come up with what I would consider an exciting ministry report, but I’ll give it my best shot.

First up is getting the inmate fathers signed up, then approved by the prison to participate, next is securing from them the contact information needed to reach out to the guardians of their children. This part of the event began in August.

Finding and contacting the caregivers is a challenge. In many cases the fathers don’t know the latest address or phone number so we put on our detective hats go to work finding, inviting, registering, and communicating to the women we hope will bring the children to their fathers.

After this comes recruiting, training, and communicating to a sufficient number of volunteers to make the day a success.

Ordering and buying the hundreds of items needed for the Day With Dad itself as well as the father’s preparation day on Friday, and the caregiver program that goes on while the children are at ADWD.

Then planning the programming, the meals for those 3 components plus preparing the schedules.

God willing all this “unexciting” work will lead to a very “exciting” November report on the event itself. I pray it will. We have had the best response in years! Over 40 Fathers and grandfathers are anxiously awaiting the arrival of 60 children and grandchildren. The body of Christ has responded in spectacular fashion with 70 servants of our Lord ready to take His love to those men and children.

Be praying for good weather, safe travels, strengthened and mended relationships ,and especially a very clear gospel message.

We have continued with all the regular ministries during this time. Malachi Dads, Celebrate Recovery, and the Tuesday pastoral work have all continued, and we even managed to squeeze in a revival. As many of you know, I have also had to take on the responsibilities of the Team 5:18 mentoring ministry at the Children’s Home currently due to Jeff Boren’s move to Arizona.

I am humbled and encouraged by the love and support shown by so many of you. The volunteers, donors, and prayer warriors are tools God uses to keep me and Vickie going physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

In His Love and Service,

Shane and Vickie