May 2026 Ministry Report

I am excited about a leadership workshop that is coming up June 13th for the inmate peer ministers that serve as leaders in the various Christian ministries. The theme is shepherding and the day’s sessions will include subjects like The Heart of a Shepherd, The Humble Shepherd, The Sacrificial Shepherd, Shepherds of Integrity, and Multiplying Shepherds .The key thought for the day will be “The Steward Shepherd”.

It’s my opinion that many churches and ministries have become very program and event oriented and success is measured by that which is visible and that is primarily numbers. Herding sheep is not the same as shepherding sheep. Although there is a need for large events and successful programs, they can become a problem if they become the end goal. The Christian leader should be leading hearts, not just crowds.

The fact is the sheep belong to God, the church is His church, every true ministry is His Ministry, and everyone He has placed in a position to lead are stewards of His belongings. What does a faithful shepherd do? He does what Jesus did while incarnate. Jesus was the perfect good shepherd, and He is the role model for every Christian leader. (and every Christian ) As a man Jesus operated as a steward to the Father only doing and saying that which was assigned by the Father. As disciples and stewards, that is the pattern we are to follow.

On another note, I’m happy to report that each boy who is eligible for a mentor at the Children’s Home has one. Hats off to our faithful volunteers who are taking the time to minister to those children. There are several more boys becoming eligible soon and the home is increasing its capacity, so I am constantly looking for more men willing to invest a few hours each month into the life of a child.

Here is an opportunity for prayer warriors. I’m attaching a sheet of prayer requests from some of our Malachi Dads and Celebrate Recovery participants. We frequently get requests from those men and from our other events and activities. I intend to update the requests monthly and email them to those of you who would like to lift them up in prayer. I’m only mailing them to those who request receive them.

Thank you for being a part of this work. Your prayers, donations, volunteer hours, and friendship truly make Team 5:18 a work of the Body of Christ. Vickie and I are grateful for and encouraged by you and your love.

Please be in prayer for the Leadership Workshop, and that God would supply more men willing to mentor a child.