How a Christian homeless shelter in Naperville and their prison ministry in Chicago now makes long-term housing and recovery it’s primary focus. 

For most of his life, George did battle with drugs, alcohol and anger management.  “I made my share of mistakes, no question.”  It seemed no one could penetrate the walls that were slowly building up inside.

Then one day, he lost that battle, to prison.

When you think about it, that was probably the worst day of my life he recalls . . . thinking he was never going to see his kids grow up or be the kind of dad they needed. However, what he didn’t realize was that new hope was already on the way. Through a chance visit from Chaplain Steve, he learned what life in Jesus and His redeeming grace looked like.

Steve brought in the entire New Life Corrections prison ministry team from Wayside Cross to Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center where they presented a two-day transforming DADS class.

“It was like someone had opened a window for me in that jail and I got a glimpse, maybe for the first time, that there still may be hope for my life.”

George was happy to participate in the class since he was working on restoring his relationships with his two sons, ages 15 and 12.  I remember clinging to God’s word and His promise in the book of Isaiah.

…To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. ~ Isaiah 42:7

Soon after, he earned his “Malachi DADS” certificate and began asking about the Master’s Touch program at Wayside Cross Ministries. George was ready for a change.

In his words “I just wanted to run to Jesus . . . flee to God.” 

Thanks to the work of the ministry volunteers who devote many hours traveling the state, visiting prisons and jails, and sharing Jesus with the inmates, George found new hope in Jesus Christ through the Master’s Touch program at Wayside Cross. Currently, he is a graduate and now part of the maintenance team here at the ministry.

“Transformation isn’t easy, but I’m living proof it is possible when you walk with Jesus.  I’m so thankful for Steve and the Prison Ministry team for helping me find my way here, and for Randy, who helped me complete my journey through the Master’s Touch Program.” 

Today, George gives back by helping with some of the day-to-day maintenance at the Ministry. As a graduate now, he hopes to be working full-time once again and to reconnect with his two boys.  “I thank God for the opportunity to be the kind of dad He created me to be.”

If you know someone in need of a safe place to recover and rebuild their lives call Wayside Cross Ministries’ Lifespring Center for Women or Master’s Touch for Men at (630) 892-4239.