Bob Tongue

2024 was another great year for the REC ministry. We were again able to hold weekend events in March, July and November. Twenty-five women attended each weekend. All were shown the love of Jesus Christ and learned about His saving grace. Many professed faith in Jesus Christ on all 3 weekends.

Participation in the weekly Wednesday night meetings has averaged approximately 8-12 women. In those meetings, they have learned more about what it means to be a follower of Christ and how to live that out in their daily lives. Many have formed into groups of women who regularly meet together in their pods for bible study and prayer. The staff at the Chicopee facility have commented about the change that happens in the women and the facility when these women get back to the population after the events and the Wednesday meetings. Things are calmer, better decisions are made, and the women are more focused on positivity.

CPC is a major contributor to this ministry. The church’s generosity funds much of what goes on during the REC weekends and is a big reason why these women find joy in a place where most wouldn’t. Because of your help, the gospel of Jesus Christ can be experienced by many women who may never hear it otherwise.

In 2024, we have started an after-release program called Beyond REC for Women. This is an exciting development as it is the first program REC has started for women only, which continues the mission after local women are released. It has been a slow start, but there have been a few women that have taken advantage of the opportunity after leaving lockup. Hopefully, as the group gets more well known, we will be able to help many other women. We hope that they will continue their walk with Jesus, share their stories of redemption with others, and maybe volunteer to return to the institution where they were incarcerated to help other residents to experience freedom in Christ. The session of Christ Presbyterian has generously offered the church to hold these meetings. Thank you so much for your help and prayers.

In 2025 we ask for prayer for the ministry, as the long-time programs director, Adrienne Osborn is retiring in February. Adrienne has been a great friend and promoter of the program, and we will miss her leadership and help. Pray that the position is filled with as faithful a servant as Adrienne has been for the last 40 or so years.