One Year.

Just over a year ago, our family embarked on a new and exciting adventure. The call and move from Florida to Pennsylvania has brought us opportunities to say “hello” to some new things, and been an occasion for us to say “goodbye” to things we had known for a long time. We have been challenged daily, grown tremendously, blessed immensely, and seen God’s hand in every step of the way. 

GIVE THANKS! I Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” What better way to kick off our update than to start with what the Mayos are thankful for…

Steven - “I am thankful for reconnecting with friends in this area and the ability to minister and work alongside them.”

Morgan - “I am thankful for the opportunity to work in our public school this past school year and serve the students and teachers there.”

Titus - “I am thankful for new football opportunities that are possible because of living here.”

Quincy - “I am thankful for our new home that has lots of space for our family.”

Maxwell - “I am thankful for our new school (DCCS) and the new friends I made this year.”

It is hard to sum up all of the things God is doing. However, here are some things on the ministry and family front that have been especially noteworthy for us. 

Ministry Highlights

• Intentional Discipleship - Over the last 8 months I have been privileged to meet with over 40 men at Chester County Prison for 1-on-1 discipleship counseling.

• One Year of Chapel Services - July marks one year since Chester County Prison re-opened its facility in regards to weekly chapel services.

• Work Release Bible Study - April kicked off the start of our work release Bible study on Monday nights, which has a faithful and growing group of volunteers who contribute weekly.

• Building Connections - Partnerships with churches in our immediate area have strengthened over the past year and the Lord is providing more opportunities to partner with those abroad for mission trips and ongoing ministry. 

• Re-entry Success - We have maintained a consistent relationship with local men being released and many have found church homes and employment as they rebuild their lives.

Family Highlights

• Family Home - In October, we were fortunate to purchase a home amid a tough housing market and tight time crunch. Over the last few months, we have settled into the area again and we’ve had the opportunity to get to know many people in our new community.

• Financial Provision - Through individuals, churches, and organizations, the Lord has provided and sustained our family through the first year of ministry. This provision has included specific and practical things like financial support, assistance to purchase a vehicle, home repairs, and the opportunity to get away for a time of personal refreshment.

Summer Camp at Old Mill

Every June, the Bridge Academy collaborates with CCGM to host camps that serve at-risk youth in the city of Coatesville. These camps take place at the Camp at Old Mill. This year, the first two weeks featured an overnight and extended day camp where about 100 kids spent the week at Old Mill. Bridge Academy staff and counselors from the local area are vital to making camp happen, but Calvary Bible Church of Mount Joy, and Central Manor Church have been key contributors as well. Over the last 3 years, the young people from these churches have served as counselors and deepened the relationship they have with the kids and staff. This summer was even more exciting for our family as we hosted a student from CCA to be a counselor during the second week of camp!

The kids at camp enjoy activities such as canoeing, fishing, archery, and a zip line! However, the favorite pastime of most campers is still catching crayfish. This year’s theme for camp was “influencers” with the theme verse of Proverbs 12:26 - “The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.” Watching the kids be changed by the message of Jesus reminds us that He is still the most important influence of all. 

Coatesville Summer Ministry - Outreach

Providence Church is focused on reaching the city of Coatesville this summer. Our summer series entitled “Until All Have Heard” has challenged our congregation to pray, dream, and act when sharing the gospel with those around us. We are engaging the city in corporate and individual ways and praying specifically about what God will do in our community. We hope to be an outfront and visible representation of the Lord in our city. Please pray that Jesus would give us favor in communicating the truth to those who are lost and that we would see an overwhelming response to the gospel. 

Prison and Re-entry

We are beginning to see fruit from the foundations laid over the past 6 months through chapels and discipleship meetings at the prison. More and more men are coming forward to request counseling in a 1-on-1 format. Those who are in the immediate area have been seeking to continue the relationship once released, and the amount of recently released prisoners we meet with is growing quickly. We study the Bible together, help them find a church home, and assist with connecting them to local employers. 

The last few weeks have been very exciting as we celebrated men joining us “on the other side of the prison walls” for service at Providence Church Coatesville. Seeing the men walk through the church doors is always moving and a milestone in their effort to make real and lasting changes. 

Stories from the Front Lines

Ministry work is very personal and there is no greater joy than watching God work in the lives of those who you are hoping to reach. Here are just a few of the stories from some of the men at Chester County. We pray they are an encouragement to you. 

Maurice - Maurice spent a considerable amount of time at Chester County Prison. He was consumed with substance and alcohol abuse which caused him to lose his job and his family. In December, Maurice began attending the chapels at CCP and eventually, we began meeting one-on-one. He rededicated his life to the Lord, which was an answer to prayer for many of his family members who hadn’t ceased praying for him. Since being released, Maurice has continued in his faith, found consistent work, and has started to rebuild his connection with his family. 

Dylan - Dylan spent the last two and a half years in jail and going from one bad situation to another. Dylan had not heard the gospel until deciding to attend the chapel services once they began after being closed due to COVID-19. Dylan made a decision for Christ and continued to grow in his faith until being released not long ago. He has continued in the discipleship process since being released, attended church, and has broken away from his old way of life. Recently, Dylan accepted an amazing opportunity for a job that would be hard for someone without a past record to secure! He views this as a testament to God’s faithfulness in his life.

Takyler - Takyler is a young man from another state facing difficult charges that were not completely the result of his decisions. However, he has not approached his circumstances with a bitter attitude or frustration, particularly when it comes to his relationship with the Lord. Since asking for 1-on-1 discipleship meetings he has begun to lead Bible studies and prayer meetings on his block. He has decided to pour his time into Bible study and evangelism. He has already shared his faith with many men on his block and actively works to bring more people to Christ.

Please pray for these situations and other people who are being impacted daily. God has blessed these men and called them back to Himself. He has also blessed this ministry and we hope to celebrate more stories like this in the future. 

How YOU can support…

PRAY

Psalm 91 reminds us that the Lord is our refuge and fortress. It is always in Him that we must trust. We ask that you pray for all those connected to our ministry and ministry partners. There are faithful laborers at Providence Church, The Bridge Academy, The Parkesburg Point, and through CCGM at the prison. Though seemingly different organizations they are connected through the desire for those in our immediate area to reach a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. There is great collaboration to be celebrated and greater opportunity ahead. Please pray that we would not grow weary in well-doing. 

REACH OUT

We would love to hear from you! God is doing amazing work here and we would love to give you even more details about what is happening. It is always encouraging to catch up so don’t hesitate to message, call, write, or post. We are quick responders!

GIVE

Looking back on 2023 was similar to examining a study in the faithfulness of God. He has been faithful and provided for our family in incredible ways. We are constantly blown away by the generosity of those who give sacrificially. We are halfway through 2024 and are continuing to ask for individuals, churches, or organizations to come alongside us and support our family. He makes a way for those He calls. 

Grace and Peace