July’s 9 Hope Highlights

"I made the decision to change my life."

Felicia took to Facebook to share her Stand in the Gap experience. She said, "I was released from prison with no family. I made the decision to change my life... In a year and a half, I've gotten my driver's license, bought a car, did a 12 step, l got an awesome Stand in the Gap team who inspired me to be a Stand in the Gap neighbor, and I've made shift manager/shift leader, but I had to be real with myself and not hold anything back.
So this is how great our Father is, I gave everything that put a hole in my heart to God. I had to let everything out. Was it easy? No, but if I wanted freedom and blessings I had to do it.
I've been restored to my sister, my daughter, one of my brothers, my nieces and nephews, my dad, and there is more yet to come."

Restoration Renovation

New to the Team!

We are excited to welcome two new members to the Stand in the Gap team this month!
JoLeta Nash will take over as Program Director for Stand in the Gap for Widows, following Glenda Love's retirement. Her personal and professional experience make her uniquely suited to this position and we can't wait to see what God does through her!
Hayden Coffee joins us as the Program Manager for Life Launch in Oklahoma City. She comes to us after working with younger children, helping them to heal from past trauma. She's an expert at building relationships and we are grateful to have her on board!

"A New Creation"

Watch Chelsi's tribute to her Stand in the Gap mentors. One of our highlights? "I am so grateful and my children are grateful. God has given me such amazing mentors. God truly made me a new creation. Stand in the Gap changes lives."
Watch on Facebook.

Back in the "Classroom"

Oklahoma prisons and jails are still closed to volunteers. That means we still aren't back to teaching our Women in Transition course behind prison walls. But we have started doing the next best thing!
We offer our class at several transitional living home facilities and partner organizations. Kathy is now back in to teach Women in Transition at Jordan's Crossing facility in Oklahoma City. Her first week back, one woman said, "I don't care if I have to stay at Jordan's Crossing a year, I'm going to stay as long as I have to to change my life." Off to a bright start, Kathy!

Sharing What We Know

After years of intense effort by Program Director, TJ Warren, the Life Launch training is moving beyond our "walls". TJ has been asked to use the Life Launch curriculum to train all children and youth ministry leaders at Life.Church this fall. He will share how our understanding of the Gospel impacts how we treat other people.
Our partnership with Life.Church continues to be a great blessing to Stand in the Gap and we are grateful to be able to give something back!

Welcoming the Newest

More good news for one of our Life Launch graduates. Last month, we shared her graduation successes and this month, she and her husband welcomed a healthy baby boy!

"Walk it Out"

Rita had some good advice for women considering our Women in Transition program. "If you practice what you are taught, and walk it out. It is going to be a process. Don't expect it to be overnight. I am here to represent the Women in Transition curriculum is an amazing program. And if you put it into practice once you leave prison, you will succeed and have good life."
Watch her video on Facebook.

For Such a Time as This

The people of First Christian Church Sapulpa have banded together to support their widows and at-risk members under the guidance of Stand in the Gap for Widows person of passion, Sharron Woodmansee. Sharron reports that phone calls, cards in the mail, yard signs, and one special meal delivery have made the ladies in her group feel loved. She has started calling each lady on her wedding anniversary to ask questions about her wedding and hear memories of happy days. The group is sharing prayer requests and praises on their email chain and grateful for the love of this community even when they can't be together.