NEWSLETTER − SOUTH CAROLINA −
February 2024
What kind of people
DO YOU CELEBRATE?
Everyone loves knowing someone who is kind, helpful, exudes humility, and goes above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of others. One of those people is Matthew Smith. Matthew’s JUMPSTART SC journey began when he was incarcerated at Perry. When he was released in October 2020, he knew JUMPSTART’s transitional program was where the Lord was leading him. Upon his arrival, he began serving others. Matthew began taking on more responsibility than he had to because he wanted to love those around him well. Even though he could have moved back to his hometown two years ago when he graduated, Matthew chose to join our team as a housing manager. In this role, he lives as a missionary in our intake home ensuring those in the program have the encouragement, support, and accountability they need to thrive. Matthew is a disciple who is making disciples. For the past few weeks Matthew has been very sick. In and out of the hospital. His doctors have yet to find the root of the problem. Yet, he remains joyful and eager to serve others with the strength the Lord gives him each day. Please pause and pray for a moment that the Lord would restore Matthew’s health fully if that is His will. At JUMPSTART, we love seeing people break cycles of addiction and crime, secure their own transportation, become employed, and save for their future.
Matthew understands his purpose is in Christ and whatever He has for him. We are full of awe as we witness God give them beauty for ashes. When we see one go from a prisoner to a homeowner, we cheer with joy. These things are a byproduct of what the JUMPSTART family loves most. We believe all of these things are a byproduct of discipleship. When men and women are taught to follow the Lord, cycles of crime and addiction are replaced with cycles of serving the Lord, serving others, taking responsibility for one’s future, and being wise and diligent with the opportunities one is given. Although Matthew may never be a homeowner or have a family or spouse again, these things are not his hope. He knows he is getting closer to his eternal reward every day. His hope is Jesus. His purpose is making a difference in the world for God’s glory. This is what JUMPSTART SC is all about; teaching new diciples about God’s purpose for their lives and providing tangible support for those coming out of incarceration. Through Christ, we build pathways to live with purpose and flourish in God’s glory.