coming alongside to promote growth

Via Cordis members facilitated Anger Management classes from January-April 2010 in an Adult Rehabilitation Center. These comments reflect the growth that several people experienced.

"This class gave more one-on-one, individualized attention than others I've taken. It was thought provoking. Thank you for showing me that managing anger works."

"I learned how to stay positive and think before I speak. I don't get as mad about the things I did in the past."

"If I were doing this class over, I would ask my husband to join me. I'm better at recognizing anger in others and I know to take it seriously."

"I never felt that I had a problem with anger, but this class helped me focus on lots of things that I face on a daily basis. It had a real personal touch. I felt comfortable to open up and share my feelings."

Letters from prison

One of our ViaCordis members is currently serving a 6-month prison sentence. He was recently moved to a new prison. He writes to the church every week, and we write to him, telling him about the service and other personal stories. The letter below is from another one of our members after she heard this man's most recent letter read aloud to the church:

"I am so thankful for your words of encouragement each week. Glad to hear that you are liking the new place. I have experienced God so much this week by seeing how this church loves, serves, protects and prays for one another. You have not seemed far or even absent during these months. Thank you for your testimony."