Bob Tongue

2025 was another great year for the REC ministry. We were again able to hold weekend events in March and November. The July weekend was cancelled due to the retirement of the Head of Programs, Adrienne Osbourne. 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 both weekends.

Participation in the weekly Wednesday night meetings has averaged approximately 10-14 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 2025, the after-release program called Beyond REC for Women, which was started last year was put on hold after February due to lack of participation. The women are still able to get in touch with us through a dedicated phone number and we hope that we can reboot the program soon. Our goal is to have a program in place where 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. Thank you so much for your help and prayers.