Michelle Manthey

Handi*Vangelism Ministries International is a ministry of compassion that exists to share the love of the Lord Jesus Christ and to equip the church to share His love with people around the world who have disabilities, medical or mental health challenges or broken hearts so that they may become growing and serving members of the body of Christ

As a part of REST Ministries under H*VMI, I help facilitate restoration to the hurting, abused and addicted, both in the community of Coatesville, PA and in Chester County Correctional Center. I head up a women's Bible study at the Center and help those returning to Coatesville when they are released. I also create most of REST's publications, including our newsletter. My husband, Nathanael, is currently part-time with H*VMI as their Director of Mobilization. It is our desire to see those viewed as "the least of these" in society embraced by an equipped local church, so that the Church as a whole is made more complete.

Going to prison for our Thursday night Bible studies is one of the highlights of my week. I love to share with the women who come about our God who loves them right where they're at and wants to lavish His grace upon them! I've been back for about a month now since returning from maternity leave. I noticed that one of our regular attendees barely looks up or smiles, leaving us to wonder what she's thinking/ feeling.

Recently, I brought in a picture of my son at 2 months old so the women could see him. It was the first and only time I've seen her face light up and her guard let down. Through out the Bible study she seemed more relaxed. It was beautiful to watch, and to think that something as simple as a baby picture did it! Since then, she's still been guarded but not as much, and I am confident that in time she'll begin to trust us and open up. I'm sure she has quite a story to tell. The process in which God works is awesome to watch!

1. Pray for our friend, BT, who Nathanael and I have been witnessing to for the past five years. He is nearly 80 years and not doing well physically, yet refuses to seriously consider his relationship with God. We recently discovered that he entered into believer's baptism about 30 years ago, but have yet to know why he harden his heart (he's dabbled in a number of religions in his past).
2. Pray for diligence on our part in including him in our family--we're the closest thing he has to family.
3. Praise that Nathanael's brother and wife have also reached out to BT to include him in family events!
4. Pray for me as I learn to balance work and being a new mom, especially on the days I work from home.
5. Also, for wisdom as I mentor a woman who recently got involved with the ministry; that I won't push her ahead of God's will and timing but that I'll encourage her to work through her fears
6. Praise God for a good response from H*VMI's Annual Banquet on October 2!
7. Please be praying for us as we are in the busiest time of year ministry wise and personally.
8. In addition to our normal responsibilities, H*VMI is moving on November 6. The following weekend begins a 5-day missions conference for us at a supporting church. And the weekend after that is our staff retreat. Then it's Thanksgiving and after that the Coatesville Christmas parade, which REST participates in every year! (Pray for the spectators to read our material, shop at Tabitha's and most importantly accept Jesus as their Savior.)
9. Pray that we'll manage our time wisely and have time to rest, as well. Also, that Philip will "go with the flow" as we participate in all of these activities as a family. Thank you!