When God Says “Wait”: How ION Turned a Red Light into New Ministry
The Inside Out Network (ION) has released its Fall 2025 newsletter, filled with stories of transformation, hope, and faith in action. This issue—aptly titled “Huh! All This Time and We Never Noticed That Before”—reflects on how moments of waiting can open doors to new ministry.
When ION’s progress toward deploying its reentry platform on inmate tablets slowed unexpectedly, Executive Director Fred Nelson and his team used the pause to notice new opportunities. Out of that waiting came two innovative initiatives:
a reentry video podcast created in partnership with the Arizona Department of Corrections, and
the Welcome Home Reentry Phone Project, connecting returning citizens with donated smartphones through local congregations.
These new projects build on ION’s mission to connect people returning from incarceration with faith communities and reentry support. The newsletter also features updates from Arizona and Oregon, stories from inside prisons—including a joyful “Line Dancing in Prison” feature—and reflections on ION’s expanding national network.
Readers will also find insights from ION’s Stats Snapshot, exploring how age and gender influence service requests, and an inspiring book review about Circles of Support and Accountability—faith-based volunteer circles helping those with sexual offense convictions reintegrate into society with dignity and accountability.
This issue reminds us that even in seasons of delay, God continues to open doors.
“It’s amazing what can happen when you stop and really look around,” writes Nelson.
Read the full Fall 2025 issue online or download the PDF version below to discover more about ION’s growing work across Arizona, Oregon, and beyond.
