I love that feeling of being in the right place at the right time! I just had that experience sitting at Andy and Peggy Kilen’s kitchen table several weeks ago. What made it particularly significant was our conversation about the history of Next Chapter Ministries and the realization that this year marks Next Chapter’s 25th anniversary.
As Andy and Peggy flipped through the pages of several photo albums, various pictures prompted them to share stories of how God had showed up for an individual in some way and how God had walked them through their years of Next Chapter leadership. I was struck by the sincerity of their obedience to God and for their love for our community, specifically those who have been impacted by the cycle of incarceration. It was beautiful to hear how many of these people they still have contact with after Andy’s retirement from NCM in 2016. Andy and Peggy still live by the NCM mission of lasting relationships and restoration through gospel transformation.
As in any ministry, Andy shared some of the low times in the journey when he wondered what God was up to. At one point early on, his pastor asked him a question that has stuck with him these many years: “Who said this was going to be easy?” Andy reminded us of this piece of wisdom at the BBQ this past summer when we launched our 25th anniversary celebration and he received a Founders Award of appreciation. While it may not always be easy, Andy’s testimony, Next Chapter Ministries testimony, is that restoration will result from doing what God has called us to at NCM and persevering by His power and provision.
Andy noted how it was not just that God provided but how He provided. At one point, the windows of the new house under construction had been delivered, but Andy had no one to put them in, until a former acquaintance who was justice involved just happened to walk by and have that skill set and the time to do the work. Another time, a large supply of meat was donated to feed the residents, and another individual, unaware of the meat donation, called asking if we need a freezer. Just two examples from the many, but if you have been around NCM for long, you will find yourself saying or hear something along the lines of, “you can’t make this stuff up” and “only God could do this.” This is true with many aspects of life in our homes and time of Bible Study in the jail. The doors of this ministry have stayed open to our residents and participants these past 25 years through the generous support of donors and organizations the Lord has led to give. And we haven’t just survived for 25 years, we have expanded and have a sense of excitement to continue into everything God has for us.
I close this blog with a quote from our founder, Andy Kilen, from a newsletter he wrote in 2010. “We look forward to the next chapter of this ministry with great expectation. We will continue to work to break the cycle of crime in our community by maintaining a strong presence in the Olmsted County jail. We will continue to disciple men and women coming out of jail and prison in our residential homes.”
Because this is about being in God’s story and following His heart for restoration through holistic Gospel transformation, Andy’s words are just as true today as they were in 2010. Thank you, Andy and Peggy Kilen, for your vision and obedience. Happy 25th Anniversary to Next Chapter Ministries!