Edith Mathes, Co-Founder edith@jesusisthewayprisonministries.org

Edith has been a vital part of this ministry since it’s birth in 1977.  Edith and her late husband, Rev. Jesse E. Mathes, founded this ministry together as the Lord led their steps.  Over the years, Edith has seen many miracles take place at Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry and she is blessed to remain here witnessing that God is still in the “miracle working business” as this ministry moves forward daily for God’s glory.  Edith is an active board member here at Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry and she serves many purposes while assisting the office staff in their duties.  Edith is sometimes referred to as “Mama" or "Mom” by the aftercare center’s residents, and this always adds a smile to her face.  She enjoys helping people and desires to continue seeing the fruits of her (& Jesse’s) labor carry on in and through this ministry.  A quote from Edith, “Jesse would be so proud (as am I) to see the changes that are taking place at Jesus is the Way and I can just picture him raising his big hands and shouting with his loud voice, ‘PRAISE THE LORD!’ - One day, it will be a pleasing sound to hear, ’Well done thou good and faithful servant’ - Matthew 25:21-23, and this is the goal Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry is reaching for.”

Brenda (Mathes) Krile, Administrative Assistant 

(pictured here with husband, Scott)

Brenda has been a part of Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry since September of 2001.  Brenda is the daughter of Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry’s founders, Jesse & Edith Mathes.  Brenda rededicated her life to Jesus Christ in January of 1999 and since that time her desire is to follow in her parent’s footsteps of reaching out to those in need of a Savior.  A favorite song of Brenda’s is “Fingerprints of God” by Steven Curtis Chapman and a favorite scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Brenda serves Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry in many different aspects.  Brenda’s main responsibility is to oversee communication between Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry’s volunteers with one another as well as with the ministry’s staff members.  Brenda assists the Executive Director, Aftercare Director and Office Administrator with a variety of clerical duties.  Brenda also organizes the annual Miracle of Christmas program which is an outreach to the families of the people that are incarcerated; the Miracle of Christmas program is held the second weekend of December.  Brenda enjoys being able to help those that the ministry serves through the aftercare program as well as the jail and prison services.  A quote from Brenda, “Like Jesus, we have been called to be about our Father’s business (Luke 2:49) and I want to make my Daddy proud.” 

Vicki Schoonover, Administrative Assistant 

Vicki began as a volunteer at Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry in November of 1998. She worked for two years as an office volunteer. In 2000, Jesse Mathes asked her to join the staff as an administrative assistant. Vicki currently handles the bookkeeping, mailing lists, ordering supplies,and the newsletters.