OUR STAFF

EDITH MATHES

CO-FOUNDER, JESUS IS THE WAY MINISTRIES

Edith has been a vital part of this ministry since its birth in 1977.

Edith and her late husband, the Reverend Jesse E. Mathes, founded this ministry together as the Lord led their steps. The aftercare residents refer to Edith as “Ms. Edith or Ms. E”, “Mama or Mom” some even “Grandma” and each of these names add 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.

“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 Ministries reaching for.”

Jesse Mathes main goal in life was to win as many of the lost to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He led thousands to the Lord over the

31 years of prison ministry. Only the Lord knows the exact number.

BRIAN ZEIFANG

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Brian has been in this role since May of 2022, stepping into it after retiring from the Marine Corps with 24 years of service. Brian has been married to Jaycilynn for over 20 years, and they have 6 children together. Brian grew up in Rantoul and even served at JITW as a child, so his appointment to be the current director of JITW has been a great coming home.

Brian believes that serving the ministry and men of JITW is a great blessing and opportunity to have an impact the lives of men who have found themselves on the margins, reminding them that they have not been forgotten by God. Click Here to Watch the Weekly Director's Corner

Colossians 3:23 "whatever you do, do as if for the Lord and not for men."

Our Mission at Jesus is the Way Ministries is to reduce the recidivism rate (repeat incarcerations) of male offenders by minimizing the cases of criminality directly related to substance abuse and other related dysfunctions, by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ while putting HIS love in action via our evangelistic ministry and aftercare program. Our long term goal is to increase our ability to support these men and to be able to focus on healing family relationships.

DOYLE WHEELING

AFTER CARE

Doyle spent the last 20 years of his life going back into the highways and hedges.

Today, he is on a mission to help men and women break the cycle of addiction that is so brutally destroying many lives. He himself was one of those who was trapped in the vicious cycle addiction, BUT through the Grace of God he cried out to Jesus AND He rescued Doyle from the domain of darkness and transferred him into the Kingdom of Light. Doyle has given his life to help the struggling addict overcome through the Love of Christ. It brings no greater Joy to Doyle than to see the Joy of Victory in the life of another as they share in the same Freedom he himself has through Jesus Christ.

Doyle often says to the men, "What does the Word of God say?"

GO TO THE PRISONS AND CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

PREACH THE GOSPEL AND GOOD NEWS OF JESUS

MAKE DISCIPLES THROUGH THE AFTERCARE PROGRAM

EMPOWER AND ENABLE MEN TO BE PRODUCTIVE AND RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS

COMMISSION THEM TO GO MAKE DISCIPLES, LIKE JESUS

TO TEACH, PREACH AND SHARE THE GOOD NEWS THEMSELVES.

BRENDA KRILE

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Brenda has been a part of Jesus is the Way Ministries since September of 2001.

Brenda is the daughter of Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry’s founders, Jesse & Edith Mathes.

Brenda serves Jesus is the Way Ministries in many different aspects. Brenda’s main responsibility is to oversee communication between Jesus is the Way Ministries’ 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.

“Like Jesus, we have been called to be about our Father’s business (Luke 2:49)