Skip to main content

One Person. One Decision. One Better Future.

Rise Up. Let’s Go!

BEHIND THE WALLS MINISTRY

Hope behind
the walls.
A future beyond.

Every person deserves encouragement, dignity, and an opportunity for a better future.

Request an uplifting letter Get involved

A little encouragement.
A whole new direction.

A winding road through the mountains opening toward a golden sunrise
A BETTER FUTURE IS STILL POSSIBLE.
“

Your past does not have
to determine your future.

YOUR STORY IS STILL BEING WRITTEN.

A community outreach of The Water Bucket Gospel Movement

Discover our purpose
OUR PURPOSEEVERY LIFE HAS VALUE.

Your circumstances
do not determine
your worth.

Your future is still being written. One decision can begin a new direction.

Through uplifting letters, educational resources, life-skills development, personal encouragement, and supportive community relationships, we help people affected by incarceration recognize their value and prepare for a brighter future.

Why we serve
Hands writing a personal letter on a wooden table in warm morning light
SENT WITH ENCOURAGEMENT.

LETTERS OF HOPE

Sometimes, hope
arrives in an
envelope.

Words of encouragement, dignity, and positive direction. A personal reminder that someone sees your value and believes in what comes next.

Explore letters of hope Want to help? Register as a volunteer.
HOW HOPE TAKES SHAPEENCOURAGEMENT IN ACTION.

One mission.
Four ways forward.

Encouragement for today.
Practical support for tomorrow.

Letters
of hope

Words of encouragement, dignity, and positive direction.

A reminder you matter

Life
skills

Practical learning for personal growth and a stronger future.

Prepare for what’s next

The U-Turn
Gospel

Reflection, responsibility, faith, and a better direction.

Find a new direction

The Morning
Pour 365

Daily encouragement for hope, perseverance, and positive choices.

Watch on TikTok
Different pathways. The same belief in a better future.Explore our four pillars
BOOKS & RESOURCESA NEW CHAPTER STARTS HERE.

WORDS THAT OPEN POSSIBILITIES

A little inspiration.
A lasting change.

Books that inspire change, build character, and encourage hope. From adults working toward a fresh start to children discovering their gifts, these resources support personal growth, positive decisions, faith, and brighter futures.

Browse books on Amazon
Books and tools. A world of possibility.
Unmarked books and a journal in the morning light
FOR THE NEXT CHAPTERGrow in hope.
Build your future.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTERFind our books on Amazon

Explore books and learning resources for faith, personal growth, and brighter futures. The book links below open their Amazon listings. Additional titles are clearly marked with an Amazon search link.

LIFE SKILLS / FACILITATOR GUIDEThe Next Level Facilitator & Curriculum GuideFrom Bad Choices to a better Future View on Amazon ↗ LIFE SKILLS / WORKBOOKThe Next Level Workbook English and SpanishFrom Bad Choices to a Better Future View on Amazon ↗ ENGLISH EDITIONThe U Turn GospelFrom Wrong Turns to God’s Purpose View on Amazon ↗ SPANISH EDITIONEl U-Turn Evangelio View on Amazon ↗ YOUNG READERSRay and the Gift of ShineA Story of Hard Work, Kindness, and God’s Light View on Amazon ↗ YOUNG READERSRay The Little DetailerWax On Wax Off View on Amazon ↗

Additional ministry titles

YOUNG READERSRay and His Friends Work at the Shop Search Amazon ↗ YOUNG READERSBuckets, Bubbles and Blessings Search Amazon ↗

A PROMISE TO KEEP CLOSE

“One Person. One Decision.
One Better Future.”
Rise Up. Let’s Go!
PRACTICAL PREPARATIONBEYOND THE WALLS.

THE NEXT LEVEL PROGRAM

Ready for
what comes next.

The Next Level program focuses on decision-making, communication, work readiness, entrepreneurship, and life beyond incarceration.

Discover the Next Level program
Make stronger decisions
Communicate with confidence
Build work-ready skills
Explore entrepreneurship
Prepare for life beyond the walls
THE HEART BEHIND THE MOVEMENTFAITH. GROWTH. SERVICE.
Raymond L. Matthews smiling in his Rise Up polo shirtRAYMOND L. MATTHEWS

MEET THE FOUNDER

A heart for
better futures.

Raymond L. Matthews

Author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and automotive detailing professional. Raymond’s work centers on faith, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and serving others.

Through The Water Bucket Gospel Movement and The Morning Pour 365 Uplift Movement, he encourages people to recognize their value, make positive decisions, develop practical skills, and pursue a better future.

“One Person. One Decision.
One Better Future.”
Connect with the ministry
CONNECT WITH THE MOVEMENT ONE CONVERSATION CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

LET’S PUT HOPE INTO ACTION

A simple hello.
A meaningful start.

Request an uplifting letter, ask about volunteering, explore a partnership, or learn about our programs. Every inquiry starts in the same place.

thewaterbucketgospel@gmail.com

Use the forms below to register or send an inquiry. You can also email us directly. Please avoid sensitive personal details in your first message.

Request a letterA personal word of encouragement. Volunteer with usGive your time. Share some hope. Become a partnerFor facilities, communities, and organizations. Ask about a programLearn more about practical preparation.

Volunteer participation is subject to approval, screening, ministry guidelines, and facility requirements.

START A CONVERSATION

Bring your care
into the work.

Register your interest in volunteering or send the ministry a question. We will respond using the details you share.

Email delivery is awaiting activation. Form submissions are temporarily disabled. For now, email the ministry directly.

GET INVOLVED Volunteer registration Share how you would like to help.

Required fields are marked with an asterisk.

Submission verification opens in a new tab. Complete the verification to finish sending.

CONTACT THE MINISTRY Send an inquiry Ask about letters, programs, resources, or partnership.

Required fields are marked with an asterisk.

Submission verification opens in a new tab. Complete the verification to finish sending.