Prison Ministry Prayer Requests for this week – 9/08/25

Posted on September 9, 2025 by onesimus1

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It was great having a number of family members in town this past weekend to see my son in the lead role of a local theater performance of “Sunday in the park with George”.  An obscure play, but he did a phenomenal job (I’m not at all biased).  After the show, I hugged him and told him what a great job he did.  I don’t tell my children often enough that I love them and am proud of them.  I doubt many of us do.  Life is short, and wouldn’t we all want our last words to those around us be “I love you”?

 

Monday morning I drove my sister to the airport, and after we got her luggage out of the car, we hugged and both said “love you”.  We often say the right things when folks depart on a trip, but shouldn’t we treat each day and each encounter as if it could be our last? You never know – it just might be!  Last week a dear brother at church suddenly lost his wife of many years – in the middle of moving, took her to the hospital not feeling well, and a few hours later she was gone.  A stark reminder of our mortality and the fragility of life.  God’s Word reminds us many times to be ready for Christ’s return as it may come as a thief in the night (Mt 24.43, 1 Thes 5.2, 5.4, 2 Pe 3.10, Rev 16.15).  I think the same readiness applies to the lives of loved ones – we never know when they will be called home.

 

We remind the men in Chester County Prison every week that God loves them more than they can imagine- so much that He sent His only Son to die for us, taking on the penalty we deserve for our sin, so we could be forgiven and set free from its power.  And you are part of that!  Through your support in prayer and other means, our Chaplains and volunteers are able to share the love of Christ with those who might not otherwise experience it. Keep up the good work! God bless you all.

 

Grace and Peace,

Rick

 

 

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):

  • Carlos– hopefully get out soon. For my family, especially my Mom and little brother, and our little dogs.
  • Sean– for my family, all the guys in here, for my buddies Mike and Dan, and that I have an offer coming.
  • Mike– for a softened heart and to find God’s purpose for me in this time away.
  • Javier– family, especially my daughter.
  • Manuel– my family, my wife, and I have a new court date coming up 9/23.
  • Dan– my girlfriend (Selah) to be OK by herself, she’s had a brain injury.
  • Kyle– family.
  • Andy D– salvation for my sister.
  • Eugene C– for more laborers in the field.

 

 

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

  • Andrew– for my Mom and Dad and Sister to all be in good health.
  • Zare– Family, my Mom and my Sister, and for the families impacted by the shooting in Minnesota, and for all the guys in here.
  • Rick C– for all victims of senseless violence like the innocent girl stabbed to death on a train in North Carolina – help us Lord to share your love in our families and communities and do all we can to promote peace. Grant us your peace until you return and make all things right.
  • Billy– for my court date.
  • Jim M– for God to give me boldness – I’ve witnessed to a few friends and don’t seem to be getting through.
  • Erwin J– Praise and thanksgiving that my wife Rena is off of her walker and doing much better after her back surgery (Erwin also commented she must be feeling better since she gave him grief about something lately).
  • Dan T– continued prayer for the right opportunity to share the Gospel with my Brother-in-law.
  • Tim– for everything to go well with my court date coming up.

 

 

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

  • Aaron– for everyone suffering with hunger.
  • Frankie– for everyone in here and everywhere.  Thanks God for a good week, and continued prayer for my Mom and Uncle dealing with cancer. Mom is doing better.
  • Chris– everyone in here, that we can all take the next steps on our journey.  Jesus, help me to live your way – my way is not working.
  • Will (Bo)– for everyone’s families and the hardships they are going through.  For my significant other, dealing with health issues and recently in the hospital, that she would accept Christ as her Lord and Savior.
  • Logan– for my kids- it’s been 10 months and I miss them so much.  Pray my case can come to its conclusion and I can get home.
  • Ryan S– for my Brother-in-law (David) to get the help he needs in drug/alcohol rehab, and that he would find God in there.  And for my wife Janice who is struggling with her brother back in her life (history of family dysfunction).
  • Andy D– wisdom in caring for my Sister when she gets released from the hospital.  And peace in my heart as I interact with her husband and share the Love of Christ.
  • Matt R– for the health of my in-laws, and God please show me how to be a better father and husband – help me to do Your will.

 

 

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

  • Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
  • Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
  • Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field.
  • All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
  • God’s provision for expanded opportunities within the prison, and God’s wisdom for how best to capitalize on them and get more volunteers plugged in.
  • Protection for the families that support each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
  • For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

 

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

 

 

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

 

 

الل م

www.onesimusministries.org

 

 

 

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Prison Ministry Prayer Requests for this week – 9/01/25

Posted on September 3, 2025 by onesimus1

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

How often do we ask God what HE wants us to do with our day?  Do we make enough room in our daily lives for what HE may have in store for us?  Or do we fill every minute of our day with what WE feel is most important?  Rick Warren once said God gives us enough time each day for the things He has in store for us, if we run out of time, it may be because we’re doing things God didn’t intend for us to do.

Proverbs 16:9 says “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” I think God expects us to use the brain he gave us to make plans (and not just sit idle), but wants our flexibility to accomplish things He may have in store for us.  I believe inconvenience is where ministry happens. He gives us choices all day long – we see opportunities and must decide – am I going to do what I had planned to do, or help another person in need?

Let’s dive into even more uncomfortable waters – What’s our typical response when someone in ministry (or at church) asks us to do something?  Do we default to how much we have going on right now, to evoke some understanding of why we are about to decline?

On Sunday, I asked a friend at church to consider his nomination to be an Elder. He began to tell me how full his life is right now, so I challenged Him to boldly ask God to move something else out of the way if He is truly calling him to this role.  And if God makes a way, you clearly know you’re called.  Let me challenge all of us – when we think life is too busy to help with something, ask God to make some room.  Pretty sure the One who raised Jesus from the dead can do anything we ask in our lives.

Thank you all for saying Yes each week to praying for our chaplains, volunteers, the staff, and the inmates in prison.  We are storing up treasures in heaven every time we say Yes to God, and He wants us to pray without ceasing (1 Thes 5.17).  Thank you for all the ways you support this prison ministry.  God bless your week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):

  • Carlos– for my friend Danny.
  • Sean– for my girlfriend (Rita), and all of us in here like Mike – get us through.  Also for my dog Blue.
  • Dan– thanks God for bringing me back here even on a traffic ticket, because now I’m going to the rehab I need!
  • Mike– God please show me your purpose for me.
  • Javier– family, especially my daughter.
  • Manuel– my family.
  • Roland D– for all the upcoming court dates, and that in each case, the truth would be evident.
  • Paul– chapel time is time well spent, pay for my direction.
  • Andy D– salvation for family members.
  • Eugene C– for the Jesus Rally in Upper Darby on Saturday.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

  • Timothy— prayer for the victims in Minesota shooting.
  • Josh–kids going back to school.
  • Daryl–no home to go to when released, can retrieve belongings, needs a thicker mattress, repair of tv on cell block.
  • Andy–for unsaved family members.
  • Phil— for Jose’s recovery from fall, for President not knowing how salvation is received–thinking he can earn it through good works.
  • Josh— for understanding.
  • Dan— for brother-in-law’s salvation.
  • Dave— for upcoming court dates.
  • Phil– praise and thanksgiving for birth of my granddaughter (Lillianna) and that my son Kyle and daughter-in-law Hannah are all doing well and appreciate everyone’s prayers.  Also continued prayer for Joy’s high risk pregnancy with twins.
  • Rick C– for Erwin’s wife (Rena) continued recovering from back surgery.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

  • Will (Bo)– pray for the guys in here, significant other to accept Jesus Christ as her savior
  • Frankie– mother who just had a radiation treatment, pray for my uncle and his brother, everybody in here and for my court hearing
  • John– everybody to get out to their loved ones
  • Chris– my family has a safe trip on their cruise and my release
  • David– everybody here, daughter is being buried today, pray for my grandsons, my release and my other daughter who is holding it all together during this difficult time
  • John– everybody in here
  • Martin– everybody in here, pray for my dad who is recovering from a leg operation
  • Andy– unsaved family members, pray for myself to be bold and create opportunities to have conversations and spread the Word
  • Cam– circle of people I know that are unsaved, create opportunities to share the Gospel

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

  • Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
  • Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
  • Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field.
  • All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
  • God’s provision for expanded opportunities within the prison, and God’s wisdom for how best to capitalize on them and get more volunteers plugged in.
  • Protection for the families that support each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
  • For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

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Treasurer Report Summer 2025

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Scott Duncan

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Our God desires and made a way for us to have an abundant life and has equipped us for every good work.  Onesimus Ministries allows people in need to see the goodness of God through the chaplains we support at Chester County prison.  Our chaplains (Heinrich and Rhonda) put a face to grace as the inmates are able to visit and seek guidance from them. 

You have the privilege of being part of the process when you give towards the ministry and share in the abundant grace that comes from God.  Thus far in 2025, the Lord has blessed the ministry by keeping the balance in our account over $30k for most of the year which is a new occurrence. In an ever-changing world and economy the financial demands are seemingly a constant challenge but our God always answers the need.  If you feel the Lord is asking you to be part of the answer, then click the “Donate Now” button on the website and give online at onesimusministries.org or you can mail in payment to Onesimus Ministries, Inc. 145 Bethel Rd Oxford, PA 19363.  We’re excited to see how the Lord will provide for the remainder of 2025!

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Prison Ministry Prayer Requests for this week – 8/25/25

Posted on August 26, 2025 by onesimus1

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I reflect on nearly 2 full weeks of pain and discomfort with a stomach bug, our human minds invariably ask the question “why?” – I used my message in the prison last night to probe why a good God allows bad things to happen.  First of all, we live in a fallen world (thanks, Adam and Eve!) with evil all around us.  And with God-given free will, people can make choices. Evil plus choice often equals selfish choices that hurt others.  God’s Word tells us many times to expect trials and persecution, summed up by Jesus in John 16.33, “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.“

 

But WHY does He allow the trials? Romans 5 tells us it’s to build endurance, which builds strength of character, which strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 2 Corinthians 1 tells us it’s to prepare us to comfort others with the comfort God gave us as we went through the same trial.  We are to share how trusting in God’s strength pulled us through, and He will do the same for them.  James 1 tells us it will grow our endurance and faith, to ultimately receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him.

 

I believe God allows trials to grow us more into His likeness, learning to rely on His strength, bringing comfort to others by sharing God’s faithfulness with them, and building confidence in our hope of salvation to share our stories with others as an invitation into the family of God.  The big character question is – will we sit helplessly in our pain and cry out for Him to take it away?  Or will we trust in His ability to get us through, and ask for His help to see what He’s teaching us in each circumstance?  I think that’s what He taught me through my latest trial, and maybe others can benefit.

 

Thanks as always for sticking with us each week as we lift up the inmates, their families, and their requests each week.  It may feel like a daunting task some weeks, but God is growing all of us, slowly changing our hearts to be more like Him.  What a great God!  Have a fabulous week.

 

Grace and Peace,

Rick

 

 

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):

  • Dan– For Brittney and Megan to stop gambling.
  • Bhievm– to get home by September, marry my fiancé, and get back into the sport of boxing.
  • Lloyd– for my family- all 9 sisters and 9 kids – we have 3 birthdays this month.
  • Javier– family, especially my daughter.
  • Manuel– my family, particularly for my wife.
  • Sean– I have court on Monday, and my girlfriend (Rita) is struggling and I can’t help her.
  • Paul C– to clearly understand where God is calling me.
  • Andy D– salvation for my sister.

 

 

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

  • Frank– my relationship with my parents.
  • Chris– for success in my future, and to never be in jail again unless it’s to share my testimony.  Also, thanking God I was able to avoid a fight that would have led to restriction.
  • Jim M– for my neighbor (Mary) who fell and broke her wrist. Also for my wife (Kim) recovering from knee surgery.
  • Timothy– for me, I had a close call with another inmate last night, pray for my protection from altercations.
  • Dan T– ongoing prayers for my brother-in-law to finally accept Christ, and for all our family members who are not walking with the Lord.
  • Phil T– for our brother Jose to have a speedy recovery from multiple injuries, and relief from pain that he can sleep.  Also continued prayer for Joy’s high risk pregnancy with twins, moving along (still 2 heartbeats!) even though doctors initially thought one or both would die and recommended abortion.  Praise God for Joy’s faith and trust in You, may we all learn from her.  Also for my daughter-in-law Hannah who is due TODAY, pray she will do well through delivery of her first child (baby Lillyana).  Also thankful for my twin grandchildren who had their first day at a Christian Preschool- may God use that to reach the whole family.
  • Dan– for our brother Erwin and his wife Rena’s continued recovering from back surgery.

 

 

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

  • Chris– God help me strengthen my patience and that I would have more productive thoughts.
  • Ryan S– my wife Janice is going through a tough time, battling anxiety.
  • Frankie– for my mother’s cancer, and my uncle has cancer too.
  • Bo– pray for Candace and her healing from health issues, and that she would accept the Holy Spirit.
  • Aaron– for all of us to get out and stay out of here, and do the right thing.
  • Rick C– my son Kyle is not walking with the Lord.
  • Cecil– to get out of jail – I’m dying in here, I want out!
  • Logan– pray for family, and greater faith for me, and to have more patience with other people.
  • John– for everyone in here to hopefully get home soon, and for everyone’s families.
  • Mackiet– for my kids, and for me to get out, and for my girl.
  • Andy D– my sister-in-law (Ginny) is bound up with depression and anger- may God break through and give her peace.  Also for inmate Jeff, who was allowed to attend funeral of his brother Mark- prayers for him and his girlfriend.

 

 

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

  • Our Chaplains (Rhonda, Heinrich, and Jack) and all the volunteers ministering within the prison.
  • God’s provision for expanded opportunities within the prison, and God’s wisdom for how best to capitalize on them and get more volunteers plugged in.
  • All staff and inmates at the prison, and the families that support them.
  • For the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

 

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

 

 

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

 

 

الل م

www.onesimusministries.org

 

 

 

Posted in Weekly Prayer Requests | Comments Off on Prison Ministry Prayer Requests for this week – 8/25/25

Blooming Behind Bars

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Heinrich Botes

Tucked quietly in a corner of the chapel sits a small Anthurium plant with pale green leaves. It’s been there since the COVID-19 shutdown, a silent witness during a season when the once-vibrant chapel fell into darkness and stillness. For four long years, the room meant for worship and renewal became more like a cave—empty, dark, and unused. Gone were the days when hungry souls, desperate and searching, would gather to hear God’s Word shared by enthusiastic, Spirit-filled volunteers.

During that season, the chapel became a nursery of sorts. Not for people—but for plants. The Anthurium and two Epipremnum Aureum (commonly known as Pothos) quietly endured the silence. The Anthurium in particular struggled. For nearly eight years, it clung to life in the harsh, artificial environment of prison, producing only limp, yellow-tinged leaves. I gave it a little water each week. Nothing more. And never—never—a single flower.

Until this week…

Anthurium in Bloom

To my great surprise, the Anthurium bloomed.

A single, strikingly beautiful flower: deep red with a bright yellow spadix at its center.

Bold. Unexpected. A sign of life, of flourishing—even here.

That single bloom felt like a gift. A sign. A reminder.

You see, many of us in prison ministry labor faithfully, often without visible results. We show up week after week. We teach, we pray, we love. But sometimes, it feels like nothing is growing. No response. No transformation. No “fruit.” It can be discouraging.

But then I remembered the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:6–9:

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

Most of us are not called to harvest the fruit of changed lives. We’re called to plant. Or to water. Or simply to show up—faithfully, patiently, persistently. The flower blooming in that forgotten chapel reminds me that God is always at work, even when we see no signs.

No one expects a flower in a dark, cold prison chapel. Just like few expect the beauty of a transformed life in a place of confinement. And yet, it happens. God brings life from the darkest places. He brings hope where none was thought possible. He causes growth—in His time.

So, dear co-laborers in Christ:
Be patient.
Be faithful.
Keep showing up.
Keep watering.
And trust the Master Gardener. One day, you may glimpse the bloom.

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An Appeal for God’s Wisdom

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Phil Taylor

As August ebbs away, we’re aware that inexorably the end of the year will soon be upon us.  Early in December the board of Onesimus Ministries is tasked with formulating the budget for the following ministry year.  Each and every member takes very seriously the responsibility to be good stewards of the generosity of our benefactors, who’ve shared their treasures from God.  These donations help the incarcerated men & women at Chester County Prison to hear the Good News, and to come to Jesus to not only change their own destinies, but also those of their family for hopefully generations to come.  (A personal aside:  That is exactly what happened to me while at CCP in December 1998, and why I always say the 8 months I was imprisoned there was the greatest blessing of my life.)

The primary expenses of Onesimus are the salaries of our wonderful chaplains.  Their heart for the inmates, dedication, and the light that they bring to a dark place certainly justifies significantly greater compensation, yet, as with all of the Christian life there is an inherent duty to juggle grace with truth.  So, while the Board relies on typical financial tools such as year-to-date giving vs. prior years, budget vs. actual expenses, the bank balance, and inflation in budget planning, we are a faith-based ministry, and so trust in the Lord’s providence is also an essential consideration.

In 1 Timothy 5:18 (NKJV), Paul quotes Moses in referring to ministers saying “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”  (I deliberately left out the first part of that verse: “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” for fear of having Heinrich & Rhonda identified with oxen.)  While we’re instructed to “Walk by faith, not by sight,” in 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV), Jesus also references Moses “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” in Luke 4:12 (NIV)

Thus, we attempt to counterbalance good financial management practices with the reality and recognition of the Lord’s faithfulness in sustaining Onesimus Ministries for more than 40 years, even when its finances seemed akin to the poor widow in donating her 2 small copper coins.

Both Rhonda and Heinrich have made clear on multiple occasions that if OMI would ever fall on hard times, they’ll still be at CCP ministering to both women & men – salary or no salary. I cannot express how their heart to serve the Lord – NO matter what – has relieved the board members of the pressure to fulfill our duties.

So, we continue to thank God for bringing such wonderful servants to our midst – neither of whom appeared to initially be the obvious successors to Peter Roomet & Lil Anthony as chaplains. Please pray for the Board to be infused with the knowledge of God’s will as we look to 2026 & beyond. Thank you for your past, present, and future support for this ministry in investing for eternity.

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Prison Ministry Prayer Requests for this week – 8/18/25

Posted on August 19, 2025 by onesimus1

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

When it comes down to it, do we really trust God?  When we ask for His help, do we wait expectantly for Him to act, or do we orchestrate everything as best we can to take care of things ourselves (just in case)?  I’m not suggesting a completely “hands-off” approach where we expect everything to happen without any input from us – It’s more about those times when we feel powerless to do anything, and we cry out to Him.  Do we honestly trust that He will come through?  Or do we just hope He will act, while in the back of our minds preparing ourselves for disappointment?

 

My struggle through food poisoning/intestinal parasite issues continues (a week and a half now).  I found myself crying out to God quite a bit.  Relentless pain day after day wore me out.  On Saturday, it seemed to finally be over, but symptoms returned Monday morning. I was really looking forward to getting back to the prison- I’d missed the last few Monday nights due to vacation and this illness.  Right up until the time I had to get in the car, pain and doubts filled my mind – I shouldn’t go, they can get along without me, I feel awful.

 

Then a boldness came over me and I said to God “We’re supposed to be able to trust in you -or is that just bunk?”  I decided to take Him at His word and headed out to the prison.  And God delivered.  No pain or pressure all evening.  I didn’t feel great, but I could function. God proves Himself over and over, why do I still doubt?  Our good, good Father wants the best for us, wants to be close to us, and wants us to rely on Him.  Forgive me, Father, for not trusting you as I should.  You are so good to me and I’m a spoiled brat, quick to judge everything and everyone, including you.  I’m so unworthy, yet You love me more than I can ever imagine – so much that You sent your Son to die in my place so that our relationship can be restored.  Forgive me for not doing my part – please help me get better at that.

 

Thank you all for your prayers each week for the Chaplains, volunteers, and especially the inmates and their prayer requests.  You are an essential part of this ministry and we appreciate all you do! May our good God bless you richly this week.

 

Grace and Peace,

Rick

 

 

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):

  • Javier– my family, especially my daughter.
  • Manuel– family, and for me.
  • Shaun– my court date coming up 8/25, praying for justice.
  • Andy D– for my sister’s health, and her pursuit of the Gospel.
  • Eugene C– for more laborers for the harvest – across all ministries, not just in prison, and for the grace to continue to serve.

 

 

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

  • Tim– my court date got pushed out to next month.
  • Josh– for my bail reduction to go through.
  • Jim M– my niece (Elizabeth) is pregnant and had to go to hospital for dehydration.
  • Dan T– for our brother Jose with a torn-up knee and fractured bone – restoration and healing.
  • Erwin J– thanks for prayers for my wife (Rena) after back surgery- please continue to pray for ongoing healing.
  • Darrell– I need a permanent place to live when I get out of here- God please lead the way.  Also hoping that I can recover all my stuff where I used to live. Finally, hoping to get a haircut and shave to be presentable for my court appearance.
  • Phil T– for the peace efforts around the Ukraine war to be successful and the killing stopped.
  • Aaron– for my family, and for everyone’s family – we can’t check up on them in here.
  • Andy D– for the Gospel conversation I had earlier today with a friend – I pray it was effective.
  • Dan T– for my brother-in-law to be receptive to the Gospel message.
  • Phil T– my daughter-in-law Hannah is due with their first child in one week- pray for Mom and Baby Lily, that all goes well with delivery and everyone is healthy and happy.  Also continue to lift up Joy and her miracle twins – thank you that with latest scans at CHOP they are now optimistic that they can treat the baby with heart issues, where just weeks ago they were pushing for a selective abortion.  THANK YOU LORD for proving the doctors wrong through Joy’s faith in You, and we continue to pray for those 2 little babies inside her- that You would carry them through to  full term and be born healthy with no further need of medical intervention – they are in your hands.

 

 

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

  • Jeff– my brother Mark that was in the hospital passed away on Friday.  I’m so thankful Andy got to visit him and I got to speak with him after that. We will see him again in heaven.  I pray for my nephews who had problems with Mark, and my youngest nephew did not get to reconcile with him before he died- praying for his heart.
  • Phil– for my children.
  • Tyler– strength for my wife and kids- keep their hearts safe and give them the resources they need.
  • Frankie– my mother and my uncle with cancer. Also for improved relationship with my Parole Officer in Lancaster.
  • Justin– my grandmother had a 9th stroke and is in hospital, pray I can get out and take care of her.
  • Troy– my Mother-in-law broke her femur and is in recovery now.  Also for my family- I have 3 adult sons who are not getting along- pray for family unity.
  • Ryan– my friend Jeremy had part of his lung removed.  And for his son in North Carolina who struggles with addiction and is suicidal- his Dad can’t get to him, trusting in the Lord to pull him through.
  • Matt– my nephew Luke hurt his hip – fractured- pray for quick healing so he can get back to playing sports.  Also for my friends parent (Lee and Sarge)- for health and a resolution to their situation.

 

 

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

  • Our Chaplains (Rhonda, Heinrich, and Jack) and all the volunteers ministering within the prison.
  • God’s provision for expanded opportunities within the prison, and God’s wisdom for how best to capitalize on them and get more volunteers plugged in.
  • Continued prayer for the family of Heinrich’s sister in South Africa after her sudden passing.
  • All the inmates and staff at the prison, and the families that support them.
  • For the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

 

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

 

 

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

 

 

الل م

www.onesimusministries.org

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Weekly Prayer Requests | Comments Off on Prison Ministry Prayer Requests for this week – 8/18/25

A New Beginning

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Andy Duncan

“Then he [Jesus] said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9: 37-38)

This is a passage that is very familiar to most Christians who have been following Jesus, even for a short period of time. Jesus is encouraging all of us to spread the Gospel so that seeds which have been planted in fertile soil will produce grain; that good and productive fruit will be the result.

When we bring God’s Word into CCP we have the opportunity to sow and trust the Lord for the Word to enter the hearts of these men and change their lives from the inside out. What is challenging is that because we have time limits on Monday nights, it’s near impossible to spend one-to-one time with them to really listen and understand who they are and where they’re coming from. However, we do have the opportunity to schedule one-to-one meetings with some of them and really press in.

A few months ago, one of the men stood up during testimony time and, in tears, shared that his life was very challenging and that he didn’t know what he believed. He said he didn’t even know why he came out that evening. I immediately felt led by the Holy Spirit to reach out and ask him if he’d like to meet individually. He said yes and that was the beginning of this young man’s journey.

At our first meeting I asked him what his “spiritual” beliefs were and he said he wasn’t sure, but he was leaning towards reincarnation. I shared the Gospel and we talked about it for a while. At our next meeting I asked him several questions basically about the validity of reincarnation and I could see he wasn’t too sure of his convictions. Again, another conversation about the Gospel. I didn’t press; that’s the Holy Spirit’s job.

As we continued to meet, I began to see change in him. He told me he’s involved in regular Bible studies and that things were becoming clearer to him. When I felt that he was “tuning out” we would talk about other topics: family, relationships and sports. I didn’t want him to feel like this was a time of lecture. I’m trying to move at his pace.

After about 4 months, I can see great change in him – praise God! He shared recently that he believes he is a Christian. Wanting to be careful and nurture him, I gave him a copy of “How Can I be Sure I’m A Christian” by Donald Whitney, which is a great book for young believers. We continue to meet weekly and discuss the book. His answers to questions indicate that a heart change is taking place. He is experiencing a new beginning and a new way of seeing things.

Has he truly accepted Christ? Only the Lord knows, but he is not the same young man I met a few months ago. I see evidences of good fruit and trust the Holy Spirit will continue to change his heart. He told me his family has noticed a difference in him. He is still involved in regular Bible studies and answers questions with insight and wisdom. I know as volunteers we can get discouraged because we don’t often have opportunities to invest personally in the lives of those we minister to. Praise God for the open doors for these meeting and the chance to come along side and mentor hurting men! Praise God for new beginnings in others just like our new beginning that changed us forever!  Amen!

Posted in Monday Night Fellowship | Comments Off on A New Beginning

Our Faithful Volunteers

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Rhonda Soland

I am so thankful for our team of chaplaincy volunteers– the faithful men and women who come into the prison each week to minister, encourage, support, and share the love and grace of God with the men and women incarcerated there. We could not have a fully functioning, thriving chaplaincy program without them. They come in as the hands and feet and heart of Christ, to serve in a place where many others would hesitate to go. They are a wonderful support to Chaplain Heinrich and myself.

They come in to lend support during the chapel services or to meet one-on-one with the residents, offering spiritual guidance and counsel. They come in to lead classes or Bible studies for the men and women. They are dedicated, faithful, and committed.

During several times when I’ve had to be away from the prison– for vacation or other reasons, it was reassuring to know that the chapel services would be covered by dependable and capable volunteers who take what they do seriously. Several of them have involved their church groups in prayer for the residents of the prison. They have also been known to generously step in and step up whenever there is a need for donations for chaplaincy– whether it’s for Bibles, Rosaries, prayer journals, Christian reading books, or to provide gifts to residents and their families during our Christmas outreaches.

These men and women come in without pay and with little outside recognition, not expecting to receive anything, but always testifying that they are blessed more by serving than the people whom they serve. Again, Heinrich and I are so grateful for our wonderful and faithful volunteers. They are to us what Aaron and Hur were to Moses as they kept his hands lifted so that he could accomplish the work God had called him to. We could not do it without them.

Posted in Chaplain Rhonda's Blog | Comments Off on Our Faithful Volunteers

Prison Ministry Prayer Requests for this week – 8/11/25

Posted on August 12, 2025 by onesimus1

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I’ve noticed as we age, we seem to see things differently.  Call it experience, wisdom, or something else – hopefully it’s a better, clearer outlook than in our younger years.  I just spent a week at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland with my wife, 2 grown kids, and their significant others. In years past, we’d have the whole week mapped out with mini golf, water parks, jet skis, kayaks, go kart tracks, arcades, the boardwalk, Candy Kitchen, etc. Then we’d spent the whole week on the GO trying to fit it all in.  We’d get home more wiped out than when we left!  But how different now – we’re all a bit older and it was less about what we did, and more about spending time together.  Sure, we went out for dinners, trivia night, and karaoke, but we also stayed in some nights to play games and hang out – It was refreshing and relaxing.

 

It reminds me of something Paul once said, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (! Cor 13:11-12)

Granted, there is much, much more to this passage than what my small example reminded me of.  But I believe that in life, as in faith, if we follow the path God lays out for us, He lets us see a little more and a little more as we grow in Him and get closer to the ultimate goal. And at the end, we get to see it all (and it will all make perfect sense!).

 

In the meantime, we listen, we watch, we pray, and we follow all that God would have us do to the best of our knowledge and abilities.  One of my favorite Pastor phrases is “the only ability God wants from us is our availability”.  Thanks for all you are able to do in support of this ministry.  We are all blessed by how God works through His people each and every week.  Blessings upon you and yours!

 

Grace and Peace,

Rick

 

 

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):

  • [NOTE: I was on vacation last week, and the Thursday volunteer crew had a communal prayer time during chapel, but nobody wrote it down. The names below are from requests the week prior – please pray for them and all the men.]
  • Javier
  • Manuel
  • Lamar
  • Shaun
  • Larry
  • Boz
  • Andy D
  • Eugene C
  • Roland D

 

 

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

  • Chris– going home, pray for loyal people
  • Aaron– prayers for people with anger: many people get very angry.
  • Timothy – prayers for family and friends
  • Ross– prayer for his family members getting saved.
  • Josh– prayers for his children.
  • Coty– praying for a job when we get out.
  • Dan T– praying for his brother in law .
  • Cory– prayer for Mental Health Court.
  • Phil T– praying for Joy who is in her 20th week of pregnancy; now the doctor is talking about the delivery of these twin babies! Amen!
  • Rick C – prayers for his recovery from food poisoning.
  • Jose G– fell in the bathroom, hurt his knee and facial injuries, could not attend tonight.
  • Erwin J– wife recovering from back surgery.
  • Jim M– prayers for my wife (Kim) recovering from knee surgery, and praise for my future knee surgery in October

 

 

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

  • Tyler– for his wife and kids and all the families while they are away.
  • Robert– Going to court today, praying for light sentence.
  • Matt R– pray for in-laws Gerald and Sherald health.
  • Micheal– stays in Gods will after his release.
  • Bo– all the inmates and his lady to accept Jesus.
  • Rob– 30 locked up pray that he stays strong.
  • Frankie– Get Johnnie out (another inmate who didn’t want to give a prayer request) also Nancy and uncle and brother battling cancer.
  • Andy D– For Jose injured his knee and relief from pain.
  • Shawn– his girlfriend Stephanie stays sober.
  • Louis– that he can see his daughter soon.
  • Ryan – Daughter Caitlyn got in a pretty bad accident hit by drunk driver. Prayer for her leg and pray for the driver who is in a lot of trouble.

 

 

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

  • Our Chaplains (Rhonda, Heinrich, and Jack) and all the volunteers ministering within the prison.
  • God’s provision for expanded opportunities within the prison, and God’s wisdom for how best to capitalize on them and get more volunteers plugged in.
  • Continued prayer for the family of Heinrich’s sister in South Africa after her sudden passing.
  • All the inmates and staff at the prison, and the families that support them.
  • For the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

 

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

 

 

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الل م

www.onesimusministries.org

 

 

 

 

Posted in Weekly Prayer Requests | Comments Off on Prison Ministry Prayer Requests for this week – 8/11/25