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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I use the YouVersion Bible app on my phone (highly recommended) which allows me to read and study God’s Word in many versions, subscribe to Bible reading plans, and one of my favorites – the verse of the day.  Each morning, it only takes about 5 minutes to ingest a little nugget of God’s wisdom, including a short devotion, some encouragement, and a prayer.  It’s a phenomenal way to begin your day.

Yesterday’s verse was Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  In this context, think of the heart as the center of our being – a combination of our mind and our soul.  Our behavior is determined by our attitude.  And our attitude is determined by our heart.  Therefore, to truly effect permanent change in any behavior, it must begin with the heart.

God tells us to be careful what we feed our heart.  Especially this time of year, the world is very willing and able to fill it with selfishness and materialism. God created our heart, so what our heart needs most is Him.  Some of the best things we can do for ourselves is seek God through prayer, read His Word, reflect on His blessings, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us throughout our day.  Something will always be missing if we don’t invite God into our hearts.  And we must be careful to guard our hearts, because everything we do flows from it.

I’m thankful there’s a place in your heart for the inmates, chaplains, volunteers, and staff at Chester County Prison.  The time we spend in prayer for them each week is time well spent.  It honors God, it blesses them, and it grows us closer to our Heavenly Father.  Thank you for your heart, may God fill it to overflowing with His love all the days of your life.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Shaun– to have a positive re-entry once I’m out of here, and to reconnect with my Mom (Melissa) – she’s homeless and I lost track of her years ago, pray I can locate her.
• Sean– court date in 7 days, pray for no more continuances, and that all goes well.
• Manuel– my wife (Adriana), my daughter (Sofia), my family and my friend Javier back in Mexico.
• John– to incorporate God’s will more into my life, get time served judgement, get to rehab facility, and get back to my family and stay out of jail.
• Boz– for whatever in the dark comes to light in the name of Jesus.
• Andy– for my relationship with Jesus to deepen this advent season.
• Roland– for all inmates to experience Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy this Christmas season.
• Eugene– prayers for me- going to Kensington & Somerset tomorrow to evangelize.

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

• Vernon– for my kids, my ex-wife, my mother, and I have a bad toothache.
• Ron– for my stepson, and my cat.
• Cory– for my Mom who was in the hospital for 4 days with swelling in her face, they treated her with medications and released her, pray for her full healing.  Also pray for when I get out, whether from here or if I go to state prison, that God would put me on a good path.
• Billy– my upcoming court date.
• Andrew– all my brothers and sisters in the prison, and outside the prison, and for my Mom (Kathleen), my father (James), and my sister (Kyra).
• Alics– for my Mom and Dad (Ed and Crystal), for my grandma (Joyce), and for them to get along without me since I’m the main wage earner and it gets tight if I’m not around (they are all on social security).
• Mike– for my wife (Robin) and my kids (Hannah, Michael, and Gavin), and forgiveness.
• Jose G– for everyone in here to be saved and their families.  Also pray for all those struggling with addictions.
• Dan T– for the peace of Jerusalem, for clarity and focus for me (the meds I’m on make me a little foggy), and for my Brother-in-law to have clarity and presence to accept Christ (memory issues).

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

• Kostas– for his girlfriend to answer phone so he knows she is ok.

• Beto– power to work with God.
• Chett– get out this week. Prayer his son who is starting his first job goes well.
• Cam– his wife seasonal depression
• Tyreek– for all the prisoners. Pray for peace for his pregnant girlfriend.
• Daniel– wife and home peace.
• David– fellow inmates.
• Matt– prayers for his in-laws and for his father in law Gerald who just received new pacemaker. May it give him energy he is seeking.

• Steve– For Robert has prostate cancer. Also for his wife who just got into car accident and car was totaled.

• Gina– for her father John. He had to go to emergency room for inflammation of his intestines and his lung capacity is low.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplain Heinrich, and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
• Chaplain Rhonda, and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans, the chaplaincy program at Chester County Prison, and prison leadership within his mission field. Also personal strength and healing from cancer.
• For the Onesimus Ministries board of directors, and the future of the board.
• All the volunteers ministering to male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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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www.onesimusministries.org

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

How many of us actually took time to express what we’re thankful for at our Thanksgiving gathering? I’ll admit with our family reunion-style Thanksgiving (41 people, and 8 were missing!) it was tough because we were so spread out, so I failed to speak my thankfulness in that setting.  But I did tell my wife that morning how I’m thankful for her putting up with me for 34 years (and counting)!  What a difference it can make to others around us if we maintain an attitude of gratitude.

As fallen and sinful human beings, I think our default attitude is one of selfishness – Me first!  It takes effort to be thankful, but the more we do it, the easier it gets.  How do we want to be remembered?  As a loving, giving, helpful person?  Or something else?  It’s funny how we celebrated Thanksgiving last Thursday, followed quickly by Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.  And now today we land on Giving Tuesday – I like how it comes back around to sharing what we’re thankful to God for giving us in the  first place.

I’m thankful for each one of you, and how you give your time each week to pray for the inmates, their requests, the chaplains, and the volunteers that go into Chester County Prison each week.  As we pray through the inmate requests below, let’s also pray that God will show each of us how we can be even more thoughtful, thankful, and giving in our everyday lives.  May god bless you, and bless others through you this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Female Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda

• MP:  “Please pray for my cellmate/friend, J. V., that she can find peace from her past traumas and use them to affect positive changes and growth for her bright future. And have God pour His grace and blessings upon her! She truly is God’s angel and a bright light in my day. Thank you!”
• AP: “To keep custody of my daughter and to not lose my faith. Open my eyes to what the Lord wants from me. I feel abandoned and need Him so bad right now.”

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean – has court in 2 weeks, hopes to get probation. For his children.
• Manuel – family – wife and daughter. For those of us in the Ministry.
• Robert – everyone.
• John – grateful for today’s message, and that he would get time served so he can be released to a rehab and ultimately get home.

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

• Alics– for everyone serving time in this prison, and for all of our brothers both inside and outside Chester County Prison system- may we experience a speedy outcome and the process be better.
• Andrew– for my Mother (Kathleen), my Father (James), and my sister (Kyra).
• John– for my trial next week and for my family.
• Jose G– for Anna (14) who struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts.
• Andy L– for my pregnant neighbor whose doctor says the baby won’t live more than about 5 days after birth.
• Phil T– for Joy’s 4-week-old twins (Josie and Ellie) that are still gaining weight and progressing.  Josie needs to gain much more weight after the heart surgery, but praise God most or all of the tubes have been removed and she’s getting stronger.
• Mike– for my wife (Robin) and 3 children- that they would forgive me.
• Dan T– for the right opportunity to witness to my Brother-in-law (he keeps dodging me), and that he might finally accept Jesus into his heart.
• Phil T– praise God that Jim is back after his knee surgery, and Jose is back after his injury, may both men experience continued healing and restoration.  And for Daeron who should be out of prison now- hope he made it home for Thanksgiving, and we pray for him and many other inmates re-entering society to NOT return to their old habits, and NOT come back to prison.
• Rick C– for my wife’s nephew Cole, his wife Rachel, and their young children who couldn’t come to Thanksgiving because they have covid – may they all be healed and restored quickly.

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

• Rick C– for my wife (Robin) who’s had a chest cough for a month – healing.
• Armand– for people questioning belief, that they will find the Lord.  Also, pray that I find favor in  court on the 16th.
• Casey– praying to hear good news that I’ll be released this week to Colonial House in York (rehab facility), and for my Dad with stage 4 cancer.
• Jason– that people can find their way to Jesus.
• Tyreek– for guidance.
• Tyrua– to be transferred over to the work release center tomorrow – I’m on the list – and for everyone in this room, and for my family and my kids.
• Rondel– that my court case goes well.
• William– [very thick accent- couldn’t make out what he said, but God knows his prayer request]
• Isaiah– my court date.
• Danny– [very thick accent- couldn’t make out what he said, but God knows his prayer request]
• Josh– for people to have understanding and to have wisdom.
• Gus– for everybody in the room, that we all make it home.
• Steve– my Father-in-law (Robert), it was his birthday today, and healing for his prostate cancer.  Also for my wife (Robin), that our marriage would work out, for my kids, and my court date this week to go well.
• Teron– for family, for myself, for health, for all of us in here- that this coming year would be a better year.
• Matt R– my Father-in-law (Gerald) had pacemaker surgery this week- for quick recovery- and for unsaved family members.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplain Heinrich, and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
• Chaplain Rhonda, and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans, and the chaplaincy program at Chester County Prison, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also personal strength and healing from his cancer.
• For the Onesimus Ministries board of directors, and the future of the board.
• All the volunteers ministering to male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout 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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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It was an up and down weekend for football fans.  Well, at least for this fan.  My son-in-law got us tickets to the Saturday evening Penn State game where we watched them trounce Nebraska – that was a great (albeit cold) evening!  All that elation faded away the next day during the dismal 2nd half when the Eagles lost to the Cowboys.  It’s funny how we live vicariously through our sports teams, and show fierce loyalty for “our team”.  We talk about what “we” need to do, and how “we” just scored, and how “we” better get our act together – but how many of us are actually on the field with the other players?  I’d say approximately zero.

We rejoice and celebrate with our team when they win, and we cry and console one another when they lose.  We bleed our team’s colors.  Isn’t that what it’s supposed to be like on God’s team?

Funny how we can invest so much of ourselves in a franchise that doesn’t even know our name, yet we can be so non-committal to our Heavenly Father’s family.  He loves us sacrificially and knows every hair on our heads.  Jesus bled the colors that saved everyone who is saved.  Why aren’t we just as excited about our victory in Jesus?

As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m so thankful to be on Team Jesus.  And I’m thankful for each of you and the vital part you play in supporting this ministry.  Please remember to take some time to think about and share what you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving.  God bless your holiday!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Chris– for my wife (Jennifer), my daughter (Freya), and my Mom (Maryann), for their protection and health.
• Mark– I have court tomorrow, want to get out so I can get 2 operations – on my wrist and I have a hernia.  I was also diagnosed with prostate cancer. Not getting help in here.
• Richie– for my wife (Kaitlyn), and my family and friends.
• Manuel– my family, especially wife (Adriana) and daughter (Sophia), and my friend Javier now back in Mexico.
• Alex– for my brother to live longer, for me to make less mistakes, and that my unborn baby would be healthy.
• John– thankful for God answering last week’s prayer- my girl reached out and is helping me.  Pray I can get to rehab, get home, and stay out of prison.
• Dillon– for my mom (Stephanie) to get to her appointment tomorrow to get her brain checked- she was shot in the head.

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

• Andy D– for his brother, Jeff, who is having stents put in his leg tomorrow.  Normally not a big deal, but the last time he had that done he had 3 heart attacks in the aftermath.
• Andrew – for his mother, dad, and his sister, Kyra.
• Woody– for his unsaved family members.
• Dan T– for his “ongoing project” – his brother-in-law and the opportunity to minister to him; for the good reports on twins Josie and Ellie.
• Alice – for prisoners.
• Vernon – for his children to forgive him for being in jail again.
• Andy L–  for his neighbor who is pregnant, but who has been told her baby will only live a few days.
• Erwin – for his older sister, Elwyn, as she endures terminal cancer.
• Zaire – his mom, sister, kids, nieces & nephews, and for his upcoming time at the Work Release Center.
• Sean – for salvation; that Jesus guides His flock; his friends & enemies; to get out, and that his family accepts him back.
• Phil – for Jim’s restoration to this ministry, his continued healing, and for his message tonight; for my son, Kyle, having concerning neurologic symptoms, his wife, Hannah, and their baby daughter; for Joy and Andrew having to go back to work earlier than anticipated and the resultant child care demands for 2 preemies; for my daughter, Morgan, and her depression as she still doesn’t have a child of her own; for Daeron (verified spelling) getting released this week, and for him continuing to walk closely w the Lord on the outside.

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

• Jason– for his son to have a good birthday on Dec. 2
• Aaron– for the world.
• Casey– a good holiday, get home for Christmas.
• David– pray for all the men, his kids and grandchildren.
• Steve– that his family has a good thanksgiving, for Robert who has prostate cancer, and for his wife Robin.
• Clarence– for a good holiday, and that we can make the best of it.
• Cyrus– for the kids holidays, and healing for his brother’s bad ankle. To get work release.
• Jason– prayer for faith.
• Vincent– for family.
• David– that my sentencing goes well.
• William– my family and my court case.
• Tatto– my court case .

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the chaplaincy program at Chester County Prison, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also personal strength and healing from his cancer.
• For the Onesimus Ministries board of directors, and the future of the board.
• All the volunteers ministering to male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout 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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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I’m convinced God has a plan for each day of our lives, even if we don’t see it.  I woke up last Saturday morning in a very strange situation – I had nothing planned to do the entire day.  That literally hasn’t happened in decades!  Oh, there are plenty of projects around the house that need my attention, but I had nothing on my schedule.  It was a bit unsettling, and made me wonder why I should even get out of bed.  I meandered downstairs anyway, and soon after my wife pointed to the kitchen ceiling and asked “is that a wet spot?” It sure was, and I got busy tearing into the ceiling to discover a leaking joint in the plumbing. Not wanting to witness the destruction, she left for the grocery store, only to return a minute later with the news she had a flat tire.

So much for having nothing to do.  But then I realized – God already knew all this was going to happen, and I praised Him for opening my day to address these issues without having to postpone or reschedule anything else.  What a gracious God!  He gave me the skills and the time it took to fix both issues and still be able to sit back and watch Penn State finally win a football game (after 6 straight losses).

It’s interesting the different ways we can approach each day.  We can trudge through life, going through the motions, wondering where is the joy (my normal mode), or we can look for the possibilities God may bring our way each new day (the outlook I wish I had).  Often it takes someone else to shake us out of our routine and remind us how blessed we are – why not do that for someone in your life today?  And why not pray that for the inmates in prison as well?  Thank you so much for your diligence in praying for the men, women, chaplains, and volunteers at the prison.  Your prayer support is essential to the ministry.  Keep up the good work!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Nicholas– for the American government.
• Brandon– for our families, keep them safe.
• Mark– for the 4 officers who beat me to pay for what they did.

[Note: I prayed for accountability and that God might soften Mark’s heart to forgive them.]

• Manuel– daughter Sophia and wife Adriana, family, and my friend Javier now back in Mexico.
• Edgar– for my Mom.
• Patrick– my Dad’s lymphoma was determined to be stage 3 cancer, he’s starting chemo. Pray for me, I leave tomorrow.  Pray to keep the faith and stay on the path, that my situation goes well, and for all the guys in here when it’s their turn.
• John– for my ol’ lady to get back on track with communication – she abandoned me.
• Salcido– for all of us in jail.
• Andy– greater wisdom and compassion in sharing the Gospel.
• Roland– with holidays coming up, for the families of all the men, and for the men to have the blessing of peace and love of Christ in their heart.
• Eugene– for the homeless.

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

• Brandon– for family, and for fairness.
• Tyreek– for my girl and our baby son due on Dec 19th- I want to be there.  Also for our government.
• Dan T– for our brother Jose, still recovering from a bad fall and anxious to get back with the ministry, for brother Jim recovering from knee surgery also anxious to get back in here, for Erwin’s recovery from bad cold, and his Sister with cancer, and for my Brother-in-law to be ready to accept Christ.
• Phil T– for Dan’s recovery from cancer, though incurable we’re thankful for the effectiveness of treatment.  Also for Joy and Andrew’s baby Josephine, just days old with cardiac issues and one surgery already done – Lord please look with favor upon that little baby and may your mercy and healing be fully upon her to grow strong physically and in You.  Bless that entire family for their faithfulness and testimony to many of your gracious and extravagant love.
• Deron– to get home next week.
• Rick C– for all the inmates and their families as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas when families usually get together – it’s a tough time for all, may they all sense the comforting presence of Jesus through the holidays.

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

• JC– Dad with Stage 4 cancer.
• Eddie– Aunt with Stage 4 cancer-for good labs, his kids, for men recently released, for the volunteers.
• Matt– his friend Mary Ann’s son Nick in Seattle battling addiction; not working.
• Andy– salvation of family members.
• Armond– for abundance for his family; that his evaluation goes well; for the volunteers.
• Cyrus– For his daughter facing first Christmas without him; healing for his brother’s ankle; for himself and all the men.
• Jason– for all facing issues.
• Steve– safety for his wife Robin and his family.
• Brandon– for his family and all in the room.
• Troy– healing for his 2 granddaughters.
• David– that his sentencing would go well.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing as he contends with late stage cancer.
• For the Onesimus Ministries board of directors, and the future of the board.
• All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout 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

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today is veterans day, where we remember and honor those who have served in our military forces to preserve freedom throughout the world.  The United States military is unique in that it’s an all-volunteer force, and without it, much of the world would likely fall under the rule of evil regimes or  descend into chaos.  Our military brothers and sisters not only protect our freedoms here at home, they are a stabilizing force in the world.  Many feel called to that life, and each of them serves a cause greater than themselves. 

The parallels to Christianity seem so obvious to me.  God doesn’t force His way into our lives, followers of Christ voluntarily give up their old life to follow a much better path, and definitely serve a cause greater than all of us.  And without God choosing us to be part of His family, the whole world would be slaves to evil and lost to sin.  In the Old Testament, Joshua met the commander of the Lord’s armies, who was none other than God Himself.  Without a doubt, God is the leader of THE stabilizing force in the world, and without Him we are truly lost.

So thank a veteran today for their sacrifice, and thank Jesus EVERY day for His sacrifice which paved the way for our salvation.  And why not thank the person who introduced you to Jesus?  I want to thank all of you for your enlistment in the Lord’s army – inmate prayer detachment. Your continued service is commendable.  God bless you!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Mark– for officers to change how they do things.
• Steve– for ourselves, and that I can get through this gambling addiction.
• Manuel– daughter Sophia and wife Adriana, family, and my friend Javier now back in Mexico.
• Terry– my father is in hospice, hope to get out and see him before he passes, for family, for my gambling addiction, and for all our active military and those in prison.
• Patrick– my Dad with lymphoma had CAT scan Tuesday, get results tomorrow, praying not cancerous.  Praying for a bail hearing soon, and for all the guys in here to have strength and hope.
• Bolden– for everyone in here, and I have court on the 10th
• Boz– I’m in court on the 13th, pray it all goes well.
• Roland– that every man in prison can feel the hope, peace, and joy of Christ, especially over the upcoming holidays.
• Eugene– for the Jesus pop-up rally in Coatesville on Saturday, that God will have His way and for no rain that day.

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

• Phil T– praise update for my daughter’s sister-in-law Joy (high risk pregnancy) – last Monday night her twin girls were born at 32 weeks (Josephine and Eleanor), both around 3 pounds and breathing fine without oxygen.  Must wait until at least 5 pounds for discharge, but Mom and babies all doing well. Doctors discussing heart surgery options for Josephine – we pray for full healing and no need for surgery.
• John– our families and court cases.
• Erwin– continued prayer for my sister with cancer.
• Phil– for Deron’s case to be on target that he can be home for thanksgiving. Also safety and protection for my son-in-law coming back from China and blessing on his family as they reunite.
• Dan T– for witness opportunity to my brother-in-law, and he would accept Christ.  Also for the peace of Jerusalem and all of Israel.
• Andy L– my pregnant next door neighbor with bad prognosis for the baby- only expected to live a few days after birth.  We pray strength for the mom and dad, and full healing for the baby.
• Deron– for everyone to have a joyous celebration of thanksgiving, and pray that my days until release would get easier – they are still hard.
• Rick– for our government leaders, and that they could get together to solve problems of government shutdown and food benefits for the hungry.

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

• Elly– for strength, courage and faith.
• Gordon– for strength, wisdom and courage.
• Matt– for Rebecca, comfort for lost husband as we celebrate Veterans Day. For unsaved family members. For all prisoners at Chester County Prison.
• Andy– His brother Jeff getting heart surgery. Also for his salvation.
• Ryan– prayer for my family – lots of anxiety.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Safe return from South Africa this week for Heinrich and wife Susan, and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing in July.
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• For the members and future of Onesimus Ministries board of directors.
• All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout 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

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Halloween is by far my least favorite holiday, yet I was very moved by something that happened that night. My wife and I were away for trick-or-treat, so we put out a bucket of candy and printed a sign she found online. It read “Trick or Treat, help yourself to something sweet. Please be kind and leave some behind”.  To us, that meant don’t take all the candy for yourself, leave some for other trick or treaters.

We put out nearly 200 pieces of candy, right under our Ring doorbell camera, so the motion sensor would record all visitors to our front porch.  When we reviewed the video clips that night, I was not surprised to see some kids taking fists full of candy, quickly emptying the bucket. But what we saw next floored me- a group of five pre-teens gathered on the porch and a young girl read the sign out loud. After she read the second line, she reached into her bag and put some of her candy into the empty bucket. Others in the group followed her lead, providing their own candy for trick or treaters who would follow.  Wow.  It gave me hope for the future of our society. I had expected the worst of kids, and this group proved me wrong.

Isn’t it often the same with prison? Many in our society write off inmates as criminals who deserve what they get, and only expect the worst of them.  But our Heavenly Father expects more from us – He loves each one of them so much He sent His son to die for them (yes, them) too.  Jesus modeled the proper behavior for us, having charity towards the lost.  God treasures each one of them, so how can we call ourselves Christ followers if we do any less? 

We are called to love one another, and it’s amazing how giving basic human respect to an inmate can boost their countenance and lift their spirits.  And how much more when we honor them by serving them in the name of Jesus.  The icing on the cake is when we remind them how you pray for them throughout the week.  Do you know how much they appreciate that? Several of them remark that they pray for you, too.  Thanks for being part of God’s family extended into Chester County Prison.  God bless your week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Female Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda

A.P. – in danger of losing custody of her daughter. Very fearful and asking for prayer
J. K. – asking for prayers for her mother’s health

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean– my daughters Morgan and Rejoice.
• Montese– help for all those needing food and shelter, all those who are worse off than me.
• Terrence– my Dad (Jesse) is in hospice, praying he will last longer so I can see him again.  Pray for all our families, and for our active military and their families.
• Patrick– my Dad’s lymphoma- praying it’s not cancerous.  I keep looking to the Lord to get me through this, and for all of us to depend on God to get through it.  Pray my lawyer can works things so I can get out.
• Manuel– family, daughter Sophia and wife Adriana, and my friend Javier dealing with immigration.
• Richie– family and friends.
• Andy– we will be on vacation next week with my wife’s cousin, who is challenging to be around.  Asking for God’s grace and wisdom in dealing with the situation.
• Roland– for solid court dates for all the men, and God to walk with them through the process.  Keep them safe when they get out, continue to lead them on a new path and stay close to family.
• Eugene– for the Nov 8th Jesus pop-up rally in Coatesville, that Jesus will have His way.

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

• Phil T– for my daughter’s sister-in-law Joy with high-risk pregnancy – hoping to wait until thanksgiving, but they are inducing today and her water broke – babies are coming today.  Pray all goes well.

[Update text last night– “Babies were born. Everyone is good.  Waiting for details, but thanks to all.  Four months ago doctors said less than a 1% chance of survival.   Truly NOTHING is impossible with God.”]

• Jim M– for volunteer Jose recovery- to build up strength climbing stairs and carrying guitar so he can return to serving in the prison.  Also for my recovery from knee surgery, pray for physical strength and stability.
• Corey– family and friends, and my case deliberations.
• Andrew– my family of brothers in the prison, and for my actual family, for my Mom, Dad, and sister Kiera.  Also pray for all the staff in here.
• Daryl– for myself, and for all inmates in prison – the system seems designed for us to fail.
• Dan T– for witness opportunity to my brother-in-law, and he would accept Christ.
• Andy L– my next door neighbor is pregnant and the baby has serious problems and expected to live only a few days after birth.
• Woody– for the bogus situation I’m stuck in, pray the truth will be clearly seen.  For family members not Christian, to come to the Lord.  For Israel to get through the crisis.  And for women who get abortions to know the forgiveness of God.
• Mark– for my fiancé to have the strength to stay sober and to stay strong of the children.
• Phil T– for the women who want to have kids and are unable to conceive, may God bless them with children.  And for the elections Tuesday- may leaders be elected who respect life and honor God.
• Deron– for God to provide, and for more peace.

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

• Chris– to move on to the next step in my journey this week – Liberty ministries.  Thankful that hell loses another one.
• Edward– for everyone in here to keep in good health, for the world, for my kids, my aunt Michelle with stage 4 breast cancer.
• Casey– my family’s health, my Dad (David) has stage 4 bladder cancer.
• Frank– my Dad (80) and I haven’t spoken in 2 years.  I’m ashamed and embarrassed, pray for softened hearts and the courage to pick up the phone.
• Karl– that all goes well for me in court on Friday, and pray I land at inpatient facility in Chestertown, MD.
• Tseeo– for the courage to turn over a new leaf and repentance.
• Armand– for my family to have abundance the next 2 holidays, and for a productive conversation with my public defender.
• José– for my case- heard nothing yet.  For my kids, family, Father, Mother.
• Ryan– my boss’s husband (Glenn) had surgery that didn’t go well- pray for healing and all to be alright.
• Cam– (unspoken prayer requests, overwhelmed by how many of them)
• Andy– for unsaved family members.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Continued safety for Heinrich and wife Susan visiting family in South Africa (yes, they are still there), and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing in July.
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• For the members and future of Onesimus Ministries board of directors.
• All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout 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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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A huge THANK YOU to everyone involved, especially our gracious host Kerry Greco, for another successful Benefit Dinner this past Friday.  The funds raised will keep the ministry in operation well into next year.  It was great to see everyone, and meet some of you for the first time. Truly a wonderful evening of fellowship, sharing a delicious meal, and hearing how this ministry impacts lives in Chester County Prison.

I just saw a report on Hurricane Melissa, and my heart goes out to everyone in Jamaica.  They are saying the island has never experienced a storm of this strength before (Cat 5 hurricane), and the devastation will be felt for years.  Join me in prayer for our brothers and sisters in harm’s way throughout the Caribbean – may our merciful Lord watch over them and protect their lives.

We sit in our comfortable homes, enjoying the Fall colors, and complain that it’s chilly and getting dark too soon already, yet Jamaica is facing the storm of a lifetime.  It’s hard to relate sometimes when we’re far from the action.  I think the same thing can happen with those in prison – we are far from the inmates, who are facing serious storms of life.  It brings to mind Matthew 7:24-25,

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

We must continue to do the most needful thing- lifting them in prayer before the Heavenly throne.  Thank you for your unwavering support of the men and women in prison, their families suffering along with them, and the staff looking out for them.  Stay safe, and may God bless your family in a special way this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean– my daughter Morgan, and for my court appearance to go well.
• Richard– friends and family.
• Mike– to understand God’s purpose for me and His will for the journey I’m on.
• Manuel– family, daughter Sophia and wife Adriana, and my friend Javier dealing with immigration.
• Patrick– my Dad has lymphoma- not sure if cancerous. My sister turns 30 today, and gave birth 3 days ago to my niece Evelyn.  Perseverance in here, and to get out soon.
• Boldn– everyone in here.
• Andy– praise that for the first time in 24 years I shared my faith with my brother and he’s interested in discussing it.
• Roland– for everyone to get a solid court date, and that God would walk with each man in court.

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

• Rick– Praise the Lord for another successful Benefit Dinner for the prison ministry.
• Jim– Please pray for my wife’s 102 year old aunt (Josey) in skilled care and near the end of her life.
• Jose– healing for my friend Bob with stage 4 Colon cancer.
• Billy– upcoming court dates for everybody.
• Saul- safety for my friends.
• Andrew– my Mother and Father.
• Cory– my Mom is having surgery on Nov 7, hope it all goes well.
• Erwin– my sister (Elwyn) with cancer.
• Dan– my brother-in-law to accept Christ.
• Deron– I’m out in 30 days, pray it’s easier to be out there and not harder.
• Phil– praise that Joy is back at home as of Friday – she didn’t think she’d be home for months until after the babies born. The premature labor stopped, she’s at 31 weeks, they want to get to 34 weeks before birth. Continued prayer for Joy, her husband, and those 2 precious babies inside her that they would be completely healthy and go full term.

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

• Chris– family, brother works for DOD and dealing with the protests, court on Wednesday and get moved to Liberty Ministries
• Frankie– mother, uncle battling cancer, all the guys here to come to Jesus, for Cecil County to let me alone
• Edward– dealing swollen lymph nodes, recent blood work, all the guys here and their cases
• Nakeith– kids, family, court on Monday
• Lyndon– all the guys in here, daughter, my child’s mother, strength/guidance, court on Nov 3rd
• Aaron– pass my test for Safe Serve to get my food handlers license
• Bill– blood work done for my prostate
• Ryan– to be able to give Dave his 30 day sobriety coin this Thursday
• Frank– enthusiasm for life, information about my court date
• William– strength/guidance, positive outcome with my case
• Logan– my release on Friday, moving to Pittsburgh to start over
• Karl– brother (Chris) had a procedure to see if he has cancer, reconciliation with my family
• Jerry– patience, my release this week
• Andy– unsaved family members-especially my brother
• Matt– unsaved family members, share the Gospel, be a light and lead by example

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Continued safety for Heinrich and wife Susan visiting family in South Africa, and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing in July.
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• Onesimus Ministries board – it’s members and the future of the board.
• All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout 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

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My church family took a double gut-punch last week, with the unexpected passing of one brother Thursday, then another brother unexpectedly passing on Friday. This is truly where Christians show the world how we are different.  We look at death differently than the world.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.(1Thes 4:13-14)

This is where our trust in the Lord as believers carries us through, because we are assured we will see our believer loved ones again.  For Christians, bodily death is simply a spiritual change of address.

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (2Cor 5:8)

Are we sad?  Sure we are- as humans we all have emotions and a relational need to connect with others, and when our closest connections are broken (even temporarily), we are grieved. We don’t want to walk this path alone.

But again,  this is where we’re different than the world, for we are never alone. Our Father reminds us throughout scripture He will never leave us nor forsake us, and Jesus told us He is with us to the end of the age (Mt 28.20).  The family of believers stands ready to hold up a brother or sister that is hurting. We love one another by helping with physical needs, by sharing our memories, and reminding one another of the Hope we have in Christ. What a great family we’re part of.

And we thank all of you family members as you love others by lifting up these prayer requests each week, praying for people you will likely never meet (on this Earth, anyway).  God loves you so much He sent His son to die for you.  Remind someone today how much God loves them.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

P.S. – there are still a few benefit dinner tickets left for this Friday, but you’ll need to act quickly.  Here’s the link to get yours – Benefit Dinner Tickets

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean– I finally have a court date on 12/11, also pray for my daughter Morgan and all the guys back on K block.
• Richard– my family and friends, and that the court sees me as a different person than I appear on paper.
• José– for my Mother who supports me, and for my younger brother.
• Patrick– my family support on the outside, my Dad’s health condition, and I’d love to be with my Mom on her birthday Oct 26.
• Manuel– my family, daughter Sophia and wife Adriana, and for my friend Javier who was in here and now retained by immigration.
• Andy D– for the situation our brother Phil alerted us to – Joy who is pregnant with twins went into very premature labor (not due until December) – pray all is well for her and those twin girls she’s carrying, miracle babies that the doctors didn’t expect to survive.
• Roland D– for each man to get a solid court date, and that God would be with each one at their trial.
• Eugene– for more laborers and fishers of men.

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

• DeShawn– for my salvation, for fellow Christians and fellow sinners, for the revelation of Christ in the world, and for all of us to find what we’re looking for in life.
• Dandy– to find someone to love me and help me through life.  For my little brother Luke and older brother Billy to stop abusing drugs and alcohol and get right.  For my Mom to stop spreading hate towards me and my brothers.
• Ross– for the volunteers to be blessed, for our families, for all those who don’t know the Lord, may there be a great Revival and great Awakening.  For my buddy Coles in a tough situation, and for all the 2 million prisoners in all the prisons across the country.
• Andrew– for my Mom Kathleen, my Dad James, and my sister Kira.
• Phil T– for our brother volunteer Jim to recover quickly from his knee surgery.  And praise God for Joy’s labor to have diminished, and that she can be on bed rest at the Ronald McDonald house right next to the hospital just in case.  And for all the kids at the Ronald McDonald house suffering with various illnesses and maladies.
• Erwin– for my sister (92) with cancer spreading in her body.  May the Lord heal her as He will.
• Rick C– for healing and recovery of our brother Jose.
• Dan T– for the right opportunity to share Gospel with my Brother-in-law and that he would accept Christ.

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

• Frankie– for my Mom, my uncle with cancer, for Matt, and everyone here.
• Chris– for a good interview with Liberty ministries Monday, for my release, and for all lost souls to find Jesus Christ.
• Jordan– for every man here, peace as we go through the process, please take away our pain, and for our loved ones.
• Lee– for my wife Steff, daughter Ava, and my unborn daughter Laney.
• Jason– for my kids, family, better relationship with my kids, get out of here, and get on the right path.
• Justin– for the earth and all that call it home.
• Alex– for the weak to find strength in the Lord, and find glory in the Lord’s name.
• Frank– peace for all the families in the room, for softened hearts to find God and get in tune with His power.
• David– for all the men in the room, my daughter taking care of the grandkids, for the grandkids getting tested with grief.
• Carl– for my daughter Amia, protect her, and please increase finances to help her.
• James– family.
• Jerry– for patience, health, and release next week.
• Andy D– pray for Matt.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For a successful benefit dinner/silent auction at Green Street Grill on Oct 24.
• Continued safety for Heinrich and wife Susan visiting family in South Africa, and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing several weeks ago.
• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• Onesimus Ministries board members, and the future of the board.
• Volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout 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

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Just a quick plug for our Benefit Dinner coming up on Friday, Oct 24, at Green Street Grill in Downingtown.  It’s sure to be a fabulous evening (like it was last year), and tickets are going fast – get yours today before they sell out – Benefit Dinner Tickets

In last night’s message in the prison, we learned how the overarching story (metanarrative) of the Bible illustrates God’s plan for humanity and the world in 4 main parts: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Genesis clearly describes the Creation and Fall, then we walked through the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 53 to see how the prophet laid out the coming Redemption and Restoration (in great detail) roughly 700 years before Jesus was even born!  Often referred to as “the Gospel in the Old Testament”, we marveled at the accuracy of each element as attested to in the Gospels, and how Jesus perfectly fulfilled Isaiah 53 hundreds of years later.

The Bible narrative also illustrates God’s plan for His chosen people, as well as our own personal faith journey.  The Bible is so alive, so accurate, so multi-faceted, and operates at several levels all at once- so unlike any other publication in History, truly the inspired and infallible Word of God!  And we have it available in practically every language, across numerous translations, in print, online, and in our hands on smart phone apps. God’s Word is more available now than any other time in history, yet how many of us neglect getting into it on a regular basis?  Lord, forgive us!

Thank you all for the time you spend each week looking over and praying through these requests from inmates and volunteers. It’s truly a service done for the benefit of others. Why not tack on a little time for yourself and dig into a bit of God’s Word?  It never returns void (Isaiah 55.11) and can keep our hearts soft and our connection to the Father a bit closer. No guilt here- just a suggestion. May our great God illuminate your path and bless you richly this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean– no court date yet, pray for my daughter Morgan and all the guys on K block.
• Dutton– asking for a positive outcome of my court case, and family peace.
• Patrick– I go to court Tuesday, hoping to get unsecured bail so I can get out to take care of my Dad with health issues.
• Manuel– court date once again TBD, family, daughter Sophia, wife Adriana
• Quan– for my family, and peace.
• Andy D– need to speak with a friend who insulted my wife – something amiss with him- asking for grace to care for him and wisdom to speak in love to whatever may be going on.
• Carl– for everyone to know God and Jesus, and for everyone who wants to get closer to use his name – Jehovah. [NOTE: Carl is our Jehovah Witness friend, pray for him]
• José– peace in the world, my court date tomorrow, hope to get out so I can start utilizing God’s word in feeding the poor, also for my wife to get well and be healed.
• Roland D– for all the upcoming court dates, and that the men can get out of here as soon as they can.
• Eugene– for all of us to have sensitive hearts to the Holy Spirit prompting any unconfessed sin.

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

• Naseem– safety for my niece, that she not be neglected -going through a tough time, and for me to get through the program they are sending me to, and not be too hasty.
• Daryl– for my court date to hurry up and get here (next month), also to get a good injury lawyer.  Thankful to be off the crutches 2 days ago, hoping to get out so I can secure the same place to live in West Chester.
• Billy– court date coming up
• Cory– for my friend Jack who got out last week – pray he doesn’t come back.
• Deron– for my Mom getting into a new home.
• Tameesa– for all the good folks trying to get into this country for a better life.
• Dan T– for the right opportunity to share Gospel with my Brother-in-law and that he would accept Christ.
• Erwin– for my sister (92) with colon cancer that spread to her liver – she will not do chemo treatments, pray for Lord’s mercy on her.

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

• Frankie– for everyone in here, and my Mother, my kids and family, for their mother, and for my uncle with colon cancer.
• Chris– for family, and everyone with worry on their heart and mind – bring patience, relief, and happiness.
• Rick– for my mother-in-law (92) healing for her wrist and her general health.
• Jerry– for patience, to talk to someone outside to take classes, and to talk to someone about life.
• Frank– for justice to be served, temperaments to be calmed, and thoughts to be matched up to God’s way.
• Ryan– for my wife Janice – God’s working on her – and her brother who is 14 days sober today.
• Andy– for unsaved family members.
• Cam– my wife is suffering with seasonal depression, we have rough winters every year, pray for my understanding of how best to support her, and pray for those in my life who don’t know Jesus.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For a successful benefit dinner/silent auction at Green Street Grill on Oct 24.
• Safety for Heinrich and wife Susan visiting family in South Africa, and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing several weeks ago.
• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• Onesimus Ministries board members, and the future of the board.
• Volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout 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

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Imagine you’re the pastor or one of the support people at church – Sunday rolls around, and the weekly worship service is about to start, you look in the sanctuary and there’s only one person sitting there.  What do you do?  Everything is all ready to go.  Do you continue as you would on a regular Sunday?

That was our experience last night in the prison.  Our team of 6 volunteers was in place for the 7:00pm service, and one inmate showed up.  We suspect the others may have been watching the Phillies in their playoff game. We joked about that, then pressed on with our weekly worship service as normal.  It reminded us of the lost sheep passage in Matthew and Luke.

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?  And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15.4-7)

We want to follows God’s heart, where even one lost sheep is important. We still had a great time of worship, prayer, testimony, and hearing a message from God’s Word.  I’m sure Deron wasn’t thrilled to be the object of so much attention, but he took it in stride. What I learned from this is every person we come across is important to God.

In fact, on the way to the prison, I came upon a motorist who had broken down. One of our prison volunteers had already stopped to help by letting him make a call on his cell phone.  A few minutes of inconvenience, but another opportunity to show God’s love.  When we live our testimony, there will be people that notice. That’s why 1 Peter 3.15 reminds us to always be ready.

Thank you for valuing each of these inmates as we do, and supporting them with your prayers each week.  We may never know the full impact our prayers have on each individual, but know that each prayer most certainly helps, because we lift our prayers to a Good, Good Father who loves us more than we can fathom.  May He bless your week in new ways.

And don’t forget about our benefit dinner on Friday, Oct 24, at 6pm. Tickets still available (for now).

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean– been waiting 3 months for a court date, pray it comes soon.  I have some entrepreneurial ideas I want to get moving on. Also for my daughter Morgan.
• Richard– for my family, thanks for those who take time to come out to the prison, and prayers for the men in here going through it.
• Dutton– for a good outcome in my court case.
• Manuel– my family, daughter Sophia, wife Adriana, and my friend Javier who got out.  Pray for my purpose.
• Quan– to be closer to God, for my family, my children, and loved ones.
• Andy D– thankful for a good conversation with my sister- she’s reading her Bible and starting to ask questions.
• Roland D– for all the upcoming court dates, and that the men can get out of here as soon as they can.
• Eugene– for the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers into the fields.

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

• Deron– for better health.
• Jim M– for volunteer Jose to heal up after his fall, for my Brother-in-law Jeff in a nursing home, and for my upcoming knee surgery next week.
• Andy D– my wife experiencing some symptoms, had some tests done, praying for good results.
• Dan T– for the right opportunity to share Gospel with my Brother-in-law and that he would accept Christ.
• Phil T– for Deron to get home to his family before Thanksgiving.  Also for Joy and her husband, thankful they could enjoy a baby shower, and we ask for continued miracles for those twin babies to be healthy and go full term, and that God would heal the heart of the baby they are planning heart surgery for at 3 months.
• Andy L– for all of us to be faithful in our prayers, and that the Lord would revive our spirits.

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

• Frankie– for my mother’s health. Also I’m having a lot of body pain.
• Aaron– for freedom of the mind.
• Lynda– for my daughter’s mom and for strength and endurance.
• Chris– forgiveness and another chance with my family.
• David– for all the men here, and for my grandkids and daughter. Court date soon.
• Matt R– in-laws health. Leo’s anxiety. Peace with his parents.
• Troy L– unity in my family.
• Andy D– wife’s concerning bloodwork. Faith to walk thru it.
• Ryan S– for David’s sobriety and continued reconciliation with family.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For all plans to come together for a successful benefit dinner at Green Street Grill on Oct 24.  Link to details and tickets.
• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
• Safe travels for Heinrich and wife Susan visiting family in South Africa, and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing several weeks ago.
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• All volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• 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