One of the certainties in life is “things are always changing.” 2018 has been a year of changes for Onesimus. It is gratifying to know that in the “seasons of change” we hold onto a Heavenly Father who “changes not.” His mercy and grace are new every morning.
In our last newsletter we introduced our new chaplain, Heinrich Botes, who takes the place of Peter Roomet. Peter and his wife Theresa retired and are moving to their retirement home in Lewes, Del. Peter served at CCP for 27 years. Peter had a very profound life change at CCP. He benefitted greatly from the Onesimus Ministry while he was an inmate at CCP. After serving his sentence, God called him back to “help others” as he himself had been helped. Heinrich has been a real asset and has picked up Peter’s role well. We thank God for that smooth transition.
Change is coming again. Lil Anthony, who has served as the chaplain to women, has served very well. In her words, “I love my job, and I love my girls.” But changes do come. Due to responsibility for helping to care for an elderly family member Lil has told us she will be retiring at the end of this year. We are sorry to lose her, but the good news is she has someone to recommend as her replacement, someone who has already been involved with the ministry at CCP. Please keep us in prayer as we work through this “change” of a women’s chaplain.
There are more changes coming. Jim and Rozie Kreider have informed us they will be retiring at the end of the year as well. Jim and Rozie have been a significant part of Onesimus Ministries since its inception in 1978. Jim served as treasurer for many years and Rozie as secretary. Jim has been a very faithful member of Monday Night Fellowship, going to CCP virtually every Monday evening for the past 40 years. There were only a few nights when Monday Night Fellowship was cancelled due to bad weather. It is safe to say that Jim has the “worst record” for recidivism — that is “getting released” from prison and then “coming back.” He has “gone into” CCP and been “let out” every Monday night, only to do it all over again the next week. We are so grateful for Jim’s and Rozies’ faithfulness in giving 40 years of leadership to the Monday night ministry.
One thing is certain—the faithfulness of a Heavenly Father who changes not, his compassions they fail not. Reflect again on the text of “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” We sing with confidence:
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!”