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My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It’s always cool to see modern examples of why Jesus did what He did during His ministry on earth. Last night was a great example of why Jesus sent out His disciples two by two (Mark 6:7-13). God certainly equips the saints in many ways, and I believe He wants us to work together to accomplish His purposes. A previous pastor of mine used to say there are no “Lone Ranger” Christians (and if you recall, even the Lone Ranger had a sidekick and wasn’t truly alone in his exploits).
After a great presentation of the Gospel message in the second service, an inmate had a question about the Final Judgement for those who accepted Jesus. The presenter gave an answer but wasn’t clear on the question. I realized what he was asking, and volunteered my answer about names of the saved written in the Book of Life, and those whose name is in the Book of Life are fully pardoned. Both answers were correct and beneficial, and the curiosity of that inmate was satisfied.
After the service, I apologized if I stepped on any toes, and my brother in Christ assured me there were no hurt feelings and appreciated “the assist”. Working together, we accomplished God’s purpose of enlightening that individual on salvation. The lesson for me – We must be bold enough to offer help when we see a need, and humble enough to allow others to help us. Let me thank each of you for your “assist” when it comes to praying for the inmates and their prayer requests. We truly appreciate your partnership in this ministry, and couldn’t do it without you. God bless your week!
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):
- Eugene– Asking God to return use of her right arm for his daughter (Cashmere). Also seeking God’s guidance for what’s next after earning his ministry degree – where does God want me to use what I’ve learned?
- Roland– healing for my wife (Debbi) who fractured pelvis and injured foot in a fall.
- Andy– thankful for recovery from bronchitis. Also for my friend Gary who lost his government job and now has opportunity to get into a few different foreign missions – pray for wisodm and discernment on his particular path.
- Chris– for my baby’s mom to let up and allow me to see my daughter.
- Manuel– my court date on Monday.
- Javier– family.
- Arnoldo– my family, especially my 2 kids, for peace, and for my home country of Guatemala.
- Jim– for everybody in here.
- Jack– my grandmom (Janet) recovering from heart surgery in rehabilitation center. Traveling mercies for my folks traveling internationally for a wedding. For my patience, strength, and direction, like in a recent situation in the commissary getting railroaded. Pray I can get back to family and kids soon as possible.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Rick C– continued prayers of strength and healing for team leader Dan, wiped out from radiation treatments for prostate cancer and now battling a cold as well. May God grant his desire for a quick return to the team to minister to the inmates.
- John– for all of us to get home.
- Shaun– for patience. Also for the custody hearing tomorrow my Mom has for my daughter, whose mom died a few months ago.
- Michael– my mother (80) to stay in good health, although she’s very stressed about me in here. Also for understanding as I’m reading God’s Word in my time here.
- Marty– strength for my Dad who just had his leg cut off.
- Brian– for my Mom just out of the hospital because her stomach lining is messed up. Thanks for praying for her last week – no cancer!
- Daniel– for my Mom (Rose) who I have insulted for the last 18 years, forgive me for hurting her. And for my girlfriend (Jolanda) who has stood behind me all the time. For me to be changed, I’ve been going the wrong way. And for everyone in jail to fix their lives, for the opportunity for everyone.
- Phil T– my daughter (Morgan) suffering with depression – pray for healing and recovery.
- Erwin J– my wife (Rena), looks like she needs back surgery – pray healing over her.
- Jose G– for Anna (14) with suicidal depression, may her heart be filled with the powerful love of the Father, and He will lift her from the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire (Psalm 40.2)
- Phil T– for Dan’s brother-in-law and his further mental decline. May there be opportunity to accept Christ while still coherent.
- Mackie– for patience and faith.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
- Joshua– my court appearance tomorrow, that all goes well. Also witnessing to Brandon, may he hear God’s Word clearly and understand it.
- Vince– for the situation at home with my girlfriend and son needing a new apartment.
- Armando– for my family that needs help, we lost my sister Sonya.
- Charles– court on Wednesday, keep me in your prayers.
- Jared– for all the relationships I’ve fallen away from, help me find stability especially once I get out.
- Sam– I have court next Monday, that it all goes well.
- Frank– for my Mother’s health, and for my Uncle and his brother who have cancer. And for all the guys here, that it all works out for them.
- Steve– that you won’t see me here again next week, hope to be released after court on Wednesday.
- Sam– for everyone in prison. And for the volunteers and their families.
- Rick C– praise God my son’s kidney stones are gone.
- Matt R– health complications for several family members. For my wife’s cousin (Chris) with a brain tumor.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Protect inmate minds from multi-faith and “alternate viewpoint” information, which must legally be made available on the shelves in the chapel.
- Continued prayer for Heinrich’s family members in South Africa, mourning the recent loss of his sister. May they find their way in God’s grace.
- Blessing upon all our chaplains ministering in the prison every week- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich, and their families.
- Thankfulness for all the prison ministry volunteers, both inside and outside the prison.
- Blessings upon leadership and all staff members in the Prison, and their families.
- For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations taking care of men and women released from prison, helping them reintegrate as productive members of our communities.
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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