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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful – the fire I’m talking about is the Holy Spirit of God within each Believer. Where would we be without Him? He gives us clear direction on what is right and what is wrong. It’s no wonder our world is so messed up, with the vast majority of people not having God’s Spirit directing them. Moral relativism rules the day. “That’s your truth, or that’s my truth, and there are no absolutes”. Hogwash. The Truth is absolute and narrow.
We hear some interesting beliefs in the prison, causing us to consistently preach that all roads do not lead to God, nor to heaven. In fact, Jesus tells us says in Matthew 7:13-14 “Wide is the gate and broad is the path that leads to destruction for the many who choose that way, but narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life for the few who find it.” That’s got to break God’s heart, to know how few people will seek and find salvation, even after He sent Jesus to show us the Way and even die in our place to pay the penalty for our sins.
As followers of Christ, it’s our job (yes, all of us) to inform people there is a right path, and invite them to join us on it. The Way of Jesus leads to eternal life, all other roads lead to Hell. Eternal torment is no trivial matter, yet most people don’t want to think about it, much less talk about it. The destination of anyone’s eternal soul is important enough to have that conversation. You can always start with “I love you and want to make sure I see you in Heaven.” That’s how I began that conversation with my Mom before she passed away. Comfortable or not, we must have those conversations.
Although the snow closed the prison for services last night, we must still pray for the men and women inside, both inmates and staff, and their eternal destinations. Thanks as always for joining us on this missional journey, you are much appreciated! Keep warm and God bless your week.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
PS. – Last chance! Only a few seats left for the Onesimus Benefit Breakfast this coming Saturday, Feb 28, 9:00am at Waterway Church in Oxford.
Reserve your spot today for a delicious free Breakfast. [click here] for registration and details.
Prayer Requests from Chaplain Heinrich
Please pray for:
- Two Inmates in the prison, each associated with a high-profile case. Other inmates know of the horrific atrocities committed. One of these inmates has a testimony of becoming a believer.
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):
- Harry– Strength, forgiveness, my family, my lawyer, and patience.
- Jerron– my fianc? (LePaige), for consistency, understanding, family and friends, and for my lawyer to have a greater sense of urgency.
- Andy– for positive changes to occur in the prison system – better communications between inmates and their attorneys. Also for endurance during the long times of waiting.
- Manuel– my family, especially daughter Sofia and my wife Adriana. And it’s my birthday today.
- Carlos– familia, and to be released soon.
- Roland– for all the inmates to experience the presence of Jesus in their lives throughout the week.
- Rick– for Rozie and the Kreider family on the loss of our dear brother Jim.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- (Services cancelled due to snowstorm)
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service):
- (Services cancelled due to snowstorm)
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Thankful for church partnerships, like Waterway Church hosting our 2nd Annual Benefit Breakfast on Feb 28th.
- Chaplain Heinrich, and all male inmates and staff within his mission field.
- Chaplain Rhonda, and all female inmates and staff within her mission field.
- Chaplain Jack Crans, as he leads chaplaincy program at Chester County Prison, and for prison leaders within his mission field. Also personal strength and healing from cancer.
- All the Volunteers ministering to the inmates at Chester County Prison.
- The Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
- Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, and provision of some new members.
- 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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