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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Where do you go, and what do you rely upon when you get bad news? For example, when a loved one passes away, or you receive shocking medical information, where do you find comfort? Where do you find peace? For anyone that doesn’t know Christ, I have no idea where they might find those things.
I can’t imagine how anyone can navigate the difficult times in life without the hope we have in Christ; Knowing that our Heavenly Father is in control, and cares about us deeply. Knowing one day He will make all things right, and someday every believer will experience no more pain, no more death, no more sorrow; Because we will be with Him in paradise. That’s what Jesus promised the thief on the cross next to Him, and it’s true for us as well (if He is Lord of our life).
Several believer friends and family members received bad news lately, and I can encourage them with God’s promises and wisdom from His Word. But what can we say to those without faith that struggle with bad news? That’s a tough one. We’re called to love them, and perhaps the best way is to share the source of our hope and peace, and they too can find those things in Jesus. I’ve heard criticism that it’s inappropriate discussing faith in really bad situations, like it’s insulting to the hurting person or something. I disagree – it may be exactly what they need, and perhaps God finally has their attention to think about such things. In any case, we must seek the Holy Sprit’s wisdom on how to best proceed, and approach such situations with gentleness, respect, and above all, love.
Thank you for joining us each week as we pray that all inmates know Jesus, as well as praying their specific requests below. You are a light to them in a very dark place. The time and effort you spend in prayer for them is never in vain, God is moving all the time. Isn’t it cool to be part of what He is doing? Have a blessed holy week, and a wonderful resurrection Sunday. He is risen, He is risen indeed!
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):
- Officer Steve– significant back pain.
- Diego– thankful for some good news- withdrawn charge. Also to continue to stay close to God, and for my family, especially my daughter Melina (5).
- Edison– familia.
- Juan– family, parents, court date.
- Manuel– for my family – daughter Sofia and wife Adriana.
- Edgar– family, court date.
- Joe– for my Mom, that she’s doing good, and my dog, and that things will go well for me – I was on the run for 3 years. For my ability to thrive.
- Andrew– for my friends Scott, Rich, Harry, and for me as we have court on Tue. For God to put me where He wants me, and maybe that means rehab.
- Harry– for court on Tue.
- Andy– healing for my back.
- Roland– healing for loved ones.
- Rick– for Roland’s biopsy results to come back clear- no cancer. Thankful for son’s foot healing and feeling better, and doctor’s OK to continue with Tarzan show.
- Eugene– for our pop-up Jesus rally in Philly on Saturday- Lord have your way.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Stefan– thanks for prayers last week for my brother (El) with bone cancer, continued prayers for healing.
- Delron– my 14 year old son is autistic and non-verbal, pray for his first word to be spoken, and for my court date to hopefully result in me going home.
- Jonathan– family, forgiveness, God to stay with me as I’m headed to state prison.
- Tim– my sister has shoulder surgery coming up, and I have court on Wed.
- Paul– for teachers to be clear in teaching, for understanding, not being overwhelmed or confused, for guilt, thanks for this safe place.
- Nelson– my daughter (Malani), forgiveness, everyone in here.
- Troy– for my entire family, especially my wife that supports me, I have 23 days until my court date and I’m a bit anxious. [NOTE: I shared Philippians 4:6-7 with him]
- Mike– family, forgiveness, I was just sentenced to 23 months, so I’ll be around for a while, help me stay positive.
- Josh– family, strength.
- Jim McCoach– for everyone here to know Jesus as savior. I was recently diagnosed with colon cancer after masses found during colonoscopy. Had smaller ones removed, biopsy negative so far, surgery coming up to remove large mass, docs worried it’s cancer.
- Erwin– for my sister (Elwyn) with cancer, and for my Sister-in-law (Lenora) who just lost her 2nd son in 3 years to a heart attack.
- Phil– healing for 2nd service volunteer (Bill) with cancer, and for our own volunteers Jim and Dan.
- Jose– for all the men going home to continue in faith with a Bible-preaching church, and for favorable outcomes with court dates.
- Dan– praise God for my latest PSA score (for prostate cancer) came back 0.03
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service):
- Artemio– family, people in jail, workers in the jail, my life, and to get out early.
- Joe– family, grandfather has cancer, pray for his health and the whole family’s health.
- Azon– for wisdom and for the Holy Spirit to draw him.
- Coen– my mom, two brothers, and stepdad- that they’re all doing OK. Brother cut his hand, grandfather has surgery on Wed, for my aunt’s foot, brother’s girlfriend, prisoners, and all the guys here.
- David– kids and grandkids, court decision, getting sentenced in a month, gentlemen in prison.
- Chris– mother and my kids (boys), pray I’m out of here this week.
- Corey– my daughter, pray for Doyle who recently lost son and daughter.
- Jason– spiritual clarity, for family, guardian angels to protect my wife, grandma, and mother, for everybody here, and one true religion.
- Matt– for Gerald to heal and gain strength, for Cheryl, Carl’s wife, sister-in-law Nicki, mother in law to lean on the Lord.
- Ryan– for Janice.
- Daniel– to get the monkey off his back – bound by alcohol, feeling hopeless and broken. He shared how he’s ruined relationships, including his marriage and he’s given up. May he know the love and mercy of Jesus.
- Andy– for a spirit of self-control.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Chaplain Rhonda, and the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
- Chaplain Heinrich, and the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
- Chaplain Jack Crans, leading the chaplaincy program at Chester County Prison, for the prison leaders within his mission field, and his personal strength and healing from cancer.
- All the Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
- The Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
- Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, clarity on mission, and thankful for God’s provision of new board members.
- Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.
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