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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Hope is essential. And where we place our hope is critical. Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ is powerful, and we were reminded of that throughout church services last night in the prison. It was great to see inmates encouraging one another with the Hope of the Gospel, and spurring each other on in their faith in God’s ability to hear and answer prayers.
Collecting prayer requests each week can be draining, as we hear of all the great need, but then testimony time can turn it all around as each man expresses confidence in what God is doing in his life or his family’s lives. Hearing such testimonies is a joy to every volunteer, confirming that we’re in the right place, and making a difference. Thank you, Lord, for such inspiring moments – may there be many more in our future!
And thank you for your unspoken inspiration to these men in prison. We remind them each week how many people they may never meet care about them and pray for them faithfully all week long. I’m sure it factors into the hope they have. We are all part of this ministry, just like we are all parts of the Body of Christ, and it works so well when we each do what we’re called to do. Thanks for following your calling to support them (and us) in so many ways! You are a blessing. Be blessed, in Jesus’ name!
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):
- Edison– family, my court date coming up this week.
- Diego– my daughter (Melina), fiance (Esmerelda), my parent’s support, and to have a strong faith when I get out to stay on the right path and not stray away.
- Juan– my parents, and get a new court date this month.
- Manuel– for my family, especially daughter (Sofia) and wife (Adriana), and help to wait on God.
- Carlos– my family
- Edgar– family and court date.
- Andrew– for me to get into rehab, for Scott who was transferred to Elk County, for Mink to get the right lawyer and reduced sentence, and for Harry that all goes well with his gag order and probation violation case.
- Andy– for God to draw many unsaved people to church on Easter Sunday and they would surrender their lives to Jesus. Also for rain to hold off – we’re having outdoor services Sunday in community park.
- Eugene– for God to touch the president’s heart, and bring peace to the nations.
- Rick– healing for Officer Steve suffering with back pain.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Julius– for me and Nelson in court tomorrow, my attorney says I have a new deal coming down, pray it’s better than last one. Also for friend Austin who went home today, and that we may all get home soon.
- Austin– for my kids, and to be reunited with family soon, and that we all walk the path with Jesus.
- Delron– thankful for blessings from God, pray my detainer is lifted and go home tomorrow. Also for Nelson and my cellmate, for my non-verbal autistic son to speak, for all of us in here to get through our trials and tribulations. Thanks God for hearing our prayers.
- Jonathan– forgiveness from God, my grandmother, family, and my neighbor Jim’s mom is in hospice- pray for them.
- Brandon– my brother and girlfriend got out this month and last month, that they are doing well. Thanks that my homeless cousins (Marissa and Leah) got a home.
- Troy– my wife, my entire family, forgiveness, for the 4 men on the block that just went home – God answers prayers! – and for my cousin Tyrone putting money on my commissary account for months, a real blessing.
- Mike– for my wife Robin, daughter Hannah, sons Michael and Gavin – all having a rough time.
- Jose– volunteer Jim having cancer surgery on 27th, and for the salvation of all souls in this facility.
- Paul– family, parents, friends, schools teaching the Word, like the beatitudes- many struggle with understanding, help us to understand.
- Nelson– my daughter Melani, and that we would all keep asking and relying on God for answers.
- Jim– for my high school buddy Dave, had surgery for pancreatic cancer a week ago, pray for his health.
- Stefan– family, friends, everyone in here, for everyone to have a great day and with their court dates, and for my brother Alex. A bunch of us had a struggle yesterday, but we overcame it, thank God.
- Erwin– my sister Elwyn has cancer.
- Phil– my pregnant daughter and husband got results from genetic testing, we were very worried, all results were good- thanks be to God! May we all trust God for our test results – He is so good. Also praying for those couples struggling to get pregnant.
- Avery– my youngest son (Romeo) is autistic and non-verbal, he is starting therapy in school.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service):
- Jason– pray for everyone in prison
- Jodie– pray for his mom who is in a care home and pray for his son, who was just sentenced to prison
- Matt– pray for the guys in prison
- Cohen– pray for the men in prison and his family, especially his grand pop who just had heart surgery
- Azon– pray for his girlfriend
- Alan– pray for his mom Rosa who is in Chester County rehab w dementia, pray for his wife Inga whose father recently passed away.
- Tyreek– pray for everyone’s families
- Dave– pray for his case and the uncertainty of his future
- Emerald-pray for the victims of domestic violence and the survivors
- Jose– [he did not speak English but I sensed a very sweet spirit within him….pray for his salvation and discipleship if not saved]
- Andy– pray for friend’s salvation/ Rebecca
- Matt– pray for Cheryl and Geralds health
- Shane– pray for wisdom in his marriage
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Chaplain Heinrich, and the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
- Chaplain Rhonda, and the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
- Chaplain Jack Crans, heading chaplaincy at Chester County Prison, and for the prison leaders within his mission field, and his personal strength and healing from cancer.
- 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 harmony as a few new board members join the mix.
- The Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.
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