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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Halloween is by far my least favorite holiday, yet I was very moved by something that happened that night. My wife and I were away for trick-or-treat, so we put out a bucket of candy and printed a sign she found online. It read “Trick or Treat, help yourself to something sweet. Please be kind and leave some behind”.  To us, that meant don’t take all the candy for yourself, leave some for other trick or treaters.

We put out nearly 200 pieces of candy, right under our Ring doorbell camera, so the motion sensor would record all visitors to our front porch.  When we reviewed the video clips that night, I was not surprised to see some kids taking fists full of candy, quickly emptying the bucket. But what we saw next floored me- a group of five pre-teens gathered on the porch and a young girl read the sign out loud. After she read the second line, she reached into her bag and put some of her candy into the empty bucket. Others in the group followed her lead, providing their own candy for trick or treaters who would follow.  Wow.  It gave me hope for the future of our society. I had expected the worst of kids, and this group proved me wrong.

Isn’t it often the same with prison? Many in our society write off inmates as criminals who deserve what they get, and only expect the worst of them.  But our Heavenly Father expects more from us – He loves each one of them so much He sent His son to die for them (yes, them) too.  Jesus modeled the proper behavior for us, having charity towards the lost.  God treasures each one of them, so how can we call ourselves Christ followers if we do any less? 

We are called to love one another, and it’s amazing how giving basic human respect to an inmate can boost their countenance and lift their spirits.  And how much more when we honor them by serving them in the name of Jesus.  The icing on the cake is when we remind them how you pray for them throughout the week.  Do you know how much they appreciate that? Several of them remark that they pray for you, too.  Thanks for being part of God’s family extended into Chester County Prison.  God bless your week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Female Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda

A.P. – in danger of losing custody of her daughter. Very fearful and asking for prayer
J. K. – asking for prayers for her mother’s health

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean– my daughters Morgan and Rejoice.
• Montese– help for all those needing food and shelter, all those who are worse off than me.
• Terrence– my Dad (Jesse) is in hospice, praying he will last longer so I can see him again.  Pray for all our families, and for our active military and their families.
• Patrick– my Dad’s lymphoma- praying it’s not cancerous.  I keep looking to the Lord to get me through this, and for all of us to depend on God to get through it.  Pray my lawyer can works things so I can get out.
• Manuel– family, daughter Sophia and wife Adriana, and my friend Javier dealing with immigration.
• Richie– family and friends.
• Andy– we will be on vacation next week with my wife’s cousin, who is challenging to be around.  Asking for God’s grace and wisdom in dealing with the situation.
• Roland– for solid court dates for all the men, and God to walk with them through the process.  Keep them safe when they get out, continue to lead them on a new path and stay close to family.
• Eugene– for the Nov 8th Jesus pop-up rally in Coatesville, that Jesus will have His way.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

• Phil T– for my daughter’s sister-in-law Joy with high-risk pregnancy – hoping to wait until thanksgiving, but they are inducing today and her water broke – babies are coming today.  Pray all goes well.

[Update text last night– “Babies were born. Everyone is good.  Waiting for details, but thanks to all.  Four months ago doctors said less than a 1% chance of survival.   Truly NOTHING is impossible with God.”]

• Jim M– for volunteer Jose recovery- to build up strength climbing stairs and carrying guitar so he can return to serving in the prison.  Also for my recovery from knee surgery, pray for physical strength and stability.
• Corey– family and friends, and my case deliberations.
• Andrew– my family of brothers in the prison, and for my actual family, for my Mom, Dad, and sister Kiera.  Also pray for all the staff in here.
• Daryl– for myself, and for all inmates in prison – the system seems designed for us to fail.
• Dan T– for witness opportunity to my brother-in-law, and he would accept Christ.
• Andy L– my next door neighbor is pregnant and the baby has serious problems and expected to live only a few days after birth.
• Woody– for the bogus situation I’m stuck in, pray the truth will be clearly seen.  For family members not Christian, to come to the Lord.  For Israel to get through the crisis.  And for women who get abortions to know the forgiveness of God.
• Mark– for my fiancé to have the strength to stay sober and to stay strong of the children.
• Phil T– for the women who want to have kids and are unable to conceive, may God bless them with children.  And for the elections Tuesday- may leaders be elected who respect life and honor God.
• Deron– for God to provide, and for more peace.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

• Chris– to move on to the next step in my journey this week – Liberty ministries.  Thankful that hell loses another one.
• Edward– for everyone in here to keep in good health, for the world, for my kids, my aunt Michelle with stage 4 breast cancer.
• Casey– my family’s health, my Dad (David) has stage 4 bladder cancer.
• Frank– my Dad (80) and I haven’t spoken in 2 years.  I’m ashamed and embarrassed, pray for softened hearts and the courage to pick up the phone.
• Karl– that all goes well for me in court on Friday, and pray I land at inpatient facility in Chestertown, MD.
• Tseeo– for the courage to turn over a new leaf and repentance.
• Armand– for my family to have abundance the next 2 holidays, and for a productive conversation with my public defender.
• José– for my case- heard nothing yet.  For my kids, family, Father, Mother.
• Ryan– my boss’s husband (Glenn) had surgery that didn’t go well- pray for healing and all to be alright.
• Cam– (unspoken prayer requests, overwhelmed by how many of them)
• Andy– for unsaved family members.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Continued safety for Heinrich and wife Susan visiting family in South Africa (yes, they are still there), and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing in July.
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• For the members and future of Onesimus Ministries board of directors.
• All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

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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www.onesimusministries.org

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A huge THANK YOU to everyone involved, especially our gracious host Kerry Greco, for another successful Benefit Dinner this past Friday.  The funds raised will keep the ministry in operation well into next year.  It was great to see everyone, and meet some of you for the first time. Truly a wonderful evening of fellowship, sharing a delicious meal, and hearing how this ministry impacts lives in Chester County Prison.

I just saw a report on Hurricane Melissa, and my heart goes out to everyone in Jamaica.  They are saying the island has never experienced a storm of this strength before (Cat 5 hurricane), and the devastation will be felt for years.  Join me in prayer for our brothers and sisters in harm’s way throughout the Caribbean – may our merciful Lord watch over them and protect their lives.

We sit in our comfortable homes, enjoying the Fall colors, and complain that it’s chilly and getting dark too soon already, yet Jamaica is facing the storm of a lifetime.  It’s hard to relate sometimes when we’re far from the action.  I think the same thing can happen with those in prison – we are far from the inmates, who are facing serious storms of life.  It brings to mind Matthew 7:24-25,

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

We must continue to do the most needful thing- lifting them in prayer before the Heavenly throne.  Thank you for your unwavering support of the men and women in prison, their families suffering along with them, and the staff looking out for them.  Stay safe, and may God bless your family in a special way this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean– my daughter Morgan, and for my court appearance to go well.
• Richard– friends and family.
• Mike– to understand God’s purpose for me and His will for the journey I’m on.
• Manuel– family, daughter Sophia and wife Adriana, and my friend Javier dealing with immigration.
• Patrick– my Dad has lymphoma- not sure if cancerous. My sister turns 30 today, and gave birth 3 days ago to my niece Evelyn.  Perseverance in here, and to get out soon.
• Boldn– everyone in here.
• Andy– praise that for the first time in 24 years I shared my faith with my brother and he’s interested in discussing it.
• Roland– for everyone to get a solid court date, and that God would walk with each man in court.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

• Rick– Praise the Lord for another successful Benefit Dinner for the prison ministry.
• Jim– Please pray for my wife’s 102 year old aunt (Josey) in skilled care and near the end of her life.
• Jose– healing for my friend Bob with stage 4 Colon cancer.
• Billy– upcoming court dates for everybody.
• Saul- safety for my friends.
• Andrew– my Mother and Father.
• Cory– my Mom is having surgery on Nov 7, hope it all goes well.
• Erwin– my sister (Elwyn) with cancer.
• Dan– my brother-in-law to accept Christ.
• Deron– I’m out in 30 days, pray it’s easier to be out there and not harder.
• Phil– praise that Joy is back at home as of Friday – she didn’t think she’d be home for months until after the babies born. The premature labor stopped, she’s at 31 weeks, they want to get to 34 weeks before birth. Continued prayer for Joy, her husband, and those 2 precious babies inside her that they would be completely healthy and go full term.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

• Chris– family, brother works for DOD and dealing with the protests, court on Wednesday and get moved to Liberty Ministries
• Frankie– mother, uncle battling cancer, all the guys here to come to Jesus, for Cecil County to let me alone
• Edward– dealing swollen lymph nodes, recent blood work, all the guys here and their cases
• Nakeith– kids, family, court on Monday
• Lyndon– all the guys in here, daughter, my child’s mother, strength/guidance, court on Nov 3rd
• Aaron– pass my test for Safe Serve to get my food handlers license
• Bill– blood work done for my prostate
• Ryan– to be able to give Dave his 30 day sobriety coin this Thursday
• Frank– enthusiasm for life, information about my court date
• William– strength/guidance, positive outcome with my case
• Logan– my release on Friday, moving to Pittsburgh to start over
• Karl– brother (Chris) had a procedure to see if he has cancer, reconciliation with my family
• Jerry– patience, my release this week
• Andy– unsaved family members-especially my brother
• Matt– unsaved family members, share the Gospel, be a light and lead by example

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Continued safety for Heinrich and wife Susan visiting family in South Africa, and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing in July.
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• Onesimus Ministries board – it’s members and the future of the board.
• All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

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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www.onesimusministries.org

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My church family took a double gut-punch last week, with the unexpected passing of one brother Thursday, then another brother unexpectedly passing on Friday. This is truly where Christians show the world how we are different.  We look at death differently than the world.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.(1Thes 4:13-14)

This is where our trust in the Lord as believers carries us through, because we are assured we will see our believer loved ones again.  For Christians, bodily death is simply a spiritual change of address.

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (2Cor 5:8)

Are we sad?  Sure we are- as humans we all have emotions and a relational need to connect with others, and when our closest connections are broken (even temporarily), we are grieved. We don’t want to walk this path alone.

But again,  this is where we’re different than the world, for we are never alone. Our Father reminds us throughout scripture He will never leave us nor forsake us, and Jesus told us He is with us to the end of the age (Mt 28.20).  The family of believers stands ready to hold up a brother or sister that is hurting. We love one another by helping with physical needs, by sharing our memories, and reminding one another of the Hope we have in Christ. What a great family we’re part of.

And we thank all of you family members as you love others by lifting up these prayer requests each week, praying for people you will likely never meet (on this Earth, anyway).  God loves you so much He sent His son to die for you.  Remind someone today how much God loves them.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

P.S. – there are still a few benefit dinner tickets left for this Friday, but you’ll need to act quickly.  Here’s the link to get yours – Benefit Dinner Tickets

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean– I finally have a court date on 12/11, also pray for my daughter Morgan and all the guys back on K block.
• Richard– my family and friends, and that the court sees me as a different person than I appear on paper.
• José– for my Mother who supports me, and for my younger brother.
• Patrick– my family support on the outside, my Dad’s health condition, and I’d love to be with my Mom on her birthday Oct 26.
• Manuel– my family, daughter Sophia and wife Adriana, and for my friend Javier who was in here and now retained by immigration.
• Andy D– for the situation our brother Phil alerted us to – Joy who is pregnant with twins went into very premature labor (not due until December) – pray all is well for her and those twin girls she’s carrying, miracle babies that the doctors didn’t expect to survive.
• Roland D– for each man to get a solid court date, and that God would be with each one at their trial.
• Eugene– for more laborers and fishers of men.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

• DeShawn– for my salvation, for fellow Christians and fellow sinners, for the revelation of Christ in the world, and for all of us to find what we’re looking for in life.
• Dandy– to find someone to love me and help me through life.  For my little brother Luke and older brother Billy to stop abusing drugs and alcohol and get right.  For my Mom to stop spreading hate towards me and my brothers.
• Ross– for the volunteers to be blessed, for our families, for all those who don’t know the Lord, may there be a great Revival and great Awakening.  For my buddy Coles in a tough situation, and for all the 2 million prisoners in all the prisons across the country.
• Andrew– for my Mom Kathleen, my Dad James, and my sister Kira.
• Phil T– for our brother volunteer Jim to recover quickly from his knee surgery.  And praise God for Joy’s labor to have diminished, and that she can be on bed rest at the Ronald McDonald house right next to the hospital just in case.  And for all the kids at the Ronald McDonald house suffering with various illnesses and maladies.
• Erwin– for my sister (92) with cancer spreading in her body.  May the Lord heal her as He will.
• Rick C– for healing and recovery of our brother Jose.
• Dan T– for the right opportunity to share Gospel with my Brother-in-law and that he would accept Christ.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

• Frankie– for my Mom, my uncle with cancer, for Matt, and everyone here.
• Chris– for a good interview with Liberty ministries Monday, for my release, and for all lost souls to find Jesus Christ.
• Jordan– for every man here, peace as we go through the process, please take away our pain, and for our loved ones.
• Lee– for my wife Steff, daughter Ava, and my unborn daughter Laney.
• Jason– for my kids, family, better relationship with my kids, get out of here, and get on the right path.
• Justin– for the earth and all that call it home.
• Alex– for the weak to find strength in the Lord, and find glory in the Lord’s name.
• Frank– peace for all the families in the room, for softened hearts to find God and get in tune with His power.
• David– for all the men in the room, my daughter taking care of the grandkids, for the grandkids getting tested with grief.
• Carl– for my daughter Amia, protect her, and please increase finances to help her.
• James– family.
• Jerry– for patience, health, and release next week.
• Andy D– pray for Matt.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For a successful benefit dinner/silent auction at Green Street Grill on Oct 24.
• Continued safety for Heinrich and wife Susan visiting family in South Africa, and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing several weeks ago.
• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• Onesimus Ministries board members, and the future of the board.
• Volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

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.

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Just a quick plug for our Benefit Dinner coming up on Friday, Oct 24, at Green Street Grill in Downingtown.  It’s sure to be a fabulous evening (like it was last year), and tickets are going fast – get yours today before they sell out – Benefit Dinner Tickets

In last night’s message in the prison, we learned how the overarching story (metanarrative) of the Bible illustrates God’s plan for humanity and the world in 4 main parts: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Genesis clearly describes the Creation and Fall, then we walked through the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 53 to see how the prophet laid out the coming Redemption and Restoration (in great detail) roughly 700 years before Jesus was even born!  Often referred to as “the Gospel in the Old Testament”, we marveled at the accuracy of each element as attested to in the Gospels, and how Jesus perfectly fulfilled Isaiah 53 hundreds of years later.

The Bible narrative also illustrates God’s plan for His chosen people, as well as our own personal faith journey.  The Bible is so alive, so accurate, so multi-faceted, and operates at several levels all at once- so unlike any other publication in History, truly the inspired and infallible Word of God!  And we have it available in practically every language, across numerous translations, in print, online, and in our hands on smart phone apps. God’s Word is more available now than any other time in history, yet how many of us neglect getting into it on a regular basis?  Lord, forgive us!

Thank you all for the time you spend each week looking over and praying through these requests from inmates and volunteers. It’s truly a service done for the benefit of others. Why not tack on a little time for yourself and dig into a bit of God’s Word?  It never returns void (Isaiah 55.11) and can keep our hearts soft and our connection to the Father a bit closer. No guilt here- just a suggestion. May our great God illuminate your path and bless you richly this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean– no court date yet, pray for my daughter Morgan and all the guys on K block.
• Dutton– asking for a positive outcome of my court case, and family peace.
• Patrick– I go to court Tuesday, hoping to get unsecured bail so I can get out to take care of my Dad with health issues.
• Manuel– court date once again TBD, family, daughter Sophia, wife Adriana
• Quan– for my family, and peace.
• Andy D– need to speak with a friend who insulted my wife – something amiss with him- asking for grace to care for him and wisdom to speak in love to whatever may be going on.
• Carl– for everyone to know God and Jesus, and for everyone who wants to get closer to use his name – Jehovah. [NOTE: Carl is our Jehovah Witness friend, pray for him]
• José– peace in the world, my court date tomorrow, hope to get out so I can start utilizing God’s word in feeding the poor, also for my wife to get well and be healed.
• Roland D– for all the upcoming court dates, and that the men can get out of here as soon as they can.
• Eugene– for all of us to have sensitive hearts to the Holy Spirit prompting any unconfessed sin.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

• Naseem– safety for my niece, that she not be neglected -going through a tough time, and for me to get through the program they are sending me to, and not be too hasty.
• Daryl– for my court date to hurry up and get here (next month), also to get a good injury lawyer.  Thankful to be off the crutches 2 days ago, hoping to get out so I can secure the same place to live in West Chester.
• Billy– court date coming up
• Cory– for my friend Jack who got out last week – pray he doesn’t come back.
• Deron– for my Mom getting into a new home.
• Tameesa– for all the good folks trying to get into this country for a better life.
• Dan T– for the right opportunity to share Gospel with my Brother-in-law and that he would accept Christ.
• Erwin– for my sister (92) with colon cancer that spread to her liver – she will not do chemo treatments, pray for Lord’s mercy on her.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

• Frankie– for everyone in here, and my Mother, my kids and family, for their mother, and for my uncle with colon cancer.
• Chris– for family, and everyone with worry on their heart and mind – bring patience, relief, and happiness.
• Rick– for my mother-in-law (92) healing for her wrist and her general health.
• Jerry– for patience, to talk to someone outside to take classes, and to talk to someone about life.
• Frank– for justice to be served, temperaments to be calmed, and thoughts to be matched up to God’s way.
• Ryan– for my wife Janice – God’s working on her – and her brother who is 14 days sober today.
• Andy– for unsaved family members.
• Cam– my wife is suffering with seasonal depression, we have rough winters every year, pray for my understanding of how best to support her, and pray for those in my life who don’t know Jesus.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For a successful benefit dinner/silent auction at Green Street Grill on Oct 24.
• Safety for Heinrich and wife Susan visiting family in South Africa, and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing several weeks ago.
• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• Onesimus Ministries board members, and the future of the board.
• Volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

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.

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Imagine you’re the pastor or one of the support people at church – Sunday rolls around, and the weekly worship service is about to start, you look in the sanctuary and there’s only one person sitting there.  What do you do?  Everything is all ready to go.  Do you continue as you would on a regular Sunday?

That was our experience last night in the prison.  Our team of 6 volunteers was in place for the 7:00pm service, and one inmate showed up.  We suspect the others may have been watching the Phillies in their playoff game. We joked about that, then pressed on with our weekly worship service as normal.  It reminded us of the lost sheep passage in Matthew and Luke.

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?  And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15.4-7)

We want to follows God’s heart, where even one lost sheep is important. We still had a great time of worship, prayer, testimony, and hearing a message from God’s Word.  I’m sure Deron wasn’t thrilled to be the object of so much attention, but he took it in stride. What I learned from this is every person we come across is important to God.

In fact, on the way to the prison, I came upon a motorist who had broken down. One of our prison volunteers had already stopped to help by letting him make a call on his cell phone.  A few minutes of inconvenience, but another opportunity to show God’s love.  When we live our testimony, there will be people that notice. That’s why 1 Peter 3.15 reminds us to always be ready.

Thank you for valuing each of these inmates as we do, and supporting them with your prayers each week.  We may never know the full impact our prayers have on each individual, but know that each prayer most certainly helps, because we lift our prayers to a Good, Good Father who loves us more than we can fathom.  May He bless your week in new ways.

And don’t forget about our benefit dinner on Friday, Oct 24, at 6pm. Tickets still available (for now).

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

• Sean– been waiting 3 months for a court date, pray it comes soon.  I have some entrepreneurial ideas I want to get moving on. Also for my daughter Morgan.
• Richard– for my family, thanks for those who take time to come out to the prison, and prayers for the men in here going through it.
• Dutton– for a good outcome in my court case.
• Manuel– my family, daughter Sophia, wife Adriana, and my friend Javier who got out.  Pray for my purpose.
• Quan– to be closer to God, for my family, my children, and loved ones.
• Andy D– thankful for a good conversation with my sister- she’s reading her Bible and starting to ask questions.
• Roland D– for all the upcoming court dates, and that the men can get out of here as soon as they can.
• Eugene– for the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers into the fields.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

• Deron– for better health.
• Jim M– for volunteer Jose to heal up after his fall, for my Brother-in-law Jeff in a nursing home, and for my upcoming knee surgery next week.
• Andy D– my wife experiencing some symptoms, had some tests done, praying for good results.
• Dan T– for the right opportunity to share Gospel with my Brother-in-law and that he would accept Christ.
• Phil T– for Deron to get home to his family before Thanksgiving.  Also for Joy and her husband, thankful they could enjoy a baby shower, and we ask for continued miracles for those twin babies to be healthy and go full term, and that God would heal the heart of the baby they are planning heart surgery for at 3 months.
• Andy L– for all of us to be faithful in our prayers, and that the Lord would revive our spirits.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

• Frankie– for my mother’s health. Also I’m having a lot of body pain.
• Aaron– for freedom of the mind.
• Lynda– for my daughter’s mom and for strength and endurance.
• Chris– forgiveness and another chance with my family.
• David– for all the men here, and for my grandkids and daughter. Court date soon.
• Matt R– in-laws health. Leo’s anxiety. Peace with his parents.
• Troy L– unity in my family.
• Andy D– wife’s concerning bloodwork. Faith to walk thru it.
• Ryan S– for David’s sobriety and continued reconciliation with family.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For all plans to come together for a successful benefit dinner at Green Street Grill on Oct 24.  Link to details and tickets.
• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
• Safe travels for Heinrich and wife Susan visiting family in South Africa, and for Heinrich’s Mom and his sister’s family after her sudden passing several weeks ago.
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• All volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• Protection for the families that support each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

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.

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I’m constantly amazed how God can use broken people like us volunteers to reach the inmate community in Chester County Prison. Seems the more we reveal our own flaws and struggles, the more we relate to our incarcerated brothers, and the more engaged they are during the services.  Only a few volunteers can completely relate due to their own past incarceration.  Others mention their struggles with addiction, then achieving and maintaining sobriety through the power of God. In any case, owning our sinful and messy past keeps us humble, which can break down walls for the Gospel message to be presented and accepted.  Good advice for all of us – we don’t necessarily have to do into great detail of how messed up we were, but just enough to get on common ground with who we’re talking to.

Start from a similar situation, then show the way to the Father – hmmm, who does that sound like?    “He made Himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Php 2.8)  Although Jesus never sinned, He came to earth as a human to show us the way by His perfect example of complete reliance on The Father. And with God, all things are possible (Mt19.26).

Your support makes it possible for us to continue to minister within the prison each week.  Thank you all for your prayers and other means of support. And don’t forget about the benefit dinner coming up at Green Street Grill on Friday, Oct 24 at 6:00pm.  It’s sure to be a delicious way to support the ministry. Link to more info is below.  God bless your week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):

• Noah– court date on 9/26.
• Matt– my court date on 9/26, and for my 7 yr old son and his mother.
• Sean– for my daughters, for my friend Dan in rehab, and to hopefully get a court date soon.
• Manuel– my family, my wife (Adriana) and daughter (Sophia), and for my friend Javier.
• Andy– salvation for family members.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

• DeShaun– my salvation, to be in the loving arms of Christ, to leave this life of incarceration, to be accepted back into my family, and thankful for the volunteers.
• Andrew– for my family, all my brothers in here, my sister (Kiera), and my Mom (Kathleen) and Dad (James).
• Naseem– for my niece’s safety, and for Jesus to get some rest after all the hard work. [after the service, we made sure to tell him Jesus no longer needs rest because He’s in heaven with the Father now, just as we will not need rest when we are in heaven with God].
• Chris– hope to get good news in court tomorrow.
• Jack– to hopefully leave here next week.
• Cory– for my lawyer to get me out of here.
• Phil T– continued prayer for Joy, still carrying twins that doctors gave little hope for, but she and her husband maintain  strong trust in God over the doctors. She has a baby shower Saturday, in stark contrast to the original doctor recommendation of selective abortion.  Praise God for this ongoing miracle, and we pray for a healthy pregnancy going full term, and 2 healthy babies to be delivered to that loving and faithful family.
• Dan T– for the right words and right opportunity to share Gospel with Brother-in-law, and that He would accept Christ.  And for all our family members not walking with the Lord.
• Phil T– for an end to the war in Gaza, which may be imminent).

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

• Frankie– for things to be going well for Bo in rehab, for all the men in here, for my uncles and my mom with cancer, praise that Mom doing well after radiation treatments.
• Aaron– for everyone’s release, and smooth process through court system.
• Lee– for my wife (Stef), my daughter (Eva), and my unborn daughter (will be named Lainey).
• Patrick– for my sister (Stacey), and strength for my friend Dan going through a rough situation.
• David– for everyone in here, and that my kids and grandkids are all doing alright.
• Josh– for understanding, and my court date tomorrow.
• Scott– for all of us in here, for my girl to be OK, and I’ll be leaving in a few days.
• Chris– for everyone with a hardened heart to be softened, for my successful transition into Liberty Ministries, and thankful that my kids and their mom are again talking to me.
• Nate– for my daughters, my family, my neighbors and friends.
• Chris(#2)– that I get to see my daughters sooner than later, and that they still want to have a relationship with me.  Pray that I get some constructive information about my situation this week.
• Matt– for the health of my in-laws, and for my son Leo dealing with severe anxiety that sent him to hospital and he missed 3 days of school – praying for peace, comfort, and healing.
• Andy– for me to remember to call my sister tomorrow night, and to check in on her spiritual health and talk about the Gospel.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• A successful benefit dinner at Green Street Grill on Oct 24.  Link to details and tickets.
• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
• Safe travels as Heinrich and wife Susan visit family in South Africa, especially Heinrich’s mom after his sister’s sudden passing several weeks ago.
• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field. Also for strength and healing in the face of his cancer.
• All volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• Protection for the families that support each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

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.

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I can’t help thinking about that poor dumb squirrel who met his demise because of hesitation and indecision. I was on my way out to the prison last Thursday on my motorcycle, and as I came up over a rise in the road, there was a squirrel in the middle of my lane.  At 45mph I had to make a split-second decision, and did my best to avoid him by steering to the right and bracing for impact. As my front tire whizzed by him, I had a sense that tragedy was avoided, but then ka-thump! That poor dumb creature dove under my back tire.  I didn’t look back, and felt horrible, apologizing to God for ending his life.

What killed him?  Hesitation and indecision killed that squirrel.  I think we can all learn a lesson about preparedness from this.  God’s Word certainly reminds us plenty of times to be ready – for Christ’s return, for our death, to explain the reason for our hope – we must be prepared for what may come next in life.  Are we?  Proverbs 16:9 tells us “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps”.  We can make plans, but need to be flexible for what God may have in store for us.  We must decide to seek and follow God’s will, without hesitation and without indecision.  We don’t want to end up as roadkill on the journey of life.

Thank you all for deciding each week to support this ministry in prayer – the chaplains, the inmates, the volunteers, the staff, and all their families.  Covering all of them in prayer is no small matter – it’s vitally important to the wellbeing of this ministry.  Thank you for your ongoing partnership.  You are a blessing to all of us, and we pray God will bless you and your families in return. Have a wonderful week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):

• Sean– for my daughter Morgan, and to get a court date soon.  I want to finish up this part and get home.
• Mike– I want to know God’s specific purpose for me, and learn the lessons He’s got for me.  I know I need to “get off the porch” and start living the life He wants me to.
• Javier– family, especially my daughter (Alessiram).
• Manuel– my court date on 9/23, my family, my wife (Adriana) and daughter (Sophia).
• Eugene C– for the Lord to send more laborers for the field.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

• Jim M– for our brother Jose to have a full recovery from his physical issues, and for my upcoming knee surgery on 10/13.  Very thankful we have Andy to fill in for music.
• Darrell– I need a good injury lawyer, hoping that my appointment with a counselor next Monday will get me one.  I also want a haircut.
• Billy– for everyone’s upcoming court dates.
• Dan T– for the right opportunity and the right words for my Brother-in-law to finally accept Christ.
• Rick C- for the salvation of our family members and friends not walking with the Lord.
• Erwin– thankful for my wife Rena’s progress in recovering from back surgery, and prayers for continued progress toward full recovery.
• Tim– thankful that I’m getting out tomorrow. [We took the opportunity to pray for each of the men as they leave prison to not leave behind the progress they’ve made here, and for wisdom to make better choices, like staying on the new path God has for them.]

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

• Frankie– for my mom and uncle battling cancer, and for all the guys in here.
• Bo– for my significant other to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior, and for all the men in here and their families.
• John– that court goes well and I get out tomorrow.
• Dave– Sept 25 coming up is a hard day- anniversary of my son’s death.  And my daughter just committed suicide back on 8/28.  I need to get out of here to tend to my grandkids – my daughter has 2 boys.
• Chris– for everyone in here, and hoping to get a court date soon.  Also pray for successful treatment in here, and get home to my kids soon.  Also pray for my 3 kids.
• Scott– for all the men in here, and for my girl at home.
• Ryan S– my brother-in-law gets out of rehab tomorrow and heads to a halfway house.  Pray for family reconciliation, there are lots of issues with him back in our lives.
• Matt R– health for my in-laws.
• Andy D– salvation for my brother and sister, and for their families.
• Bill H– for Scott, my Jewish friend, to accept Christ.
• Rick C– for my wife and her Mom (92).

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field.
• All volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• Protection for the families that support each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

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.

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Always be ready.  One of my favorite verses is 1 Peter 3.15 which says “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”.  In God’s eyes, we are all part of His ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:11-21) and should be ready to share our testimony. In the prison, we also need to be ready for just about anything.

For example, during prayer time in last night’s 7:00pm service, an inmate loudly proclaimed that the devil preaches in churches. We normally avoid confrontation with inmates, but if heresy or falsehoods are spoken, we can’t just let it go (since everyone heard it, some may think it’s true if the Christian volunteers don’t refute it).  He further claimed himself a religious teacher for the last 45 million years and was there with Jesus.  Something about his twisted smile and sinister laugh made us wonder if Satanic forces were sent to disrupt our service. 

We prayed boldly, inviting the Holy Spirit of God to be present among His believers, to protect us and cast out anything not of Him. Following the model of Jesus when tempted in the wilderness after His baptism (Mt 4:1-11), we prayed scripture – where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name (Matthew 18.20), light and darkness cannot dwell together (2 Cor 6.14), deliver us from evil (Matthew 6.13), and asked God to consecrate the chapel where His Spirit alone will reign.  After prayer time, the man thanked us and left quietly to go back to his cell. Very strange – and definitely a first for me.

It begs the question – what are each of us prepared to do in the face of evil? Will we flee like Joseph from Potiphar’s wife (Gen 39.12)? Or if that’s not an option, will we call on the name of Jesus and resist evil that it will flee (James 4.7)? Knowing scripture helps us align our hearts and our will with God’s, and it can also protect us in times of trouble.

Thank you for your prayers covering all those in prison (inmates, staff, chaplains, volunteers), your prayers also provide a layer of protection, which at times is desperately needed.  Keep up the good work!  Pray on, mighty men and women of God!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Inmate Prayer Request from Chaplain Rhonda

• Please pray for Amanda – my sister/”best friend”. Found out she has cancer in her cells. The doctors told her it’s one of the quickest cancers to go to your brain. Please pray for Jesus to heal her.

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):

• Sean– for my daughter Morgan.
• Dan– for my son Donovan – he is disappointed in me coming back to prison.
• Javier– family, especially my daughter.
• Manuel– my court date on 9/23, my family, my wife and daughter.
• Roland– everyone’s upcoming court dates, and that the truth of each case be clearly revealed.
• Andy D– salvation for family members and friends.
• Eugene C– for more laborers in the field.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

• Nasiem– for me to believe in Jesus’ love.  He speaks to me through the tv and through groups of people and it’s beautiful.  But the devil also speaks to me and tells me not to believe Jesus loves me.
• Tim– upcoming court dates for everyone.
• Billy– all the upcoming court dates, and those frustrated because they don’t yet have a court date.
• Erwin J– thank you for my wife Rena’s recovery progress from back surgery. Pray for continued healing and wholeness.
• Dave– for the judge in my case, and for all the judges.
• Phil– my daughter Morgan suffering with depression.  Also, continued prayers for Joy and her twin babies inside her, one with a serious heart condition.  Thankful that doctors who once condoned a selective abortion are now making plans for heart surgery after birth. We pray for continued strength and healing for those unborn babies, and for God to continue this miracle of life through full term and normal delivery.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

• Frankie– for everyone in here and everywhere.  Pray for my Mom and Uncle dealing with cancer.
• Dan– get back to my family, and pray I can return to the Work Release Center.
• Will (Bo)– for everyone’s families and loved ones, and for peace on Earth.  Pray for my significant other who is dying.
• Aaron– for everyone in the world suffering with physical hunger, and spiritual hunger.
• Chris– everyone here, for my next journey into treatment to work out.
• Lindell– strength for myself and for all of us.
• John– everyone in here tonight, and for me to get out when I go to court next week.
• Lee– for my woman (Stef) and my daughter (Eva), and my unborn baby – hope it’s a boy.
• Scott– for everyone in here, for us all to know Him, and for those at home.
• DeVaughn– all in here, our children, my daughter in college, and for my walk with Christ.
• Tyair– all of us in here, our strength, our faith as we deal with our situations, guide our families while in here, for my case on Friday, and all our cases, and thanks for the volunteers that come in each week.
• Devon– for a smooth transition out of here on Wednesday, and my church in KOP.
• Chris– my family and my girlfriend.  All our families.
• Josh– peace, understanding, and guidance.
• Ryan– continued reconciliation between Janice and me and her family – for peace.
• Matt– my in laws health.
• Rick– my mother in law (92).

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field.
• All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• God’s provision for expanded opportunities within the prison, and God’s wisdom for how best to capitalize on them and get more volunteers plugged in.
• Protection for the families that support each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

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.

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It was great having a number of family members in town this past weekend to see my son in the lead role of a local theater performance of “Sunday in the park with George”.  An obscure play, but he did a phenomenal job (I’m not at all biased).  After the show, I hugged him and told him what a great job he did.  I don’t tell my children often enough that I love them and am proud of them.  I doubt many of us do.  Life is short, and wouldn’t we all want our last words to those around us be “I love you”?

Monday morning I drove my sister to the airport, and after we got her luggage out of the car, we hugged and both said “love you”.  We often say the right things when folks depart on a trip, but shouldn’t we treat each day and each encounter as if it could be our last? You never know – it just might be!  Last week a dear brother at church suddenly lost his wife of many years – in the middle of moving, took her to the hospital not feeling well, and a few hours later she was gone.  A stark reminder of our mortality and the fragility of life.  God’s Word reminds us many times to be ready for Christ’s return as it may come as a thief in the night (Mt 24.43, 1 Thes 5.2, 5.4, 2 Pe 3.10, Rev 16.15).  I think the same readiness applies to the lives of loved ones – we never know when they will be called home.

We remind the men in Chester County Prison every week that God loves them more than they can imagine- so much that He sent His only Son to die for us, taking on the penalty we deserve for our sin, so we could be forgiven and set free from its power.  And you are part of that!  Through your support in prayer and other means, our Chaplains and volunteers are able to share the love of Christ with those who might not otherwise experience it. Keep up the good work! God bless you all.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):

• Carlos– hopefully get out soon. For my family, especially my Mom and little brother, and our little dogs.
• Sean– for my family, all the guys in here, for my buddies Mike and Dan, and that I have an offer coming.
• Mike– for a softened heart and to find God’s purpose for me in this time away.
• Javier– family, especially my daughter.
• Manuel– my family, my wife, and I have a new court date coming up 9/23.
• Dan– my girlfriend (Selah) to be OK by herself, she’s had a brain injury.
• Kyle– family.
• Andy D– salvation for my sister.
• Eugene C– for more laborers in the field.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):

• Andrew– for my Mom and Dad and Sister to all be in good health.
• Zare– Family, my Mom and my Sister, and for the families impacted by the shooting in Minnesota, and for all the guys in here.
• Rick C– for all victims of senseless violence like the innocent girl stabbed to death on a train in North Carolina – help us Lord to share your love in our families and communities and do all we can to promote peace. Grant us your peace until you return and make all things right.
• Billy– for my court date.
• Jim M– for God to give me boldness – I’ve witnessed to a few friends and don’t seem to be getting through.
• Erwin J– Praise and thanksgiving that my wife Rena is off of her walker and doing much better after her back surgery (Erwin also commented she must be feeling better since she gave him grief about something lately).
• Dan T– continued prayer for the right opportunity to share the Gospel with my Brother-in-law.
• Tim– for everything to go well with my court date coming up.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)

• Aaron– for everyone suffering with hunger.
• Frankie– for everyone in here and everywhere.  Thanks God for a good week, and continued prayer for my Mom and Uncle dealing with cancer. Mom is doing better.
• Chris– everyone in here, that we can all take the next steps on our journey.  Jesus, help me to live your way – my way is not working.
• Will (Bo)– for everyone’s families and the hardships they are going through.  For my significant other, dealing with health issues and recently in the hospital, that she would accept Christ as her Lord and Savior.
• Logan– for my kids- it’s been 10 months and I miss them so much.  Pray my case can come to its conclusion and I can get home.
• Ryan S– for my Brother-in-law (David) to get the help he needs in drug/alcohol rehab, and that he would find God in there.  And for my wife Janice who is struggling with her brother back in her life (history of family dysfunction).
• Andy D– wisdom in caring for my Sister when she gets released from the hospital.  And peace in my heart as I interact with her husband and share the Love of Christ.
• Matt R– for the health of my in-laws, and God please show me how to be a better father and husband – help me to do Your will.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
• Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
• Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field.
• All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
• God’s provision for expanded opportunities within the prison, and God’s wisdom for how best to capitalize on them and get more volunteers plugged in.
• Protection for the families that support each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.

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.

If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.

www.onesimusministries.org