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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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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Have you ever experienced God showing up in an unexpected place?  My family traveled to western New York over the weekend to attend the outdoor wedding of my wife’s nephew.  He has four brothers, all of them great guys, but none strike me as walking closely with the Lord. One of the older brothers was married last year, in a ceremony filled with poetry and flowery language. This wedding, however, was surprisingly different, and quite unexpected.

The officiant appeared to be a pastor – the couple’s pastor – and incorporated scripture throughout the ceremony (and not just the 1 Cor 13 passage on love).  Christ was invited into, and a part of the service right from the start.  And I wasn’t the only one who noticed.  Family members commented to one another all during the reception, first with surprise, then how it was joyfully refreshing to attend a truly Christian wedding.

I’ve known the groom most of his life, and had opportunity to speak with him after the reception.  It was a great discussion of putting Christ first, then living a life of gratitude for all He’s done for us.  I never would have thought he and I would have such a conversation.  I pray God continues to move in the lives of he and his new wife, and maybe rub off a little on his brothers.

One place God’s presence is never a surprise is among all of you that support this ministry.  We are always thankful how God supplies all our needs through His people, and that you follow as He leads.  Thanks as always for your faithful partnership in prayer.  God bless you.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Rick C– for Andy to recover from the flu and return to full health. Also safe return of Roland and family from wedding in Italy.
• Manuel– family, and my court date in 2 weeks.
• Javier– family.
• Chris– to someday see the vatical in person, and for everyone in here to find faith.
• Ralph– to get a new King James Bible.

• Jack– missed my son’s 4th birthday on Monday, and for my 2 other kids.  For the strained relationship with my wife – she’s seeing another guy after giving me many chances to clean up my act and my alcoholism. Pray for my parents bearing much of the burden, and for God to show me clearly what I need to learn.  Continued prayer for my Grandmom (Janet, 89) who can’t get out of bed after heart surgery. My Mom is taking care of Janet alone, none of her siblings will help.

• Kenny– (I contacted Kenny after his release to remind him to stay in God’s word every day.  He said he will miss our one-on-one meetings but glad to be out.  He said it’s a big adjustment but with time and God’s help he will be OK.)

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

• John– God please guide us all home.
• Shaun– for my bail to be reduced to a reasonable amount, and for the officers to have softer hearts and more compassion.
• Shay– that I would continue on the right path once released.  Also pray that when the time is right, I can become a father, and be a really good father.
• Jim M– my friend Ed who rides a motorcycle had a heart attack this past weekend.
• Jon– my family, protection through the full armor of God, peace throughout the world, and thankful for volunteers that come in each week.
• Tim– to get home and get my family back together – they are going through tribulations.
• Jose G– for a 14 year old girl named Anna who experiences mental issues – cutting and suicidal – may she receive the help she needs and be healed.  Also for everyone in here, and in Chester County prison to be saved.
• Geronimo– my family, for the new guys coming in, and to change our life in here.
• Dan T– failed attempt to have dinner with brother-in-law with mental decline to share gospel with him – Lord please provide the right opportunity.
• Ryan– my children, and all our kids to have good, healthy  lives.
• Joseph– world peace in all the countries and in the U.S. – keep us safe.
• Phil T– thankful for 40 years of marriage, and how my wife stuck with me through all our trials including my prison stay, but she has yet to accept Jesus in her heart – pray she will soon.

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

• Joshua– my Dad passed away this month- my family needs me.  Pray I can get home to my family by Father’s day. Pray for volunteers to all have safe travels home, and that my court date tomorrow goes well.
• Sergio– for my newborn daughter, just born today.  Pray I can be a good father to her.  Also pray for volunteer Andy – complete restoration from sickness.
• Bill– for my baby’s mom (Nicole), and my 4 month old daughter.
• Vince– for my friend Tim going through a hard time, that his spirits would be lifted, and have peace in place of anger. 
• Matt R– Pray for strength and healing for my father-in-law (Gerald)- he fell over the weekend nad his health is rapidly declining.
• Sam– for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of my Mother (Helen).
• Ryan S– for my son’s friend Andrew who we had to put in hospital – headed to a recovery house – pray he finds a good place.  Also for my son who feels it’s his fault.
• Andy D– my sister-in-law (Ginny) has severe physical and emotional issues, but is afraid to reach out.  Pray she could humble herself and seek help.
• Michael– my girlfriend Rebecca and an older friend Shirl that Rebecca and I take care of (Shirl has seizures).  I pray they can stay safe until I return.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Our dedicated Chaplains- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich, and the families that support them.
• All the volunteer teams, their families, and an increase in ministry opportunities to align with available volunteers.
• Prison leadership, and the staff at all levels, and their families.
• The inmates and their families, who are also “doing time”.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across Chester county.  May they have all the volunteers, staff, and resources they need to minister effectively, and bless all the clients as they integrate back into 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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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Are there different kinds of joy?  Or is joy just expressed in different ways?  And how often do we mistakenly use the terms ‘happiness’ and ‘joy’ interchangeably? I’ve read that happiness is a temporary emotion completely dependent upon our circumstances, whereas joy is something deeper inside, tied to our sense of purpose.  Perhaps what I’ve witnessed this past week has been combinations of the two?  I’m not sure.

Kenny and I have met weekly since July of last year.  He is beyond excited that his release date is here.  In fact, he should have gone home this past Sunday.  He’s been very happy about that circumstance, but also joyful that God has been shaping his heart through this past year in prison. He gave his life to the Lord a week or two before I met him, and has voraciously read his Bible ever since.  Each week we review all he’s been reading, and I try to emphasize the bigger pictures of those passages.  He’s been so impacted by God’s Word it’s hard not to smile when I think about our discussions. Now it’s time to make good on the plan to re-connect with his believer friends and get plugged into their church.  I can’t wait to hear of continued progress.

This week I also had my first meeting with Jack.  We have similar backgrounds being raised with organized religion, and Chaplain Heinrich informed me how Jack is awakening to what salvation is truly about as laid out in God’s Word. He is excited to pick my brain about my faith journey, and I’m just as excited to help guide him on his path from religion to relationship with the living God.

I think both situations have elements of happiness and joy. As long as God is honored and glorified, I guess I’m not overly concerned what we call it! And let me once again thank each of you for how You honor and glorify God by lifting up these prayer requests each week.  Your faithful obedience is inspiring, and makes a real difference in all of our lives.  Keep up the good work!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Eugene– for my daughter (Cashmere) to have full use of her right arm again.
• Chris– for my family to find their way home.
• Warren– hope for the judge to be lenient since I was in rehab before turning myself in.
• Ralph– that we can stay strong in tribulation.
• Manuel– family.
• Boz– forgiveness and health.
• Andy D– safety for my wife who is travelling.
• Rick C– to recognize the right opportunity and have the right words to witness to my little sister.  Also safety for Roland and his family traveling to Italy for daughter’s wedding.

• Kenny– our last meeting!  I get out in 3 more days!  My dad came to visit me on Tuesday, and everything is all ready for my release on Sunday- he’s going to come pick me up. Pray for all the paperwork to be ready so that I can go home Sunday. Pray for my family and friends.

• Jack– pray for my grandmom (Janet, 89) who can’t get out of bed after her heart surgery. (My first meeting with Jack went well. He is reading his Bible with fresh eyes, and curious how to move from having religion to having a relationship with Jesus Christ.  We are both excited to continue meeting each Thursday.)

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

• Dan T– on this Memorial Day, remember the 58,000 men who did not return from Vietnam, and pray for their families.
• Jose G– for Andy who leads second service who is sick at home.  Also praise that my son-in-law is doing better. Thanks for my son and family (wife, child, dog) moving back to PA, pray for safe travels as they drive everyone from Colorado to PA.
• Rick C– my son Kyle has kidney stones- prayers for healing and pain relief.
• John– God please bring us all home.
• Timothy– for family and friends, and peace on earth.
• Ross– my heart goes out to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India.
• Jon– all honor, glory, and thanks be to God who allows us to be here- He is the God of second chances.  For our children, and our grandchildren, and thanks for the volunteers each week.
• Joseph– God give us strength to carry on with your will and serve you.  Help us change the things in our lives that dishonor God and others.
• John– My Dad went to the Emergency Room with some kind of psychosis- I’m worried about him.
• Dan T– for volunteer Phil not here tonight- this is the anniversary of the passing of his youngest daughter – pray for his family is mourning. Also pray for my brother-in-law who is in mental decline, that God provides me the opportunity to witness to him while he still understands.
• Jon– for family, put us back together.
• Andy L– I was at the funeral today for one of my best friends in life, he died of a heart attack.  I’m sad to miss my friend, but have joy that he’s in the Lord’s presence.

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

• For volunteer Andy who is sick at home, pray for healing and quick recovery.
• Sidney– world peace
• Alex– my son Nathan (8) is autistic in a special school. He’s getting strong and I’m not there to help contain him.
• Vince– my son Parker (6) is also autistic, and doesn’t get the help he needs. Also for the men and women fighting for us today. Pray for all incarcerated people to get through this and make a change for the better.
• Jose G– for everyone here and the salvation of every soul in Chester County Prison.
• Rick C– healing for my son Kyle with kidney stones.
• Matt R– comfort for the family and friends of a local West Chester man (Matt Clare) who just passed away.
• Joshua– each generation is getting further from God, pray we can all get closer to Him.
• Doug– for everyone in the jail to make a change for the better, and when we get out to become productive part of society.
• Steve– my Mom is 82 and bends over backwards for me, I want to be able to see her again.
• Ryan S– my son’s friend Andrew was thrown out of parent’s house – it was a bad situation with drugs and violence- we helped as much as we could but ultimately had to put him in hospital for some mental help.
• Vince– for my friend Scotty who is going through a lot, hope he gets out soon- he doesn’t deserve to be here.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Thankful for our dedicated Chaplains- may they be blessed with all they need to minister to staff and inmates each week throughout the prison.
• Bless our volunteer teams and thank you for all the ministry opportunities each week across different groups of inmates.
• Lift up the prison staff, from the newest member to the leaders, may they have peace at work and at home.
• For all the families of our Chaplains, our volunteers, and prison staff.
• Blessings upon every inmate and may they have open hearts to hear and respond to God’s Word with a decision for Christ.
• Please provide for Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across Chester county.  May their volunteers and staff have all they need to minister effectively, and bless all the clients as they integrate back into 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.

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

www.onesimusministries.org