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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I reflect on nearly 2 full weeks of pain and discomfort with a stomach bug, our human minds invariably ask the question “why?” – I used my message in the prison last night to probe why a good God allows bad things to happen.  First of all, we live in a fallen world (thanks, Adam and Eve!) with evil all around us.  And with God-given free will, people can make choices. Evil plus choice often equals selfish choices that hurt others.  God’s Word tells us many times to expect trials and persecution, summed up by Jesus in John 16.33, “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.“

But WHY does He allow the trials? Romans 5 tells us it’s to build endurance, which builds strength of character, which strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 2 Corinthians 1 tells us it’s to prepare us to comfort others with the comfort God gave us as we went through the same trial.  We are to share how trusting in God’s strength pulled us through, and He will do the same for them.  James 1 tells us it will grow our endurance and faith, to ultimately receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him.

I believe God allows trials to grow us more into His likeness, learning to rely on His strength, bringing comfort to others by sharing God’s faithfulness with them, and building confidence in our hope of salvation to share our stories with others as an invitation into the family of God.  The big character question is – will we sit helplessly in our pain and cry out for Him to take it away?  Or will we trust in His ability to get us through, and ask for His help to see what He’s teaching us in each circumstance?  I think that’s what He taught me through my latest trial, and maybe others can benefit.

Thanks as always for sticking with us each week as we lift up the inmates, their families, and their requests each week.  It may feel like a daunting task some weeks, but God is growing all of us, slowly changing our hearts to be more like Him.  What a great God!  Have a fabulous week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Dan– For Brittney and Megan to stop gambling.
• Bhievm– to get home by September, marry my fiancé, and get back into the sport of boxing.
• Lloyd– for my family- all 9 sisters and 9 kids – we have 3 birthdays this month.
• Javier– family, especially my daughter.
• Manuel– my family, particularly for my wife.
• Sean– I have court on Monday, and my girlfriend (Rita) is struggling and I can’t help her.
• Paul C– to clearly understand where God is calling me.
• Andy D– salvation for my sister.

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

• Frank– my relationship with my parents.
• Chris– for success in my future, and to never be in jail again unless it’s to share my testimony.  Also, thanking God I was able to avoid a fight that would have led to restriction.
• Jim M– for my neighbor (Mary) who fell and broke her wrist. Also for my wife (Kim) recovering from knee surgery.
• Timothy– for me, I had a close call with another inmate last night, pray for my protection from altercations.
• Dan T– ongoing prayers for my brother-in-law to finally accept Christ, and for all our family members who are not walking with the Lord.
• Phil T– for our brother Jose to have a speedy recovery from multiple injuries, and relief from pain that he can sleep.  Also continued prayer for Joy’s high risk pregnancy with twins, moving along (still 2 heartbeats!) even though doctors initially thought one or both would die and recommended abortion.  Praise God for Joy’s faith and trust in You, may we all learn from her.  Also for my daughter-in-law Hannah who is due TODAY, pray she will do well through delivery of her first child (baby Lillyana).  Also thankful for my twin grandchildren who had their first day at a Christian Preschool- may God use that to reach the whole family.
• Dan– for our brother Erwin and his wife Rena’s continued recovering from back surgery.

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

• Chris– God help me strengthen my patience and that I would have more productive thoughts.
• Ryan S– my wife Janice is going through a tough time, battling anxiety.
• Frankie– for my mother’s cancer, and my uncle has cancer too.
• Bo– pray for Candace and her healing from health issues, and that she would accept the Holy Spirit.
• Aaron– for all of us to get out and stay out of here, and do the right thing.
• Rick C– my son Kyle is not walking with the Lord.
• Cecil– to get out of jail – I’m dying in here, I want out!
• Logan– pray for family, and greater faith for me, and to have more patience with other people.
• John– for everyone in here to hopefully get home soon, and for everyone’s families.
• Mackiet– for my kids, and for me to get out, and for my girl.
• Andy D– my sister-in-law (Ginny) is bound up with depression and anger- may God break through and give her peace.  Also for inmate Jeff, who was allowed to attend funeral of his brother Mark- prayers for him and his girlfriend.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Our Chaplains (Rhonda, Heinrich, and Jack) and all the volunteers ministering within the 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.
• All staff and inmates at the prison, and the families that support them.
• For the 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.

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www.onesimusministries.org

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

When it comes down to it, do we really trust God?  When we ask for His help, do we wait expectantly for Him to act, or do we orchestrate everything as best we can to take care of things ourselves (just in case)?  I’m not suggesting a completely “hands-off” approach where we expect everything to happen without any input from us – It’s more about those times when we feel powerless to do anything, and we cry out to Him.  Do we honestly trust that He will come through?  Or do we just hope He will act, while in the back of our minds preparing ourselves for disappointment?

My struggle through food poisoning/intestinal parasite issues continues (a week and a half now).  I found myself crying out to God quite a bit.  Relentless pain day after day wore me out.  On Saturday, it seemed to finally be over, but symptoms returned Monday morning. I was really looking forward to getting back to the prison- I’d missed the last few Monday nights due to vacation and this illness.  Right up until the time I had to get in the car, pain and doubts filled my mind – I shouldn’t go, they can get along without me, I feel awful.

Then a boldness came over me and I said to God “We’re supposed to be able to trust in you -or is that just bunk?”  I decided to take Him at His word and headed out to the prison.  And God delivered.  No pain or pressure all evening.  I didn’t feel great, but I could function. God proves Himself over and over, why do I still doubt?  Our good, good Father wants the best for us, wants to be close to us, and wants us to rely on Him.  Forgive me, Father, for not trusting you as I should.  You are so good to me and I’m a spoiled brat, quick to judge everything and everyone, including you.  I’m so unworthy, yet You love me more than I can ever imagine – so much that You sent your Son to die in my place so that our relationship can be restored.  Forgive me for not doing my part – please help me get better at that.

Thank you all for your prayers each week for the Chaplains, volunteers, and especially the inmates and their prayer requests.  You are an essential part of this ministry and we appreciate all you do! May our good God bless you richly this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Javier– my family, especially my daughter.
• Manuel– family, and for me.
• Shaun– my court date coming up 8/25, praying for justice.
• Andy D– for my sister’s health, and her pursuit of the Gospel.
• Eugene C– for more laborers for the harvest – across all ministries, not just in prison, and for the grace to continue to serve.

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

• Tim– my court date got pushed out to next month.
• Josh– for my bail reduction to go through.
• Jim M– my niece (Elizabeth) is pregnant and had to go to hospital for dehydration.
• Dan T– for our brother Jose with a torn-up knee and fractured bone – restoration and healing.
• Erwin J– thanks for prayers for my wife (Rena) after back surgery- please continue to pray for ongoing healing.
• Darrell– I need a permanent place to live when I get out of here- God please lead the way.  Also hoping that I can recover all my stuff where I used to live. Finally, hoping to get a haircut and shave to be presentable for my court appearance.
• Phil T– for the peace efforts around the Ukraine war to be successful and the killing stopped.
• Aaron– for my family, and for everyone’s family – we can’t check up on them in here.
• Andy D– for the Gospel conversation I had earlier today with a friend – I pray it was effective.
• Dan T– for my brother-in-law to be receptive to the Gospel message.
• Phil T– my daughter-in-law Hannah is due with their first child in one week- pray for Mom and Baby Lily, that all goes well with delivery and everyone is healthy and happy.  Also continue to lift up Joy and her miracle twins – thank you that with latest scans at CHOP they are now optimistic that they can treat the baby with heart issues, where just weeks ago they were pushing for a selective abortion.  THANK YOU LORD for proving the doctors wrong through Joy’s faith in You, and we continue to pray for those 2 little babies inside her- that You would carry them through to  full term and be born healthy with no further need of medical intervention – they are in your hands.

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

• Jeff– my brother Mark that was in the hospital passed away on Friday.  I’m so thankful Andy got to visit him and I got to speak with him after that. We will see him again in heaven.  I pray for my nephews who had problems with Mark, and my youngest nephew did not get to reconcile with him before he died- praying for his heart.
• Phil– for my children.
• Tyler– strength for my wife and kids- keep their hearts safe and give them the resources they need.
• Frankie– my mother and my uncle with cancer. Also for improved relationship with my Parole Officer in Lancaster.
• Justin– my grandmother had a 9th stroke and is in hospital, pray I can get out and take care of her.
• Troy– my Mother-in-law broke her femur and is in recovery now.  Also for my family- I have 3 adult sons who are not getting along- pray for family unity.
• Ryan– my friend Jeremy had part of his lung removed.  And for his son in North Carolina who struggles with addiction and is suicidal- his Dad can’t get to him, trusting in the Lord to pull him through.
• Matt– my nephew Luke hurt his hip – fractured- pray for quick healing so he can get back to playing sports.  Also for my friends parent (Lee and Sarge)- for health and a resolution to their situation.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Our Chaplains (Rhonda, Heinrich, and Jack) and all the volunteers ministering within the 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.
• Continued prayer for the family of Heinrich’s sister in South Africa after her sudden passing.
• All the inmates and staff at the prison, and the families that support them.
• For the 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’ve noticed as we age, we seem to see things differently.  Call it experience, wisdom, or something else – hopefully it’s a better, clearer outlook than in our younger years.  I just spent a week at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland with my wife, 2 grown kids, and their significant others. In years past, we’d have the whole week mapped out with mini golf, water parks, jet skis, kayaks, go kart tracks, arcades, the boardwalk, Candy Kitchen, etc. Then we’d spent the whole week on the GO trying to fit it all in.  We’d get home more wiped out than when we left!  But how different now – we’re all a bit older and it was less about what we did, and more about spending time together.  Sure, we went out for dinners, trivia night, and karaoke, but we also stayed in some nights to play games and hang out – It was refreshing and relaxing.

It reminds me of something Paul once said, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (! Cor 13:11-12)

Granted, there is much, much more to this passage than what my small example reminded me of.  But I believe that in life, as in faith, if we follow the path God lays out for us, He lets us see a little more and a little more as we grow in Him and get closer to the ultimate goal. And at the end, we get to see it all (and it will all make perfect sense!).

In the meantime, we listen, we watch, we pray, and we follow all that God would have us do to the best of our knowledge and abilities.  One of my favorite Pastor phrases is “the only ability God wants from us is our availability”.  Thanks for all you are able to do in support of this ministry.  We are all blessed by how God works through His people each and every week.  Blessings upon you and yours!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• [NOTE: I was on vacation last week, and the Thursday volunteer crew had a communal prayer time during chapel, but nobody wrote it down. The names below are from requests the week prior – please pray for them and all the men.]
• Javier
• Manuel
• Lamar
• Shaun
• Larry
• Boz
• Andy D
• Eugene C
• Roland D

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

• Chris– going home, pray for loyal people
• Aaron– prayers for people with anger: many people get very angry.
• Timothy – prayers for family and friends
• Ross– prayer for his family members getting saved.
• Josh– prayers for his children.
• Coty– praying for a job when we get out.
• Dan T– praying for his brother in law .
• Cory– prayer for Mental Health Court.
• Phil T– praying for Joy who is in her 20th week of pregnancy; now the doctor is talking about the delivery of these twin babies! Amen!
• Rick C – prayers for his recovery from food poisoning.
• Jose G– fell in the bathroom, hurt his knee and facial injuries, could not attend tonight.
• Erwin J– wife recovering from back surgery.
• Jim M– prayers for my wife (Kim) recovering from knee surgery, and praise for my future knee surgery in October

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

• Tyler– for his wife and kids and all the families while they are away.
• Robert– Going to court today, praying for light sentence.
• Matt R– pray for in-laws Gerald and Sherald health.
• Micheal– stays in Gods will after his release.
• Bo– all the inmates and his lady to accept Jesus.
• Rob– 30 locked up pray that he stays strong.
• Frankie– Get Johnnie out (another inmate who didn’t want to give a prayer request) also Nancy and uncle and brother battling cancer.
• Andy D– For Jose injured his knee and relief from pain.
• Shawn– his girlfriend Stephanie stays sober.
• Louis– that he can see his daughter soon.
• Ryan – Daughter Caitlyn got in a pretty bad accident hit by drunk driver. Prayer for her leg and pray for the driver who is in a lot of trouble.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Our Chaplains (Rhonda, Heinrich, and Jack) and all the volunteers ministering within the 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.
• Continued prayer for the family of Heinrich’s sister in South Africa after her sudden passing.
• All the inmates and staff at the prison, and the families that support them.
• For the 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.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We never know who’s watching and who we might touch through our words and actions. Not the same with poison ivy. I’m at the beach with my family this week, and sometime before we left i had pulled some weeds from under our pine trees. I didn’t realize there was poison ivy among them. And I really wish I had, especially since I went to the bathroom shortly after that.

I can definitely tell you where I touched since handling the poison ivy, since it’s now red and itchy on my arms, my ear, and one other place I’ll leave to your imagination. Unlike poison ivy rash, which makes touch points obvious, our words and actions can affect those around us in ways we may never see. I believe that’s a big reason why Paul tells us in God’s Word to live lives worthy of the gospel.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

How do we react when a major event in life approaches, then the date slips by with nothing happening and nobody seems to even notice?  I can’t imagine the disappointment for Jack and other inmates who get a release date, then continue their prison stay after that date. According to many prisoners, they typically receive little to no information on their situation, and spend most of the time waiting without a clue of when the next step will occur.  There may be many reasons why it’s like that, but the end result is the same – feelings of disappointment, depression, and hopelessness.

We volunteers routinely try to help refocus inmate’s attention from their current situation to an eternal scale.  We don’t naturally think that way, but that’s where our hope is found.  Our current circumstance may seem important, but will it still be important a year from now? Five years from now? Ten?  How about our entire lifetime as compared with eternity?  Those who put their hope in Christ look forward to sharing God’s glory for eternity.  Difficult to conceive, but an infinitely better outlook than our present situation.

I pray each of you take the time daily, or at least weekly, to contemplate our future and how truly blessed we are to be adopted sons and daughters, and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17). In the meantime, thanks for your support to keep reminding inmates there is hope through faith in Christ. And thanks for praying for these men and their requests each week. When I remind them this happens each week, you should see the brighter eyes and a few smiles.  You make that happen!  Have a stellar week everyone.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Carl– for God to help with my anger – something happened and it surprised me how angry I got, a wave of rage came out of nowhere – it scared me.
• Larry– that my kids and my dog will know love when I leave this earth.
• Lamar– my family, all to go well at my court date on 7/30, maybe even get to go home with charges dropped or reduced.  Also for strength.
• Manuel– court date on 7/29, and for my family.
• Javier– court date was postponed, and for familia.
• Kevin– my family, especially my daughters (Adrianna and Leah).
• Antonio– my grandmother, myself, my relationship with my companion, and for all of them to be doing good.
• Boz– everyone here, and I have court next week.
• Devon– for my family while I’m here.
• Andy– for my sister Donna to trust the Lord, may the Holy Spirit be working on her heart.
• Roland– for all these court dates to stop getting canceled or postponed, and for positive outcomes for all.
• Eugene– continued healing for my sister after her triple bypass heart surgery.

• Jack– Still here (not released as expected on 7/23), praying for a good offer from South Carolina on charges there – probation or community service – and for my Mom who has Lyme disease which is worse because she is primary caregiver for her mom. Also for my new cellmate who is stealing from me – how do I handle it like Jesus?

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

• John– For God to guide us all home.
• Pablo– family.
• Josh– understanding.
• Timothy– upcoming court dates, mine is Aug 19.
• Aaron– for family, and to get life back on track when I get home.
• José– my wife (Yolanda), for all my friends in here, and for everyone in here.
• Dan T– my brother-in-law to stop deflecting the Truth and accept Christ, and for the right opportunity to witness to him.
• Phil T– for my Daughter Morgan and her depression.  Also for my son’s sister-in-law Joy carrying twins in a high-risk pregnancy.  Still 2 heartbeats at 16 weeks, the doctors are very negative and don’t even want to make next appointment (they give no hope). We ask our merciful and gracious Heavenly Father to continue both of these miracles of life through full term and delivery.
• Tim– for a speedy appeal process, and for faster processes overall for all of us.
• Jim M– my friend Mike is going through a divorce- pray for the right opportunity to talk with him about Jesus.
• Rick C– for our brother Erwin’s wife Rena who just had back surgery and still in much pain.  Pray for relief and full mobility for her, and wisdom for Erwin on the best ways to take care of her.

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

• Bo– my significant other’s son (Trevor) was in Ocean City, MD for senior week, just bouncing a ball down the sidewalk when it bounced funny and went in the street, he instinctively went after it and was hit by a city bus.  He’s now paralyzed. Please pray for Trevor and the Vollmer family.
• Frankie– my Mom (Nancy), my Uncle (Jimmy) and his brother (Benny) all dealing with cancer.  Also want to pray for my buddy John sitting here next to me.
• Tino– for my kids (Amani and Hunter).
• Christian– for my son (Alex) and his mother.
• Jeff– for my brother in Christiana Hospital, I don’t know how he’s doing. [NOTE: Jeff was comforted by Andy who filled him in after visiting his brother in the hospital].
• Michael– I feel very selfish about my prayers after hearing about Trevor’s situation. Please pray for my mother, and I go before the judge on Wednesday, hoping to get to a healthy rehab.
• Matt R– my in-laws health (Gerald and Sheryl).
• Andy D– continued prayer for my sister, that she would read the Bible I gave her and put her trust in Jesus.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Our Chaplains (Rhonda, Heinrich, and Jack) and all the volunteers ministering within the 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.
• Continued prayer for the family of Heinrich’s sister in South Africa after her sudden passing.
• All the inmates and staff at the prison, and the families that support them.
• For the 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