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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.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last week I wrote about 1 Peter 3:15 and being prepared. I think preparation has 2 parts: being equipped, and recognizing the right opportunity to act.

About 3 weeks ago we adopted a 3-1/2 month old puppy from a German shepherd rescue organization. Barley is mostly house broken because of great training by his foster mom. But like any puppy, we need to take him outside often to do his business. We must be ready to act or the result is a mess inside the house.

Over the weekend we took him on a 3-hour car ride to visit my daughter and son-in-law in State College. On the journey up and back we learned to recognize signs of when he needed to do his business. Then we could effectively find a place to pull off the road and get him out on the leash to relieve himself. Being equipped with the leash and a poop bag was only part of being ready – recognizing when to act was vital, and we were all much happier with the result!

I think that’s how God would have us behave. He gives us direction in His Word, and equips each of us with gifts and skills we can hone to use for his glory.  Then we must be sensitive to His spirit’s prompting towards the opportunities He provides to use what He gave us. And I believe we all- the giver, the recipient, and God – will be much happier with the result.

Thanks as always for using what God has given you to support this ministry.  What else has He given you?  And where does He want you to use it?  Only you can answer that, but be assured, anything done for His glory will be thrilling and satisfying.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Lamar– my family, positive outcome of court case, go home soon.  My court case was postponed, praying for a new date or for case to get thrown out.
• Carl– keep me strong on my spiritual journey.
• Dave– for my family, I’m going up state for 2 years, pray to get back to kids and family as soon as possible.
• Javier– family, and court date rescheduled to the 21st.
• Manuel– my family and court date on 29th.
• Andy D– my sister Donna struggling with stage 4 cancer, I don’t think she’s a believer.  She asked me to get her a large print Bible, and I hope to have Gospel conversation with her.
• Roland D– praise God my wife Deb is healing- walking better and the boot is off.  She still has 3 physical therapy scripts- a way to go yet.
• Eugene C– continued healing for my sister Yvette after heart surgery, and for unity in the body of Christ.

• Jack– for South Carolina detainer to be lifted/resolved before my 7/23 release date to avoid additional extradition. To be able to find a good Bible-preaching church when I go home to Miami, and find brothers and sisters in the faith to continue conversations like we’ve been having. [NOTE: this was potentially our last meeting, and knowing his Catholic background similar to mine and abundance of religious “head knowledge”, I asked if he was saved/born again.  He wasn’t sure.  We spoke of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, and read through Romans 10:9-13.  I offered a prayer, and reminded him of grace alone through faith alone in Christ and His accomplished work on the cross.  Pray that Jack can come to a place of complete surrender to Christ and be assured of salvation.]

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

• Kevin– for all the inmates on M block who feel violated from a search of all the cells.  Claims of personal items missing that were purchased are causing bad feelings between inmates and officers.  Pray there would be respect for officers towards inmates, and inmates toward officers.
• Corey– praying I don’t get sent to state prison, and that I can get out early.
• Eric– I overslept and missed lawyer appointment, tomorrow is my last chance- pray I can meet with him and this doesn’t affect my case.
• Christian– for all of us to get out of jail early and maybe get to enjoy some of the summer before it’s gone. Also for more to come to church and believe in Jesus. Also want to pray for all our futures to be successful, I want to become a realtor. Pray for success and guidance, God’s protection, and the mental health of everyone in here.
• Jim M– my brother-in-law Jeff is in a nursing home and needs prayer.
• Kevin– thankful for the volunteers coming in each week.
• Cody– for my mother and father’s business to get sorted out.  Dad passed away recently and Mom passed away before that, and things are getting really complicated and confusing.
• William– that the enemy would be pushed back and the Lord Jesus protects us.
• Dan T– for my brother-in-law to stop avoiding and deflecting conversations about Christ, and come to a saving knowledge before he passes.
• Phil T– continued prayer for Joy and her high risk pregnancy with twins.  God has sustained both babies thus far – still 2 heartbeats – against the odds doctors have given (I LOVE when He does that!).  Joy and her husband continue to trust in God over the doctors, walking in faith, and we pray our mighty Father’s blessing upon them with 2 full-term happy and healthy babies – Oh Lord, please continue this miracle of life! And may all the doctors and care givers take notice of their faith, and we pray for softened hearts among them and for more to accept you as Lord and Savior.

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

• Michael– for answered prayer- talked to my mom today, she’s doing OK.  Want to pray for all our moms and loved ones to be patient and forgiving- we’ve put them through a lot.
• Donald– I want to go home and see my daughter.
• Jeff– my brother is in Christiana hospital with rapid heart rate and clogged arteries, but he’s too weak for standard procedures so they must figure out what to do.  Pray God would protect him and heal him, and send someone to remind him that people care about him.
• Brian– mom’s pain has subsided and she meets with surgeon on the 31st. My sister (13) is helping out a lot but it’s really stressful for her. My birthday is coming up and I’ll have to spend it in here.
• Frankie– for mom’s cancer- she’s in radiation treatments now. And for my uncle with colon cancer and his brother. I should find out this week about my heart issues. And I pray for my buddy Johnny.
• Luis– for my wife, son, kids, my mother, and for me.
• Andy D– my sister Donna with stage 4 cancer is coming over tomorrow- pray for right opportunity and right words for gospel conversation.  I will give her the Bible she asked for. Pray she reads it.
• Bill H– my PSA level is up and I have an MRI Friday- praying for good outcome and God’s healing hand upon me.
• Matt R– praise the Lord I’m ahead of the game recovering from shoulder surgery. Pray for my in-laws Gerald and Sheryl who are having a tough time physically.  I pray hope and patience for both of them.
• Ryan– my friend Jeremy had half his lung removed and still in the hospital. He suffers with opioid addiction and dumped out his pain meds – pray the Lord would honor that and take away his pain.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplains Rhonda, Heinrich, and Jack – with their tireless efforts ministering to everyone at the prison.
• For current and future prison ministry volunteers, and more opportunities for them to get plugged in at CCP.
• Continued prayer for the family of Heinrich’s sister in South Africa after her sudden passing.
• For every soul at the prison- inmates, staff, and the families that support them.
• Blessings upon the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across 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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My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I think a favorite verse of many evangelists may be 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Always be ready to give an answer for the hope you have within you, but do this with gentleness and respect”.  You just never know when God will drop an opportunity right in your lap.

On Saturday, members of my Christian Motorcyclists Association chapter rode out to Gettysburg Bike Week to do street ministry.  While it doesn’t compare to Sturgis or Daytona Bike Week, it has become the largest (and perhaps the only remaining) biker rally in Pennsylvania. We were stationed at a tent within one of the venues, behind a small stage with individual performers, and among many vendors selling a variety of motorcycle accessories.

It was a sweltering afternoon, with temps over 96 degrees, and we were handing out cold bottles of water and icewater-soaked rags to put on your neck (for the folks ready to pass out from heat).  We actively engaged with people, and always ask if there’s anything we can pray for in their lives.  Typical responses are “no thanks-I’m good”, a health issue, safety on the road, or just for family. 

I saw Chuck walking by looking rather dehydrated, handed him a water bottle and put a cold towel on his neck and asked what can I pray for.  He looked me straight in the eye and said “well I guess my salvation”.  Whoa – did he just say that?  In the middle of a biker rally? Where do I start?  Oh Lord, please give me the words – and He did!  After a brief conversation about sin, hopelessness, need of a savior, and why Jesus came, we prayed for him to receive Christ.  What a moment – excitement, nervousness, total dependence on God – that’s why we’re here.

We thank all of you for being “here” for the inmates each week, always ready to offer up their prayer requests to the Father.  I pray someday each of you will have this same type of opportunity – it’s truly a thrill to be used of God that way. We appreciate how God uses you already in supporting this ministry – you are a blessing to many.  May you and your family be truly blessed this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Carl– for more knowledge and understanding of God’s Word.

[NOTE: Carl let us know he’s a Jehovah’s Witness, so we also want to pray for God to grant him wisdom to follow the true God of the Bible – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and salvation through faith and not works]

• Larry– for my Mom who has diabetes, and for me to be closer to my kids.
• David– family, kids, my fiancé, and thankful for the message today from brother Eugene.
• Manuel– my upcoming court date (7/28) and my family.
• Javier– my family and court date on 7/14.
• Eugene C– praise and thanks for my sister coming through triple bypass surgery, going home after 2 days versus normal 8-10 days. Pray for me as Lord is leading me to Kensington this afternoon to evangelize.

• Jack– received divorce paperwork (not unexpected).  She was very amicable in not asking for anything, but checked the box “reconciliation not possible”.  I checked the box “reconciliation possible” and have peace with letting her have whatever she wants.  Asking for God’s strength and guidance for handling the situation, and for plans after release in 2 weeks.

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

• John– for God to guide us all home.
• Daniel– my girlfriend’s depression about my situation, she’s all alone and needs me, for my son Daniel who turned 5 yesterday, my Mom is happy again that I’m different (heart change), my brother is having problems in Mexico, and for all of us in here to have strength.
• Eric– for all of us to make it out of here and stay out.
• Zare– for myself, my family, my sister had her 2nd baby 3 weeks ago, my Mom, my kids, all the court dates coming up, and for the victims of the shooting at that Kentucky church.
• Chris– to be a hero to my daughter, for my family I’ve lost touch with, for my court date on the 23d, to get home, and for old church bodies to be restored.
• Tim– for my family, my father passed away in January and Mom having tough time since his birthday was 2 days ago.  For my court date and the process, and to get home.
• Caesar– my family, court date on 23d, for all to go well.  For everyone in here.
• Cody– for all of us.
• Deron– family and friends.
• Phil T– my granddaughter Julia turns 13 on Sunday, hope she has a great day. For Erwin’s wife Rena with back surgery coming up on Friday.  For Joy’s pregnancy- carrying twins who are both still alive, but one expected not to make it, doctors suggesting selective abortion, but she is walking by faith- we pray for 2 full term healthy babies in the mighty name of Jesus!
• Dan T– for our brother Jim recovering from his accident, and for my brother-in-law to hear and accept the Gospel.
• Bob– that everyone praying to the Lord has their prayer answered.
• Phil T– for the husband of my daughter’s co-worker who suffered a heart attack.

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

• Tyler– wife and kids
• Liam– family to stay healthy, mom and dad, grandparents, niece, my kids, my sister – all to keep a positive outlook.
• Zack– for the judge to make the right decision about sending me to program.  For my wife and friends to stay with me and help me out.
• Michael– for everyone’s moms out there to be safe and patient, and have peace over us being in here.
• Robert– to get out of here and never come back.
• Kirk– to not repeat the things that got me here in the first place, and to learn from my mistakes.
• Frankie– for my mom’s cancer, and for my heart- I have an enlarged aorta and blocked mitral valve. Hope I’ll be OK.
• Brian– mom has been in and out of hospital with lots of pain with gallstones. Needs gall bladder taken out.
• Kevin– all of us in here, all our loved ones, all suffering because of us.
• Dave– my kids, grandkids, and the brothers in here and their court dates. Pray for our anxiety and for calmness.
• Mackie– to go home on the 30th.
• Gabriel– for my grandfather to have safe journey to Panama.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For Chaplains Rhonda, Heinrich, and Jack.
• For all the prison ministry volunteers, and more opportunities for them to get plugged in at CCP.
• Continued prayer for Heinrich’s family in South Africa after sudden loss of his sister.
• For all those at the prison- inmates, staff, and the families that support them.
• For the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across 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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My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last Thursday, and again last night (at both services), I shared a message about freedom and independence to coincide with July 4th holiday.  We explored the question of how we can have freedom, yet follow the example of Jesus to be fully dependent upon God.

To illustrate the point, we walked through the Exodus story.  God used Moses to secure release of the Israelites, who finally left Egypt after 400 years of oppressive slavery.  Over a million strong, they escaped into the desert with all they could carry, only to run out of food and water.  They were free, yet totally dependent on God to provide navigation (pillar of cloud/fire), protection (Red Sea crossing), water (from a rock), and food (manna and quail).

We also heard Nicky Gumbel’s soccer story (from the Alpha course) as a modern day rendition of how rules allow players to fully enjoy the game.  It can quickly turn chaotic without rules, ultimately leading to confusion and people getting hurt.  Choosing to follow God exercises our freedom of choice, and depending on Him for direction as we live within His guidelines leads to life lived to the full. As Creator, He designed us, so why wouldn’t His ways lead to the best possible life?

Each of us is given the opportunity to choose- live for God, or live for ourselves.  We appreciate all of you who make the choice each week to live for Him through support of this prison ministry, with your faithful prayers and other means of support.  I pray you all had a nice holiday weekend, and for God to richly bless your summer.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Lamar– for freedom, guidance, understanding, and mental stability and strength.  My court date on 7/16.
• Brian– my grandmother has COPD and having a hard time breathing- she means the world to me.
• Manuel– for my familia, and my court date on 7/28.
• Javier– for familia, court date on 7/14.
• Arely– my familia.
• Carl– for all those who don’t know Jesus, not just in this prison, but in the whole world.
• Rick C– my friend Matt recovering from shoulder surgery.
• Roland D– my wife (Deb)- healing and relief from pain.
• Eugene – my sister (Yvette) having triple bypass surgery 7/8.

• Jack– for all the issues with my case and outstanding warrant to be resolved before my release date of 7/23. Also for my grandmother still rehabilitating from heart surgery. Praying my kids will enjoy the summer and my incarceration would not be remembered by them. Thankful to be talking with my Dad again- he’s really stressed out as the main point-of-contact between me and family.

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

• Rick C– healing and quick recovery for our volunteer brother Jim who got really banged up in an accident with his e-bike.
• John– God get us home soon to our families.
• Timothy– court date on Aug 18.
• Eric– my court date on 7/23.
• Manuel– for 2 of my friends, family, 10 yr old daughter, and Mom
• Caesar– for my wife (Isabel) to change her mind, heart, and attitude- something is going on with her, and for my court date tomorrow.
• Daniel– court date on 26th, I’m very anxious and nervous about what will happen. Praying for good outcome.
• Michael– to keep on track studying God’s Word, and for the mothers of all of us in here, may they have patience and peace after what we put them through.  Pray we can all do right by our families.
• Brian– my Mom has been in and out of hospital, and needs gall bladder removed.  My 19th birthday is coming up and I’ll have to spend it in here, hope it’s good.
• Deron– strength from God for my frustrations.
• Andy L– for all the victims and families affected by the high death toll from Texas flash floods, and for girls and their counselor still missing from flooded Christian camp.
• Tim– health and happiness for my family.
• Dan T– my brother-in-law is dodging my conversations about Christ.  Pray for opportunity.
• Woodrow– for my family- no contact for a while, pray to reunite and restore.
• Erwin J– wife Rena in a lot of pain waiting for back surgery next week.
• Phil T– my friend (Joy) has high risk pregnancy with twin girls- doctors gave one girl less than 1% chance to live- fearful of one dies the other will also- they need a miracle.

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

• Chris– get out as soon as possible.
• Rick C– for Matt’s healing and quick recovery from shoulder surgery.
• Robert– for the Phillies to win the world series.
• Sam– patience and understanding.
• Frankie– for my mom- she has cancer on her face. They are treating with radiation to not leave a surgical scar.  Pray for my uncle and Mom with heart issues.
• Rick– for my mother-in-law Seddie to settle in to assisted living situation, and heal quickly from surgery to remove cancer from her neck.
• Jose– for a young girl (Anna) suffering deep depression with suicidal thoughts, may she experience the love of Christ filling her heart.  They are poor and have no means of mental health treatment.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For Chaplains Rhonda, Heinrich and Jack, and for all the prison ministry volunteers.
• Continued prayer for Heinrich’s family in South Africa after sudden loss of his sister.
• For everyone at the prison- inmates, staff, and all their families/support systems.
• For the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across 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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My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Volunteers in second service are trying something different – ending the message a little early to allow for questions and interaction with inmates.  It can be risky, like managing an inmate with a strong personality and an axe to grind.  But it can also be fruitful, by taking the time to address what they want to know or questions they have.

Last night, Ryan asked the men “which attribute of God do you have the toughest time with?”  The first response was God’s compassion- how can He still love us after all we’ve done (and sometimes continue to do)? It allowed us to expand on the greatness of God – how His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways above our ways – He is God, and in our limited understanding we rely on the truth of His revealed Word.

Another inmate added he (and all the men) are at the lowest point in their life. We remind them God’s been there all along, but our self-centeredness and sinful pursuits have us ignore Him.  But now He’s got their attention.  Life’s busyness crowded out any thoughts of praying or reading God’s Word, but now there’s nothing but time.  I’ve heard inmates call it a Godly time out.  Others tell me how God saved their life with jail – how most friends they ran with on the street were dead from shootings or overdose, and they should be dead too, but maybe God has a plan for them.  Yes and Amen!

Interactions like these remind us why we go into the prison each week, and encourage us that we are making a difference.  Your prayers also make a huge difference.  Never underestimate how important your prayers are to the success of this ministry.  We are so thankful for your partnership and support in many ways.  Have a blessed 4th of July Holiday and stay safe!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Lloyd– my daughter (Harley), my 9 kids, and my 9 sisters.
• David– for my girlfriend and my kids to be doing ok.
• Manuel– my court date to get set, and my family.
• Javier– my family, and my court date on 7/14.
• Ken– all the victims of wars in Iran, Israel, Ukraine – pray for peace.
• Arnaldo– my family, my 2 kids, my wife.
• Andy D– volunteer Matt had shoulder surgery yesterday, in a lot of pain, praying for relief and healing.
• Roland D– my wife’s healing and relief from pain.
• Eugene – my wrists, and my daughter (Cashmere) to be able to use right arm.

• Jack– crazy commissary situation again, my old cellmate using my PIN to order a ton of Spanish greeting cards.  Pray my legal team can resolve an outstanding warrant for me in South Carolina before my release on 7/23 so I don’t have to be extradited again. Pray all of this could be over so I can start my voluntary rehab and get back to my kids.

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

• Michael– my Mom, and everybody’s Moms, my Mom is 80 and has some health issues, pray she could stay calm because my situation really stressing her out.
• John– God to guide us all home.
• Daniel– my Mom is happy for my change of heart, and now my children can benefit, thankful for another day of life.  Pray for all my cellmates in here, especially my Latino brothers who are afraid of being deported, like my friend here from Guatemala.
• Brian– My Mom has been in and out of hospital with a gall bladder infection and needs it out – she’s real weak, pray for her healing and recovery.
• Tim– I go to court tomorrow, pray for charges to be dropped or a new fair trial.  Also for my family having a tough time.
• Erwin J– my wife Rena has back surgery on July 18.
• Manuel– my family, wife, daughter, and that I will be out in 9 months.
• Martin– to stay strong (in the Lord).
• Timothy– thanks that volunteer Dan is back with us, pray he continues to get stronger.
• Phil T– for Joy, who we previously prayed for to become pregnant, now pregnant with twins  but one of them is very sick.
• Jim M– my son Jacob.
• Dan T– my brother-in-law is at my house, pray for opportunity to witness and get through to him- he keeps deflecting.
• Phil T– recovery for volunteer in 2nd service (Matt) who had shoulder surgery.

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

• Frank– my Mom had heart failure and some cancer on her head- pray for healing.  Also for all of us in jail.
• Sam– Today is my release date but I’m still here – must need to hear something tonight before I go. Also for Matt’s recovery from shoulder surgery.
• Brian– personally I’m blessed with food and shelter here, so I pray for the homeless and hungry, for the sick and suffering, for all of us to find God’s blessing and peace. Also pray for Bill’s court date Wednesday, for leniency and God’s will to be done, and that he knows Jesus.
• Mike– for Cheryl and Annie to have strength and safety until I get home.
• Sam #2– my buddy Mike going through a lot of turmoil, I want to help him as much as I can.  And for my court date, that I’d be released on unsecured bail tomorrow.
• Ryan S– for motivation to get more physically fit.
• Rick C– for son Kyle to finally be rid of kidney stones and to put some priority to his spiritual wellbeing.
• Scott– for Prison Fellowship volunteering time each week to share God’s Word with us, and that we can remember what we learn to share it back on the blocks.
• Tim– my baby’s mom just lost newborn baby- for the family in grief.
• Vince– for myself, that the Good News would sink in , and for Armando’s rehab to kick in and be effective.
• Fernando– for my family having a hard time with me in here, and to get out soon.
• Jose G– for the salvation of all inmates and staff in the prison, and for each released inmate to engage with a Bible-teaching church and never come back in here.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For Chaplains Rhonda, Heinrich and Jack.
• Continued prayer for Heinrich’s family in South Africa mourning the loss of his sister.
• For all the volunteers and supporters of this ministry.
• For everyone at the prison- inmates, staff, and their families.
• For the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across 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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My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Do you constantly seek God’s direction?  I end my morning prayers asking how best I can honor and glorify Him today.  I’ve found one thing is certain – what God has for us to do is seldom comfortable, and often what we’d rather not do.  Sure, scripture tells us God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7), but I think that’s more about our heart condition towards following His will, and less about feeling good for the time, talent, and treasure we’re willing to give. Scripture also tells us obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22).  If we truly want to follow Him, we must be prepared to go where He asks.

Talk to anyone who’s introduced another person to Jesus. Most will admit it took them outside their comfort zone, but they’re so glad they did it.  That’s where we find Jesus. When we stretch ourselves and fully rely on Him to give us the opportunity and the words, He can use us more effectively than us waiting for when we feel ready.  Growing the Family of God happens through changed hearts – and that’s of the Holy Spirit, not us. He doesn’t need us to bring people to Him, but wants us to get involved in what He’s doing so we grow closer to Him.

Though we are a nation founded on independence, I pray we can all increase our dependence on Him in order to live the life He calls us to.  Thank you for how you join us each week depending on Him to hear and answer our prayers for the inmates, chaplains, volunteers, staff, and families connected with Chester County Prison.  Thank you for your faithful support in so many ways. Have a blessed week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Eugene – daughter (Cashmere) to be able to use right arm, and for strength/healing for my wrists.
• Roland D– wife (Debbi) healing from fractured pelvis and injured foot.
• Andy D– wife (Barbara) just diagnosed with sleep apnea, pray she can get accustomed to CPAP machine like I have and get back to restful sleep.
• Chris– praise God my high school sweetheart is back in my life.  Also for my baby’s mom to allow me to see my daughter.
• Lloyd– oldest daughter (Harley) just graduated high school, she’s responsible and I pray she stays safe and for her direction in life.  Also pray for all my 9 kids, and for my 9 sisters.
• Manuel– court date was delayed, no new date.  Pray for my family.
• Javier– my family.
• Jeff– my kids, especially my 15 month old daughter since her mom is here in prison now.
• Jim– everybody in here, all the court dates coming up, that it goes well on each of them.
• Arnoldo– my family, my wife and 2 kids, and for peace.

• Jack– thankful my commissary situation resolved, parents home safe from international travel, pray for relationship with my father- not currently on speaking terms due to disagreement and his discouraging words to me about not getting back on my feet for 18 months.  Thankful for surprise visit from my Mom last night.

NOTE: Due to a power outage at the prison, services were cancelled Monday Night. 

Below are a few requests from the team, and from Chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich.

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

o   Continued prayers of healing for team leader Dan undergoing cancer treatment

o   For Phil’s daughter Morgan suffering depression

o   Erwin’s wife Rena with upcoming back surgery

o   For Anna (14) in suicidal depression feeling nobody loves her

o   Dan’s brother in law in mental decline, hasn’t accepted Jesus yet

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

o   Volunteer Matt having shoulder surgery on Wednesday

o   Matt’s wife’s cousin (Chris) with brain tumor

Female Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda

L. J. – back in Chester County Prison; really going through some kind of struggle; she’s always open to hearing about God, but can’t seem to ever commit

K. F. – also back in CCP; experiencing mental and physical health issues;  seems she is a target of the other women for teasing and ridicule

D. S. – ALSO back in CCP; very distraught and discouraged about her circumstances; physical issues, but still trying to grow her relationship with the Lord

Male Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Heinrich

Please pray for:

• Inmates from the Restricted Housing Units where Chaplain Heinrich leads chapel services on Wednesdays. He is preaching through the Gospel of John in a verse-by-verse-chapter-by-chapter manner and is now in chapter 7.

• Inmates from the Maximum Security Units where Jim Davis of City Gate Mission leads chapel services on Wednesdays. Jim has faithfully served Maximum Security for many decades.

• Inmate X (now a Christian) who just “made a deal” at Court and will now spend 12 -14 years in a State Prison. We pray that he will understand that he can be a missionary/ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ in the “far country” where he will now live.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Our wonderful Chaplains serving in the prison each week – Heinrich and Rhonda.
• Continued prayer for Heinrich’s family in South Africa mourning the loss of his sister.
• Thankful for our many faithful supporters.
• Bless all the volunteers serving both inside and outside the prison.
• For all the staff members in the Prison, and their families.
• God’s provision for and blessings upon Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across 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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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.

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

www.onesimusministries.org