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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.

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www.onesimusministries.org

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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

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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.

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,

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