My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We had a bit of a situation last night at prison – Andy was to give the first service message but didn’t arrive with the rest of the team.  This was not like him at all.  In fact, a few weeks ago he hit a deer on his way to the prison and still arrived on time (with a half-wrecked car).  We waited for him as long as we could, then processed through entry control into the chapel to begin the service.  The inmates were escorted in – still no Andy.  Our team leader came up with an alternate plan for the message – each volunteer take a few minutes to share/teach a favorite Bible verse. The service continued with corporate prayer, and we prayed that Andy was OK and nothing bad happened.

As we proceeded into worship music time, our guitar player was in the midst of apologizing that our song leader Andy would not be with us tonight, but he was standing right there ready to go!  With our heads down in prayer, nobody noticed Andy slip into the room and assume his song leader position right on cue.  We all just had to laugh, commenting how God answers prayers, sometimes immediately.  We prayed for Andy, and he showed up!  Andy explained how a bridge closure on Route 82 seriously detoured him, taking him far out of the way, then the detour signs just stopped.  He had to use his phone GPS to find the prison. The icing on the cake was when we finally noticed him standing there, he simply said “I was lost but now I’m found!”

What a great object lesson for the men – we immediately went to prayer for a serious concern, we trusted God to provide and He did, and Andy was able to incorporate his little escapade into the message.  God doesn’t waste anything – we can use it all to point to Him.  Thanks for how you point the prayer requests to our Father in heaven each and every week.  It gives the men great comfort to know how a team of prayer warriors cares about them and spiritually has their back.  God bless you for serving in this way!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenny– very excited for my good friend Frances to come visit me on Tuesday. Please pray for my girlfriend, my family, my friends, especially Frances and Jimmy, and that my time in here continues to go fast and smooth. Pray for everyone to get a second chance.

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

• John– to return us to our families.
• Ron– get back up state.
• Ross– for everyone in here, their families, their court cases, and those going home to have a good journey. To get an answer to my letter to PA Bar Association about my situation. And for approved application to get me back home to Florida.
• Tyler– all of us in here and our kids and family – protection.  For my oldest son (3) with a brain disease, he has a procedure tomorrow.
• John– for all of us to keep the full armor of God on, protect us from the devil and his temptations.
• Troy– for my Aunt to walk again – she became paralyzed after a heart attack.
• Jim M– for Billy who has Parkinson’s disease. (Rick added his neighbor Lynn and his friend Connie who also have Parkinson’s).
• Marty– to get my life back together, and for my family.
• Phil T– for Andy who didn’t show up tonight, pray he’s safe.
• Joey– to keep our heads up while in here.
• Dan T– my brother-in-law to let go and accept Christ.

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

• Matt R– for all the incarcerated in here, and for the judges and those in powers to treat them fairly  and without prejudice.
• Andy D– for our country to have a smooth transition to our next president and his administration.
• Patrick– our families and loved ones going through tough times with us in here.
• Rick C– wisdom for each of us when it comes to big decisions, like I know several men are weighing options around plea deals and are stressed out.
• Tory– for my Dad (Charles) in bad health and preparing for the worst, and my girlfriend Lisa with stage 4 cancer.
• Steve– I have a substance abuse problem, and when I get out I want to go down the right road and not the wrong road that leads back here.
• Ryan– my Aunt Eileen has been struggling for a long time, and she showed up at my Mom’s church on Sunday and cried through the entire service. Pray this is a new beginning for her.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Pray for our Chaplains (Jack, Rhonda, Heinrich) to have all they need each day to minster effectively in Christ’s name.
• Pray for all the inmates, prison staff, and their families.
• Pray that God would solve the staff shortage and high turnover rate impacting religious programs and volunteer opportunities at the prison.
• Pray for those recently released from prison to connect with a good church and faithful brothers and sisters to help them on their faith journey.
• Pray for those headed to state prison to grow in the Lord and serve Him in a new location.
• Pray for the Aftercare ministries serving those released from Chester county prison.  May God’s provision sustain their ministries as they bless those who come to them for help.

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.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Prison Fellowship team got the evening off last night so that a praise band from a church in Coatesville could put on a concert for the inmates last night.  While we miss ministering to the men, we hope and pray it was an enjoyable and refreshing evening of lifting up praise to our mighty King.  We look forward to seeing them next Monday and hearing about the concert.

In lieu of prayer requests from the Monday evening church services, Chaplain Rhonda and Chaplain Heinrich were willing to supply prayer requests for some folks they are currently ministering to. Thank you all for your ministry to the inmates, staff, and volunteers at Chester County prison – your prayers really matter!  Our ministry would not succeed without faithful prayer warriors like yourselves. Keep up the good work!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenneth– Lord grant me peace about deciding to fight for my innocence versus taking a plea deal, give me strength and focus to do the right thing and may the truth be made clear to all.
• Lloyd– to find purpose for my life, I need forgiveness – can’t forgive myself for some of the horrible things I’ve done – I’ve tried to take my life several times.

[Note: we assured this individual that accepting Christ assures forgiveness for everything we’ve ever done, and that God has a plan for him]

• Kenny– new maintenance job going real well – keeps me busy and time goes fast. Please pray for my family, friends, my girlfriend, and that Frances and Jimmy doing well.  Pray my time here goes fast and smooth – 5 months down, 6 to go – and that my time here is a life lesson for my future. Also pray my job can move me over to the Work Release Center.

Female Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda

• T. J. – wrote to me asking for prayer for “spiritual healing, grief, and also guidance”. Her mom died last year and she is still struggling with coming to terms with it.

• B. T. – her niece overdosed and is now in a coma, without brain activity. The family is talking about taking her off life support. She is struggling in dealing with this, especially since she can’t be with her family right now.

• J. C. – re-incarcerated; dealing with extreme anxiety; she is a single mother with a 12yr old that is spiraling out of control and 3 other children to care for as well 

Male Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Heinrich

Please pray for:

• FH: Elderly man (76) incarcerated for first time. Pray for everyone involved: spouse, children, congregation, law enforcement, and legal staff.
• WB: Brother passed away from drug OD.
• JK: Inmate with severe emotional disturbances. Been at CCP for 5 years, miserable future ahead except for God stepping into his situation. Blank stare…
• RS: About to be released to Jubilee Ministries where he “stumbled” spiritually at end of a previous stay. Thank God for a gracious opportunity to return and complete the training.
• Pray for family of young man who passed away from drug related incident soon after intake. Pray for medical and security staff emotionally impacted by the death after working very hard to regain a pulse.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Blessings upon our Chaplains and their families- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich.
• Pray for the prison staff, female inmates, male inmates, all youth in juvenile detention, and all of their families.
• For timely resolution of prison staff shortage and high turnover rate that impacts volunteer opportunities and the amount of religious programming allowed at the prison.
• For recently released inmates to find a good church, surround themselves with brothers and sisters in the faith, and stay on the path as they continue their faith journey.
• For those headed to state prison to continue their journey of faith, and see their new location as a mission field.
• For God’s blessing upon, and provision for, the various Aftercare ministries across Chester county.  May they be equipped with all they need to continue operating and ministering to former inmates and everyone who comes to them for help.

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.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The biggest prayer request among both inmates and volunteers last night was peace around this election.  Our country has been through the wringer for years with all the rhetoric and divisiveness across all channels of television and social media. No matter which way the election turns out, our God is still on the throne.   HE alone determines what will ultimately transpire in our world according to His plan.

In chapter 2 of his book, Daniel said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for He has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.” (Daniel 2:20-21)  God’s chosen people, the Israelites, experienced both good kings and bad kings in their history – why should we be any different?

One thing is certain – as Christians, we must set the example for our world and our local communities by following Jesus’ commands to love one another (John 13:34) and even love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).  This is especially important in these contentious times within which we live. And while we’re praying for them, why not also pray for the requests below? 

Thank you all for your diligence in lifting up the men and women in prison every week. Your prayers are a wonderfully loving way to reach out to neighbors you may never actually meet (but maybe one day in heaven).  God bless your week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• John– that God will return us to our families.
• Ron– eventually get me back up state (prison), it’s been a month already.
• Drake– to not be double-charged for the same crime in 2 counties.  Also for the conversion of all my family members, and for there to be more community and friends among us.
• Ross– that my application would go through and work out to get me back home to Florida, and reach my max out date in April.  For everyone in here, their families, their health, and their court cases.  For those going home to have a good journey.
• Joey– for my time in here to be a speedy process, and that I can come out a better person.
• Mark– thankful for volunteers spending their time with us.
• Jose G– for the election tomorrow, for our nation, and for the salvation of every sole in this facility.  Also want to lift up 2 relatives with lung cancer – John and James.
• Dan T– for the Lord’s choice to get into the White House, and for a good witness opportunity with my brother-in-law, that He would accept Christ’s love in his heart.
• Troy– that I get out on Thursday, and for the Outley House in Philly.
• Warren– that we not be discouraged and trust in the Lord.

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

• Deron– for the volunteers and what they have going on in their lives, and for the men on the block that couldn’t make it out tonight, for my kids and my mom to stay safe.
• Jeremiah– for my children, and for people in my corner helping me out.
• Don– my daughters, and to undo the negativity experienced through the week.  Also thankful for the volunteers.
• Brian– for forgiveness, strength, understanding, and freedom.
• Andy D– peace in our nation after election, that people can see past this and love each other.
• Matt R– for men and women incarcerated throughout the world.  It’s a broken systme, pray that they get fair treatment – God watch over each of them and protect them.
• Deron– for victims of wars in the middle east and other places and the terrorist activities happen all over.  My brother is in the Army – please keep him safe.
• Ryan– my friend Mike has a friend who was in a bad motorcycle accident and lost his leg.  Pray for healing for everyone involved.  Also for people suffering in seemingly unfair circumstances, that they would trust God.
• Troy– not feeling well tonight, pick me up with strength and healing.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Continued blessings and provision upon our faithful Chaplains and their families- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich.
• Please solve the prison staff shortage and resolve high turnover which all impacts volunteer opportunities and overall religious programs at the prison.
• God bless each member of the prison staff, each inmate, and all of their families.
• May those recently released be faithful to Your guidance, receive Your protection, and constantly seek Your guidance in their everyday lives.  Please be with those headed to state prison as well.
• Blessings that all needs be met for the various Aftercare ministries across Chester county, and that they would be able to continue operating and helping former inmates and everyone who comes to them for help.

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.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We’d like to thank our great God, and everyone who participated in our 1st annual benefit dinner at Green Street Grill – it was a resounding success!  From the feedback so far, everyone had a wonderful evening.  The food was off the charts, the fellowship was great, the live music added a nice touch of class, and many people had fun bidding on an array of interesting silent auction items. We especially want to thank our gracious host Kerry Greco and his Green Street Grill staff – well done!

It’s so cool when God’s people come together for a good cause, support it so well, and have fun at the same time – a win-win-win situation. We’re also thankful for how we all come together each week in prayer for the benefit of those in prison, those ministering to them, and those overseeing them. God honors and answers our prayers in ways we may never see personally.

I preached through 1 Timothy 2 last night, and this weekly email is a great opportunity to practice the first few verses:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

May God bless you in a special way this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenny– thankful for maintenance job that starts tomorrow – no more crazy early hours getting up at 2:30AM to work in the kitchen. I get to have a more normal routine so I can attend Bible study on the block and go to church on Monday nights.  Please pray for my family, my girlfriend, and my friends.  Pray my time here goes fast and smooth, and for everyone here to find a way to God.

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

• John– that God will return us to our families.
• Ron– to get back up state (prison).
• Douglas– to go home after my court date on Wednesday, and get back to work to give my kids a good Christmas.
• Josh– my court date on Friday.
• Joe– for my good friend Renee
• Ross– for everyone in here, and their court dates, for our families, and that I can max out my time and get back home to Florida. Praying for an answer to my complaint to PA Bar association about my situation. Also for all the young trick-or-treaters to have a safe holiday.
• Shawn– that I can get into rehab.
• Demonte– for everyone’s mental health in here.
• Drake– my baptism coming up on the 31st.
• Dan T– for my brother in law to accept Christ.
• Phil T– for the Alpha program at my church, and the Holy Spirit weekend coming up – that participants would sense the presence of God’s spirit.

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

• Jeremiah– for my sister Tamika to fully recover from her surgery.
• Donald– for my daughter and 3 grandchildren at home.
• Candido– for my family, for me, my friends, and everything in between.
• Adrien– my family and my parents.
• Pasquale– my wife, my kids, my mother.
• Jose– for perseverance, forgiveness, and patience.
• Matt R– mt friend Ethan lost his father 2 days ago – strength for the family

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Praise God for blessing us with a wonderful outcome for our 1st annual Benefit Dinner.
• God bless our wonderful Chaplains and their families- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich.
• Resolution of prison staffing shortage and high turnover which impact religious programs at the prison.
• That every inmate would act upon the opportunity to invite Christ into his/her heart.
• May the Lord bless the prison staff, inmates, and all of their families.
• Guide, direct, and protect all recently released inmates and those transitioning to state prison.
• Provide for the needs of Aftercare ministries across Chester county, that they would continue to minister effectively to former inmates and everyone who comes to them for help.

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.

These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/

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

www.onesimusministries.org