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Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Last night we were reminded anew just how stressful living in a prison environment can be.  Similar to enlisting in the military, you land in a strange place, wearing strange (issued) clothing, among groups of people you wouldn't normally be around (and likely wouldn't choose to be around), all the while being told what to do, what not to do, and forcefully corrected when you cross the line.  Feeling trapped 24/7 in a situation where you have no control.  Everyone feels it, and everyone is on edge.

We all seek peace in our lives – we take vacations, we're “working for the weekends”, and sometimes we just want to be left alone.  But when your location is restricted to a cell or cell block, peace is often in short supply, even in a prison church service.  Like when you're intently listening to a Biblical message, and the guy next to you won't stop talking and trying to have a side conversation with you.  We noticed this as an inmate who is normally cool, calm, and collected almost lost it on another inmate with apparent mental issues.

Thankfully the service was soon over and I was able to get over there and pray with him for peace and the ability to just let it go.  He thanked me, saying he really needed that, and prison will drive you crazy if you're not careful.  The peaceful Spirit of the Living God is very welcome in the hearts of many inmates who won't find peace anywhere else.  Perhaps that's what God is teaching them.  I freely admit my gladness that I'm not being taught that lesson like that.

How do you find peace?  I'll bet one way is through prayer.  Please pray for the peace of each inmate on each cell block in Chester county prison – we hear of the unsettled craziness all the time.  Thank you for praying for that, for them, and for so many prayer requests that come in each week.  And may God's peace surround you and your family as you seek Him with your whole heart. Blessings!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (Inmate 1-on-1 sessions):

• William– Father passed away in late August, Mom had passed years before. Interested in attending church services, not sure when they are.  Spending time each day in prayer and in my Bible, and keeping mostly to myself in here. Interested in continuing to meet 1-1.
• Troy– praise God I have a court date on 10/20 – my 5th time scheduled, but haven't been called up yet, pray I'll actually be called up to go to court this time.  My CT scans showed lymph nodes ok, but maybe emphysema, will have CT scans for lungs in a few weeks.  Been here since 12/2/25, hope to talk to a lawyer about rules regarding release if no court date after 9 months.

Prayer Requests from 6:00pm Monday service:

• Dan– I have a scan Tue at 2pm as part of my cancer treatment, pray for me as I'm very claustrophobic and the scan involves laying inside a narrow tube.
• Mark– to actually get called up Wed and get to court, and for the process to get moving.
• Ariel– for my family, healing for my brother, for my sister, my Mom, and my Father, for all the men here, and for every single life on this earth.  Pray all goes well with court date on 10/5, thanks for answered prayer – judge would not grant new lawyer, but now I have new lawyer.  For my ex-wife, I made a mistake divorcing her, pray she has a good life.  And for my brain cyst.
• Troy– for my wife (Beth) and my kids (Stephanie, Tyson, and Lexus), and my entire family that supports me.  For everyone in here to successfully get out and walk with the Lord, for my court date 10/20 finally, and I have a scan on my lungs coming up.
• Cory– to hopefully get out after my court date 10/19 – that I would get time served.  And for my sister who got suspended from school, she's back now, but pray she will do well and not get expelled.
• Greg– couldn't see my family last week due to busy schedules – haven't seen them in a year, pray we can visit soon.
• Phil– my cousin Dotsy was put on hospice, praying for the opportunity to share the Gospel with her.  Also for my eldest daughter Brooke whose husband travels a lot and she's with kids all the time, and her kids are a handful – pray for her peace and strength.
• Jim– for every last person in this prison to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
• Troy– thankful for volunteers coming out here, even on their birthdays.  And for Erwin who I haven't seen in a couple weeks- pray he and his family are doing well.
• Rick– for my daughter (Ali) and her husband (Aaron) having difficulty trying to conceive, pray that God would bless them with a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
• Ben– thankful for God showing me miracles all around me, and blessing me beyond imagination – pray I wouldn't be prideful for how much I'm blessed.

Prayer Requests from 7:30pm Monday service:

• Rick: for our brother, volunteer Bill Harkins undergoing cancer treatments. Continued healing and good reports.
• Dave– elderly mother broke her back and needs to rest, trial coming up next week
• Steve– find a church in the Philadelphia area when I get released
• Brian– 5 children to have a relationship with God, grandmother (Lynn) was in a car accident, family, friends and inmates here
• Matt– wife (Brenna) comfort and peace while I'm away from her
• Billy– volunteers/church, ALL families have happy successful lives
• Troy– son Zack, approval from Google/Apple for the app he created
• Andy– I lost my glasses on vacation-they get returned to me
• Matt– unsaved family members, be more like Jesus and less like myself

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For the organizing and ticket sales of Onesimus Benefit Dinner at Green Street Grill on Nov 13.
• For Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, wisdom and insight for the future of this ministry.
• For Chaplain Rhonda, in her ministry to female inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Heinrich, in his ministry to male inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Jack Crans, leading chaplaincy at Chester County Prison among both inmates and prison leadership, and for his personal strength and healing from cancer.
• For all Volunteers ministering in Chester County Prison.
• For the Warden and leadership at CCP, may ministries continue to find favor with them.
• For the Families of each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

My daughter called me the other day to ask about a warning light on her car dashboard. As it turns out, it was just a reminder to get an oil change. Then she had questions about where to go for that, and did her car need synthetic oil, etc.  I was happy to speak with her and guide her in the right direction.

Unfortunately, she and I don't have nearly as close a connection as she has with my wife. In fact, I seldom hear from her unless she needs help with a car problem or has an issue with her house. But I'm quick to answer when she calls, and always set aside whatever I'm doing to focus on her. Even if it's just for some help, I'm thankful for the opportunity to talk with her.

I think that's how it works between some people and God.  They don't really have much of a connection with Him until they're in trouble. Then they cry out for His help, realizing they're in a jam beyond what they can handle. I've heard the term “foxhole prayers” describe that situation for soldiers on the battlefield. We talk about this often in the prison.

God is such a good Father. He the perfect Father, and I believe He's happy to hear from us even if it's only when we're in trouble. And He doesn't want it to stop there – He'd like to hear from us in good times, too.  In fact, He'd love to hear from us non-stop. His Word reminds us in 1Thes 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

He wants our attention, our worship, our hurts, our struggles, and our joys. He wants a relationship with us, and every relationship requires honest and open communication. We speak to Him in prayer and praise, and through our actions.  He speaks to us through His Word, through others, through circumstances, and some are fortunate enough to actually hear His voice.

Communicating is critically important in any relationship. Thank you all for using your connection with the Father to lift up others like the men and women in Chester County Prison. And let's add to our prayers that each person reaching out to God for help in prayer mighty swing that door wide open and keep praying through the good and the bad. And may your relationship with our Heavenly Father continue to be strengthened each week through these prayer requests. God bless you!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (Inmate 1-on-1 sessions):

• Troy– I was supposed to have court Tuesday, but never got called up.  Then I tried to call my wife a bunch of times and no answer. My cellmate is driving me crazy even though I warn him I'm not playin around. It feels like Satan is all over my back.  I keep trying to give it to God.  Then I found out my wife was having issues with her phone. I don't know why I keep thinking the worst when I can't get in touch with her.  I need to be with her.
• William– [I was scheduled to meet him for the first time last Thursday, but he refused all appointments that day. His father died 2 weeks ago, and Chaplain Heinrich believes he is open to speaking with me even though he's not a believer.  Please pray for William's heart to be softened and open to what God would have me discuss with him, and that I may be God's ambassador to simply listen and show him the love of Christ.  I scheduled another 1-on-1 for this Thursday.]

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (6:00pm Monday service):

• Greg– my sister is pregnant, prayers for her and the baby, and my brother's wife is also pregnant – I'm going to be an uncle x2!
• Daryll– for my family to be saved, and thankful that the Judge offered me 3 months, plus I'm going to rehab. Pray for all the men in here, and thankful that I still have my apartment in Coatesville, my sister has been taking care of things for me.
• Ross– for the church to continue to grow and get strong.  We had a great service in here the other day with like 60 guys, and they preached how the Spirit is moving today, that's great news.
• Troy– for my wife Beth, my kids Stephanie, Tyson, and Lexus, my granddaughter, my sister, my brother, and my whole extended family.  For my wife's spirits which have been real low lately, for forgiveness, and that we might have some peace in this world until the Prince of Peace returns – everyone needs to stay aware and find God before that happens.
• Mike– for my family- wife Robin, kids Hannah, Gavin, and Michael.
• Shaun– for everyone here, my family, and for a solid place to live when I get out of here.
• Jim (volunteer)- my friend's wife died 1 month ago in his arms, they were married 31 years.  I witnessed to him and hope he trusts in God.  Pray for all in here to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
• Troy– thankful for a new cellmate (Elijah) who came out with me tonight, and has let me talk his ears off.  He has court Friday and pray he can get home to his girl and 10-month-old son.
• Phil (volunteer)- We were praying for Andre and Nicolle who had an operation weeks ago and were told they will get pregnant within a year.  Pray for all those struggling to conceive, like Thomas and Josie, and Ali and Aaron.
• Jose (volunteer)- for Terry Long in prison ministry in Delaware, his wife passed and he's really struggling with loneliness.  Also for 7-year-old Joen who had surgery but now having kidney issues.
• Mike– for the people in Nepal dealing with the aftermath of massive flash floods wiping out many villages, pray for families of those who died (over 1300) and for the thousands still missing.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (7:30pm Monday service):

• Rick– for our brother, volunteer Bill Harkins undergoing cancer treatments. Continued healing and good reports.
• Dave – Healing for his mom who broke her back, she’s in her late 70s, she spent eight weeks in the hospital, and she’s been home one week.
• Brett – That he would continue his walk with God after prison in treatment and that he would find brothers and community in treatment.
• Maurice – For better health for himself and for hope for his friends that they would get out of prison soon.
• Matt – For unsaved, family members, and that he would live with purpose and guidance from God.
• Jim – Healing for his friend Bruce who has a disease called Diverticulitis.
• Jose – That everyone at the facility would know Christ as their savior, and for sanctification for all those who do know him.  Also healing for his knees.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For everything to come together with Onesimus Benefit Dinner at Green Street Grill on Nov 13.
• For Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, grant them wisdom and insight for the future of this ministry.
• For Chaplain Rhonda, in her ministry to female inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Heinrich, in his ministry to male inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Jack Crans, leading chaplaincy at Chester County Prison among both inmates and prison leadership, and for his personal strength and healing from cancer.
• For all Volunteers ministering in Chester County Prison.
• For the Warden and leadership at CCP, may ministries continue to find favor with them.
• For the Families of each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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To my Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Our God loves us with an incredible, all-encompassing, selfless love.  We call it agape love – a sacrificial love perfectly displayed through Jesus' willingness to go to the cross for each one of us.  God demonstrates this completely selfless love for us, and He wants us to exercise it for one another.  He reminds us throughout scripture to “love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 13.34), “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22.39), “love your enemies” (Lk 6.27), and “let all you do be done in love” (1Cor 16.14).

I think the best test to see how you're doing with agape love is taking care of a baby or a new puppy.  They are completely dependent on you.  It's exhausting to take care of all their needs while putting your own needs aside.  And they can't repay the effort – this kind of loving care is a one-sided transaction.  Just like God towards us.

My wife and I are currently undergoing such a test.  On Saturday we rescued a sweet 8-month old German shepherd puppy surrendered from an Amish puppy mill.  Her previous name was #5.  This pup had a rough start to life, with exactly zero training, so it's been a challenge.  But we're pouring our hearts into making the rest of her life as good as it can be.

I'm reminded of God's selfless, agape love for me every time I get up to let her out (even at 3AM in the rain), or re-arranging our schedules for one of us to be home with her until we complete crate training.  Our lives have been completely impacted, yet it's such a great lesson.  God loves us so much more than we could ever love this puppy.

Thank you for demonstrating your love for inmates who are blessed by your prayers, yet will probably never repay the effort.  You are practicing agape love, and that makes God happy.  Let's all do our best to continue following His will to love one another.  God's blessing upon you and yours this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (Inmate 1-on-1 sessions):

• Troy– my wife's car died, making it difficult to get to work at the diner. I'm frustrated being in here and not able to take care of things for her.  Pray my court date on 9/1 goes well with charges dismissed. I have no peace in here, my cellmate won't leave me alone even when I tell him to.  He's really testing me to my limits, but I thank God for working on my heart because in the past I would have already taken care of him my own way (and gotten into much more trouble).

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (6:00pm Monday service):

• David– for all the men here tonight, my kids, my grandkids, and my court date coming up Oct 8- pray I can get out and get help.
• Jacob– my daughter started kindergarten today, praying the Holy Spirit gives her strength and confidence- she was scared to do this without me there.
• Steve– for my 2 yr old son to be OK and safe out there, and for my baby's mama to be provided for while I'm in here.
• Maurice– for my health, it's not looking good.
• Matthew– for my kids, my health, and my freedom.
• Bryan– my oldest son (14) is planning to get baptized, I pray the Holy Spirit will grace him with wisdom and understanding to make the right decisions in life.  I pray for my miserable self, fallen so far from God and headed towards the fires of Hell. And for all our families and loved ones.  [NOTE: during the prayer, I assured Bryan and all the men that no one is too far from God's love and forgiveness if we put our trust in Him as Lord and Savior].
• Patrick– for this world.  I never used to take this stuff seriously, then I read the comic book Bible [an illustrated Bible for adults available to inmates] and things are different.  I'm not sure, but I know things are different because I never cared about all this stuff before.
• Erwin (volunteer)- for my wife Rena's health issues, and my sister Elwyn's battle with cancer.
• Dan (volunteer)- thankful that my brother-in-law John is a growing Christian – he's the one we prayed for over a year, and pray for all new Christians to continue on their path towards God.
• Jim (volunteer)- for everyone in this prison to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
• Phil (volunteer)- for the family of my neighbor Brittney (32) who died from brain aneurysm last week.  Her father was a believer and passed away earlier this year, don't think she was a believer.  Pray she knew the Lord before closing her eyes in death, and that her family would open their eyes and pursue Jesus.
• Jose (volunteer)- for the people of Nepal suffering from the tragic massive flash flood that killed hundreds with hundreds more missing.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (7:30pm Monday service):

• Rick – Continued healing and good reports for our brother, volunteer Bill Harkins undergoing cancer treatments.
• Ariel– freedom, fairness in court system, family (brother, sister, mom), forgiveness for my father, new direction, more desire, more peace, my friend (Daniel) that helped me find a lawyer
• J.D.– family and kids, Chris (lost his daughter), everybody that's struggling, find path to God
• Greg– feeling trapped, turn to God and find freedom, family's well being
• Troy– wife (Beth), son (Tyson), daughters (Stephanie/Lexus), brother (Jimmy), sister (Debbie), court on 9/1 and that God is with me, strengthen me, my dog (Ruckus)
• Mike– wife (Robin), daughter (Hanna), sons (Michael/Gavin), forgiveness
• Anthony– mom (struggling with money), sister, strength, relief, peace, brother (Angel), friends
• Jih– president, church in America to rise up and lead the way for Christ
• Edgar– family
• Andy (volunteer)- unsaved family members
• Matt (volunteer)- family, keep my eyes on the Lord and be uncommon

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For all Volunteers ministering in Chester County Prison.
• For the Warden and leadership at CCP, that ministries continue to find favor with them.
• For Chaplain Rhonda, in her ministry to female inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Heinrich, in his ministry to male inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Jack Crans, leading chaplaincy at Chester County Prison among both inmates and prison leadership, and for his personal strength and healing from cancer.
• For the Families of each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, grant them wisdom and insight for the future of this ministry.
• For the planning and all to go well with Onesimus Benefit Dinner at Green Street Grill on Nov 13.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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

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To my Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I think most would agree life is all about choices.  Some may even say we are the product of all of our decisions.  On our way into the prison last night, the officer at the visitor entrance mentioned we may not get many inmates at the service because it was a very nice day and they had yard time. Tough choice for those cooped up in prison day after day – how often do they have the chance to get outside for a breath of fresh air?  Less often than we might think.

When the men showed up, there were fewer than half our normal amount, as predicted.  But the men that did come to church actually mentioned that they purposefully made that choice because some things are more important.  And throughout the service, the ultimate choice was mentioned over and over – the biggest choice any human on this Earth can make – the choice that determines our eternal destiny – to trust in and believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It's encouraging to hear some men include prayers for salvation of everyone on their block, or in the whole prison, in their prayer requests.  A sign of maturing faith is when our prayers start focusing more on others instead of ourselves.  You know, like all of you do each week.

Thank you for being selfless in the way you pray for these men and their families each and every week.  May our Heavenly Father honor your prayers and return blessings upon you and your families.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (Inmate 1-on-1 sessions):

• Troy– Please pray for my wife Beth, she was out of sorts when I last talked to her – she's worried about me and our daughter and not sleeping or eating right.  She was in the hospital for low blood pressure (plus she's had a bad heart valve from birth).  I'm very concerned about her, and she and the kids are not saved. I need to get out of here and share my faith with all of them.  I finally got a court date for 9/1, pray that it holds and charges all get dismissed. And pray for my friend Jaxx, he prays even though he doesn't go to church.
• Brandon– [He was released on parole last Wednesday, please pray that Brandon follows through pursuing the Lord in his endeavors.]

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (6:00pm Monday service):

• Mike– my wife Robin and my kids Hannah, Gavin, and Michael.  There's been pressure to sell the house, pray for a delay on that.
• Greg– I have court tomorrow, been here 4 months, pray all goes well and I'm able to get home soon.  And even if I have to stay here longer, I plan to apply for and work my way through the big Holy Bible workbook like our friend Erskin was doing.
• JD– praise and thanks that I'm off crutches.  Friday was a hard day – would have been my late mother's 74th birthday.  Although I did feel the Lord's hand of comfort on me, and I believe He told me to share my story with others.
• Troy– for my wife and kids. This past week I was distraught about my situation, and I just fully gave it over to God and surrendered to His Holy Spirit.  I just want to live for Him.  Also pray for my friend Anthony who went to rehab.
• Jim M– my with cancer that we were praying for passed away on Friday – he knew Jesus so he's in heaven now, and I guess he's completely healed!  Pray that everyone in this place knows Jesus.
• Julius– God is doing great things in my life, and I'm so thankful.  I pray for endurance as we deal with such great negativity on the block, help me to not judge others.  I'm signed up for the inside-out program at West Chester, and I'm in line to get a job on the tier, also hoping to get to the work release center.  Pray for all those getting out to stay on the path towards God.
• Ross– they want me on meds but won't tell me why- pray for transparency of inmate medical system.  Praise God for my friend who got a position at the VA, and thankful for some great prison services put on by pastors from local churches.
• Erwin J– health and strength for wife Rena, and sister Elwyn going through cancer treatments.
• Ariel– we all make mistakes, I pray for every man to get better each day, help us not to overreact to bad things.  Pray for my friend Daniel, and that I can get a good lawyer for my court date on 9/17.  Thankful for volunteers who come out, and for my Mom, my sister, my brother, and my father, who I've finally forgiven.

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (7:30pm Monday service):

• Rick – Continued healing and good reports for our brother, volunteer Bill Harkins undergoing cancer treatments.
• Robert – pray for no problems during his time in prison and to find a good rehab + family/friends and safe travels.
• Merlyn – pray for miracles for his family + to see God move within his family.
• Brett – pray for his father who was recently in a car accident. Pray for healing, guidance, and protection for his dad.
• Steve – pray for his lawsuit case to go well + his son (provision and safety).
• Dave – pray that he would rely on God + his case + God's will in his life.
• Al – pray for his mother's rehab meeting / transition + for his business.
• Matt R. (volunteer) – pray for his father's marriage + family healing from the passing of his father in-law (peace) + his mother in-law Cheryl.
• Andy (volunteer) – pray for his brother and sister's salvation + that God would continue to soften his heart.
• Shane (volunteer) – pray for continued steps into gratitude and humility.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For the many Volunteers ministering in Chester County Prison.
• For the Warden and his leaders at CCP, may ministries continue to find favor with them.
• For Chaplain Rhonda, in her ministry to female inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Heinrich, in his ministry to male inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Jack Crans, leading chaplaincy at Chester County Prison among both inmates and prison leadership, and for his personal strength and healing from cancer.
• For the Families of each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, grant them wisdom and insight for the future of the ministry.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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,

Humans are creatures of habit.  We are most comfortable in familiar surroundings with people we know and care about.  Recent renovations that closed the prison chapel were needed, but took us away from familiar surroundings for our weekly Monday night church services.  Volunteers were grateful to still meet with inmates using a few classrooms, but we were all looking forward to getting back into the chapel.  I heard the same from several inmates.

God is not limited in any way, and church services can be held anywhere, but there's just something special about being in a dedicated space. Jesus described to His disciples a special place where all followers will eventually experience ultimate comfort:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ” (John 14:1-3)

Imagine that – being in the best place possible with the One who loves you the most.  That's not just comfortable, I'd call that paradise.  While we're waiting to join each other in our Father's house, He's given us instructions – check out 1 Thessalonians 5.  All of you remind me of 3 of those things:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thes 5:16-18)

We give thanks for your partnership in this ministry, rejoicing with you that inmates are experiencing the love of Christ and hearing the Good News each week, and we are all covering them in prayer.  May God bless all of His faithful followers in a special way this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (6:00pm Monday service):

• Troy– Thanks for my wife and kids; for forgiveness; peace on K block; for court dates;
• Cory– to get out soon; for God to put me on a good path when he gets out;
• Ariel – for family; for the truth to come out; for freedom; for relationships; for court dates; for the people of Brazil; (had other requests, but could not get them all down;
• Daryl – for his family; for other’s families;
• Erwin J– for wife Rena's health;  (I also asked for prayers for his 92 year-old sister, Elwyn, who is suffering with cancer.)
• Anthony – for his brother, Dominique, who has autism; to get out soon;
• Scott – for Jack Crans;
• Jose G– for salvation of everyone here;
• Phil T – thanks for twin baby Josey’s successful feeding tube surgery; for Rick & his family on vacation; for his daughter, Ali, & her husband to be blessed with a child; for all couple’s struggling w/ fertility including Andre & Nicole, and Thomas & Josey; for reconciliation of families; for us to always walk our talk; for courage regarding a situation & in sharing the Good News; for Jim’s message

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (7:30pm Monday service):

• For continued healing of our brother volunteer Bill Harkins.
• Shane– think more about others, less about myself.
• Merlin– Praise God for taking care of my family.
• Al– daughter starting at Temple, hearing for guardianship of my mother.
• Joseph– for family, for friends and enemies to take up the cross and follow the Lord.
• Terrence– pray for release and once out, to find a way to make a living without breaking the law.
• Charles– for the sick, the suffering, the addicted, the healing hand of God in their life.
• Brett– health of family, to be aware of new perspective on life.
• Dave– family issues, healing for mother who fractured her back.
• Jason– for my wife and kids.
• Todd– for my time to go quickly and smoothly without problems.
• Angel– for healing of my brother, father, and for everyone's freedom.
• Harry– healing from addiction, and keep my faith in the Lord.
• Jacob– my daughters, grandmother, and my last few weeks to go smoothly.
• Harry K– for family and repaired relationships.
• Artimeo– Jesus, family, for life inside the prison and outside.
• Mike– for peace, freedom from drugs.
• Andy D– healing for my wife Barb's knees.
• Troy– success for my son Zack's new business application.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For the many Volunteers ministering within Chester County Prison.
• For the Warden and all leaders within CCP, may we continue to find favor.
• For Chaplain Rhonda, and her ministry to female inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Heinrich, and his ministry to male inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Jack Crans, as he leads chaplaincy at Chester County Prison among both inmates and prison leadership, and for his personal strength and healing from cancer.
• For the Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, wisdom and insight for the future of the ministry.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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,

Each of the Monday night volunteers takes their turn preparing and delivering a message to the inmates.  We never know ahead of time how many will come out and hear that message, but we trust God will put the right people in the room that need to hear what He's put on the heart of that week's preacher.

As a group, we resolved to prepare and execute the service to the best of our abilities no matter if it's 30 inmates or only 3.  In fact, a few years back we had a service where only 1 inmate came out.  Seemed kind of silly with 7 volunteers for just 1 inmate, but we held the service just the same (although if I recall, we sat in a small group and had a more intimate service that week).

It's the same routine every week – we arrive, prepare the room, and we wait.  We chat about how many will come out.  Andy talks about how his wife prayed a number, and she's often right on the money.  Last night we weren't sure if anyone was coming – and we've had that happen in the past as well.  On rare occasion, we get word from an officer that nobody is coming, so we have a brief time of prayer for the inmates and go home.

Last night we had only 3 inmates in first service, but must have faith that it's exactly who God wanted in that place at that time.  And we must honor God by giving our best in all circumstances.  Do you get depressed or angry when things don't turn out the way you expect?  I think we all do, but it's a chance to flex our faith muscles and practice our resolve to use our God-given gifts to His glory no matter what.

Thank you all for flexing your prayer muscles each week for these men and their families.  We all win, and hopefully we all get closer to God in the process.  God bless your week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (Inmate 1-on-1 sessions):

• Troy– the drama from my cellmate is too much, losing my peace.  Had a rough call with wife- she's in a bad mood.  I can't video call her because of technical glitch. Praise God my brother Jimmy visited me again, and he called his granddaughter Kelani after 3 years of silence.  My court date passed and I have no information about what's going on with my case – I just want it to be over, no matter the outcome.  Please pray for my friend Jaxx, thankful he's in my life. Please pray for former cellmate Mac whose uncle died suddenly from a slip and fall accident.
• Brandon– back to regular cell as of Wed – 24 days in the hole – glad to be out, but not happy about circumstances that put me there (belligerence and mouthing off to officers that resulted in physical altercation). Help my attitude and language, and how I represent Christians.  Thankful my release date still Aug 19.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (6:00pm Monday service):

• Greg– thankful I was out in the yard and got to see the sun rise.  Lots of men on the block leaving, I pray the best for them – like Carl getting to rehab.  I'm getting released this week, and need to find a good church.  Happy news- my brother and his wife are expecting a baby in Nov.
• Corey– this is my second time in prison – when I get out, I don't ever want to come back.  Pray for the people affected by all the tornado warnings across Pennsylvania – keep them safe.
• Erwin J– pray for wife Rena's health.
• Rick C– pray for daughter Ali and husband to conceive.
• Andy L– safety for all the family members who travelled to be part of family reunion.
• Jose G– for every heart in this prison to know salvation through Jesus Christ.
• Dan T– my brother-in-law continues to grow in faith – praise God.

Prayer Requests from Medium Security (6:15pm Monday service):

• [The group was much larger than usual and arrived really late.  We prayed themes as a group instead of individual requests.]
• Family
• Freedom
• Understanding
• Inmates
• Court dates
• Unity between cellmates
• Medical- attention, needs, treatment
• Forgiveness
• Reconciliation (family/friends)
• Sobriety
• Fair treatment (judicial system)

Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (7:30pm Monday service):

• For continued healing of our brother volunteer Bill Harkins.
• Johnny– son (reconciliation), court date
• Jacob– grandmother, daughters (oldest daughter's birthday is 7/28)
• Harry K.– family, kids, repaired relationships
• Stanley– parents, brother
• Harry D.- every man in here finds what he's searching for, my faith continues to grow
• Michael– life (understanding/direction)
• Artemio– family, situation, everybody here
• Todd– soul of my best friend Ashley (passed away 7 years ago)
• Merlin– wife/daughters (protection for them while I'm in here)
• Rodney– kids, wife, mother, grandchildren
• Jason– kids, grandkids, wife, stronger relationship with God, court dates
• Jim– family, healing for relationships
• Andy– healing for wife's knee
• Matt– family still grieving the loss of my father in law

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For the many Volunteers ministering within Chester County Prison.
• For the Warden and all leaders within CCP, may we continue to find favor.
• For Chaplain Rhonda, and her ministry to female inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Heinrich, and his ministry to male inmates, staff, and families.
• For Chaplain Jack Crans, as he leads chaplaincy at Chester County Prison among both inmates and prison leadership, and for his personal strength and healing from cancer.
• For the Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• For Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, wisdom and insight for the future of the ministry.
• For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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