Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

More answered prayer! Do you ever get tired of hearing that? I know I
don’t. We earnestly prayed that with the month-long closing of the prison
chapel for renovations we’d still be able to find a way to minister to the
inmates. God came through, and sooner than expected. Apparently, He also
didn’t want a gap in our Monday night church services.

The chaplains and staff worked out a modified schedule for us to use a few
of the classroom spaces to have church services. We all had to adjust, but
I think it worked out pretty well for our first attempt last night. And we
didn’t even miss a week (like we were expecting). God is good – all the
time!

Are we that zealous to continue growing in our own relationship with Christ?
I confess that my pursuit of closeness to God isn’t always what it should
be. Last week I was feeling distant from Him, and had to remind myself – He
didn’t move, it’s all on me. I think as fallen humans, most of our
relationships are like that – we experience both valleys and mountain tops.
I pray we can all experience more mountain tops than valleys, or at least
our stays in the valley are short.

Thank you all for lifting in prayer the men and women throughout Chester
County Prison – inmates, staff, chaplains, and volunteers – may our prayers
rise to our heavenly Father like sweet incense. May each of our prayer
lives resemble a mountain top experience, and may our loving Father draw
close to each of you in a special way this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

* Julius- my grandfather is in hospice and the rest of the family is
struggling. Glad to be back with everyone in church (off restriction), pray
for the guys getting out – stay on the right path. Pray for all the court
dates this week, mine is Tuesday – after 9 months, praying I get time served
and can go home.
* Jonathan- for my grandmother, forgiveness, and to finally go up
state already (still waiting for transfer).
* Erskin- my salvation (very grateful for it).
* Troy- I didn’t have court today as expected, but God’s giving me
peace – it will all work out. My daughter Lexus is not with the same girl
(a good thing), pray she gets on a good path, and pray for my wife Beth, and
kids Stephanie and Tyson and rest of the family.
* Phil T- my youngest daughter Morgan got married yesterday at my
home, pray for her and new husband Rob, and the little one on the way.
* Brandon- for peace on the block, it’s been hectic lately.
* Dan T- for my brother-in-law that we prayed for a long time, praise
God he’s growing into a stronger Christian.
* Rick C- for my daughter Ali and her husband having difficulty trying
to conceive.
* Mike- for my wife Robin and my kids Hannah, Michael, and Gavin, and
forgiveness.
* Ryan- to get over to the Work Release Center this week, or soon.
* John- for all of our families, and that the Judge would reconsider
my case.

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

* Sean: He has 22 days left in CCP. He is very fearful he’s going to
start using again when he’s released. He’s looking to get into a rehab
facility. Pray that he would follow the Lord. For his family and the men in
CCP.
* Chris: His wife Jennifer stays healthy, his kids, his Mom, everybody
to follow the right path.
* Nick: Wife, kids, less turmoil in the world, blessings for all.
* Brian: Protection for kids, abundant blessings, mercy from the
Judge, for the sick and suffering.
* Blair: Family & kids, everybody to get a 2nd chance when they are
released, strength and to get connected to a good church to get closer to
God .

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

* JJ (Jody): Everybody in CCP, loved ones, forgiveness and
understanding from those whom he has hurt because of his addiction, good
outcome in his trial.
* Al: Daughter who just graduated HS and is headed to college – her
safety and that she would study hard and do well. The rest of his kids, his
mother who is in a home with Dementia, to learn from this chapter in his
life so the next one is positive.
* Phil T: Youngest daughter just got married and is expecting a baby –
blessings for them.
* Andy D: for the month of June to flow smoothly in CCP until we get
back to the Chapel, patience and forbearance on the part of all.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

* For all Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
* For Chaplain Rhonda, and her ministry to female inmates and staff.
* For Chaplain Heinrich, and his ministry to male inmates and staff.
* 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, thankful for our new
board members.
* For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations
throughout Chester County.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Conducting weekly church services for the men inside Chester County prison
is a vital lifeline to a reality beyond their incarceration. They tell us
each week how they look forward to Monday night, and how it sets the tone
for their entire week. We enjoy the warden’s support for chaplaincy and
religious services, and I believe he and other leaders recognize the value,
and how it actually makes officer’s jobs better. Men who come to church,
and study the Bible, and minister to one another on the blocks, permeate the
prison population with peace. Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers, for
they will be called children of God” (Mt 5:9).

Please pray with us that alternate arrangements can be made to hold our
church services as the prison chapel closes down for renovation. We realize
it could be extra work for some people in order to make it work out, but
pray that God will make a way through open doors and willing hearts.

Thank you all for your wonderful consistency in prayer for the incarcerated
men and women, the staff, the chaplains, the volunteers, and all the
families associated with the prison. Your willingness to repeatedly
approach the throne of grace on behalf of these folks clearly demonstrates
the love Jesus talked about in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that
you are my disciples, if you love one another.” May our great God pour out
His blessing on you and your family this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

* Nick- for family and friends, and the justice system to help us out.
* Chris- my wife Jennifer has serious liver problems and is on the
list waiting for a transplant.
* Andy D- for unsaved family members.
* Juan- for family and friends, all of us in here, and my sister
Rosario.
* Diego- for my fiancé Esmerelda, my daughter Melina, and that my mom
and dad would be repaid 10 fold for their help to me.
* Manuel- for my family – daughter Sofia and wife Adriana, more
patience, and my court date on 6/5, and my friends.
* Harry- pray my hearing gets moved up or I get out on the 8th.
* Damon- my uncle just died. Praying for everyone in here to know the
true identity of Jesus. Pray for Chris and his wife.
* Blair- for my wife, myself, my kids, the stress on my shoulders, and
hope I can make it to heaven. For all of us in here to pray to God.
* Edgar- for my family, my brother’s family, I’m still waiting for a
court date, and for my sister in Mexico.
* Zachary- for all below me, all above me, and everyone in between.
* Roland D- for my wife Deb’s broken wrist to be healed.
* Eugene C- for an outpouring of God’s Spirit and many to be saved at
the upcoming Jesus pop-up rally in Coatesville on May 30.

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

* Jonathan- forgiveness, my grandmother, all of us in here, and for
Avery who got out Friday- that he is doing good.
* Troy- for my wife Beth, my kids Stephanie, Tyson, and Lexus, my
granddaughter, my brother and sister, their grandkids, for forgiveness, all
the upcoming court dates, and for each man to get out of here and stay in
prayer.
* Ameen- for my court date soon, to get time served and pay my bail
and get out. For honesty, loyalty, respect, and unfairness (??). Also for
my 4yr old daughter who hasn’t talked to me in a while, that she would
listen.
* Brandon- for the brothers back on the block, and all those released
or in rehab, or otherwise not around here anymore.
* Mike- for my wife Robin and my kids Hannah, Michael, and Gavin, and
forgiveness.
* Carl- haven’t spoken with my daughter for a long time – I’m writing
her a letter, and I need wisdom to write the correct words.
* Jim M- my sister-in-law Brenda lost hearing in her right ear and
they are doing an MRI scan on her brain. Also healing up from my surgery.
* Phil T- healing of breathing issue for our brother Erwin. It’s a
somber day in my family – 10 years ago we lost my daughter Devon- pray for
her 2 daughters and family. It’s also my 41st wedding anniversary, praying
this is the year my wife would accept Jesus. Also praying for Caroline who
had a hysterectomy – for her and her family – and for Rick’s daughter Ali
and her husband trying to conceive.
* Erskin- for my family, court date, I’ve been gone 43 years, want to
get back with family.
* Dan T- Praise the Lord for my brother-in-law walking with the Lord
after praying for him so many years.
* Jose- for the sacrifice of so many military and their families on
this Memorial Day.
* Tim- for my family, and I go to rehab this week.
* John- my mom has diabetes, for my buddy with a warrant, and my lady
has a warrant. For glasses, my joint pain, and court on Wednesday.
* John- I also have court on Wed.

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

* Anthony- wife and marriage may God be with them during this
struggle.
* Jody- men in here and for understanding for addiction.
* Ryan- Grace thru rehab and that the provision he needs be provided.
Also pray for his girlfriend and kids for peace in their relationship.
* Jacob- Kyleigh and Madeleine his kids and also for Judy his Grandma
that they can have peace and happiness.
* Kevin- guidance thru life and reassurance that God sees him.
* Matt- For Gerald healing for his lungs and strength. For Cheryl
strength and understanding as this has been a long battle.
* Dante James- stay sane and seek God for peace during this difficult
time.
* Todd- family, friends and coworkers welcome him back and restoration
of these relationships. Also for the souls of his grandparents, uncle and
Ashley.
* Andy- unsaved family members
* Ryan- for God to continue to bring his family together.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

* For all Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
* For Chaplain Rhonda, and her ministry to female inmates and staff.
* For Chaplain Heinrich, and his ministry to male inmates and staff.
* 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, thankful for our new
board members.
* For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations
throughout Chester County.

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<mailto:prayer@onesimusministries.org?subject=Onesimus%20Prayer%20Chain&amp;body
=I’d%20like%20to%20join%20the%20Prison%20Prayer%20Team> .

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In any church service, there are spectators and there are participants.
Spectators come to watch and listen, to see what they can get out of it.
Participants come to bring their praise and worship, to give testimony, and
to actively listen to what God is saying through the preaching of His Word.
Which do you think God desires most?

Sometimes there is little energy in a prison church service, where most of
the participation comes from the volunteers. And then there are times like
last night, where most inmates sang loudly, many offered prayer requests,
and several gave heartfelt testimonies. There was encouragement between the
men who came out – they were ministering to one another. THAT is what a
church service should look like (IMHO). I pray all our churches would have
services that resemble that.

We need to ask ourselves – do WE attend church to get or to give? In our
post-consumer society, it’s easy to slip into the wrong mode. Aside from
church, Thank you for the ways you give your time on behalf of the inmates,
volunteers, chaplains, and staff when you lift up your prayers each week.
Your gift of time in prayer is an absolute blessing to all of us, and I
believe it pleases God greatly. May you be blessed in a special way this
week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

* Manuel- for my family – daughter Sofia and wife Adriana, more
patience, and my court date on 6/1.
* Juan- for my family, all of us in here, hope for a court date next
month- don’t have a date yet.
* Diego- my fiance Esmerelda and daughter Melina, and my mom who is
doing so much for me now, I pray God would multiply her blessings 10 fold.
* Edgar- for family, that I would get a court date, for my brothers
family and friends.
* Blair- for my kids, my mom, court on /28, and I have 1 month to go
after that.
* Zackary- for all the people that like me, and all those that don’t,
and everyone in between.
* Rich- pray for my court date, and that they would look out for him.
* Andy- my sister-in-law’s Mom just passed away, comfort for the
family and that they would clearly hear the Gospel at the services.
* Eugene- my niece still in coma after ankle surgery – never woke up
from anesthesia. Praise God she’s breathing on her own, but fear there is
brain damage.
* Roland- for my wife Deb who broke her wrist when she fell, pray for
quick healing and to have full function by summer.

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

* Jonathan- my grandfather has hernia surgery Tue (today), and I
should be on a bus to state prison on Wed, and for forgiveness.
* Ryan- my court case is on Wed, hoping for the best – that I would
receive a mental health diversion. Also for family and friends, and for
those affected by our actions.
* Troy- for my wife Beth and my kids Stephanie, Tyson, and especially
Lexus, thankful for God’s blessing each day, thanks for opportunity to have
church 3 times over the weekend. Pray for all these men and where they are
headed. And thankful for the volunteers that come in each week.
* Brandon- for our brothers that are not here tonight, whether didn’t
make it out to church, or released, or sent up state.
* Ryan #2- pray that my wife would respond to my communications.
* Carl- my family has financial concerns with me in here, pray we
don’t lose cars or anything while I’m here.
* Mike- for my wife Robin and my kids Hannah, Michael, and Gavin, and
forgiveness.
* Jose G- for the salvation of everyone in this facility, and for our
brother Jim’s recovery.
* Avery- success and longevity for all of us here and our families,
for our prosperity, and that we would get the answers we’re looking for –
the right answers. I have court on Thursday, pray for understanding of the
judge and compassion.
* Dan T- for volunteer Jim cancer surgery recovery and healing, and
praise God the biopsy was negative for cancer.
* Nevin- I have my court date June 8 up in Norristown, pray I would
get time served.
* Andy L- safety for my wife Dot and I as we travel to Portland Oregon
this week.

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

* Joel – that his brother would not worry about him while he’s in
prison.
* JJ – for the families of the inmates, and for better understanding
of addiction and those dealing with addictions, and for a better
relationship with his son Josh.
* Ryan – for him and his wife and kids Michelle, Braden, and Elena
that they would be able to pick up the pieces of their family again and hold
together once he is on the outside again.
* Jeff – for the homeless and starving people of the world.
* Jacob – that God would take care of his daughters and grandmother.
* Josh – for better understanding of God’s word.
* David – for all the inmates and for his kids and grandkids that God
would take care of them, and that his sentencing coming up would not be
delayed again, and for patience.
* Barry – for his girlfriend to stay clean.
* Milton – that God would take care of his kids and wife.
* Todd – who lost his way from God and that God would find him and
bring him back.
* Ryan – that his brother Tom would get to 30 days of sobriety.
* Shane – who has to chaperone his son’s field trip and that it would
be a safe, good, fun trip for all present.
* Andy – for unsaved family members.
* Jim – that his son’s wife Judy would have a safe delivery of their
child.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

* For the Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
* For Chaplain Rhonda, and her ministry to female inmates and staff.
* For Chaplain Heinrich, and his ministry to male inmates and staff.
* 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, thankful for our new
board members.
* For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations
throughout Chester County.

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<mailto:prayer@onesimusministries.org?subject=Onesimus%20Prayer%20Chain&amp;body
=I’d%20like%20to%20join%20the%20Prison%20Prayer%20Team> .

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Have you ever worked diligently at something, wondering if it meant anything
to anyone, or if it was worth it? Ministry can feel like that sometimes.
We serve out of gratitude for all Christ has done (and continues to do) for
us, and we shouldn’t expect anything in return beyond the joy of following
His will. But is there always joy in serving? Not in my experience.

Last night in prison was a wonderful reminder of why we minister there.
During prayer and testimony times, man after man verbalized their
appreciation for the volunteers and how much they look forward to Monday
nights, the highlight of their week. They find great encouragement there,
and many take it back to the blocks and encourage one another there.

Ahhh, there’s the joy! I believe every volunteer felt it. A bit of
confirmation that our attempt to follow God’s will really does matter, and
availing ourselves to what He would do through us – it’s making a difference
in their lives. Thank you, LORD, for your “pep talk”. We all need that
once in a while, to refresh our spirits. And thank YOU for your faithful
prayers every week. I assure you, the difference we see among the inmates
has as much to do with your support as with our presence there. What you do
makes a huge difference- lives are changed. Thank you. Have a blessed
week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):

* Zack: That the sun keeps shining.
* Sean: that his daughter is doing well. Sean needs encouragement, he
was pretty down yesterday.
* Diego: leaving soon – that he would stay in God’s hands, fiance
Esmerelda and daughter Melina.
* Manuel: Family, daughter Sophia, wife Adriana, more patience.
* Juan: family, everybody.
* TJ: more patience for his time in prison, for his family and friends
to understand his efforts to become a better man, strength to fight past
sin.
* John: for his Mom, his lady friend, his heart condition and other
physical ailments, court on the 20th.
* Al: Family, for his case to be dismissed.
* Damon: For Zack to understand God’s love for him. For his family – a
few weeks ago he prayed for his missing sister, sadly they found her dead
and foul play is suspected. For people to seek Jesus and the Gospel to be
shared.

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

* Troy- court date on June 1, pray for entire family, brother’s 75th
birthday today, pray for wife Beth, daughter Stephanie, son Tyson, and
especially daughter Lexus on a bad path. Also pray for my sister and
granddaughter in North Carolina, and all the men in here.
* Brandon- for our brother Julius on restriction, for Chuck on the bus
up state, and all the brothers moving on, that God watches over them. Also
for God’s healing on all of us – physically, mentally, and spiritually.
* Andrew- for my attitude in general, thankful for this time out in
life and God provided some good people to talk to in here, I feel
rejuvenated through their encouragement.
* Jonathan- my dog Lulu was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease last
night at emergency vet visit. Pray for my grandmom having trouble paying her
bills, and for forgiveness.
* Mike- for my family, forgiveness from my wife Robin, and for my
daughter Hannah and sons Gavin and Michael.
* Ron- for a chance to make it out of here on the 27th, pray I get to
go home.
* Phil T- continued praise for Joy and her twin babies Josie and Ellie
– the miracle babies – now turning 6 months old! Also praying for the women
who can’t become moms, praying God’s peace.
* Avery- patience and understanding (and wisdom).
* Josh- my grandfather (Rich) has cancer, much anxiety in the family.
* Dan T- brother-in-law that was saved months ago held hands and
prayed at lunch today – praise God!
* Ariel- for a reunion where we can all be together. Also a lump in
my chest and lungs, difficult to breathe sometimes – need healing.

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

* Jacob- daughters (Kyleigh/Madeline), mother (Katelyn), Judy
* Ryan- friend (David) has shoulder issues and needs to get back to
work
* Jeff- lost an aunt last week, help me cope with the loss and
strength for my family
* Alan- cousin’s family (Smith Family) James Smith (father) passed
away
* Anthony- grandmother has shoulder pains
* Artemio- family and 2 cousins in Chicago- one is going to Army and
the other one is disabled and in wheelchair due to drug overdose
* Todd- stay humble during the rest of my sentence, mother and her
strength
* Rob- more happiness/wisdom, good spirits to my father who is serving
time upstate, safe travels for my family
* Barry- girlfriend to stay clean and get kids back, happiness for all
* Merlyn- forgiveness
* Cam- son (Hayes) recently was diagnosed with Turet’s syndrome, pray
that he grows out of it
* Jody- son (Joshua) who is at Chester County Prison as well
* Ryan- Criminals for Christ Ministry, Michelle, Elana, Brayden,
family on the outside and Sheila
* Kevin- fiance (Brianna), children (Jayloni/Ezekiel), myself, safety,
all inmates, father (Nate) in heaven
* David- everybody here, kids/grandchildren, upcoming court hearings
* Andy- opportunities to share the Gospel w/neighbors
* Matt- father-in-law (Gerald), he’s been in hospital since March,
strength and healing

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

* All the Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
* Chaplain Rhonda, and the female inmates and staff within her mission
field.
* Chaplain Heinrich, and the male inmates and staff within his mission
field.
* Chaplain Jack Crans, heading chaplaincy at Chester County Prison,
and for the prison leaders within his mission field, and his personal
strength and healing from cancer.
* The Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and
volunteer.
* Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, and our new board members.
* The Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations
throughout Chester County.

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<mailto:prayer@onesimusministries.org?subject=Onesimus%20Prayer%20Chain&amp;body
=I’d%20like%20to%20join%20the%20Prison%20Prayer%20Team> .

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