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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Are we truly aware of those around us and what they may be going through?  Or are we consumed with what’s going on in our own life, what’s impacting us, how busy we are, etc, etc, etc.  Our focus reveals our heart.  I’ll admit I’m often focused on me and all the things I have going on.  But aren’t we called to be other-focused?  What’s that Philippians verse I memorized many years ago?

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Look not only to your own interests but the interests of others, and in every relationship have the very attitude of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 2:3-5, typed from memory – honest!)

So much pain, loneliness, anxiety, and frustration in all our lives, and we’re called to look beyond ourselves to help others deal with their stuff?  Yup, that’s called love, and every Christian is commanded to love others the way God loves us.  Wow – impossible in our own strength, right? Right! Besides obedience, He’s teaching us to depend on Him.  Do we trust that our own stuff will be taken care of if we are focused on others?

Jesus said “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Mat 6:33)

Nobody said it would be easy – It’s a change in lifestyle.  The true Christian lifestyle.  We all fall short, and He knows that, but He wants us to experience what He can do through us if we let Him.  I’ve heard it said the only ability God wants is your availability.  We are all so thankful for each of you making yourselves available to pray for these men and their requests each week.  I wish you could see their faces each week when we tell them how many people are praying for them all week long.  What you’re doing for them touches their spirit.  This is important work – thank you for serving!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Nicolas– family
• Christopher– my wife Jennifer is in the hospital, dying of liver failure – pray for my family and kids.
• Al– to get out soon to take care of my son, and girlfriend Nina has congestive heart failure.
• Shaun– for all the men in here, and my kids.
• Manuel– for my family, wife Adriana and daughter Sofia, and more patience.
• Edison– family
• Diego– my fiance Esmerelda and my daughter Melina, and my mom.
• Juan– for my family and all of us in here.
• Carlos– for my family and my court date.
• Edgar– my family, my court date, my brothers, and my friends.
• Jairo– family, freedom for the inmates.
• Scott– world peace.
• Roland– for God to instill in the inmates Joshua 1:9 – be strong and courageous.
• Andy– for opportunities to share the Gospel with neighbors.
• Eugene– my niece Shamona had ankle surgery on Monday and has not woken up from anesthesia – she’s been in a coma ever since.

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

• Jonathan– forgiveness, God guide me as I’m headed to state prison, and for my grandmom.
• Brandon– my friend Chris got out today, for him and others who left I hope they are all OK.  And for Julius who is still on restriction.
• Troy– for my entire family (they are not saved, please pray for them), for my wife Beth, my daughter Lexus, and my other kids Stephanie and Tyson.  I pray that when we leave here, we stay with God.
• Jose G– for our volunteer brother Jim, just out of the hospital, praying for best results on biopsy after his colon cancer surgery.  And for all the people in this facility to know Christ.
• Avery– sentencing this week for 1 of 3 charges, praying for leniency and understanding, I need to take care of my son.  Also, may there be unity among us here in the prison, and with our families.
• Cody– I pray that we would not miss anything (in God’s Word).
• Ariel– for understanding, love, a better place to be together as brothers and family, and no more war.
• Andy L– for Jim’s quick recovery from surgery and he can get back with us soon.
• Ryan– for my cellmate to find Christ, to restore peace in his heart.
• Erwin– my sister Elwyn with cancer, and for Dan’s strength in delivering the message tonight (his cancer meds are wiping out his strength).

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

• Joe– for those with mental health issues to find peace.
• Sully– family
• Jeff– for the lost, and the homeless.
• Robert– happiness, good spirits, my father, safe travels for friends and family.
• Merlin– God please strengthen my faith.
• Barry– for my girlfriend to stay clean, and my daughter listen to her grandmother.
• Kevin– wife Brianna, for our relationship to grow stronger, for my strength, that we can get a house, and that my family stays on the right path – I really need my family.
• Jason– everything good for people, and that things work out for me, I’m getting out of here on Friday, moving to another prison.
• Ryan– for my brother Tom in rehab.
• Shane– for all the guys in here, for wisdom, and my kids to know God.
• Andy– for the opportunity to share the Gospel with my neighbors.

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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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We all get along well with one another on the Monday night prison ministry team. As we gather in the prison parking lot, process through prison entry, and await the inmates in the chapel, we often catch up, trade a few jokes, and rib each other a little bit.  I was speaking with Andy, one of our senior team members, who shared that he had prayed for us to have 17 men show up that evening.  Of course I jokingly shot back “that’s it? 17? C’mon Andy – How big is your God?”

Soon after that, the inmates were escorted into the chapel and our services began.  At the conclusion of the service, Andy was sure to find me and announce “did you see how many men were here tonight?  I counted 17!”

Does God answer prayers?  Absolutely!  Does God help those doing their best to serve Him as He’s instructed in His Word? I believe He does.  The first question for all of us – how often do we pray and ask God for His help?  The second question – do we pray Big prayers, because our God is more than able.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3.20-21)

Thank you for taking the time each and every week to pray for this ministry and all involved – inmates, staff, chaplains, volunteers, and the families.  Don’t be afraid to pray Big prayers!  We have a Big God who delights in us, and loves to hear from us.  And as we get closer to Him, and our will reflects more and more of His will, I believe he loves to say Yes to our prayers.  Have a blessed week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

[NOTE: Due to scheduled staff training, we were unable to have the chapel service on Thursday last week. Below are the names of men with prayer requests from last week.  Please keep them and all the men in your prayers.  Thanks.]

• Shaun
• Blair
• PJ
• Manuel
• Juan
• Diego
• Edgar
• Carlos
• Zack
• Damon
• Joe

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

• Troy– for my entire family, especially my wife and my daughter Lexus.  And for every soldier of God’s army in this room tonight, and for forgiveness.  I thank God for my cellmate coming with me to church tonight, and please pray for the Hayes family on the passing of daughter Danielle – she had 4 kids and her funeral is on Saturday, my birthday.
• Delron– for my court date.  Jesus has been working inside me since I started coming to church, and I want to pray for everyone here, for myself, our families, those struggling with everyday struggles, and forgiveness.
• Carl– I’ve been really down lately, and got some good news today, thank you God.
• Brian– my family, and all our families, especially those family members who have anger against us.  Also my court date on the 30th to go well.
• Brandon– My sentencing Is tomorrow – pray for that, and for the birthdays coming up.  Also for my friend Robert and grand-daughters – hope they are all doing well.
• Jonathan– forgiveness, my neighbor Jim, and my grandmom.
• Jose G– for our brother Jim, just out of surgery for colon cancer – quick healing and recovery.  And for the salvation of all the souls in this facility.
• Mike– for my wife Robin, daughter Hannah, sons Michael and Gavin.
• Ariel– for all the sickness on the earth, and for my heart condition.
• Avery– for all those dealing with a tumultuous time, either in prison or with family and friends – may they all find peace in whatever situation they are dealing with.
• Delron– for my son’s mom, and past relationship – trying to get back in my life.  Please heal these relationships.
• Phil T– for a good report on our brother Jim out of surgery.
• Jim M– for a friend of a friend (Bobbi), she’s having a one foot section taken out of her colon because of Diverticulitis.  And another friend Kris – Her 32 year old daughter passed away a few days ago in Texas and Kris can’t afford to fly there for the funeral.

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

• Josh – for understanding – specifically to better understand God’s word.
• Ryan – For quick resolutions for his legal matters so he can return to his family.
• Jason – That everyone in prison would come to the Father, and for his court date this upcoming Monday to go well.
• Elizer – That things are well at home when he gets out.
• Jim – for his friend Phil, who’s struggling with his post cancer treatments, and for comfort for his wife.
• Andy – or opportunities to share Christ with his neighbors
• Marty – that the Lord would help him to be a better man.
• Ryan – for restoration of his relationship with the mother of his child. Pray for rejuvenation.
• Matt – For his Father-in-law, Gerald, who has been rehabbing – pray for strength and healing, as well as for his friend Jackie whose father died last week – that the Lord would comfort her.
• Shane – For young boys KJ and Elijah in his neighborhood who don’t have a father in their lives – that the Lord would touch their heart.
• Merlin – for his wife and daughters, for provision.
• Barry – For his girl to stay clean, and that he would be able to get his kids back.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• 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.
• Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
• Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, thankful for God’s blessing of several new board members.
• The Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It’s a really big deal to God that we love one another and take care of each other.  The New Testament is chock full of verses telling us to love each other.  Jesus Himself put it right up there behind loving God with our whole being. It’s the true mark of following Jesus.  Like He said in John 13.35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.“

We often hear from the men how they look after one another back on the cell block, but we actually got to see it during the services last night in the prison Chapel. During prayer request time, and again during testimony time, when one man related something difficult, other men came alongside him in support.  I was so encouraged.  Here we were, in the middle of a facility filled with criminals, witnessing the family of God in action.

God is in the hearts of believers everywhere. We know these words to be true, yet it’s great to see it in action, even in the most unlikely places.  Most of us assume prison spaces to be marked by loners, every man for himself, where the strongest survive.  Cramming a bunch of men into prison cells would tend to bring out the worst in us.  To see community and support among followers of Christ in such a place is refreshing indeed.

We’re thankful to each of you praying for the men in that community.  As we saw last night, your prayers can have a profound effect on the men, which can then affect other men.  Keep up the good work, lifting up the inmates, chaplains, staff, and volunteers before the throne of grace.  Our heavenly Father is definitely at work in the hearts of His children.  God bless your week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Shaun– for my children to be OK, and for everyone in here.  I was just sentenced and am depressed – it was more than I was expecting.
• Blair– for my kids and my Mom.
• PJ– to have better contact with my oldest son – heal our relationship.  Also looking for peace and physical healing of my body.
• Manuel– my family, court date next Monday, waiting for good news.
• Juan– family and everyone in here.
• Diego– my fiance Miranda, my daughter Melina, and my Mom who’s having car trouble and been back to the mechanic several times.  Also for peace.
• Edgar– family, my court date May 4, and all my friends.
• Carlos– familia.
• Zack– to learn how to pray.
• Damon– my sister Kelly is missing, they found her car but no sign of her – I’m going crazy over this and ready to explode.
• Joe– for my Mom (92) taking care of herself because I’m here, and for my best friend Kelly to stay safe.
• Andy D– for God’s grace, that we can walk by the Spirit and not in the flesh.
• Eugene– for Jesus pop-up rally in Allentown on Saturday- for folks to get saved, healed, and delivered and may Jesus be glorified.

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

• Carl– had my court date today and got good news – being released to the VA, not sure when. Pray that it’s soon and I just want to trust in God’s plan and have peace.
• Phil T– for volunteer Jim’s upcoming cancer surgery next Monday.  And for our president and government leaders to seek God’s wisdom, especially around the war with Iran.
• Jonathan– my family, my Grandmother, and forgiveness.
• Troy– for my wife who is completely stressed out right now, for my entire family, for my daughter Lexus, and for the Hayes family on the loss of their daughter Danielle.  Thankful for my brother (75) who’s heart was failing, but God made it stronger.
• Delron– for all the men here, that we wouldn’t give up on ourselves.  My court date on May 4, pray I can get released. For my father who is dying and has Alzheimer’s. Thankful for the volunteers who could be anywhere else but come in to be with us.
• Tim– waiting for my case in NJ to be settled.  For my future, which was looking good but bad things keep getting in the way.  Help in controlling my temper and I feel all alone.
• Brandon– our brother Jules is on restriction (in the hole) for 30 days- hope he stays well physically, mentally, and spiritually.  May there be peace on the cell block- things have been getting hectic lately- may it calm down among both the inmates and CO’s.
• Jose G– for the salvation of every soul in the prison facility.
• Andy L– my neighbor Rhonda is dying from kidney failure and no transplants available.
• Dan T– thank the Lord for taking good care of me.

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

• JJ – pray for men in the room/prison + his son Josh + that he and Josh would make the next right decision
• Ryan – pray he would be reunited with his 1 year old daughter + direction and guidance
• Rob – for family, friends, and happiness
• Dave – for other people’s salvation , his kids, grandparents, and his sentencing
• Josh – for understanding, his kids (11 year old girls)
• Justin – His father who is in the hospital and for his time the next couple weeks (for a positive outcome)
• Jason – men in the room would draw closer to God and his hearing on the 27th
• Ryan – girlfriend, son, family, and his court date on Wed 4/29
• Azon – he said “pass” on the prayer request, but please pray for his heart and that he would see God in a new way
• Eric – men in the room, his court date, and that he would be on the right path (and for understanding)
• Sullied – he asked to pray for the new kid in intake and that he would get a good celly
• Louis – for the people here
• Jeff – for the lost, sick, and needed and that he/they would draw closer to God
• Troy – For his son and daughter in-law to have a healthy baby. His son Zack and wife Emily would find fellowship in the area
• Merrilyn – for his wife and daughter while he is in prison (that God would provide)
• Phil – for patience, family, dog, wife
• Art – family and his situation
• Andy – for Matt R’s father in-law
• Shane – his marriage and understanding.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• 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.
• Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
• Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, clarity on mission, and integration of new board members.
• The Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last night at prison, due to circumstances beyond our control, we got inside very late. First service normally runs 7:00-8:15pm.  We finally got to the chapel around 7:25 to find inmates already seated (we normally welcome them in) and we scrambled to begin 25 minutes behind schedule. Plus our team leader was out sick, so I was volunteered to lead the service.  No pressure, right? All I had to do was compress our normal service (introduction, prayers, songs, testimonies, message), recalculate the timing, and do it all on the fly – what could go wrong?

We cut through the fluff and got right to the point- focused on the most important thing. I tossed out my normal intro and relied on God to give me the words – and He did.  I told the men we weren’t there to talk about religion or a bunch or rules, we’re there to promote a relationship with Jesus Christ – it’s the only way.  We are born into sin that the Bible says is a death sentence (The wages of sin is death, Rom 6.23) but God made a way out by sending His son Jesus to take that death penalty in our place, and offers us forgiveness and eternity in paradise with Him.  He wants us to commit to Him and be in relationship.

Quick and to the point, and the men responded!  The rest of the service went on without a hitch, because we put it in His hands.  Our simple goal is to honor and glorify God and spread the love of Jesus through the Gospel message.  I believe that’s what He wants, too.  And if we’re following God’s will, why wouldn’t He help us do that?  Makes sense, right?

Scripture tells us to love one another and to pray for others.  So when we lift up in prayer the inmates, chaplains, volunteers, and staff of Chester County prison each week, we’re doing God’s will.  Thank you for joining us in ministry at the prison, and supporting in various ways.  I pray you feel His approving presence as we do what He wants each week.  God bless you!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Austin– for my safe passage up state.
• Damon– for my Dad (Dennis) with a hard heart, and my Father-in-law (Jim) on his death bed- he’s in the hospital now and I hope for the chance to see him again.
• Diego– my fiance (Esmerelda), and daughter (Melina).
• Manuel– for my family, especially daughter (Sofia) and wife (Adriana), and for patience.
• Juan– family and friends, no news on a court date- to get a new date this month.
• Edison– family.
• Edgar– family and get a court date soon.
• Carlos– my family
• Roland– for God to instill in all of us daily more love and less anger.
• Andy– for changes to happen in the prison system where the legal process to get a court date would move much quicker, and for the men to be heard – current levels of communication is not good.
• Eugene– for God to restore these men’s love, joy, and peace from Him.  And for restoration of each man’s family.
• Rick– continued healing for Officer Steve, suffering with back pain.  Also for Roland and his upcoming heart testing- may results be normal.

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

• Troy– my entire family, forgiveness, and my daughter Lexus really on my heart- asking God to please soften her hard heart and get her out of a toxic lifestyle. Also for my cellmate going to court tomorrow and is really nervous.
• Brandon– for my family on the outside to be closer to Jesus, to find Him, and to prosper.
• Jonathan– forgiveness, my grandma, my family and loved ones all doing time as well as me.
• Julius– for strength, feeling defeated, lack of emotion. Thinking a lot about my Dad who passed away when I was in high school.  Thankful for the love from the Christian brotherhood in here.
• Mike– my family (wife and kids) and forgiveness.
• Avery– for God’s peace over every one of us, in our daily battles and if anyone going through long-term battles.
• John– my family and friends.
• Delron– for everyone here, forgiveness, my court date Thursday, been crying lately- been surrendering to God this week.  Waiting to leave once detainer lifted.  For my autistic son who can’t speak, and for my soon-to-be wife Carol, pray that she went home.
• Jim M– for all the guys who got out lately to stay grounded in the Word and find a Bible preaching church to be part of.  Also for my grandson who is autistic.
• Tim– for my family and my church family that supports me (I’m a musician on worship team).  Also for a retired minister at church (who also played piano) who recently passed away.
• Emmanuel– for all the single moms out there, that God would provide for them.
• Erwin J– my sister Elwyn going through cancer treatments.
• Paul– not to be confused, and for my sister and my Dad.
• Rick C– for our fearless leader Dan, not feeling well due to cancer meds he’s taking.

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

• Shane– intimacy w/God and to hear His voice
• Louis– inmates/staff
• Jose– for the guys on “E Block” to come together and bless their interactions
• Ivan– family
• David– everybody in here, kids/grandkids, favorable outcome w/sentencing 
• Koen– everybody in here including staff, family, girlfriend and her family, Ethan and his family
• Andy– for a continuous reminder of 1 Corinthians 13
• Jason– everybody in the world, upcoming court dates and favorable outcomes
• Ryan– my son Will just broke up with his significant other, coping skills/strength, turn to the Lord during this difficult time
• Matt– Gerald and Cheryl’s health, patience/understanding so I can be a better husband and father
• Bill H– thanks for encouraging messages each week in prayer Email. Hope to be home 4/21 for a couple of weeks, then get second PET scan for comparison- Pancreatic cancer requires ongoing monitoring/treatments. Praying for God’s guidance as I look at options.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplain Heinrich, and the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
• Chaplain Rhonda, and the female inmates and staff within her 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 Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, clarity on mission, and integration of a few new board members.
• The Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Hope is essential. And where we place our hope is critical.  Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ is powerful, and we were reminded of that throughout church services last night in the prison.  It was great to see inmates encouraging one another with the Hope of the Gospel, and spurring each other on in their faith in God’s ability to hear and answer prayers. 

Collecting prayer requests each week can be draining, as we hear of all the great need, but then testimony time can turn it all around as each man expresses confidence in what God is doing in his life or his family’s lives. Hearing such testimonies is a joy to every volunteer, confirming that we’re in the right place, and making a difference.  Thank you, Lord, for such inspiring moments – may there be many more in our future!

And thank you for your unspoken inspiration to these men in prison.  We remind them each week how many people they may never meet care about them and pray for them faithfully all week long.  I’m sure it factors into the hope they have.  We are all part of this ministry, just like we are all parts of the Body of Christ, and it works so well when we each do what we’re called to do.  Thanks for following your calling to support them (and us) in so many ways!  You are a blessing.  Be blessed, in Jesus’ name!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Edison– family, my court date coming up this week.
• Diego– my daughter (Melina), fiance (Esmerelda), my parent’s support, and to have a strong faith when I get out to stay on the right path and not stray away.
• Juan– my parents, and get a new court date this month.
• Manuel– for my family, especially daughter (Sofia) and wife (Adriana), and help to wait on God.
• Carlos– my family
• Edgar– family and court date.
• Andrew– for me to get into rehab, for Scott who was transferred to Elk County, for Mink to get the right lawyer and reduced sentence, and for Harry that all goes well with his gag order and probation violation case.
• Andy– for God to draw many unsaved people to church on Easter Sunday and they would surrender their lives to Jesus.  Also for rain to hold off – we’re having outdoor services Sunday in community park.
• Eugene– for God to touch the president’s heart, and bring peace to the nations.
• Rick– healing for Officer Steve suffering with back pain.

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

• Julius– for me and Nelson in court tomorrow, my attorney says I have a new deal coming down, pray it’s better than last one.  Also for friend Austin who went home today, and that we may all get home soon.
• Austin– for my kids, and to be reunited with family soon, and that we all walk the path with Jesus.
• Delron– thankful for blessings from God, pray my detainer is lifted and go home tomorrow.  Also for Nelson and my cellmate, for my non-verbal autistic son to speak, for all of us in here to get through our trials and tribulations.  Thanks God for hearing our prayers.
• Jonathan– forgiveness from God, my grandmother, family, and my neighbor Jim’s mom is in hospice- pray for them.
• Brandon– my brother and girlfriend got out this month and last month, that they are doing well. Thanks that my homeless cousins (Marissa and Leah) got a home.
• Troy– my wife, my entire family, forgiveness, for the 4 men on the block that just went home – God answers prayers! – and for my cousin Tyrone putting money on my commissary account for months, a real blessing.
• Mike– for my wife Robin, daughter Hannah, sons Michael and Gavin – all having a rough time.
• Jose– volunteer Jim having cancer surgery on 27th, and for the salvation of all souls in this facility.
• Paul– family, parents, friends, schools teaching the Word, like the beatitudes- many struggle with understanding, help us to understand.
• Nelson– my daughter Melani, and that we would all keep asking and relying on God for answers.
• Jim– for my high school buddy Dave, had surgery for pancreatic cancer a week ago, pray for his health.
• Stefan– family, friends, everyone in here, for everyone to have a great day and with their court dates, and for my brother Alex.  A bunch of us had a struggle yesterday, but we overcame it, thank God.
• Erwin– my sister Elwyn has cancer.
• Phil– my pregnant daughter and husband got results from genetic testing, we were very worried, all results were good- thanks be to God!  May we all trust God for our test results – He is so good.  Also praying for those couples struggling to get pregnant.
• Avery– my youngest son (Romeo) is autistic and non-verbal, he is starting therapy in school.

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

• Jason– pray for everyone in prison
• Jodie– pray for his mom who is in a care home and pray for his son, who was just sentenced to prison
• Matt– pray for the guys in prison
• Cohen– pray for the men in prison and his family, especially his grand pop who just had heart surgery
• Azon– pray for his girlfriend
• Alan– pray for his mom Rosa who is in Chester County rehab w dementia, pray for his wife Inga whose father recently passed away.
• Tyreek– pray for everyone’s families
• Dave– pray for his case and the uncertainty of his future
• Emerald-pray for the victims of domestic violence and the survivors
• Jose– [he did not speak English but I sensed a very sweet spirit within him….pray for his salvation and discipleship if not saved]
• Andy– pray for friend’s salvation/ Rebecca
• Matt– pray for Cheryl and Geralds health
• Shane– pray for wisdom in his marriage

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplain Heinrich, and the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
• Chaplain Rhonda, and the female inmates and staff within her 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 Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, clarity on mission, and harmony as a few new board members join the mix.
• The 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,

Where do you go, and what do you rely upon when you get bad news? For example, when a loved one passes away, or you receive shocking medical information, where do you find comfort? Where do you find peace? For anyone that doesn’t know Christ, I have no idea where they might find those things.

I can’t imagine how anyone can navigate the difficult times in life without the hope we have in Christ; Knowing that our Heavenly Father is in control, and cares about us deeply.  Knowing one day He will make all things right, and someday every believer will experience no more pain, no more death, no more sorrow; Because we will be with Him in paradise.  That’s what Jesus promised the thief on the cross next to Him, and it’s true for us as well (if He is Lord of our life).

Several believer friends and family members received bad news lately, and I can encourage them with God’s promises and wisdom from His Word. But what can we say to those without faith that struggle with bad news?  That’s a tough one.  We’re called to love them, and perhaps the best way is to share the source of our hope and peace, and they too can find those things in Jesus.  I’ve heard criticism that it’s inappropriate discussing faith in really bad situations, like it’s insulting to the hurting person or something.  I disagree – it may be exactly what they need, and perhaps God finally has their attention to think about such things.  In any case, we must seek the Holy Sprit’s wisdom on how to best proceed, and approach such situations with gentleness, respect, and above all, love.

Thank you for joining us each week as we pray that all inmates know Jesus, as well as praying their specific requests below.  You are a light to them in a very dark place.  The time and effort you spend in prayer for them is never in vain, God is moving all the time.  Isn’t it cool to be part of what He is doing?  Have a blessed holy week, and a wonderful resurrection Sunday.  He is risen, He is risen indeed!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Officer Steve– significant back pain.
• Diego– thankful for some good news- withdrawn charge. Also  to continue to stay close to God, and for my family, especially my daughter Melina (5).
• Edison– familia.
• Juan– family, parents, court date.
• Manuel–  for my family – daughter Sofia and wife Adriana.
• Edgar– family, court date.
• Joe– for my Mom, that she’s doing good, and my dog, and that things will go well for me – I was on the run for 3 years.  For my ability to thrive.
• Andrew– for my friends Scott, Rich, Harry, and for me as we have court on Tue.  For God to put me where He wants me, and maybe that means rehab.
• Harry– for court on Tue.
• Andy– healing for my back.
• Roland– healing for loved ones.
• Rick– for Roland’s biopsy results to come back clear- no cancer.  Thankful for son’s foot healing and feeling better, and doctor’s OK to continue with Tarzan show.
• Eugene– for our pop-up Jesus rally in Philly on Saturday- Lord have your way.

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

• Stefan– thanks for prayers last week for my brother (El) with bone cancer, continued prayers for healing.
• Delron– my 14 year old son is autistic and non-verbal, pray for his first word to be spoken, and for my court date to hopefully result in me going home.
• Jonathan– family, forgiveness, God to stay with me as I’m headed to state prison.
• Tim– my sister has shoulder surgery coming up, and I have court on Wed.
• Paul– for teachers to be clear in teaching, for understanding, not being overwhelmed or confused, for guilt, thanks for this safe place.
• Nelson– my daughter (Malani), forgiveness, everyone in here.
• Troy– for my entire family, especially my wife that supports me, I have 23 days until my court date and I’m a bit anxious. [NOTE: I shared Philippians 4:6-7 with him]
• Mike– family, forgiveness, I was just sentenced to 23 months, so I’ll be around for a while, help me stay positive.
• Josh– family, strength.
• Jim McCoach– for everyone here to know Jesus as savior.  I was recently diagnosed with colon cancer after masses found during colonoscopy.  Had smaller ones removed, biopsy negative so far, surgery coming up to remove large mass, docs worried it’s cancer.
• Erwin– for my sister (Elwyn) with cancer, and for my Sister-in-law (Lenora) who just lost her 2nd son in 3 years to a heart attack.
• Phil– healing for 2nd service volunteer (Bill) with cancer, and for our own volunteers Jim and Dan.
• Jose– for all the men going home to continue in faith with a Bible-preaching church, and for favorable outcomes with court dates.
• Dan– praise God for my latest PSA score (for prostate cancer) came back 0.03

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

• Artemio– family, people in jail, workers in the jail, my life, and to get out early.
• Joe– family, grandfather has cancer, pray for his health and the whole family’s health.
• Azon– for wisdom and for the Holy Spirit to draw him.
• Coen– my mom, two brothers, and stepdad- that they’re all doing OK. Brother cut his hand, grandfather has surgery on Wed, for my aunt’s foot, brother’s girlfriend, prisoners, and all the guys here.
• David– kids and grandkids, court decision, getting sentenced in a month, gentlemen in prison.
• Chris– mother and my kids (boys), pray I’m out of here this week.
• Corey– my daughter, pray for Doyle who recently lost son and daughter.
• Jason– spiritual clarity, for family, guardian angels to protect my wife, grandma, and mother, for everybody here, and one true religion.
• Matt– for Gerald to heal and gain strength, for Cheryl, Carl’s wife, sister-in-law Nicki, mother in law to lean on the Lord.
• Ryan– for Janice.
• Daniel– to get the monkey off his back – bound by alcohol, feeling hopeless and broken. He shared how he’s ruined relationships, including his marriage and he’s given up. May he know the love and mercy of Jesus.
• Andy– for a spirit of self-control.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• 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, leading the chaplaincy program at Chester County Prison, for the prison leaders within his mission field, and his personal strength and healing from cancer.
• All the Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
• The Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
• Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, clarity on mission, and thankful for God’s provision of new board members.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.

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