My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As far as vacations go, last week was a real nice getaway to the beach with my wife and grown kids, and the last time it’ll be just us (my daughter gets married in October). The downside was me being sick the whole week and still recovering. Unfortunately that kept me out of the prison last night – our goal is to share with the men, but that stops at germs.  Sickness moves through a prison like wildfire, so we’re careful to stay home when unwell. Once again, I depended upon my brothers to cover the prayer time and send along the inmate prayer requests, and they came through as they always do.

At the prayer time, Phil suggested Psalm 91 when a spiritual pick-me-up is needed. Then he shared this excerpt:

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

     nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

     nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

     though ten thousand are dying around you,

     these evils will not touch you.

Just open your eyes,

     and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the LORD your refuge,

     if you make the Most High your shelter,

     no evil will conquer you;

     no plague will come near your home.

For he will order his angels

     to protect you wherever you go.

They will hold you up with their hands

     so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. (Psalm 91:5-12)

In 1st service, Dan delivered what was reported to be his most impactful message to date.  A succinct yet powerful message about idols robbing us of all that God desires to bestow on us. Specifically he mentioned drugs, alcohol, money, and sex, and he was quite blunt with the men about how he himself struggled with alcohol, and that he knew that they could relate. Dan referenced this in the context of 1 John 2: 15 & 16.

Troy shared with inmates in 2nd service how Jesus our hero and high priest showed us the way to deal with temptation and emerge victorious. Christ experienced deeper temptations than we may ever face, and from the devil himself. He was tempted to satisfy His hunger immediately while on a 40-day fast, then risk his safety to challenge if God really loves Him, then resist the lure of power and immediate glory if He would just bow in worship to Satan. Jesus demonstrated victory over temptation and sin through total reliance on God His Father, and we must live into His finished work and not fall for the doubts and half-truths of the enemy.

Idols and temptation are as real today as they ever were in history.  Our current technology may look different, but the personal struggles we all face haven’t changed (and Satan uses the same playbook he has from the beginning – and why not? It works). We continually encourage the men to look to Jesus and His strength to face these things, going it alone spells disaster. And we’re so glad all of you are with us on this team supporting inmates of all kinds.  Thanks for all the ways you support the ministry.  Have a truly blessed week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (Inmate sessions):

• [Since on vacation, I did not meet with any inmates last week.  Please keep in your prayers José, Keith, Kenny, and Steven]

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

• John– for my daughter (age 6) to know how much I love her.
• Drake– for guidance, for protection from backstabbers, for court tomorrow…possibly bail(?)…and for liver problem.
• Eric– to get through this time, & for his kids & family; also for the volunteers.
• Michael – for the judicial system who just denied him bail, and for other countries.
• Darren – for court tomorrow and for others facing court hearings.
• Ross– for Bernard back on the block, who’d love to attend again, but is especially sick, for everyone in prison & for John Russell battling diabetes
• Junior– for his family, his wife & daughter & for the volunteers.  Also for Antonio, Miguel & the other attendees who don’t understand English.
• Miguel – (NOT the one in Junior’s prayer directly above) to overcome false tongues & anxious souls.
• Derrick – for his mom with cancer.
• Jim– for his son, Jacob.
• Jose– salvation for everyone here & for the nation.
• Phil T– for Dan’s message tonight & for his brother in law who is his “special project”, for Rick’s recovery, for Jim’s wedding on Saturday, and for my son, Kyle, to have clear direction from God about his career options.

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

• Rob: For Rick C (volunteer) to get better.
• Lamont: Men on the block with ongoing cases.
• Rob (#2): Family Mom just got new housing.
• Clarence: For us, men on the block who didn’t/couldn’t come out, Family – aunt just passed on Sunday, closure for his case and Jeremiah’s case.
• Deron: Mother’s fiancé had congestive heart failure – his recovery, his kids.
• Keith: himself – spiritual needs, fiancé to stay sober, father to move on, fellow inmates.
• Kellimel: family, patience, fellow inmates, closure (no details given).
• Jeff: able to get into a rehab within the next few days, return to his family, his daughter, his friend sitting next to him (no details given).

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Our prison chaplains – Jack, Heinrich, and Rhonda.
• Prison leadership, prison staff, and all of their families.
• For more prolific use of volunteers by allowing expansion of the chapel schedule.
• Resolution of staff shortages which impact families and prison programs.
• All recently released men and women to find spiritual support and continue their faith journey.
• Blessing upon Aftercare ministries assisting inmate transitions back into society.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Welcome to the “vacation edition” of the weekly prayer request email, as I’m at the beach in Ocean City, MD, with my family this week. In my stead we had very capable volunteers covering prayers last night at the prison – Phil in first service and Matt in second service. I thank my brothers for handling the prayer time and sending along prayer requests so I can provide them to you below.

Phil encouraged the men from a book on prayer he’s reading – pray for big things and never give up, always keep going because no matter what happens, the storm eventually ends and you want to make sure you’re ready when that happens.  In similar fashion, Matt began his prayer time with the “911 prayer” (Psalm 91) which describes the confidence that believers have through all manner of dangers and challenges.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

    he is my God, and I trust him.

For he will rescue you from every trap

    and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with his feathers.

    He will shelter you with his wings.

    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

    nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

    though ten thousand are dying around you,

    these evils will not touch you.

Just open your eyes,

    and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,

    if you make the Most High your shelter,

no evil will conquer you;

    no plague will come near your home.

For he will order his angels

    to protect you wherever you go.

They will hold you up with their hands

    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

You will trample upon lions and cobras;

    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

    I will protect those who trust in my name.

When they call on me, I will answer;

    I will be with them in trouble.

    I will rescue and honor them.

I will reward them with a long life

    and give them my salvation.”(Psalm 91)

Jim gave a stark reminder to the men in first service that time may be short before Jesus returns – all the major prophesies leading to His coming back have been fulfilled. It could happen on the way back to their cells tonight. The key point is to be ready, as illustrated through many Bible passages. The Great Tribulation and Judgement Day are not things you want to mess around with, we should all decide now where we want to be for eternity, and do something about it.  If that means giving your heart to Christ, what are you waiting for?

In second service, Ryan preached on Psalm 142, written by David on the run from Saul trying to kill him.  In the cave of Adullum, David had all other earthly refuges stripped from him with nowhere else to turn for comfort except to his God. In the Psalm David feels free to be honest with God about his complaints, worries, and fears. Our God listens to our honest cries, exemplified by the life of Jesus, constantly listening to the honest cries of those around him. God wants to be our refuge, where we turn when we need comfort the most. David didn’t stay in the cave forever, but later became King of Israel. And though he was a great man (and a great sinner), he always came back to God as his refuge. Our God is a steadfast refuge that will never leave us nor forsake us. All other things we go to for comfort will not last, but God is right here with us and he’s not going anywhere.

We consistently remind the men in prison of how our great God desires all men to be saved and understand the truth (1 Tim2.4), and that truth includes no promise of tomorrow (James 4.14). Thank you all for your partnership in this mission to bring Christ’s love and the Word of God to those in prison.  We couldn’t do it without your prayers and other means of support. I pray our great God would pour out a mighty blessing on each of you this week, in a way that it could have only come from Him.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (Inmate sessions):

• José– for my friends, my buddies on the outside, my family that helps me, my girlfriend Haley and her daughter Julianna, my spiritual wellbeing, and great outcomes for my meetings with people.
• Keith– the love of my life (Anita) is seeing another guy, I’m still praying for her (and him), she is still very caught up in drugs and alcohol and this guy is taking advantage of the situation.  I’m angry and disappointed, but I still love her. Pray for Anita’s addiction issues and her relationship with daughter Brittney. Pray for my court date on Monday 7/29, that things go well, and pray for our country and our brave military men and women.
• Kenny– I am part of a Bible study every night, with lots of reading different books in the Bible – it has changed my whole mood in here – I was really scared when I first came in here but now I want to find a good church and be part of Bible studies when I get out.  I’m sad that I missed being part of a few birthdays in my family this past week.  Pray my family doing well, that I can be a better person every day, for better understanding of God’s word, for my time to go smoothly and quick, and for my coworkers , and good friends Frances and Jimmy.  I have joy that God understands me and is with me.

• Troy met with Steven-  his prayer request is for his mother Linda that is battling colon cancer for her healing and recovery.  He also is praying for his 2 sisters and for his girlfriend and her kids.  He has a court date August 19^th and praying for a favorable outcome.  He has an outstanding warrant in Minnesota that needs to be resolved and also praying for restoration of his driving privileges in Pennsylvania.

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

• John– for my daughter to know how much I love her, & for his grandfather on a ventilator.
• Drake– for guidance, and protection from Satan, and for a speedy recovery from steroid abuse.
• Ryan – for people in programs to complete them successfully, and for his dad suffering from COPD.
• John#2– for his sister in law suffering with a bad case of cancer.
• Raymond– for leaders in our nation, for families of those here, and for God to use us.
• Eric– to get through this time, & for his family to endure the associated hardships of his being away.
• Daron– for a better spirit, and for the corrections officers to show respect instead of abuse.
• Miguel– wisdom for us, & protection for our families, and to become a better dad.
• Jim– for his son, Jacob.
• Jose– salvation for everyone in this facility.
• Phil T– for Jim’s message tonight, for Rick & Erwin and their families on vacation, and for my son, Kyle, who is having issues w his back, his truck, & his business, that he may not waver in his faith, but trust God even more in his time of testing.

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

• Rob– for my court case on Wednesday 7/31/24.
• J’Ron– all the volunteers.
• Jorge– my friend John who will be leaving prison soon along with myself, my family and everyone in here.
• Kellimel– my kids, my family, everyone in here, safety for everyone, that I stay focused run hard after God.
• Derek– God to keep working on me with the relationships that I’m building back on the block, God shows me the knowledge and wisdom He wants me to pass along, my Bible study group back on the block and the volunteers.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Endurance, health, and wellbeing for our prison chaplains – Jack, Heinrich, and Rhonda.
• Blessings upon Prison leadership, prison staff, and all of their families
• For expanded use of willing volunteers through allowing expansion of the chapel schedule.
• Resolution of staff shortages which impact families and prison programs.
• All the recently released men and women to find spiritual support and continue their faith journey.
• Blessing and provision for Aftercare ministries assisting inmate transitions back into society.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We see some new faces in the prison staff each week, and that’s been one of our prayers – the prison is still experiencing a staff shortage (we’ve also heard turnover is high).  Please continue to pray for God’s provision in resolving these staffing challenges which impact volunteer-based programs like chapel services.

Since it was my turn to give the message, other volunteers covered the prayer time. Phil encouraged the men in first service to covenant with God using Psalm 101 as marching orders for a godly man:

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.

    I will praise you with songs.

I will be careful to live a blameless life—

    when will you come to help me?

I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.

I hate all who deal crookedly;

    I will have nothing to do with them.

I will reject perverse ideas

    and stay away from every evil.

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.

    I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will search for faithful people

    to be my companions.

Only those who are above reproach

    will be allowed to serve me.

I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,

    and liars will not stay in my presence.

My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked

    and free the city of the Lord from their grip.(Psalm 101)

“More than a feeling” was my message for both services, attempting to better understand Love.  Our culture has polluted and corrupted love’s true meaning, already made difficult with only a single word in English.  New Testament authors chose the universal language of that time – Greek – which has 8 words for different types of love.  We studied the 4 most common (3 are used in NT): Eros (sensual love), Philos (brotherly love), Storge (family love), and Agape (sacrificial love). Categories made it a bit clearer, but God’s definition is needed to truly get it. We read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, then walked through it slowly substituting “God” for the word “love”, with supporting scriptures, to understand both love and God’s attributes since as 1 John 4:8 tells us, “God is love“.

The major point of my message was that love is not a feeling, it’s a decision (and resulting action) to put someone or something before yourself. Loving a person means their interests come first, love of country means the good of everyone comes first, and love of God means His will before my own. We ended with several scriptures demonstrating God’s love for us (Jn 3.16, Jn 15.13, Rom 5.8), and how we should respond by loving God and neighbors (Mk 12:30-31), love one another (Jn 13.34-35), and even love your enemies (Mt 5.44). I closed with a challenge to “tell your story” to everyone on the cell blocks, per the great commission in Mark 16 and Matthew 28.

We can all show the love of God in many ways. Thank you all for how you show His love through your prayers and support for prison ministry. I can assure you the men in prison do feel your love, as the volunteers always try our best to demonstrate it, and the men are usually very thankful for us being there, and knowing that many others are praying for them. Have a blessed week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (Inmate sessions):

• Keith– didn’t have court today, still expecting court date on 7/29, pray all goes well with that. The love of my life (Anita) is caught up with alcohol and tough times – she’s in the hospital and I prayed with her. She’s not feeling good and is a mess with financial problems because of her running wild. Also pray for her daughter and their relationship. Pray for my son who just bought a boat, and how I miss the water and riding motorcycle, thankful my son could move my bike inside a building. Finally, pray for my peace as I was moved to a very noisy block.
• Kenny– for my family and my co-workers at Good Will, for Frances and Jimmy Potter to be doing well, to better myself each day, and to understand God’s word as I read the Bible.  [Note: Kenny told me he accepted the Lord after chapel service on 6/24, he went back to his cell and prayed and cried a lot.  When he woke up the next day, he felt like a whole new person – Praise God!  And please pray for his spiritual protection]

• José– [Note: did not get to meet today since he is in court – pray that it went well]

• Eugene (volunteer) seeks prayer for final week of the “Me-We-City” movement sponsored by Coatesville pastors to transform the community by transforming minds, spirits, and bodies across the city- family by family, and neighborhood by neighborhood.  This final week’s prayer focus is Salvation/Revival.

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

• John– for my daughter to know how much I love her.
• Eric– I leave on the 24th, pray for a smooth transition, a well-paying job once I’m out, and for a beautiful girlfriend (who meets his very specific criteria). For health and stability for me, my family, and all of us in here, for deliverance from the evil one for all of us.
• Matt– my brain is fried from drugs, I need to find a way to support myself in life and not still rely on my parents.  For my children to know the truth that my addiction is why I left, not because I don’t love them.  For everyone in here to be forgiven and all made right, and thanks that I’m still alive.
• Jim M– my son Jacob is living in darkness, may he find the light of Jesus.
• Miguel– safety for family travelling from Puerto Rico and some traveling to Dallas.
• Drake– for guidance, to get into a faith-based rehab program and not just regular one, and for protection from terrorists.
• Jose G– safely back from Netherlands, for salvation of everyone in this prison, and for the upcoming election.
• Andy L– peace and righteousness in my neighborhood, and for each man here to find a good church to attend when they get out.
• John– peace for our nation.
• Jason– my daughter Mia (4) has a birthday at the end of the week.
• Deron– all the unspoken prayers.
• Matt– deliver us from temptation.
• Dan T– God saved my life since I am once again cancer-free, and for my brother-in-law to overcome whatever obstacle is holding him back from accepting Christ.
• Phil T– for safety of volunteer Andy on vacation in Canada.

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

• Derrick– thanks for volunteers, for my relationship with God, continued knowledge and wisdom, and for God to use me with the Bible study back on the block.
• Clarence– prayers for the volunteers who bless us, for the guys on the block that couldn’t make it out to church- stir their hearts, for my family, my children, and relationships, for closure on my case and my court date next month.
• John– thanks for the volunteers, pray I can link back up with the “shall never thirst” ministry when out of here – they helped me a lot – and for my girl.
• Rob– court date on 31st, pray for leniency and mercy, I think they’re really gonna give it to me this time.
• Jeron– thankful for volunteers, for patience, strength, courage, faith, help me let go and let God.  And for my kids.
• Kevin– my girlfriend to have a healthy pregnancy, kids, court date on Wednesday, and thanks for volunteers.
• Jeremiah– for strength – been in here 44 months with no answers, for endurance, a light to shine on my case, a favorable outcome, and to not get discouraged.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Our prison chaplains – Jack, Heinrich, and Rhonda.
• Prison leadership, prison staff, and all of their families
• For expansion of the chapel schedule and use of more volunteers.
• Resolve staff shortages which impact families and prison programs.
• For recently released men and women to find safe haven and continue their faith journey.
• For all the Aftercare ministries out there taking care of inmate transition back into society.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

God answers prayers in many ways, big and small, and He always answers.  We must realize He doesn’t always say “Yes”, sometimes He says “No” and sometimes He says “Not yet”.  We got a definite Yes last night as we entered the prison chapel and felt a rush of cool air – hooray!  The air conditioning was fixed! Quite a difference from 90 degrees and stifling humidity last week.  Praise God from whom all A/C flows!

We thanked God for more blessings than just cool air as we began with Psalm 32:

Oh, what joy for those

    whose rebellion is forgiven,

    whose sin is put out of sight!

Yes, what joy for those

    whose record the Lord has cleared of sin,

    whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

When I refused to confess my sin,

    I was weak and miserable,

    and I groaned all day long.

Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.

    My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

Selah

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you

    and stopped trying to hide them.

I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”

    And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Selah

Therefore, let all the godly confess their rebellion to you while there is still time,

    that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.

For you are my hiding place;

    you protect me from trouble.

    You surround me with songs of victory.  (Psalm 32:1-7)

Phil began his 1st service message asking the men why do they think we come in each week? Most responses were correct. Phil described it as a 2-part mission, and like emails where we ask people about 2 things (and almost always only get back an answer to the first), many forget about the second part.  Part 1 is to be a disciple – Jesus calls us into relationship and to follow Him.  Part 2 is to make disciples, teaching them to obey all I have commanded (per Great commission, Mt 28).  It’s all about Jesus, who He is, what He’s done, and what He continues to do through us.  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and teaching others about Him is why we go in each week.

Marty used Romans 1:14-20 to remind us that like Paul, we are to preach the Good News to everyone, no matter the culture or level of education or station in life. This passage also reminds us that God leaves no excuses for anyone – His glory and magnificence is clearly seen in His creation, from millions of stars in the sky, to the organization of an ant colony, to the engineering and self-healing of a human hand. God’s anger is against those who suppress truth, especially the ultimate Truth – His son. God is not surprised at how depraved our world has become, we see our sins enumerated in His word. But it’s our faith in Jesus that saves us from the judgement, and He calls us to live a much better life following Him.

The men in prison see us as deliverers of Good News, and we share that recognition with all of you, because no ministry can be successful without God and without prayer.  Thank you all for the time you spend each day and each week praying for the ministry/volunteers, the men, their families, and their prayer requests.  Your contribution through prayer and other ways keeps it going.  God bless you!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00pm Chapel service):

• Eugene– for forgiveness.
• DJ– for everyone in the world, and to get out.
• Joel– for all of us in here, my court date in August, that everything goes good, my family, my Mom in Puerto Rico, all our families, and for peace.
• Kenneth– spiritual guidance.
• Ron– that all goes well for all of us here, for peace and happiness.

• Keith– court date on 7/29, family, my kids, my life in general, for less stress and for the days to go by easy.
• José– family, my girlfriend and her daughter, thankful that we are talking again after some bumps in the road, for my spiritual wellbeing, and for my friends.

• Eugene (volunteer) seeks prayer for the “Me-We-City” movement sponsored by Coatesville pastors to transform the community by transforming minds, spirits, and bodies across the city- family by family, and neighborhood by neighborhood.  This week’s prayer focus is Government (and next week’s final focus is Salvation/Revival).

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

• John– that my daughter remembers me and how much I love her.
• Eric– for a well-paying job when I get out, and for a beautiful girlfriend (who meets his very specific criteria).
• Raymond– for our world leaders to have wisdom to make good decisions, for those less fortunate on the street, abandoned, hungry, homeless.  For those in hospitals and prisons, for our families and loved ones.  For us as men to take our rightful position. For my wife Anna and forgiveness for what I did.
• Jim M– my son Jacob is lost, may He find his way.
• Phil T– my cousin Dotsy needs a kidney transplant.
• Drake– guidance, thankful for the volunteers, and for a medical exam to get some glasses because I can’t see.
• Dan T– for my brother-in-law to overcome whatever obstacle is holding him back from accepting Christ.
• Zach– for more consideration of others in here.
• Phil T– for Lindsay who had breast cancer surgery Friday- recovery and peace for the family.
• Rick C– for my friend Tom who lost his Mother last night. And safe travels for our brother Jose who is in Netherlands for work.

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

• Jeremiah– my kids and significant other.
• Martin– salvation, thanks for volunteers, for my family. This is my last service with you guys, I’ll be going up state on Monday.
• Clarence– for the volunteers who continue to bless us, the guys on the block that couldn’t make it out to church, for closure on my case and my court date next month, for my family and my children, and to grant my motion for rule 600 (violation of constitutional right to a speedy trial).
• Jeron– guidance, to be led in right direction, to be able to see what God is doing in my life, my kids, my Mom, and family.
• Kevin– the volunteers, all of us in here, my girlfriend to have a safe pregnancy, kids, family, relatives, and my cellmate has court tomorrow and hopes to go home.
• Derrick– thanks for volunteers, work on my relationship with God, motivation and confidence in our Bible study group on the block, healing for me and for my roommate Lisa.
• Andy L– for my wife and I to be a good testimony in our very troubled community – one lady needs a kidney badly, several wives have thrown out their husbands, and some pretty wild stuff.
• Kellimel– all in here to be saved, our families, for wisdom, patience, and to understand God’s Word.
• Glen– family and friends to have good health, bring to faith or stronger in faith, everyone to get closer to God (me too), for good health, and for the volunteers.
• Rick C– safe travels and good time off for our brother Andy.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Our prison chaplains – Jack, Heinrich, and Rhonda.
• Prison leadership, prison staff, and all of their families
• For expansion of the chapel schedule and use of more volunteers.
• Resolve staff shortages which impact families and prison programs.
• For recently released men and women to find safe haven and continue their faith journey.
• For all the Aftercare ministries out there taking care of inmate transition back into society.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Harry S Truman once said “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!”

That was our test last night at prison since we were warned ahead of time the chapel air conditioning failed. Reminded me of working in my garage in Florida during summer months. Yet our sweaty volunteer crew persisted, laboring side by side for the sake of the gospel – that’s what we signed up for.

We could have used protection from a sweltering room, but prayed more importantly for spiritual protection using Psalm 31:

O Lord, I have come to you for protection;

    don’t let me be put to shame.

    Rescue me, for you always do what is right.

Bend down and listen to me;

    rescue me quickly.

Be for me a great rock of safety,

    a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.

You are my rock and my fortress.

    For the honor of your name, lead me out of this peril.

Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,

    for I find protection in you alone.

I entrust my spirit into your hand.

    Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God. (Psalm 31:1-5)

Erwin taught the men in 1st service how to be assured of salvation by trusting in God and His word, not on man’s religion which can confuse and complicate the way to heaven. Jesus made it simple, saying “I am the way” and instructed followers it’s about relationship, not works. Romans 10:13 tells us “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The religious may be shocked as in Matthew 7:21-23 when Jesus says “go away, I never knew you.”  We must confess and believe as in Romans 10:9, then experience life change from the inside-out by the Holy Spirit of God. It’s not about us earning anything, it’s what Jesus did (and does)for us. That’s how we are assured of salvation.

Bill used the backdrop of Titus 2 to speak in 2nd service about “Waiting for Glory”. Walking through the first 14 verses, then concentrating on Titus 2:11-14, he emphasized how we all by God’s grace must renounce ungodliness and make a decision for the Gospel in order to look forward to being with God in glory. Looking back, God no longer demands animal sacrifice since Jesus’ sacrifice as the perfect lamb of God paid it all for all time, paving our way in the present to be saved, and assuring our future where we will be with God in heaven.

Isn’t God awesome how He takes care of our past, our present, and our future? The men in prison are reminded of that each week, as well as how many folks are praying for them and their prayer requests.  Thank you all for joining us being part of their present, encouraging their future, as they want to forget their past. God bless your week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Wednesday:

• Keith– for my family, my court date to happen soon with a better deal through the lawyer, for my kids and their significant others. Thankful for someone coming out each week to visit.  Help me be content with what the Lord is providing, and help me in waiting on Him.
• José– for all the families of inmates, for everyone having a hard time to know someone is thinking about them. For my family and friends, safety and love for my girlfriend (Haley) and my daughter (Julianna), and for volunteers who visit us.
• (Me)– please continue to pray for José and his spiritual protection as he gave his life to Christ on Wednesday of last week.

• Eugene (volunteer) seeks prayer for the “Me-We-City” movement sponsored by pastors across Coatesville to transform the community by transforming minds, spirits, and bodies across the city- family by family, and neighborhood by neighborhood.  This week’s prayer focus is Coatesville Pastors & Churches (and next week’s focus is Government).

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

• Kenny– my family to be doing well, to better myself each day.
• John– that my daughter knows how much I love her.
• Jaden– revelation, and for freedom.
• Drake– for my friend Kathleen and her mental health, for guidance, and for college educational opportunities while I’m in here.  Also for reintroduction of a gym program in here.
• Deron– for more support from my family.
• Jose– for the salvation of everyone in this prison, and for the upcoming election.
• Ryan– for better chances at getting into maintenance programs (rehab).
• Eric– for a well-paying job when I get out, and for a girlfriend (who meets very specific criteria).
• Taylor– to get out of here and be able to start a landscaping business.
• Dan T– for my brother-in-law to overcome whatever obstacle is holding him back from accepting Christ.

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

• Martin– for family, salvation, and thanks for volunteers.
• Shaun– for understanding of His Word.
• Steve– court date coming up, for our families, for the men on the block, and for the volunteers.
• Anthony– for all of us in here, my fiancé and kids, and for my acceptance in to work release center so I can be closer to my family.
• Darren– my Mom is in financial trouble and going through very stressful time, for my ex-wife to be good to our kids, and help me to help the next guy.
• Kellimel– our families, my family, guidance, and for us to remain focused when we are back out in the world.
• Derrick– all the prisoners in the world get to know God, a sooner court date, for my roomate Lisa and her health and guidance, and mend my broken heart.
• Connor– healthy delivery of my child that was due July 3, and for mom and baby to be healthy and happy and safe.
• Jeron– wisdom, knowledge, and understanding – don’t know why I’m here and how this system works, and for my situation.
• Glen– for family and friends doing good, my nephew’s healing after his car accident.  For Razul back on the block, seems like his lawyer ripping him off and he’s been here a long time. Also to get into the work release center soon.
• Kevin– for the volunteers, for my girlfriend to have a safe pregnancy, my family, my cellmate, and everyone in here.
• Jeff– that all goes well for me, and I can get into rehab.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Our prison chaplains – Jack, Heinrich, and Rhonda.
• Prison leadership, prison staff, and all of their families
• For expansion of the chapel schedule and use of more volunteers.
• Resolution of staff shortage which impacts families and prison programs.
• For recently released men and women to find safe haven and continue their faith journey.
• For all the Aftercare ministries out there taking care of inmate transition back into society.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Things don’t always go as planned, and sometimes you don’t know what’s holding you back or why.  How we react says a lot about our faith.  Do we get anxious? Angry? Frustrated? Or do we wait upon the Lord, knowing all things are under His control, and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28). Last night we gathered at the prison entrance at our weekly appointed time, but nobody let us in. They know we’re there (many cameras), yet time elapsed and still no sign of anyone coming. 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, still nothing.  Will we even have services tonight? As ambassadors of Christ, we waited patiently and simply wondered if something critical was going on inside. Finally, after waiting nearly 40 minutes we were let in, making sure to be kind and gracious to the officer processing us in, since we still got to be there to encourage the men with the Word and the love of God.

Even running woefully late, we always make time for scripture, and how appropriate that we began with Psalm 27:

Listen to my pleading, O Lord.

    Be merciful and answer me!

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”

    And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

Do not hide yourself from me.

    Do not reject your servant in anger.

    You have always been my helper.

Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,

    O God of my salvation!

Even if my father and mother abandon me,

    the Lord will hold me close.

Teach me how to live, O Lord.

    Lead me along the path of honesty,

    for my enemies are waiting for me to fall.

Do not let me fall into their hands.

    For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;

    and breathe out violence against me.

Yet I am confident that I will see the Lord’s goodness

    while I am here in the land of the living.

Wait patiently for the Lord.

    Be brave and courageous.

    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. (Psalm 27:7-14)

In 1st service, Jose used Luke 18:9-14 to teach about the condition of our hearts, showing the huge difference between a self-righteous Pharisee and a humble repentant tax collector.  At the root of self-righteousness we find pride, and Jesus said it’s the broken and contrite sinner who is justified before God.  Jesus openly rebuked the religious leaders over and over for their legalistic hypocrisy, and He sought those seeking God’s mercy through true repentance by turning from sin and choosing Christ.  True repentance leads to transformation, and God’s Word reminds us that “those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Ryan taught the men in 2nd service how words have meaning and power. God gave words power and spoke the universe into being. Words can create and destroy – we can build others up or tear them down.  We are all here because we experienced the grace of Jesus – we need to watch our words. Ryan referenced passages like Pv18:21 and Eph 4:29 to illustrate God’s view on how we use our words. He walked through Jesus’ temptation by the devil in Matthew 4:1-11 to show how the best words – scripture – are the solution to any  temptation when understood in context. When we engrain God’s word in our heart, it can encourage and protect us in our worst moments. Ryan concluded with a challenge to memorize scripture like Psalm 23.

We continually thank God for each of you and the power of your many words raised to our heavenly Father on behalf of the men and women in prison and their families who suffer along with them.  We pray you all have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day holiday and enjoy the many blessings of our great God.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00pm service):

• Joel– my family, my brother and sister, Chaplain Heinrich bringing the Word to us, my court date in August, and that I can get back to Jesus and leave my life of being without him.  Also for people who need help, like Maria who needs a place to live.  Also for a place to live and good job when I get out.
• Jeffrey– for my family, especially with the financial issues they are having, and for spiritual growth.
• Jay– for my family and friends, and that things go good for the next 2 months, and for all the people at church.  Thanks for the volunteers who come in.
• Kenneth– for my girl (Taja), and her spiritual journey – she is under attack.
• Jose– for my stepfather and for my business.

• Keith– pray for a much better deal, possible court date on Friday.  For my family, my oldest son (Anthony) and his wife and his ministry, my daughter (Brandy), and my younger son (Shaun) working hard and getting married this year.

• Eugene (volunteer) seeks prayer for the “Me-We-City” movement sponsored by pastors across Coatesville intent on transforming the community by transformation of minds, spirits, and bodies throughout the city- family by family, and neighborhood by neighborhood.  This week’s prayer focus is Youth (and next week’s focus is Pastors & Churches).

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

• Kenny– for my family to be doing well.
• Eric– for my mother and father’s health, for a good paying job when I get out, and for a girlfriend.
• John– for my daughter (6) to know how much I love her.
• Brent– continued prayers for my friend’s daughter (Natalie, 16) going through tests for internal health problems- they still can’t figure out what’s wrong.
• Ross– I’m from Florida and don’t have an address there or here, so probation is denied.  I feel unsafe here, and pray for a ministry in FL or PA to help me with a place to live so I can get out.
• Andy L– we have 60 people coming to our house for a family reunion this weekend, prayers to stay sane.
• Jim M– my son Jacob.
• Joseph– to get back home, I shouldn’t be here, pray that court date works out, it’s my first time here.  Also reading great Christian books I never saw before, help me understand.
• Miguel– strength for my lady and my 3 boys.
• Ryan– my family is moving my stuff 4.5 hours away, hope it all goes well.
• Steve– my family, friends, and loved ones.

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

• Rick C– for Craig who is now at Montgomery County prison, may his light continue to shine.  And for Harry who got out last week that he found a good church and brothers/sisters in the faith to encourage him and help keep him on the right path.
• Anthony– for my fiance and myself – we lost our home – that she can find a place.  Pray things will get better and we get through all this.  Also for safe travels to Dallas, TX.
• Dominic– thankful for volunteers, pray for family and friends and that we get through the good, the bad, and the ugly.
• Kevin– for myself, prayers for the volunteers, and for my girlfriend to have a healthy pregnancy.  For my mom, my dad, and my grandmom.
• Conner– my fiance is due Wednesday with our first child.
• Mike– my friend Michelle with cancer, and my Uncle Vince fell and his leg is in rough shape.  Healing for both.
• Glenn– thankful for volunteers each week, for my family and friends to be taken care of, and my nephew (Matthew) was in a bad car wreck and lost sight in one eye and other complications – may he be healed.  Also he has to deal with the other person that died in the wreck.  Matthew not a believer.
• David– my family, my sister, uncle, cellmate and everyone who’s been there for me.
• Jeremiah– my children, my significant other, and good outcome of my case.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Our prison chaplains – Jack Crans, Heinrich Botes, and Rhonda Soland.
• Prison staff, prison leadership, and all of their families
• For favor upon religious programs and expansion of chapel schedule at the prison.
• Staff shortages impacting families and programs in the prison.
• Pray for a new ministry started by one of the volunteers to help men in crisis – The Archangel Project.
• For recently released men and women to find safe haven and continue their faith journey.
• Aftercare ministries taking care of inmate transition back into society.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As they entered the prison chapel last night, one inmate said to another “It’s gonna be so hot, they got no air conditioning”.  What were they talking about? Unsaved sinners going to hell? Actually, it was the next stop for that inmate in the coming week – Lancaster County prison (which some inmates describe as similar to hell).  While inmate chit-chat may be limited to local concerns, we volunteers always turn the conversation to consider eternal matters, encouraging every attendee to “seek the Lord while He may be found” since there will come a day (our death or Jesus’ return) when it’s too late.

Seeking God’s guidance has been an ongoing theme during prayer time, so Psalm 25 was very fitting:

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

    I trust in you, my God!

Do not let me be disgraced,

    or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.

No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,

    but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord;

    point out the right road for me to follow.

Lead me by your truth and teach me,

    for you are the God who saves me.

    All day long I put my hope in you.

Remember, O Lord, your unfailing love and compassion,

    which you have shown from long ages past.

Forgive the rebellious sins of my youth;

    look instead through the eyes of your unfailing love,

    for you are merciful, O Lord.

The Lord is good and does what is right;

    he shows the proper path to those who go astray.

He leads the humble in doing right,

    teaching them his way.

The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness

    all who keep his covenant and obey his decrees.

For the honor of your name, O Lord,

    forgive my many, many sins.

Who are those who fear the Lord?

    He will show them the path they should choose. (Psalm 25:1-12)

In 1st service, Andy teed up the story of the lame man in Acts 3:1-11 by pondering what his life must have been like.  From early childhood, missing out on running/playing with other kids, to adolescent questions of how to make a living, to making the only choice available in young adulthood – begging. A life of playing on people’s emotions for some pocket change, his perspective was completely limited by his disability until the day Peter and John came along.  The change they offered was complete restoration and healing through Jesus Christ.  We’re all crippled with sin from birth and need exactly the same thing. Will we turn over to God those things that cripple us – broken family, alcohol/drug addiction, depression, anger, love of pleasure, fear – to experience His freedom, jumping and leaping for joy as the lame man did?

“Lost and Found” was Matt’s topic for 2nd service, comparing mankind to the lost sheep in Luke 15:1-7 by discussing 9 characteristics of sheep that lead to our logical need for a shepherd.  And as we’ve all gone astray, we need the Good Shepherd to return us to the proper path, protecting and leading us, caring for us and carrying our burdens as His prized possession, and giving us much more than we would have settled for.  As the perfect lamb of God, He binds our wounds as He sacrifices Himself, taking the punishment for our sin so we can be made righteous before the Father. The question is- do we want to be found?  And once found, will we live a life reflective of what He’s done for us?

Gratitude should be foremost in the Christian’s attitude, and let me express mine to all of you for your ongoing and faithful support of this prison ministry – it couldn’t happen without you. Accept our thanks as we all lift heavenward the prayer requests below.  And please remember our chaplains, the staff, the inmates, and all those families in your prayers throughout the week.  God bless you!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday:

• Keith– My court date got moved to the 26th, pray it all goes well.  Thankful I finally heard from lawyer who is working a deal with the attorney. Also thankful for my entry into drug rehab program.  Bless my sons, my daughter, and the whole family.
• Eugene (volunteer) – please pray for the “Me-We-City” movement sponsored by pastors across Coatesville intent on transforming the community by transformation of minds, spirits, and bodies throughout the city- family by family, and neighborhood by neighborhood.  Last week’s prayer focus was Men, this week’s prayer focus is for Women (and next week’s focus is youth).

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

• Kenny– to get better every day
• Dan– for a better relationship with my family, and to make better choices.
• Drake– guidance, spiritual fruit, bodily healing from prescription meds.
• Brent– my friend’s daughter (Natalie, 16) going through tests for internal health problems that they can’t figure out. Also for outcome of the upcoming election.
• Ryan– going through some things, help me get a better perception, help me keep it simple. Also thankful for what we do have, even if it’s not very good.
• Vince– my Dad (Mark) is in the hospital with heart issues and Lyme disease.
• Steve– my 3 kids (1, 4, and 6) and my family and friends.
• Phil T– my sister-in-law has cancer surgery on Thurs, and please protect my son while on a job in the Poconos.
• Jose– for the salvation of all the souls in Chester County Prison.
• Deron– for my enemies.
• Zach– for restoration.
• Rick C– family of Ronny Diem – his wife passed unexpectedly and the funeral was this morning.
• Eric– for a good paying job, and for a girlfriend, to lose 5 pounds, and I’m depressed and need confidence.  And that I won’t be turned into a dampyr (half human/half vampire). [NOTE: We believe Eric has mental issues, please pray for his mind]

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

• Craig– thanks for the volunteers coming in to share with us each week, for my family at large, for my strength and zeal to run this race, for the PCRA to drop the extra 6 months on my sentence, and may my light shine as I head to Montgomery County.
• Martin– for family, salvation, thanks for volunteers.
• Steve– my lawyer was sick today, and I want to understand what I’m reading in the Bible.
• Clarence– thanks for volunteers, for the brothers back on the block, my family and children, the brothers in here tonight, and for the Lord to shine light on my case and get a hearing – been here in the dark over a year.
• Derrick– strength, my friend Lisa recovering well from breast cancer.
• Dominic– severe back pain, headed to Lancaster County where there’s no A/C, for a good outcome of everyone’s cases.
• Harry– wisdom and endurance for me, I get out on Monday and want to stay with the Lord.  And for my daughter with 104 fever.
• Mike– my friend Michelle has cancer – bad diagnosis, it has metastasized.
• Matt R– for my friend Shaun who’s wife passed away 2 weeks ago, leaving him and 3 kids under 7 – strength and endurance.  Also for my friend Aaron in active addiction to find God.
• Andy D– for Doris Haley family upon her passing a few weeks ago, and that her ministry would continue to inmates, their children, and people of Pocopson Home. Comfort and peace for the many people touched by her.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Our prison chaplains – Jack, Heinrich, and Rhonda.
• Prison staff, their leadership, their families, and favor upon religious programs at the prison.
• Staff shortages impacting families and programs in the prison.
• Pray for a new ministry started by one of the volunteers to help men in crisis – The Archangel Project.
• Recently released inmates to continue their faith journey.
• Aftercare ministries taking care of inmate transition back into society.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!”  A common phrase heard during many Pennsylvania summers, and very true inside Chester County Prison where the chapel air conditioning seems minimal at best.  The air in that place is already heavy with depression and despair, the sticky humidity just makes it more miserable (well, it is prison, after all).  The volunteers bring the light and love of Christ each week, transforming that sticky chapel into a sanctuary filled with God’s Holy Spirit as we pray, lift up our voices in song and testimony, and hear from God’s Word.  To see the countenance of so many men lifted, if only for an hour or so, is a great feeling and indicator that we are doing what God wants us to do – love one another as He loves us.

Thanks for how you show your love for others by your support of this ministry – through prayer and other means – I pray that God’s spirit gives you the peace and joy that you are doing what God wants you to do.

Last night, a short excerpt from Psalm 20 set the stage, as if King David himself directed it to all of us in that chapel:

In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.

    May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.

May he send you help from his sanctuary

    and strengthen you from Jerusalem.

May he remember all your gifts

    and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

                                                                                   Selah

May he grant your heart’s desire

    and fulfill all your plans.

May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory,

    flying banners to honor our God.

May the Lord answer all your prayers. (Psalm 20:1-5)

In 1st service, Dan read from a letter sent by a former volunteer who posed some tough questions as he left Christianity behind, ultimately claiming there is no God. Many people have difficulty reconciling the thoughts of having a fallen world and a loving God at the same time, but that’s what the Bible teaches. We lament at all the suffering in our world, wondering why God doesn’t do something about it. And why do bad things happen to good people?  God gives us free will, and a choice to follow Him or not.  Unfortunately, mankind is fallen and corrupted from His original design, and many people make bad choices which cause others to suffer.  We can’t see what God is doing in many circumstances but are called to trust Him, and know that one day He will make all things right.

Bill spoke of Life and Resurrection in the 2nd service, centering on John 11:25 where Jesus announces to Martha that He is the resurrection and the life. He also recounted Job’s sad story about our universal longing for something beyond this life, coming to the glorious conclusion in Job 19:25, “I know that my redeemer lives!”  Back to John 11, Bill walked through the story of raising Lazarus, where Jesus used his friend’s death as a lesson to who He is and what is to come.  You can see the gospel message in verses 25-26, where Jesus tells Martha “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Now the question is, do we?

God bless you as you consider the requests below, lifting them up in prayer to the Throne of Grace.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 service):

• Daniel– stop my anger
• Michael– to get out of here soon, was supposed to leave on the 6th.
• Kenneth– my trial on Sep 23, and for my girl moving to Virginia on July 1st.
• Jose’– court on Monday or Tuesday, and for the people praying for us.
• Joel– court date in August, hope to get released, and then find a good church and a good place to be with God, my family, and my little girl.
• Jesus– spiritual battles.
• Gene– family.
• Jeffrey– my family is having financial difficulties.
• Rob– my family, and that they gutted the whole house when they moved, and get settled nicely in new place.
• Keith– God be with me in court on the 17th, that all goes well, and for my family.

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

• Derrick– continued healing from my heart attack last week.  And for my roommate Lisa who recently beat breast cancer, but is in the hospital with an infection.  Also thankful for my recovery from cancer.
• Eric– to receive a nice paying job when I get out of here, and for a girlfriend, and that I won’t be turned into a dhampir (half human/half vampire), and to get out of this tabernacle. [NOTE: We believe Eric has mental issues, which would be a good thing to pray about]
• Brent– for my friend’s daughter (Natalie) with tests coming up for internal health problems that they can’t figure out. Also for guidance.
• Drake– to finish my certifications for PT, Nutrition, and Security.  For continued guidance, for good plea deals, and for my body to recover from steroid abuse.
• Elder– for all of us in here, and that we can get out as soon as possible.
• Adolfo– my wife and 2 kids, strength, get out, and our families.
• Vince– for Roger on the cell block who’s health is real bad, and that his lawyers don’t drain all his finances.
• Andy L– my daughter, granddaughter, and niece all have stomach problems.
• Steve– all our loved ones, and loved ones who have passed on.
• Warren– wellbeing of everyone here, and for those who want to know Jesus and how it all works.  Also for Bernard back on the block still in a lot of pain.  Also for the disappointing inconsistency of the justice system.
• Jose– for the upcoming elections, that godly men and women would come into office.
• Phil T– my son got engaged on Saturday to a nice girl who is a believer, pray they have a blessed marriage.  Also for Erwin who is having some issues with allergies.
• Dan– my brother-in-law to let go and finally accept Christ.

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

• Craig– my family at large, my daughters, my wife Kay, for sick and suffering addicts, for the family of my friend George who died from overdose, for my strength in the Lord and zeal to run the race of life.
• Martin– salvation, family, thanks for volunteers.
• Clarence– thanks for volunteers coming out, my family and children, my case where I’m still in the dark and was supposed to be in court today but it got pulled, keep me strong Lord.
• David– family, my father is an alcoholic who is always relapsing, for myself that I could do better.
• Donald– family, for myself and all of us to get into the Word and not keep coming to a place like this.
• Steve– safe travels for my sister and nephew, and good outcome in court next week.
• Dominic– I’m very thankful.
• Kevin– my family, especially my grandma with cancer, that my court case works out, thankful for volunteers.
• Matt R– for all the men in here, and my friend Shaun’s wife passed away from cancer she was battling, pray for strength and healing of her family.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Our prison chaplains – Jack, Heinrich, and Rhonda.
• Prison leadership, their families, and favor upon the religious programs at the prison.
• Prison staff shortages impacting families and programs in the prison.
• Recently released inmates to continue their faith journey.
• Aftercare ministries taking care of inmate transition back into society.
• Thankful for individuals, groups, and churches that support prison ministry.

If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org