[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

New Year blessings to you and yours!

It seems like we’re about to turn a corner in the “wet blanket” attitude within the prison.  Inmates are still mostly down in the dumps as they think about Christmas activities they are missing with their families, especially those with children. But last night in second service I noticed a little glimmer of hope shining through – most of their testimonies and some of the prayer requests looked forward to new beginnings in the new year.

Volunteers use that opportunity to remind everyone how our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ extends the best offer of Hope not just at New Years but every day of the year. There are certain times (and circumstances) in life when people stop to consider their life and where they’re headed.  We notice this every New Year, and we also see it at funerals, rescue shelters, and certainly in prison. I guess when you combine two (like New Years in prison) the effect may be more pronounced.

And like we tell the men, whatever it takes for God to get your attention, now that He has it, make the most of what He’s offering you!  Reminds me of 2 Cor 6:2 , “For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’  Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.”

We pray that today would be the day of salvation for every soul in Chester County Prison – men, women, staff, inmates – everyone.  And we extend that prayer to all of our families – I think we all have family members not walking with the Lord.  May God get their attention, and may their hearts respond “Yes!”

As always, we thank all of you for your prayers and support throughout 2024, and look forward to laboring side-by-side with you for the sake of the Gospel into 2025 and beyond – however long God will have us doing this!  May each of you be blessed beyond measure in this New Year.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenneth– spiritual growth.
• Ken– all people affected by wars – in Ukraine, Syria, Israel, etc.  Also for Native Americans and some land issues they are dealing with in Oklahoma.

• Kenny– thankful that Mom and Dad both back to work (after the flu). Safety for my brother going to Mexico in January for the first time.  Pray that my family and friends, like Frances and Jimmy, are all doing good. Pray my time continues to go smooth and fast.  Thankful that I’m able to save money from my maintenance job in here, where I don’t need family to send me any money.

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

• Rick C– for volunteer Matt – his wife has covid.  Also for my friend Milt on hospice who’s waiting to go home to the Lord – peace and comfort for he and his whole family.
• John– God please return us to our families soon.
• Scotty– my wife and kids, and for patience in court on Thursday. I have anger issues that get me into trouble, pray for peace in my heart.
• Daren– to stay sane in here, develop a stronger faith, and that our families are doing well out there.
• John #2– protect our families especially during the craziness of New Years celebrations, and may we all make a resolution to grow in faith this new year, and get to know Jesus if we don’t know Him.
• Jose– thanks for 2024 – all the good things and the bad things (learn from both).
• Phil T– my wife Dawn had some medical tests that turned out to be a false alarm.  Pray for her salvation.
• Dan T– for my brother-in-law, headed to a 1 month grief counseling session – his 18 year old son committed suicide 2 years ago and he blames himself. Continue to pray for chance to witness to him, and that he would accept Christ.  Pray he would know that Jesus can help him with his burden.

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

• Irvin– pray that God would clear me from all of this once I’m out – cleanse me.
• Logan– for all our families, that we may be reunited soon.  And thanks God for your grace.
• Elijah– for all in here, experiencing a real bad chapter in our life.  For my child’s mom who is really going through a tough time- pray for her.  For everyone to get a second chance and to turn from sin.
• Jeremiah– I go to trial Jan 9, pray for a fair outcome.  Continued healing for my sister Tamika (note – Apologies for misspelling her name the last few weeks).
• Keith– for my 83-year-old mom, God protect her – keep her safe and healthy.
• Troy– For young granddaughter of church friend (Nora) who broke her arm and had to have surgery – pray for healing and restoration.
• Wayne– for the homeless folks out there to find food and shelter.  And for those out there still using (drugs) to get the help they need.  Pray for my Aunt who’s been out there using for 42 years and having a rough time with failing health.
• Caleb– that things would go smoothly for us when we get out – that we keep following the Lord and stay in His Word.
• Brian– for my children and all our children to be on a better path.
• Andy D– for volunteer Matt’s wife with covid – pray for mild symptoms and not spreading.
• Ryan– for my buddy Greg – his wife has cancer and going through radiation treatments.  May they both be strong.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Chaplains Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich – may God grant them all they need (and more) to minister effectively within Chester County Prison and beyond. May their home lives be blessed as well.
• Staff of Chester County Prison (especially leaders) – may they be blessed with strength and endurance as they deal daily with staff shortages and other issues. And may their home lives provide the support, rest, and peace they need to recharge after every shift.
• Volunteer opportunities to increase through resolution of staffing issues at the prison.
• Inmates and their families – blessings of peace, protection, comfort, and wisdom as they attempt to get along without each other.
• Prison volunteers – a renewed and refreshed spirit with boldness to meet every opportunity God provides to share the Gospel.
• Aftercare ministries – to experience abundance in support to continue ministering effectively and efficiently to released inmates rebuilding their lives on the outside.  God’s blessing upon each volunteer and client to each grow in faith.

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.

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

www.onesimusministries.org

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Merry Christmas everyone!

As you can imagine, the air of depression in the prison this time of year is palatable. It’s hard enough to be separated from family during the holidays, but being in prison makes it all the more difficult. Inmates feel forgotten and abandoned by everyone and everything they knew as “normal” this season.  It’s into this environment we find ourselves ministering right before we go home to our families. Challenging indeed.

Last night I shared the message of the real Christmas story – the birth of Christ – straight from scripture using Matthew 1 and Luke 2.  I would say the thrust of the message was how the Lord of Lords and King of Kings was born into such a humble setting (laid in a feeding trough among animals) and God chose to reveal the best news ever to shepherds in the fields at night (the lowest of the low).  Why would he do it that way?

Perhaps God wanted all of us to realize that He makes Himself accessible to all people. To have direct access to a king or the president, you’d have to be someone of importance, with status or worldly wealth.  But God’s economy is upside-down from what mankind developed, and He invites people of all statures into relationship.  Prophesies indicated this when they called him Immanuel – which means God with us.  We serve a God who is almighty, King of all creation, and far beyond all we can imagine, yet He cares for each one of us and wants to relate with us on a personal level.

That’s what we wanted the inmates to take away from the services last night.  God cares about them, and wants to be part of their life, inviting them to a fuller life walking with Him, and eternal life in paradise.  Thank you all for spending time this Christmas season thinking and praying for prisoners, their families, and all of us involved with prison ministry.  I pray you each have a blessed and wonderful Christmas.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenneth– I have sentencing hearing on Thursday, praying for miracle.
• Ken– for the people of Palestine and Syria.
• Charlie– all our loved ones.

• Kenny– my Mom and Dad both had the flu, feeling better but pray for full healing. Thankful that my friend Frances was finally verified on my visit list so she can come see me.  Pray that Frances and Jimmy doing well. Mom’s new job going good, Dad is encouraging me to keep reading my Bible.  Pray my time goes smooth and fast – so far things have been going well with my maintenance job.

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

• John– God please return us to our families.
• Scotty– my wife and kids.
• John #2– for everyone to have a blessed holiday, all our families, and all those travelling since they are calling for icy conditions.
• Jim– for all the guys in here, it’s really tough time right now.
• Nicholas– we are expecting our first granddaughter on Feb 3, chance for a re-do
• Jose– salvation for every soul in Chester County Prison – inmates and staff.
• Rick C– church friend Milt cancer diagnosis, healing and peace for him and family.
• John– thank God for sending his only begotten Son to us.
• Deron– difficult to put into words, but need to persist in faith, pray for endurance to keep going.  For strength and hope.
• Andy L– difficult time for son-in-law’s family – his mother with mobility issues just fell and now having issues with her “good leg”.
• Dan T– for my “ongoing project” to witness to my brother-in-law, that he would accept Christ.

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

• Caleb– strength for all of us, especially this time of year.
• Will– for everyone to shield themselves with the armor of God.
• Keith– for everyone to have wisdom.
• Matt R– for everyone separated from loved ones, to find peace and comfort during holiday season.
• Donny– for my girlfriend (Kelly) and Mother (Shirl)- both went to hospital yesterday with breathing problems.  Also for my daughter and granddaughter.
• Andy D– for all the people that go to church for Christmas will actually hear the Gospel and it will change their lives.
• Jeremiah– healing for my sister Aneeka (stage 4 cancer) who had surgery.
• Duane– for everyone out there still using (drugs), not knowing where they’re staying tonight- pray they find warm, safe, dry place to stay and that they would come to God and learn they don’t need to live this way anymore.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For our prison Chaplains – Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich – renewed spirit as they deal with so much depression through the holiday season.
• For the leadership and staff of Chester County Prison – may they experience fullness of life that they can bring kindness and compassion to their jobs.
• For resolution to staffing issues which complicate volunteer opportunities at the prison.
• For all the female and male inmates and their families – all doing time, especially hard at Christmas.
• For volunteers at the prison- may they have boldness to meet each opportunity to share the Gospel.
• For all the aftercare ministries – may they have all they need to continue ministering to released inmates trying to rebuild their lives and grow in faith.

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.

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

www.onesimusministries.org

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I was so angry.  Here I am, giving my time, and just waiting.  And waiting. I’m sitting in the interview area of the prison, waiting for my weekly 1-on-1 session with Kenny.  I know he works in maintenance, and last time it took a while to track him down before they brought him out to me. This time seemed excessive. After 45 minutes, I walk over to the officer in charge to ask what’s going on.  He assures me he just checked and Kenny is working in another building but on his way.

So I sit back down and wait.  And wait. And wait. All religious 1-on-1 sessions are 30 min long and must be done by 2:55pm before the afternoon count at 3pm. It’s already 2:15 and I’ve been waiting since 1:00. Finally, right around 2:24pm the officer comes over and says he’s not coming. “Wish I knew that an hour ago” I snapped back.  I was so angry.

On my way out, the guilt set in – great Christian witness, Rick, snapping at the officer like that.  And why am I so mad? Because it didn’t go my way? Because I wasn’t in control? If I come to serve and give my time, isn’t my time a gift?  And if it’s spent differently than I think it should be, what difference should that make?  If I give a gift, I need to let it go to be used (or not used) by the recipient.  I need to model what God does with each of us.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn3.16)  God gave the world the gift of His Son, knowing that some would accept His gift and others reject or simply ignore the gift.  Is God angry at them? I mean, He went to all the trouble of sending His son to earth as a baby, then Jesus spent all that time teaching and showing us the way, and finally sacrificing himself for us. How dare we not respond in appreciation, acceptance, and thankfulness? 

I think God is disappointed and perhaps broken hearted for those who will not be part of His Kingdom, but I don’t believe He is angry at them.  And neither should we.  May we all have hearts of compassion like our Heavenly Father, and present His gift to everyone in our community.  And not be stressed or angry at what happens after that.  As one of our ministry leaders reminds us – we are in charge of effort, He is in charge of results.

Thank all of you for your heart of compassion, and for your time spent praying for inmates, staff, the chaplains, volunteers, all of their families, and the prayer requests below. You are a blessing!  May God bless You in a special way this week as our celebration of Advent continues.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Troy– hope to get out next Tuesday, and hope my phone is still working. [We prayed for his life to be different than before he came to prison].
• Lloyd– my son (Gabriel) has his 10th birthday tomorrow, and I hope to talk with him.
• Kenneth– pray for a miracle, a better turnout of my case, and wisdom in decision making around the deal they are offering.  Also pray for relationship with my Dad – it was very unhealthy for a long time, but now really good.
•  
•  
•  
• Kenny– going after a job in the Work Release Center on the Farm Crew, process takes about a month.  I’m thankful for the maintenance job I have, it makes the time go quickly. My Mom has a new job.  My girlfriend cheated on me and is no longer my girl.  Dad told me how the only true friends are the ones who stayed in contact with me. Looking forward to my Dad and Grandpa visiting next week.  Pray for family and friends, especially Jimmy and Frances, and for my time to keep going smoothly and fast.

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

• John– that God would return us to our families soon.
• Kevin– mental health, my kids, all the single fathers in here, and for strength, guidance, and protection.  Also pray for freedom and forgiveness.
• Austin– to make better choices, and for my son to have a great birthday on the 21st.
• John– for all those who don’t know the Lord, for all the upcoming court dates- that the judges have compassion and kindness in their heart.  Also pray for world peace, and an end to violence and hostilities. And pray for those who pray for us, like the little old ladies in Lancaster.
• Mark– for trust, and not give up on the Lord.
• Nicholas– for family, and for all of us in here – we only have each other.
• Jim M– my son Jacob.
• Phil T– for my brother and his wife who had their first grandchild (Wyatt) born yesterday. And for all those feeling loss at Christmas time, like Matt’s friend Shaun who lost his wife earlier this year and has 4 small kids.
• Dan T– for my “ongoing project”- I have an opportunity tomorrow night to witness to my brother-in-law, pray it goes well and that he would see the light and accept Christ.
• Deron– perseverance in light of treatment by CO’s
• Andy L– my daughter and her husband have no interest in the Lord.
• Tim– for my elderly mom and dad (Nancy and Pete), I’m so sorry to put them through this.

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

• Jeremiah– for my sister Aneeka (stage 4 cancer) who just had surgery.
• Mike– for the volunteers that come in every week for us, may they have a good Christmas.  For Jeremiah and his trial in early January (after waiting over 40 months)- pray for a good outcome.  And for my children and their mother who is agnostic.
• Logan– for all of us, for mercy, and for our families.  Thanks to God for His grace, and pray we can get out soon.
• Pasquale– for our families, my wife and kids, and to get out soon.  And for everybody here.
• Donny– for all the families of those affected by the school shooting in Wisconsin.  For my Aunt Janice who’s cancer has come back and she has an upcoming surgery.  And for my daughter and granddaughter and family.
• Morgan– for my sister (Katiera) who’s having twins and due in May. For all the families struggling during the holidays, and everyone whose struggling right now.  Thanks for all the organizations helping people with food, toys for kids, etc.  Trying to make positive change in the world.
• Ryan– for my wife (Janice) – the holidays are really hard for her, being separated from her family.  Pray for her to have peace.
• Andy D– praise for my sister (Donna) – her cancer is in remission.  Pray for a new opportunity to share the gospel with her.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Our prison Chaplains – Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich – for compassion and inspiration as they minister through the holiday season.
• Prison leadership and staff – health and wellbeing for them and their families/support system, so each one can appropriately deal with all the daily and weekly issues complicated by staff shortages and high turnover.
• All the inmates – Male, Female, incarcerated youth, and all of their families – prison doesn’t just affect the inmate – they are all doing time.
• Religious programs at the prison – to be looked upon with favor by staff, and seen as value-add by prison leadership.
• Ministry Volunteers – for more opportunities to engage them, and blessings upon those entering the prison each week.
• Aftercare ministries – to be effectively equipped with needed people and resources for ministry to released inmates, and for all involved to seek out and find true satisfaction in God alone.

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.

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

www.onesimusministries.org

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Not surprisingly, holidays hit hard in prison.  I forgot just how much until 2nd service last night when most of the prayer requests mentioned it.  Many of us know how it feels to be away from family for a short time, and some of us military folks know the experience over extended periods of time – it stinks.  We had a pretty good idea when the separation would be over, and once you “see the light at the end of the tunnel”, it gets easier to tough it out.  Conversely, most inmates have no idea when they’ll rejoin loved ones.  I imagine that to be exceedingly difficult.

The past few weeks we’ve really encouraged the men to not be consumed with present circumstances, but focus on the long game.  We encourage them to look up instead of down, like Psalm 121 says, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”  We remind them (and us) how everything in this life is temporary, but our faith and our God are eternal.  We need to refocus on the best things.  As Paul told the Philippian church, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4.8)

Thank you all for spending time each week prayerfully focused on prison staff, inmates, their families, and their prayer requests.  Blessing them in that way is one of the best gifts you can give this Christmas. God bless you!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenny– going after a job in the Work Release Center on the Farm Crew, process takes about a month.  I’m thankful for the maintenance job I have, it makes the time go quickly. My Mom has a new job.  My girlfriend cheated on me and is no longer my girl.  Dad told me how the only true friends are the ones who stayed in contact with me. Looking forward to my Dad and Grandpa visiting next week.  Pray for family and friends, especially Jimmy and Frances, and for my time to keep going smoothly and fast.

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

• John– that God would return us to our families soon. Last week we prayed for my ex-wife’s mental issues and she turned a corner because of the prayers.
• Josh– I have court on Friday, and I’m getting tired of praising the Lord with you guys and would rather be doing it at home. (said with a smile)
• Ron– give it another try, been praying it for weeks – pray I can get back up state soon. (We also prayed for the Lord to show him if there’s a reason he’s still here, and what he can do about it).
• John– for people to keep their spirits up with the holidays approaching, for all the court dates coming up – God forgives us, help us restore all the relationships impacted by my actions.  And to take God seriously, especially when out of here, so we don’t end up back in here.
• Brian– to get my relationships back, and for a better future for myself.
• Kyle– my immediate family, my daughter (12), and my Mom – it’s her birthday today.
• Ivan– for world peace.
• Phil T– for a young family I know – the Dad just lost his job.
• Jose– for Andy Duncan to experience healing from his covid, and salvation for everyone in Chester County prison.
• Dan T– for my “ongoing project”- my brother in law dodged a lunch date with me, pray for opportunity to witness to my brother-in-law and that he would see the light and accept Christ.

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

• Jeremiah– for my children and my sister Aneeka with stage 4 cancer.
• Earnest– pray my family can have a good holiday. I’m in a dark place right now, struggling in my faith and with my addiction.  I know God is working in my heart.
• Morgan– for everyone who can’t be with family for the holidays, especially with the kids.  Also want to pray for my sister blessed with twins, that they stay healthy through a normal pregnancy – last time she carried twins and lost 1 late in the pregnancy.
• Joey– for everyone to keep their heads up in here.
• Donny– my church back home is taking care of the house and stuff, pray for my daughter and granddaughter, and my heart issues still have not been figured out.
• Rick C– for our brother Andy home with covid – quick recovery and mild symptoms.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Our wonderful chaplains – Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich – as they minister through the holiday season.
• Prison staff and leadership – all the issues they must deal with, compounded by staff shortages and high turnover. Also pray for their families that support them.
• Male and female Inmates, incarcerated youth, and their families – all doing time.
• Chaplaincy and religious programs at CCP – continued strong programs, looked upon with favor and seen as value-add by prison leadership.
• Ministry Volunteers – continue to bless them and provide additional opportunities in the prison schedule.
• Aftercare ministries – to have all they need to minister effectively to released inmates, and for all their clients to find true satisfaction in pursuit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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.

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

www.onesimusministries.org

[To view in browser, weekly prayer requests are posted at https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/]

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I pray you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, with many loved ones gathered near. We’ve entered a real tough time for those away from their family. This is a season of friends and family gathering for meals, gift-giving, and catching up. How often do we take these things for granted or even try to avoid them, until we can no longer participate? I recall many friends in the military over the years going through similar circumstances due to their commitment to defend our freedoms, wherever that may lead. They were isolated from family for very different reasons than inmates, but the results were the same.

I believe God wants our hearts to go out to anyone missing their family and loved ones, no matter the cause. Isn’t that what grace is all about? Our heavenly Father lavishes His grace and mercy upon us, and we are to respond in kind to those around us. If we can’t do that in person, we can always lift them up in prayer.

In this season of giving, thank you all for your gifts of time, prayer and support to this prison ministry.  May our gracious God repay your kindness with blessings upon blessings. And enjoy those closest to you, none of us knows how long that will last.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• John– pray that God would return us to our families. Also want to pray for the mental health of my ex-wife.
• John2– that we all get to court and it will go well for us, and that when we get out we stay with God or if we get out of His will we end up back here.
• Nick– keep me free from addiction, and pray for my grandchild.
• John2– also want to pray for us to renew and reunite our families and other relationships that have been broken due to our crimes or drug habits.
• Jim M– for my son (Jacob) and my grandson (Benjamin), and for the salvation of all the souls in this place.
• Brian– for all the people close to me that I affected.
• Jose G– for my daughter-in-law Christina expecting our first grandchild on Jan 22, she’s having some issues like gestational diabetes – pray for Mom and baby to be healthy.
• Demonte– for everyone’s selfishness – God puts us first, and we need to put Him forst.
• Dan T– for my ongoing project- pray for the right opportunity to witness to my brother-in-law and that he would see the light and accept Christ.

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

• Patrick– for the son (Jeffrey) of my wife’s childhood friend (Jen) who died 1-1/2 years ago, Jeffrey has lost his sister and his Mom within 1-1/2 years.
• Jeremiah– for my children, and for closure on my case – need guidance and resolution on steps to take.
• Andy D– For Tony with stage 4 cancer and had seizures and is now unresponsive, and prayers for his parents Jim and Mary.
• William– for everyone in here and their families, and for my Father.
• Matt R– for all the men and women who can’t be with their loved ones over the holiday season.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Please keep our chaplains in your prayers – Jack Crans, Rhonda Soland, and Heinrich Botes – especially as they minister to inmates through the holiday season.
• Pray for staff and leadership at the prison, and all the issues they must deal with, compounded by staffing shortages and high turnover. Also pray for their families that support them.
• Pray for inmates throughout the prison system – men, women, youth – and their families.
• Pray for wisdom in decision-making, especially those with deals presented to them to know whether to accept or go to trial.
• Pray for the Aftercare ministries throughout the county and all the released inmates they serve – may the ministries be sufficiently resources and supplied, and may their clients continue to seek the Lord and follow Him resolutely.

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.

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

www.onesimusministries.org

[To view in a browser, these weekly prayer requests are posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/]

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Each week the ministry team entering the prison has a kind of contest to see who can get through the metal detector “clean” without tripping the annoying buzzer when metal is detected.  We’ve all tried our own tricks and tactics – walking fast, walking slowly, going through with arms outstretched, covering belt buckle with hands, etc., etc.  Last night, we all got through metal detector without a sound!  This scenario reminded me of how we typically see ourselves versus how God sees us.  Every other week, most of us fail the test (how we see ourselves), but this week we all passed with flying colors (how God sees us).

I didn’t have the heart to tell the other guys I noticed the metal detector wasn’t plugged in.  And we still had to be “wanded” with a handheld metal detector by the officer escorting us into the prison – rules are rules.  It’s always nice to be reminded how we sinners are made right in God’s sight through the blood of Jesus Christ, who paid our sin debt on the cross – the perfect sacrifice, once for all time. Each week, we carry that message of hope to the inmates, and urge everyone in each service to accept God’s gracious gift of forgiveness and invite Jesus into their heart as Lord and Savior.  Your prayers for these men (and the women in prison) are just as important. Thank you for your partnership in prayer and all the ways you support this ministry.  I can assure you, it does not go unnoticed (by us or by our Heavenly Father). I pray you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Mark– I got to meet with my pastor yesterday and it was very uplifting, hoping to get a Bible so I can look up passages we talked about. [Mark got called out of the chapel mid-service to meet with his lawyer, we all prayed it was good news].
• Kenneth– pray for the justice system – politics and money involved that just ruins lives.  We all need to make a plan for when we get out so we don’t stray when we have to re-establish a our normal routine on the outside.  My girl Taja is moving to Virginia in January, and my pastor is dealing with some legal issues.
• Brian– that we all get out sooner than later (and understand God’s purpose for us while we’re here).
• Charles– my children, I haven’t been in contact with them in months.

• Kenny– I got no complaints, my maintenance job keeps me plenty busy.  I got to talk to my Dad the other day, and my friend Frances came to visit but couldn’t get in – I put her on my visit list but they didn’t have her on the master list – pray that gets resolved quickly. Pray for family and friends, that my time goes safely, smoothly, and quickly, and that we all can give others a second chance like God gives to us.

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

• Ron– praying to get back up state soon.
• John– pray for God to return us to our families soon.
• Kyle– my daughter (12) is headed to West Virginia for the holidays- pray for her safety and to have a nice time.  Also pray for my Mother and my StepDad, and thankful how they are looking after her.
• John– pray that we will all continue to glorify God when we get out of here, and get connected with a good church.
• Josh– praying for what we all struggle with in here – patience.
• Phil T– for all of us in here to realize we have lots to be thankful for.
• Dan T– for wisdom and the right opportunity to witness to my brother-in-law over the Thanksgiving holiday, and for his heart to be softened and any roadblocks removed for him to submit and accept Christ.  We also pray for all the family members out there who aren’t walking with Christ.
• Jim M– for Jacob and my grandson Benjamin.

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

• Jeremiah– for my children, and for wisdom in considering a plea deal, praying they take into consideration my “good time” and good behavior. [I prayed that Jeremiah would receive an even better deal from our great God who can do all things].
• Patrick– for my best friend Jim and his wife Jody – she has issues with psychosis and stopped her meds – it’s a messy situation.  Praying for her help and that Jim can cope with all this.
• Lemont– my stepdaughter (Lyric) turned 2 on Nov 22 and I missed it.  Pray for my peace and her understanding – she’s probably wondering where I went. I pray she knows how much I love her.
• Dave– my family, and all our families and how hard the holidays are for all of us.
• Ryan– my wife Janice has been estranged from her family for 10 years and is really feeling it this week.  She cried all through church on Sunday – God is doing something, pray He continues and there would be reconciliation in her family.
• Don– for my family, and for my heart issues – I was down to medical unit again, they did EKG and don’t know what’s going on and what meds to give me. Also pray for everyone in here.
• Andy D– for my sister Donna, and that we can renew our conversation about Jesus.  Pray she is still willing to listen, and God would soften her heart.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Blessings, provision, and daily strength for our prison Chaplains – Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich – to continue ministering effectively through this tough holiday season.
• Prayers for the prison leadership and staff – in their personal lives and their family’s lives, and resolution of the staffing issues that plague the prison and impact volunteer opportunities.
• Prayers for all the inmates in the prison system – men, women, youth – and their families.
• Prayers for those anxiously awaiting trial, and those facing big decisions (like plea deals) affecting their future.
• Blessings upon those recently released from prison – that they connect with a good church, and surround themselves with faithful brothers and sisters to encourage their faith journey.
• Prayers for inmates headed to state prison- may their faith continue to grow in their new “mission field”.
• Blessings upon Aftercare ministries throughout the county – may they have all they need to continue serving released inmates and all those who come to them for help.

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

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

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

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

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

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

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

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org