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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Are there different kinds of joy?  Or is joy just expressed in different ways?  And how often do we mistakenly use the terms ‘happiness’ and ‘joy’ interchangeably? I’ve read that happiness is a temporary emotion completely dependent upon our circumstances, whereas joy is something deeper inside, tied to our sense of purpose.  Perhaps what I’ve witnessed this past week has been combinations of the two?  I’m not sure.

Kenny and I have met weekly since July of last year.  He is beyond excited that his release date is here.  In fact, he should have gone home this past Sunday.  He’s been very happy about that circumstance, but also joyful that God has been shaping his heart through this past year in prison. He gave his life to the Lord a week or two before I met him, and has voraciously read his Bible ever since.  Each week we review all he’s been reading, and I try to emphasize the bigger pictures of those passages.  He’s been so impacted by God’s Word it’s hard not to smile when I think about our discussions. Now it’s time to make good on the plan to re-connect with his believer friends and get plugged into their church.  I can’t wait to hear of continued progress.

This week I also had my first meeting with Jack.  We have similar backgrounds being raised with organized religion, and Chaplain Heinrich informed me how Jack is awakening to what salvation is truly about as laid out in God’s Word. He is excited to pick my brain about my faith journey, and I’m just as excited to help guide him on his path from religion to relationship with the living God.

I think both situations have elements of happiness and joy. As long as God is honored and glorified, I guess I’m not overly concerned what we call it! And let me once again thank each of you for how You honor and glorify God by lifting up these prayer requests each week.  Your faithful obedience is inspiring, and makes a real difference in all of our lives.  Keep up the good work!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Eugene– for my daughter (Cashmere) to have full use of her right arm again.
• Chris– for my family to find their way home.
• Warren– hope for the judge to be lenient since I was in rehab before turning myself in.
• Ralph– that we can stay strong in tribulation.
• Manuel– family.
• Boz– forgiveness and health.
• Andy D– safety for my wife who is travelling.
• Rick C– to recognize the right opportunity and have the right words to witness to my little sister.  Also safety for Roland and his family traveling to Italy for daughter’s wedding.

• Kenny– our last meeting!  I get out in 3 more days!  My dad came to visit me on Tuesday, and everything is all ready for my release on Sunday- he’s going to come pick me up. Pray for all the paperwork to be ready so that I can go home Sunday. Pray for my family and friends.

• Jack– pray for my grandmom (Janet, 89) who can’t get out of bed after her heart surgery. (My first meeting with Jack went well. He is reading his Bible with fresh eyes, and curious how to move from having religion to having a relationship with Jesus Christ.  We are both excited to continue meeting each Thursday.)

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

• Dan T– on this Memorial Day, remember the 58,000 men who did not return from Vietnam, and pray for their families.
• Jose G– for Andy who leads second service who is sick at home.  Also praise that my son-in-law is doing better. Thanks for my son and family (wife, child, dog) moving back to PA, pray for safe travels as they drive everyone from Colorado to PA.
• Rick C– my son Kyle has kidney stones- prayers for healing and pain relief.
• John– God please bring us all home.
• Timothy– for family and friends, and peace on earth.
• Ross– my heart goes out to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India.
• Jon– all honor, glory, and thanks be to God who allows us to be here- He is the God of second chances.  For our children, and our grandchildren, and thanks for the volunteers each week.
• Joseph– God give us strength to carry on with your will and serve you.  Help us change the things in our lives that dishonor God and others.
• John– My Dad went to the Emergency Room with some kind of psychosis- I’m worried about him.
• Dan T– for volunteer Phil not here tonight- this is the anniversary of the passing of his youngest daughter – pray for his family is mourning. Also pray for my brother-in-law who is in mental decline, that God provides me the opportunity to witness to him while he still understands.
• Jon– for family, put us back together.
• Andy L– I was at the funeral today for one of my best friends in life, he died of a heart attack.  I’m sad to miss my friend, but have joy that he’s in the Lord’s presence.

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

• For volunteer Andy who is sick at home, pray for healing and quick recovery.
• Sidney– world peace
• Alex– my son Nathan (8) is autistic in a special school. He’s getting strong and I’m not there to help contain him.
• Vince– my son Parker (6) is also autistic, and doesn’t get the help he needs. Also for the men and women fighting for us today. Pray for all incarcerated people to get through this and make a change for the better.
• Jose G– for everyone here and the salvation of every soul in Chester County Prison.
• Rick C– healing for my son Kyle with kidney stones.
• Matt R– comfort for the family and friends of a local West Chester man (Matt Clare) who just passed away.
• Joshua– each generation is getting further from God, pray we can all get closer to Him.
• Doug– for everyone in the jail to make a change for the better, and when we get out to become productive part of society.
• Steve– my Mom is 82 and bends over backwards for me, I want to be able to see her again.
• Ryan S– my son’s friend Andrew was thrown out of parent’s house – it was a bad situation with drugs and violence- we helped as much as we could but ultimately had to put him in hospital for some mental help.
• Vince– for my friend Scotty who is going through a lot, hope he gets out soon- he doesn’t deserve to be here.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Thankful for our dedicated Chaplains- may they be blessed with all they need to minister to staff and inmates each week throughout the prison.
• Bless our volunteer teams and thank you for all the ministry opportunities each week across different groups of inmates.
• Lift up the prison staff, from the newest member to the leaders, may they have peace at work and at home.
• For all the families of our Chaplains, our volunteers, and prison staff.
• Blessings upon every inmate and may they have open hearts to hear and respond to God’s Word with a decision for Christ.
• Please provide for Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across Chester county.  May their volunteers and staff have all they need to minister effectively, and bless all the clients as they integrate back into our communities.

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.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Let me tell you – God continues to bless this prison ministry.  His latest blessing was upon our first-ever benefit concert on Friday.  We had over 80 people come out to enjoy a great evening of music, fellowship, bidding on musical gear in the silent auction, and hearing stories from Chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich about what God has been accomplishing through them inside the prison.

God allowed us to meet several goals we pursued over the past year: 1) raise all needed funds from regular givers plus donations received across several smaller events (as compared with the previous annual banquet), 2) deepen relationships with partner churches and supporting organizations across Chester County, and 3) get the word out far and wide about what God is doing inside Chester County Prison.

I see our great God working through many people to achieve great things for His Kingdom.  He inspires some with a vision of what He wants, inspires others to take the lead in organizing and serving, then provides the people and resources to make it happen.  Whether it’s a concert, a breakfast, or a prayer team, it’s really Him moving through His children – if we let Him.  Thank you all for inviting His Holy Spirit to guide you in prayer each week for the inmates (and their prayer requests), the staff, the volunteers, and our Chaplains at Chester County Prison.  Be blessed!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Boz– to stay positive
• Ralph– more people to come together.
• Ken– for all my appeals to be granted, and it would all go well
• Matthew– watch over us, help us move in the right direction.
• Manuel– family
• Javier– family
• Roland D– for the Onesimus Concert on Friday

• Kenny– it’s my 24th birthday today, and my family told my Mom on Mother’s Day that I’m coming home in 2 weeks – she went nuts (in a good way). Thankful that my Dad is coming in to visit on Tuesday, and just thankful for everything – the Lord opened my path and showed me what to do to get right.  I’m grateful for my time in here – it changed me, and I’ve learned my lessons.  Pray that my family and friends are all doing well, and my time continues to go fast and smooth. Only 1 more meeting before I’m released.

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

• Deron– for my family out there in the world – they are forgotten, and for my enemies.
• Dan T– for peace in the world, and for my brother-in-law with advancing dementia, that I’d get the opportunity to witness to him while he can understand.
• Rick C– healing for my son Kyle, who just called me tonight, he’s got kidney stones again.  Also for my friend Tim recently diagnosed with several cancers and has undergone surgeries, bone marrow treatments, and continued testing.
• Jim M– for my sons Aaron and Jacob.
• Jose G– full recovery for my son-in-law
• Timothy– my court date, and all the court dates coming up.
• Geronimo– my kids.
• Freedom– for genuine love.

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

• Kevin #1– forgiveness, my Mom, my son, everyone in here, and thanks for the volunteers that come in each week for us.
• Kevin #2– my oldest brother Gary has had heart transplant and kidney transplant – full health and recovery for him.  For my kids on the outside who are struggling- may they get closer to the Lord.  And for all the inmates going to court- may they overcome any obstacles.
• John– for God to watch over me- I get released in a few days. Pray He keeps His eyes on me and what I need to focus on.  For all the guys in here, and for my family – keep them safe.
• José– my brother, my sisters, and family.
• Rick C– healing for my son Kyle with kidney stones.
• Andy D– I’m meeting with an old friend tomorrow who doesn’t know the Lord- pray for the opportunity to share the gospel.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Thankful for a successful benefit concert, and how God has blessed this ministry through donations of our supporters attending our fundraisers and our regular givers.
• Bless our Chaplains as they faithfully minister to staff and inmates week after week.
• Thank you for our volunteer teams and the ministry opportunities they have each week across different groups of inmates.
• Bless the prison staff at all levels, from the newest member to the Warden, may they have peace at work and at home.
• For the families of our Chaplains, our volunteers, and staff at the prison.
• Lord, watch over every inmate and guide their steps towards a decision for Christ if they don’t already know you.
• Blessings of provision upon the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across Chester county.  Bless their volunteers and staff as they minister to inmates released from CCP, and bless all the clients as they integrate back into the community.

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.

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

King David was a man after God’s own heart, and is credited with creating musical instruments for the worship of God.  Our modern day worship music can be traced back to him.  And speaking of music being used to honor and glorify God, we’re having a concert this Friday to benefit prison ministry at Chester County Prison.

You are all cordially invited to this Free concert – 7pm on Friday, May 16, at Grace Covenant Church (444 Creamery Way, Exton, PA 19341).  Enjoy an evening of talented musicians performing old favorites, some original tunes, and of course a bit of worship music.  Come and hear a few inspiring stories from Chaplain Heinrich and Chaplain Rhonda.  As a fundraiser, folks can make donations towards the ministry, and we’re having a silent auction featuring guitars and other music-related items.

Music is a great way to bring folks together, support a great cause, and of course an excellent way to give praise to our great God.  He enjoys hearing from his children, and we thank you for how you lift up the men, women, chaplains, volunteers, and staff at Chester County Prison each week.  I can tell you how meaningful it is to the men who come out to worship services in the prison – they are encouraged that people care enough to pray for them and their requests.  Thanks for honoring them as we follow what God instructed us to do – pray without ceasing.  Have a great week, and hope to see you Friday!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Ivan– hopefully I can go home soon.
• Manuel– my wife and my family.
• Javier– family.
• Matthew– hoping to get a court date soon, and that when I do, it goes well.
• Eugene– Kenneth now in maximum security after his sentencing, pray for his spirit and his future.  Also healing for wrists.
• Boz– for everyone to show loyalty to God’s son Jesus.
• Julius– to be delivered from evil, God have mercy on my soul.
• Andy D– for this upcoming week, please take away the stress and help me rely on you.

• Kenny– thankful my home plan is all in place and approved, things are ready for my return home in 2-1/2 weeks.  My sciatic pain has nearly gone away over the last 2 weeks.  Pray my family and friends all doing well, and my time continues to go fast and smooth, and thankful for all the chances people in here gave me during my time.

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

• John– God to bring us all home soon.
• Kalil– God protect my family, and bring us peace.
• Josh– my brother died a few months ago, my Mom and sister having a really rough time.  Also, praying to get the help I need to get.
• José– Happy to have another day of life, and to have a new way once I get out of here. Praying for freedom!  My court date is on Wed, and my girl is at home all by herself dealing with everything.
• Jon– my court hearing is Wed, please soften the judge’s heart.  Thanks for all the volunteers that bless us each week sharing the Word of God, pray for my children (8) and my grandkids (3).  Help me find a good family church when I get out and stay out.
• Joseph– for everyone in here to pick up their cross and follow the Lord, and after they leave here, too.
• Tim– for my family.
• Don– to be able to get to Lancaster county and get this sentence over with, and end this process of in and out of jail.
• Gerell– for answers.
• Geronimo– pray for my court date, happy for all the volunteers that come out, bless us.
• Mackie– patience and faith.
• Phil T– thanks for healthy baby born to the woman we prayed for last week, and for all the women desperate to become mothers but having a tough time doing so – for Josie, Morgan, Nicole, and Mahwan.
• Dan T– for my brother-in-law, spent 10 mins with him discussing creation.  Need to get him alone when he’s in his right mind to witness to him.

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

• Carlos– family, Mom, daughter, myself, the inmates here, and for my ex-girlfriend (Amareles) who is caught up in drugs.
• José– my son, family, Mom and Dad, my brother
• Luis– wife, family, son, daughter, brother.
• Vince– my Uncle Tony who will have to put his dog down soon.
• Sidney– peace in the world.
• Leon– family, kids, nephew, parents, father, sister, and my friend Matt.
• Chris– all the men in here, to get home soon, and for our health.
• Mike– my son to have understanding why I’m here, God’s help for me and for him.
• Donny– my daughter, granddaughter, family, my Aunt Janice in Florida with lung cancer is responding to treatment (praise).  Thanks for all the volunteers, and this is my last service – I’m getting out Thursday!
• Andy D– for my eye issues to subside by morning.
• Marvin– family, myself, wife, kids.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For this Friday’s benefit concert and all the last-minute details to work out.
• Continued blessings for whatever they need on our Chaplains – Rhonda, Heinrich, Jack
• Blessings upon the many volunteers serving inside the prison and behind the scenes.
• For the families of our Chaplains, our volunteers, and staff at the prison.
• Rich blessings upon all the prison staff, especially those in leadership, may they work out all the issues impacting the prison.
• For all the inmates, and especially the inmate’s families, who are also “doing time”.
• Blessings of provision upon the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across Chester county.  Bless their volunteers and staff as they minister to inmates released from CCP, and bless all the clients as they integrate back into the community.

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.

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www.onesimusministries.org

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Never underestimate having the peace of God in your heart, especially if you’re a raging Type A personality like me – we need everything planned out and executed specifically as planned.  We can get completely stressed out over lots of little things.  And it gets real bad when you have a major part in numerous events across all the organizations you’re involved with, and those events take place rapid-fire over the course of one week.  A tsunami of stress – that’s been me over the past week.

One place I can always let go is prayer time in the prison.  Banking on the Holy Spirit to show up and provide the words is both freeing and faith-strengthening.  I need to learn to “let go and let God” in other areas – every area – of my life as well.  I really need to live under the manta “God’s got this” – how about you?

I don’t believe God wants us stressed out, especially in ministry.  It’s not very attractive to others, and is more an example of self-reliance than faith.  Oh Lord, help me to rely more on you, and less on me.  Another source of peace for me and the inmates is knowing how all you prayer warriors take this weekly email to heart, how you pray for us, and pray through the requests published each week.  What a blessing you are!  Thank you for all you do, and may God bless you in a special way today.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Rick C– for volunteer Jose and his family in the midst of a family emergency, praying for peace, guidance, protection, and wholeness.  And thanks for brother Andy’s flexibility to cover the music.
• John– God return us to our families. Also want to pray for the guy who put me in here, he’s only 30 and suffering with liver failure and needs a transplant – pray for his family.
• Morgan– for my family, for all of us here, that we can pray for each other and help one another while we’re here.
• Deron– for my Mom, that everything goes well with her, my probation, and for more faith, healing, and redemption.
• Jon– for my family, children, all our kids, and all those who don’t know the Lord.  Also pray for reconsideration of sentence, may the judge have a softened heart and give me another chance, I’ll find out May 14.  Also pray for strong faith, to not lose faith, and for protection with the full armor of God.  Thanks to all the volunteers coming in each week, pray for their safe travels.
• Khalil– I have court on Thursday, pray no more charges get added – I’ll own up to what I’ve been charged with but don’t want them to pile it on.  Pray for mercy and compassion in court.
• Phil T– for a lady in my office (Stephanie) having a baby, and for my daughter’s employer (Dzuzhanna) who is separated from her husband due to an abusive situation.
• Dan T– for my brother-in-law with rapid mental decline – he didn’t remember my name.  Pray for opportunity to witness and that he can understand enough to accept Christ.
• Nicholas– for new beginnings.

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

• Donny– my daughter, my granddaughter, my family, and my Aunt Janice with stage 4 lung cancer, she’s not doing well. Also want to lift up our brother Jeremiah who got a really heavy sentence and may already be up state.
• Mark– pray for some good news on Thursday.
• Vince– for my son (Parker) and my fiancé – that they are happy and doing well.  Pray especially for my son, I know it will be a long time before I can see him again.  Pray for my father (Joe) who is very stressed and having a hard time with the whole situation.  It’s going to be a hard year for everyone.
• Matt– for everyone in the room.
• Chris– willingness and strength to stay on the right path, and keep open mind.
• Will– for everyone in the prison, to get a court date by the end of this week, and to get my tooth pulled by next week – I’m in extreme pain.
• Ryan S– dealing with a couple of resentments- asking the Lord to soften my thinking.
• Andy D– for restoration of my friendship with Matt.  I was the one to blow things up.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For all the last minute details to work out with our first Prison Ministry Benefit Concert on May 16 at Grace Covenant Church in Exton.
• Blessings upon our prison Chaplains – Rhonda, Heinrich, Jack – and their families.
• For the many volunteers serving inside the prison and behind the scenes.
• Prison staff and their leadership to work out staffing issues, and all their families to be blessed.
• All the inmate’s families, who are also “doing time”.
• Grant the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across Chester county all they need to continue ministering to inmates released from CCP.  Bless the volunteers and all the clients integrating 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.

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

www.onesimusministries.org

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Something happened last night in second service that reminds us why we do prison ministry.  I was the only volunteer in the chapel when the inmates were brought in early, and one young man commented he’s never been to chapel and just came for something to do.  The service began with Andy’s standard intro reminding the men we’re not there to talk about religion or a set of rules, but to share that God wants a relationship with each of us, then he briefly shares the gospel message.  We sang a few worship songs, then took prayer requests.  Since only 4 guys showed up, I asked each one individually what they would like prayer for.  Nobody opted-out, they all had something.

In typical fashion, I knelt down and began prayer time with scripture – Psalm 27:7-14 to be exact – then allowed the Holy Spirit to guide my words through the prayer requests.  Somewhere in all this, that young man’s heart was broken, and when it came to testimony time, he stood with tears in his eyes, barely able to speak, and told us he appreciated us being there and he wasn’t sure what he believes.  I forget his exact words, but it was evident God was doing a work in this young man.  We told him he was not there by accident – God has a plan. Please pray for Vince.

Andy followed up with him after the service to meet one-on-one with him, and for another soul in Chester County Prison, the adventure begins!  I love it when God allows us to see what He’s doing, and how He allows us to be part of it.  If you’ve never experienced something like this, then you need to get out and share Jesus!  It’s the thrill of a lifetime – literally (for the person you’re sharing with).  Your prayers for the chaplains, inmates, and volunteers undergird everything that happens in ministry out there.  Please continue to pray not just for them and the prayer requests, but that we’d get to be part of many more of these “harvest sightings”.  Thanks for all you do in His name!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Eugene– healing from wrist pain
• Javier– family, court date Saturday.
• Matthew– wisdom to know the difference.
• Manuel– my family, my court date next week.
• Rick C– for leadership of the U.S. and countries around the world to forge agreements, particularly concerning peace in war-torn areas. Also for our catholic brothers and sisters mourning the Pope’s passing, may they all come to trust in no one man but in Jesus Christ alone.

• Kenny– sciatic pain a little better after stretching. My counselor on vacation, waiting for him to explain next steps towards my release in 31 days.  Waiting for confirmation from judge that I’m actually leaving  in a month (he must sign package).  Pray my family and friends all doing well, for my time to continue going smooth and fast, and for everyone to gets a second chance with Jesus.

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

• John– God get us home to our families.
• Timothy– haven’t spoken to anyone in my family in 4 years.  I want to learn more about the Bible.
• Jim M– for my aunt who just turned 90.
• Zier– for me, my family, and my 10 kids.
• Jon– I was just sentenced, praying for my motion for judge to reconsider and God would soften his heart.  Praying for strength, power, forgiveness, perseverance, and His glory.  Also pray that volunteers all get home safe and thanks for them coming in each week to share the Word with us.
• José– family, friends, freedom, and everyone in here.
• Dan T– brother-in-law with terminal Alzheimer’s-like condition, God show me the open door to witness, and pray he keeps it together long enough to accept Christ.
• Andy L– my mixed up neighborhood with 3 broken marriages and everyone dealing with major problems.
• Rick C– thanks that volunteer Erwin is back and feeling better, pray for recovery to continue to 100%.

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

• Shaun– hope to be released next month, court date on 28th.  Pray for friends, family, guys back on the block and their families.
• Charlie– court date on the 14th, hope to get home.  My Dad (88) diagnosed with dementia and doesn’t want to go to doctor, I need to be home to help him.  My wife (Heather) having weight loss issues, asked doc for gastric bypass surgery but he said no.  Pray God would help her do it on her own.  Thankful she’s holding it all together at home with my Dad.
• Vince– my grandmother has dementia, hope she’s around until I get out.  For my family and my girlfriend (Amanda) on the outside to stay strong and wait – I want to get married.
• Will– for the troops overseas, all the sick and suffering, everyone in prison, and my family.
• Troy L– for my family, we have adult children and conflict going on right now – praying for peace in those relationships.
• Andy D– an old bandmate of mine passed away – he was a believer so he’s good, pray for his family.
• Matt R– my wife (Cari) needs to create healthy habits and take better care of herself.  Pray for her to stay strong in her walk with the Lord.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For a successful event – our first Prison Ministry Benefit Concert on May 16 at Grace Covenant Church in Exton, pray all the details come together.
• Our prison Chaplain servants – Rhonda, Heinrich, Jack – and their families.
• All the volunteers who serve in prison ministry.
• Prison Leadership and all levels of prison staff, particularly anyone new to the job or in new positions, and their families.
• Please resolve staffing issues (hiring, turnover) at Chester County Prison.
• The families of each inmate – they are also “doing time”.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester county, ministering to inmates released from CCP – may the ministry have all they need, and may each client be blessed as integrate 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.

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

www.onesimusministries.org

[To view in a browser, visit this Link]

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Walking through my neighborhood, Spring is in full bloom – life returns to our bleak landscape – reminding me of the new life Christ offers each of us.  We just celebrated on Sunday the most significant event in history – the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, proving beyond a doubt He was exactly who He said He was, and everything He said was true.  Did you know Christianity is the only world religion whose leader died and rose again, and now lives!  The Bible records how he was seen by over 500 people after His resurrection (1 Cor 15.6) before He ascended bodily to heaven, and now our Savior, King, and friend sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us (Romans 8.34).  What a wonderful circumstance!

As I type these words, I can see flowering trees across the street dancing in the breeze – so beautiful.  When I partake of nature’s beauty in our fallen world, it’s hard to imagine how much more beautiful it will be in the new Heaven and Earth promised in God’s Word.  How can we not want to share promises like that with everyone in our life?  We all know people we suspect are not walking with the Lord, and must pray for boldness to tell them how God loves them so much He sent His son to die for them, so they could be in paradise with Him forever (versus the alternative!)

I pray you all had a wonderful Easter.  Thank you for praying faithfully for all aspects of prison ministry at Chester County Prison – the chaplains, staff, inmates, and volunteers – and of course all the families.  You are a blessing to so many, and I hope you are truly blessed in return.  Have a wonderful spring day!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Manuel– my family.
• Kenneth– for my next hearing, I need some good news.  And for Jack Crans’ health.

• Kenny– sciatic pain getting better, only bad in the mornings.  Able to work again and not getting moved to Work Release Center.   Only 38 days left, and my Dad has made all the required adjustments to the house for my return.  It’s gun free and he just wants his son to come home. My good friend Sophie is doing well, and I pray my other friends like Jimmie and Frances are doing ok.  I pray for my family, and that my time goes smooth and fast.  And that everyone gets a second chance with Jesus.

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

• Rick C– For our catholic brothers and sisters mourning the death of Pope Francis, we pray that no one would put their trust in any one man but rather trust in Christ alone, He alone is worthy of all our praise!
• John– God bring us all home to see our families.
• Ross– this is my last week, I pray for everyone in here that they all have a good journey especially when they get out.
• José– family, friends, freedom.
• Jon– for my family, kids, world peace, perseverance, strength, and power – let none of us lose faith.  Also pray for volunteers coming out each week, and even on Easter, pray God would protect them and get them home safe.
• Jim M– for my son and my grandson.
• Dan T– my brother-in-law was just diagnosed with a terminal Alzheimer’s-like condition, and time is running out.  Pray now more than ever he would be receptive to the Good News and pray God provides the right opportunity.
• Rick C– for our brother Dan who spent Thursday night in cardiac unit at Chester County Hospital, pray his heart stays strong and in rhythm without medication.

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

• Rick C– For our catholic brothers and sisters mourning the death of Pope Francis, we pray that no one would put their trust in any one man but rather trust in Christ alone, He alone is worthy of all our praise!
• Jeremiah– for the volunteers coming out each week, for my children, and my sentencing hearing on Friday -praying for mercy and compassion.
• Mark– to have a good hearing tomorrow (Tue).
• Donny– for family and friends, and a good clean life when I get out of here. Also want to pray for a guy back on the block (Jeff) who has sentencing this Friday.
• Matt R– for the family and friends of a special needs student of mine, just 17 years old, who passed away last week.
• Andy D– my sister (Donna) didn’t make it out to church yesterday, pray that God opens doors for me to have a faith conversation with her.
• And we pray for all of our family members who aren’t walking with the Lord – that we may be so bold to share with them, and pray for their salvation.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For a great turnout at our first Prison Ministry Benefit Concert on May 16 at Grace Covenant Church in Exton, and for all the details to come together.
• For our wonderful prison Chaplains – Rhonda, Heinrich, Jack – and their families.
• For all the volunteers serving inside the prison and behind the scenes.
• For Prison Staff and Leadership, especially those new to the job or in new positions, and their families.
• For quick resolution of staffing issues (hiring, turnover) at Chester County Prison.
• For every inmate and their family members, who are also “doing time”.
• For the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across Chester county that minister to former inmates integrating 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.

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www.onesimusministries.org

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This Holy Week, we reflect on the events between Jesus being hailed during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem all the way through His crucifixion on Good Friday.  The Passion of Christ, as we call it, may sound strange to those hearing it the first time – How could crowds follow Him, witness His miracles, hear His teachings, celebrate His coming with palm branches, then in a few short days demand His execution?  I imagine it was a confusing time in Jerusalem.  Religious leaders maintained their powerful status and control, yet the teachings of Jesus made such sense, spoken with such authority.

Jesus once asked his disciples, “Who do the crowds say I am?”  They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” (Luke 9.18-19)

Coupled with belief the Messiah King would come in power to usher in His Kingdom, there must have been such confusion of who Jesus really was and what He was going to do.  Of course the events of Holy week were ordained by God to happen the way they did, I just imagine the level of uncertainty and confusion for so many in the crowds.

Do we see similar levels of confusion in our world today about who Jesus is and what He is all about? I’d say so.  The truth seems so elusive, and can really only be found in one place – the Word of God.  Every week in the prison we share from God’s Word and point to it as the only source of real truth.  And it all points to Jesus who said of Himself “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14.6)  This week, may we all marinate and meditate on the absolute Truth who is our Savior King, as we anticipate celebrating His resurrection this coming Sunday.  Be blessed my friends!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Andy– my need for patience and greater love.
• Eugene– all of us to mature in love towards Him and others, and experience transformation through renewing of our minds.
• Kenneth– patience, understanding, and a forgiving heart especially towards my family.  For my girl and kids to have forgiveness and understand my standing up for the truth and not just taking a deal to get home sooner.  Help us all learn the lessons the Lord is teaching us and get me home.  Help me to let go and let God’s will be done in my life.
• Manuel– family.
• Javier– family.

• Kenny– having serious sciatic nerve pain in hip and lower right side, currently unable to work, and they upped my meds.  Pray they can figure out what’s going on and what’s next.  If no longer able to work, could get moved to Work Release Center in 2 weeks.  My friend Sophie moved into an apartment, pray she is happy in her own space now.  Pray for family and friends to all be doing well, that my time continues to go smooth and fast, and everyone gets a 2nd chance through Jesus.

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

• John– God bring us all home.
• Ross– 12 days until time maxxed out [must be released], need a place to live – Elwyn did not accept me.  Pray for all the court dates for these guys, and everything to go good for us.  Also praying for family of women in situation [I didn’t catch details, but God knows them].
• Phil T– my son-in-law (Alan) up for a big promotion, told him I’d pray for him, and I pray that would open other opportunities to witness to him, especially if he gets it.
• Jon– upcoming court dates, peace in war-torn places like Ukraine, God please show us your mercy and let us go home. Prayer of thanks for the volunteers coming each week to worship with us and share with us. God help us put on full armor of God, especially when we get out of this place, and renew our minds.
• Dave– be reunited at home with my family, they are having tough time.
• Jim M– for my 5 grandchildren and their salvation, and salvation of everyone in this place.
• Dan T– volunteer Erwin very sick, suffering with viral bronchitis for last 2 weeks – prayers for quick healing and full recovery.
• Jose G– everyone here to know Christ, and when released to find a Biblical church and fellowship with brothers in Christ.  Praise that my son and his family have made decision to move back east from Colorado with their new child – answered prayer of us as new grandparents.  Pray they can sell house quickly and find a nice house here.
• Dan T– my brother-in-law to accept Christ, and more opportunities to witness to him.

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

• Kevin– all goes well in court and I get to go home tomorrow and see kids, son, and Mom.  To stay close to God.
• Donny– my family, my son is going to court this month-pray things turn out well.
• Luis– family, wife, mother, brother, sister.
• Javier– wife, son, family, court tomorrow, everyone here.
• José– family, brother, wife.
• Raheem– my grandmother’s on dialysis, and my fiancé.
• Jeremiah– my children, and for God to restore broken relationships.
• Martin– court date on 22nd, hope to see my church this Saturday.
• Aaron– family, peace and strength.
• Hadeem– the staff.
• Frank– family.
• Denny– family, continued growth spiritually, I’m 10 months sober.
• Todd– family, all the families represented here, and for [friend/relative – didn’t catch details] who died.
• Will– men and women still suffering with diseases and addictions, and the children born into it, and for my family.
• Isaiah– family, friends, loved ones, my court date to go well, and safe transfer in a week.
• Louis– my daughter.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• For final organizing and for plentiful attendance at our first Prison Ministry Benefit Concert on May 16 at Grace Covenant Church in Exton.
• Blessings of strength and wisdom for prison Chaplains – Rhonda, Heinrich, Jack – and their families.
• Hearts filled with the joy of the Lord for all the volunteers, serving in the prison and behind the scenes.
• God’s love and peace for Prison Staff and Leadership, especially those new to the job or in new positions, and their families.
• That God would make a way of resolution to staffing issues (hiring, turnover) at Chester County Prison.
• Spiritual wellbeing of every inmate and their family, who are also “doing time”.
• Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across Chester county to have all they need to effectively minister to inmates integrating 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.

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

www.onesimusministries.org

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Prison chapel services can become rather routine, then there are nights like last night, making me wonder if it was a full moon or something.  The men in both services seemed much more verbally interactive than normal.  We volunteers must be ready for almost anything, like someone standing up and professing the similarities between Muslim and Christian religions, how we all worship the same God, and there are many paths to God.  Yikes!  What would you do?

It’s a real balancing act – we don’t want to call out or humiliate an inmate in front of peers, but we also can’t let heresy or untrue statements remain unopposed (silence is consent).  How about another inmate claiming the devil was inside him that morning.  Hmm.  We don’t want to confront any inmate over their perception, but rather encourage them with the Truth of God’s word, which of course addresses any situation we can think of (we just need to find it!).

How often in our interactions with others or in groups do we hear something we simply know is not true?  Are we called to correct others in their thinking?  I think it depends on what we know about them.  Taking a huge clue from how Jesus treated people, He exhorted and sometimes rebuked Jewish leaders who studied God’s Law and should know the truth, yet He took the time to teach, gently correct, and encourage those who didn’t know any better.  The important thing is that we say something – God does not need us to defend Him or His Word, but in love we should want others to know the Truth.

I pray our great God gives all of us the words and the boldness to speak up when we find ourself in such situations, and bring to mind 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”.  THANK YOU for all the great words you lift each week to our Heavenly Father on behalf of the inmates, chaplains, volunteers, and staff at Chester County Prison.  God bless your week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Cotton– pray I can get home to be with my daughter on her birthday (Sep 2).
• Manuel– family.
• Javier– family.
• Gerald– I’m feeling stuck, need the Lord to get through, asking the Lord to help me see what’s holding me back, and that I can move on, and for peace.
• Kenneth– my son is having a hard time the last few weeks because I’m not there, pray for his comfort and peace.
• Roland– praise that more guys came out to chapel service this week.
• Andy D– for unforgiveness – show us Lord if we have it in our hearts and help us to forgive.

• Kenny– thinking a lot about what’s next when I’m released. My grandfather asks my Dad every day how I’m doing and is almost more excited than I am to get out. Can’t wait to see everyone.  Pray that they are all doing well, and my friends all doing OK, that my time continues to go smooth and fast, and that everyone realizes the 2nd chance they can get through Jesus. [NOTE: I also pray for other inmates to leave Kenny alone – I’ve heard of inmates getting so jealous of those nearing release that they incite violence with them to cause release date to be pushed back.]

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

• John– God get us all home.
• Marcus– grateful for God, pray for mental health of staff and inmates- this place affects everyone.  I was raised Baptist and converted to Muslim and now see how similar the religions are and there is more than one path to God. [NOTE: I addressed Marcus with John 14:6 where Jesus himself said no one comes to the Father but through Him, and he agreed.]
• Ross– 19 days left before I max out, need big prayer to be accepted into a place to live – Elwynd did not accept me.  Pray for those who went home today, for the court dates of all these guys, and for everything to work out for us.
• Travis– I had the devil in me this morning, pray for him to never come back [NOTE: I reminded  Travis in my prayer that if we have the Holy Spirit, light and darkness can’t occupy the same place at the same time, reference 2 Cor 6:14]
• Jon– love, peace, family, children, girlfriends, wives, thankful for the volunteers coming in each week, and thanks for our congregation in this service.  Pray for every Christian to put on the full armor of God to stand up to spiritual battles.
• Joseph– court date Wed, pray for release and get back to work so I can praise God and thank the Lord.
• Pablo– family, my boys, everyone in here.
• Phil T– my daughter-in-law (Hannah) is pregnant- pray all goes well with that, and pray for Hannah’s brother struggling with his future.
• Jose– for all those struggling with addiction, and pray for salvation of all those in Chester County Prison.
• Dan T– I began to witness to my brother-in-law, pray that he accepts Christ.

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

• Jacob– for my wife to get through hardship without me, to love and forgive, our kids, and loved ones.
• Jeremiah– for broken relationships.
• Pat– for the best outcome of my situation- get a county sentence, for family.
• Aaron– get through this time and get home to family.
• Steven– my mother (Frances), children, girlfriend Melissa, and me.
• Matt– my girlfriend, family and friends, my callous heart.  Help me to keep smiling, deal with life, and push forward.
• Javier– wife, son, family, all of us here.
• Elizer– thankful for the volunteers, pray for everyone in here, my family, and a faster process towards release.
• Matt R– 2 guys in my life in the throes of addiction (Dan and Aaron)- pray they find the help they need.
• Donny– family, my son in here- pray good outcome of his court case, will see doctors soon about my heart issues.
• Mark– good outcome for my court case on 22nd, and for family.
• Jais– all of us in this room, my Mom is on life support, and that we can all make it on the outside.

Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries

• Godly collaboration towards planning and organizing our first prison ministry benefit concert on May 16 at Grace Covenant Church in Exton.
• Our wonderful prison Chaplains – Rhonda, Heinrich, Jack – and their families.
• All the dedicated volunteers, serving in the prison and behind the scenes.
• Prison Staff and Leadership, especially those new to the job or in new positions, and their families.
• Resolution to lingering staffing issues (hiring, turnover) at Chester County Prison.
• Every inmate and their family, who are also “doing time”.
• Blessings upon Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester county ministering to inmates after they are released.

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