Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter this holiday season, there is a heaviness evident among inmates thinking about friends and family getting together to celebrate and they can’t be part of it.  They obviously don’t want to spend Christmas and New Years in prison, and we notice a little more appreciation for volunteers coming in to worship alongside them.  We remind them each week that we are honored and privileged to come in each week to show them the love of Jesus by worshipping with them, spending time with them, and listening to them.  Being part of this team is humbling and encouraging as we see what God is doing through a few willing servants.

Last night’s prayer time used the last half of Psalm 40 to echo the heart cries of the men who came out to the services:

Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.

    My only hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness.

For troubles surround me—

    too many to count!

They pile up so high

    I can’t see my way out.

They outnumber the hairs on my head.

    I have lost all courage.

Please, Lord, rescue me!

    Come quickly, Lord, and help me.

May those who try to destroy me

    be humiliated and put to shame.

May those who take delight in my trouble

    be turned back in disgrace.

Let them be horrified by their shame,

    for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”

But may all who search for you

    be filled with joy and gladness.

May those who love your salvation

    repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”

As for me, I am poor and needy,

    but the Lord is thinking about me right now.

You are my helper and my savior.

    O my God, do not delay. (Psalm 40:11-17)

Phil gave a poignant message on what it means to be “reborn”, citing examples from his person life as well as John 3 where Nicodemus came to Jesus at night and was taught about spiritual birth for salvation.  Phil exhorted the men that as fathers, our primary responsibility is to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  And we must know Jesus ourselves before we can bring them or any others to Him. Ultimately, we will all stand before God and will be asked “what did we do with Jesus and the offer to be born again?”.  Sobering thoughts encouraging us to all be ready for the King’s return at any moment. 

We must stay in God’s word every day so we don’t stray away. Phil reminds us the number one reason he hears from guys who return to prison is they got out of the Word.  God’s word is powerful and transformative, and we are so blessed to have it readily available in many languages and translations.  We have no excuse for not reading God’s Word every day.

Daily prayer is another staple of the Christian life, and we greatly appreciate all your prayers week after week for all aspects of this ministry.  Please don’t forget those in prison during the holidays, and thank you for all your support. Many blessings on you and yours this week.

Grace and peace,

Rick

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

• Steven– all praise, honor and glory to God, thankful for the volunteers each week.  My bail hearing today didn’t go well and I got very upset. I decided to pick up my Bible and read, and I came across the passage about giving thanks in all things and not just some things. God’s word inspired me and I was no longer upset.  Also very thankful for my brother Kevin and how he supports me.
• John– for all the brothers that got out of here, and for the rest of us when we do get out that we will continue to follow the Lord.  Also pray for everyone to understand the true meaning of Christmas.  Pray for my kids, my Mom, and my grandkids.  Pray I will be going home soon and have my eye surgery.  Also want to pray that all of us put on the full armor of God.
• Ken– thanks for our families and the holidays coming up.  Thanks to all the volunteers, and for my daughter that I can’t get ahold of – pray for resolution to the communication problems.
• Andy L– for my wife Dot (Dorothy) whose heart was skipping beats and making her very tired.  Pray for her to get the proper treatment and for God’s healing.
• Joel– for everyone in here, and the sick in hospitals.  Thanks for volunteers blessing us, and thanks to God I already have a job when I get out.  I spoke to family and my brother is going to help me out.  Pray for my mother’s health, and my girlfriend is homeless.  Thankful that God knows what’s going on and He has it all under control.  Pray all the pieces would come together for my case.
• Ross– for everyone in here and on the outside going through tough times. Very thankful for everyone praying for me.  Thankful for Chris, Ray, and Mark (various roles in justice system) all trying to do their best by me. I pray to get back to my home state of Florida, and for anyone who is ill to get better.  Also want to lift up all those in depression over the holidays.
• Havier– thanks for the volunteers.  I believe in the Lord that all will work out, help me trust.

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

• Craig– for my family, and I pray for the Lord to strengthen me.  Also pray for the world at large.
• Martin– for my family, and my full restoration from addiction.  For my 97-year-old grandmother, and my Mom.  For a good outcome to my case.  Help me understand your Word better, and please heal the relationships I’ve broken by coming to jail.
• Nick– for the Lord’s protection and direction.  For patience for both me and my family members – they are going through some things.  For knowledge to get through.
• Harry– for patience and faith for everyone in here.
• Clarence– thanks for the volunteers, pray for your safe travels.  For my family, father, mother-in-law, etc.  Also court coming up, pray it works out well.  And for all the brothers back on the block who couldn’t make it out tonight.
• Andy L– for the power of the Holy Spirit of God to descend upon the families in my neighborhood like a cloud and with fire and wind – God is moving and please continue to move in all the deep problems in my neighborhood.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

• Let us all pray for Ameen, a young Muslim who attended church last night.  He gave a testimony that he came to honor the men who pray for him and they all go to church.  He appreciated the opportunity to get up and share that he’s going through some tough times. We pray God’s spirit would get ahold of Ameen’s heart and that he heard from the Lord through His word last night.

• We lift up our brother Phil who suffers from severe back pain, but even two emergency room visits couldn’t keep this faithful servant from preaching the message in both services last night.  Prayers of healing and recovery, as well as wisdom for doctors to treat him effectively.

• For our two wonderful chaplains- Rhonda and Heinrich- to enjoy blessings of continued strength, endurance, compassion, and wisdom for their ministry within Chester County Prison.  May they both continue to bless many residents, staff, and family members connected to the prison.

• We lift up our brother Jack Crans as he contends with late stage cancer yet continues to faithfully serve in many capacities through County Corrections Gospel Mission.

• God’s provision and blessing upon the aftercare ministries across our county- may they continue to effectively minister to the recently released men and women in our community.  May these clients build lives of faith and may each one re-enter society as a responsible citizen and be seen as a child of God.

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,

Have you ever heard someone ask “if you’ve already read the Bible, why do you keep reading it over and over?”  I know for me personally, I often catch things on subsequent readings of a passage that I didn’t catch the first time.  For example, I shared with the men last night that many of us are familiar with Jesus’ words about when 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, there He is among us – that comes from Matthew 18:20.  Well, just the other day I was in Matthew 18 as part of a devotional reading, and the verse right before that one stuck out as if I’d never seen it before:

“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)

I get it – verse 19 is the biblical foundation for why we do prayer time in prison services each week!  The men speak their prayer requests, then the prayer leader goes up front and prays through the list again, praying in agreement on each request.  I also reminded the men that God always answers prayers, although it’s often not WHEN we expect it, or the answer we WANT to hear.  God’s timing is perfect, and sometimes the answer is NO, and sometimes the answer is WAIT.

Later in the service, Erwin’s message informed the men about being a child of God.  We are all created by Him, but we’re not automatically His children, that only comes with belief.  As John wrote in the first chapter of his gospel, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:11-12).  He went on to describe four elements of belief (knowledge, conviction, trust, and obedience) and the three marks of a child of God – belief in Jesus, love of doing what’s right, and being led by the Spirit of God.

Erwin wrapped up by illustrating the many rewards for the children of God (promises of the Bible) versus the consequences of not being a child of God (final judgement, destined for lake of fire).  He made it abundantly clear that the choice is ours to make – God gave us free will to make the choice  – and there are only two options: We are either for God, or against God – there is no middle ground.  Of course he urged everyone to make the right choice while there is still time.

I want to thank all of you again for making the choice to support this ministry with your faithful prayers each week, lifting up our chaplains, the inmates and their requests below, and all the families connected with Chester County prison.  You are storing up treasures in heaven, and we are most grateful for your support.  Blessings on you and your family this week.

Grace and peace,

Rick

Female Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda:

B. P. – Asking for prayer for strength, wisdom, guidance, and protection. She’s praying that she “can stay focused & on the right path that God wants (her) on. Pls pray with her.

C. L. – Asking for prayer (unspecified)

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

• Dave– for my kids, my family, and loved ones.  Hoping next week they will figure out what they are doing with me.
• Ross– my case comes to court on Wed, praying for complete transfer of my case to my home state of Florida.  Also praying that my friends can find me a place to live in FL. I pray that everyone getting out would have a place to live.
• Steven– all praise, honor and glory to God, thanking him for the volunteers each week, and that I just feel great tonight. God really got my attention by putting me in here, but It’s a joy to be learning about Jesus and the Bible. Such a better us of my time now.  I pray for my family and thankful they are taking care of my affairs like mortgage payments while I’m here.
• John– thankful to God for his forgiveness and mercy.  Also for His love and kindness.
• Scott– thankful for God’s forgiveness and that no one was killed by my DUI.  This is a real wake up call for me.  And thanks God for my wife and for bringing her back to me.
• Angel– for everyone in here and our families. For my fiancé who just got out of drug rehab but is using again and she got thrown out of halfway house.  I pray she’s safe and that I knew more of what’s going with her.  Pray for those in control of my freedom, that they would be inspired by God through His Holy Spirit.  Pray I can get into the drug/alcohol program I want to get into.  Also please help me with all my anger about my situation.  Also want to pray for Bernard who is still in a lot of back pain.
• Andrew– I go to rehab on Friday.  Thankful that tomorrow I get reclassified to minimum security and get transferred to the workers block.  Also pray for my cat.
• Tommy– for Israel and other war-torn nations around the world.  And for my family. Also pray for our brother  Bernard back on the block- he just got bad news from his family.
• Eric– for everyone in here to get back to their families as soon as possible.
• Ken– pray for our families during this Christmas season, and for my daughter who I’ve not heard from for weeks.  Pray she’s OK and that I would hear from her soon.
• Joel– for family, thanks for the volunteers, and I’m feeling distant from the Lord because things are not working out for me.  Pray for my Mom’s health.
• Warren– that all goes well in court tomorrow.

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

• Martin– that I would be restored, and for my 97-year-old grandma, and for my family. For rehabilitation and recovery, and a good outcome of my case. And for Clarence who could make it out tonight.
• Phil T– reinjured my back and in a lot of pain.
• Andy D– thankful for volunteers in progress- we have 6 guys lined up for the 2nd service.  Also very grateful for the 1st service guys staying for 2nd service since we’re back in the prison post-covid.
• Dan T– For a man struggling with his 18-year-old son’s suicide – he blames himself.  Pray that he can receive forgiveness from the Lord.
• Martin– my Aunt Stacey’s 57th birthday today.
• Dean– all of our families, and for the tension in our world today.
• Andy L– a man who was my friend for 65 years recently passed away – pray for his wife, she used to have such life in her eyes and now they’ve grown dull as she is in deep grief.
• Phil T– all those suffering depression in this Christmas season, pray they can find the Savior.  Also want to lift up my granddaughter Julie who is struggling in school.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

• Blessings of continued strength, endurance, compassion, and wisdom for God’s hands and feet in Chester County Prison – Chaplain Rhonda and Chaplain Heinrich, that they would continue to bless many residents, staff, and family members connected to the prison.

• For speedy recovery and healing for inmates, staff, and their family members suffering with illness or disease.

• For peace among the prison population and among the staff.

• For churches in Chester County (and beyond!) to be drawn to partner with aftercare programs designed to help disciple ex-offenders, building upon progress made in prison, and help them take positive steps toward reintegration to 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,

We tried something very interesting (and new to all of us) in the first service at the prison last night.  You see, we have 4 or 5 Hispanic inmates who come out to the service each week who do not speak or understand English very well. Another inmate, Angel, offered to translate for them, so we sat them all together and Andy did his best to slow down during the message to give Angel a chance to interpret for these young men.

While it places an extra burden on the volunteer team (slower, more basic messages), impacts the service timing (shortening other areas to give message/interpretation more time), and could be distracting to English-speakers in a room with harsh acoustics, I am reminded of Jesus’ parable of the shepherd leaving behind the 99 to find the one lost sheep.  Last night we did what we could to “round up all the sheep”.

Andy’s message broke down John 3:16 phrase-by-phrase, asking questions of the men throughout:

“For God…” – who is He?  Many religions in the world, many gods, they can’t all be true – only one true living God.

“so loved” – Bible mentions different kinds of love (eros, storge, philos, agape) – God models selfless, sacrificial love – Agape

“the world” – everyone and everything He created – it was all good at creation. Can also substitute our own name in here.

“that He gave” – God is a giver, all out, not partial or conditional.  He holds nothing back from those he loves.

“His only Son” – the most precious gift He could give.  Who is Jesus?  Who did He claim to be?

“that whoever believes in him” – God invites all, not just some, knowing that many will reject Him. This is condition for salvation- believing Jesus lived, died for us, rose again – He is Lord and personal Savior.

“shall not perish but have eternal life.” – paradise with God forever. Only 2 futures – with God, or lake of fire, choice is ours. Who wouldn’t want heaven? No more tears, sorrow, sin, plus we get glorified body.

Of course it concluded with Andy encouraging any man not sure of his salvation to accept God’s offer and believe Jesus when He said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6).

I pray you all had a wonderful thanksgiving last week, and we all remain very thankful for all of you partnering in this ministry through your time, talents, and treasures.  Never underestimate the power of prayer, or the importance of what you do to support those in prison.  God bless your week.

Grace and peace,

Rick

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

• Dave– for my kids (10, 11, 15, 16, and 19), my family, and for all of us in here. For my case- that they figure out by the 12th what to do with me.
• Shaun– for my family and a special prayer of comfort for my uncle who lost his wife. For my brother and my best friend Eric who lost his mother.  And please bless all our families through the holidays.
• Ross– thankful for all the guys here and their prayers.  Pray for parole department trying to get everything transferred to Florida.  Also prayers for all our family members.
• John– for peace in the world, particularly where innocent people are dying in wars in Ukraine, Israel, and other war-torn countries.  Prayers for our families, our kids, and our friends. Asking prayers for my vision and upcoming eye surgery.  Thankful for answered prayer in my court case, it all worked out and I’m just waiting for release date.  Prayers for all those going home to stay connected with God and His Word.
• Joel– for each of us here, bless the volunteers, and for God’s power to help me stop doing bad things and his strength to do good things.  Also please protect my Mom back home in Puerto Rico.
• Angel– for my family and my fiancé – she is struggling (drugs involved), prayers she clean things up and that I would be able to hear what’s going on with her, I’m very worried. Also for my parole officer to lift the detainer on me that is preventing my case from moving forward.  Prayers for the court system to function properly.  Also healing prayers for my brother and father’s health.  And for our brother Bernard back on the block in severe back pain and a recently found heart condition.
• Tommy– for friends and family, and for the future of my life.
• Brandt– for all our friends and family to have a happy holiday season.  And for the hostages being held by Hamas.
• Ken– for our families and that my daughter had a good holiday – I hope to hear from her soon.

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

• Martin– for a good outcome of my case and all our cases.  For my family and for healing of my relationship with my girlfriend.  Asking God to restore me and help me maintain sobriety.
• Clarence– thanks for the volunteers coming out to give us the Word each week, for all of our families, for my court date coming up Thursday and all our court dates.  For my father – his legs are going bad. For all the brothers back on the block who aren’t here.  For all the CO’s (corrections officers) and the inmates.
• Dan T– For a man struggling with his 18-year-old son’s suicide – he blames himself.  Pray that the Lord would let him know He’s forgiven and release that burden.
• Andy L– my nephew recently got out of prison but drugs still in the picture.  His sister shut him out from thanksgiving celebration.  Prayers for healing of that relationship and his ability to clean up.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

Continued prayers of healing for volunteer Erwin, still sick at home.

Prayers of thanks for recent volunteers to this ministry, and may the paperwork and processing go smoothly that they can being ministering alongside us soon.

Please continue to lift up our wonderful chaplains – Rhonda and Heinrich – may God grant them everything they need to continue ministering effectively in His name.  And may they be a blessing to the inmates, staff, and families connected to Chester County Prison.

Ongoing prayers for the health, provision, and wellbeing of Chester County aftercare programs and their volunteers and staff.  May they be a constant blessing to their clients who are building up their life in Christ as they return to society as responsible citizens.

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 always interesting to see who will come out to the 8:30pm service when the Eagles play on Monday Night Football. Our second service attendance has already been quite low lately, and choices like this (especially during a winning season) don’t help.  But it does tend to reveal inmates serious about connecting with their faith (or they just aren’t into football).  Either way, the men who showed up last night were very engaged and eager to hear the message God had for them through our brother Andy.

Andy posed a question to the men, “what is the hardest thing in life?”, then expanded the question to what were the hardest things in Jesus’ life?  He walked us through Matthew 4 where Jesus was in the desert 40 days and nights with no food, then in a severely weakened physical condition the Devil came to tempt Him with everything from personal needs (food) to power and prestige. Andy then described “the way of Jesus” that we must all aspire to – total reliance on God, on His Word (promises), and on His power through the Holy Spirit.  Not just in tough times, but all the time, as we set aside our own goals and desires, take up our cross, and follow Him.

Andy testified to God’s faithfulness through personal stories of tremendous difficulty, driving the message home in a meaningful way, and challenged us all to walk by faith and not by sight. It’s a real honor to experience how God uses each volunteer through the gifts He’s given each of us, to bring His Word to life for the men in Chester County Prison.

It’s also an honor to partner with all of you prayer warriors out there who faithfully pray for the men (and women) in prison, their families, and the specific prayer requests we get from them each week.  Chaplain Rhonda contacted me last week with a few prayer requests for the ladies which I’ve included below.  Thanks as always for lifting them up before the throne of grace, and may you all have a wonderful, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving!

Grace and peace,

Rick

Female Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda:

P.S. – asking for prayer for her daughter who is in bad shape mentally and physically over the situation of her mom being in prison. Please pray that God would turn both of their hearts to Himself.

L.P. – wanting very much to grow in her knowledge of and faith in God; leaving CCP this week; trying to believe God will guide her to the right after-care

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

• Shaun– for my fellow inmates, that God would bless them with what they need. Thank you for the patience of my daughter in dealing with me, she is a blessing to my life.  Pray for a financial blessing upon her, she has car trouble and financial issues.  And thanks for God’s blessings today.
• Peter– for my Mom with numerous health problems and possible kidney failure.  For everyone in here to be able to get back to family soon.  For people everywhere to open their eyes to God’s truth and understand what’s going on.  For the people in Israel and that more people would come to repentance.
• Dave– for my kids and family – there are some things going on. For a new attorney next week to get my case moving – I’ve been here a year with no court date.  And for everyone in here, especially as the holidays approach.
• John– for everyone’s families and travelling safety as folks gather for thanksgiving.  For my kids, and healing of my eye with possible eye surgery coming up.  And for all my Christian brothers and sisters to grow closer to God.
• Angel– help with my anger that things are not working my way, especially concerning my case.  Pray for everyone in here, my fiance, my friend Stephanie, my brother’s health (kidney disease), my father’s health (just turned 81).  For inmate Bernard with back pain and concerns of a lump.  For peace in Israel and in the world.
• Steven– thanks for the volunteers that give up their time to come in each week.  Even though it’s tough in here, we have a lot to be thankful for.
• Ken– thankful for the volunteers, and pray for my family and friends as they gather for Thanksgiving.  Pray for my daughter Mackenzie (22) who is struggling.
• Thomas– for my friends and family.

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

• Jeremiah– for the D.A. and the Judges – I’ve been here 3 years without a court date
• Jacob– for the health of my grandmother (91) and grandfather (96) who are doing fairly well.  Thanks for the joy it is to speak with them and they don’t hesitate to talk to me even in prison.  For my daughter (2-1/2) who’s been sick on and off as she started preschool.  I love my daughter and her mother so much and pray I can be reunited with them soon, may they be safe in my absence.
• Dan T– For God’s plan to work out as prophesied, may everyone realize it and be ready for His second coming.
• Andy D– my family still grieving recent loss of my Mom, and it’s an emotional time as her house sells tomorrow.
• Andy L– my neighborhood is a mess – there are 2 marriages breaking up, at least one teen in real trouble and on house arrest, another neighbor is dying of kidney disease.  May my wife and I be people of peace in our neighborhood.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

Pray for an inmate in the first service who has apparent mental issues and claims his late father used to beat him severely, sending him to the hospital with broken ribs and a fractured skull.  Pray for his healing on multiple fronts and his ability to forgive as he shared how happy he is that dad is dead.

Pray for another inmate in the first service who said there are at least 4 voices in his head, and he was physically abused by his father who later in life begged for his forgiveness.

Prayers of healing for volunteer Erwin, sick at home with a bad cold.  Thanks for wisdom of not coming in to share it with the team and the inmates 😉  May the Lord relieve his symptoms and restore him back to good health.

Praise and Thanksgiving to the Lord of the harvest who is blessing us with more laborers for the field.  Please pray for the volunteers currently in the application/background security check process, and for those seriously considering coming on board.

Ongoing prayer for wisdom and endurance for our wonderful chaplains – Rhonda and Heinrich – may the Holy Spirit fill them afresh each morning to minister compassionately to the inmates, staff, and families connected to Chester County Prison.

For all the aftercare ministries serving those recently released from prison and assisting them with their new life in Christ that began in prison.  May these ministries have all they need to be effective for the Kingdom and may each of the clients grow a heart of faith like they never have before.

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,

I had the opportunity to speak Saturday at the Grace Covenant church men’s breakfast where I described the finer points of prison ministry within Chester County prison.  And please welcome eight new members of our prayer chain who signed up at the breakfast – thank you men for joining us!  Chaplain Heinrich was also there Saturday as my “show and tell” and the men were riveted on his recent story of a man who’s grandmother hounded Heinrich to look after her boy.  He merely provided this man with a Bible and some Christian literature, and came to find out later (from the grandmother) what a major impact this simple gesture had on this “tough guy”.  He’d never had a Bible in his hands, let alone one he could keep, and he dug into the Word with tenacity.  This man’s heart was touched, and grandma was pleased.  This is why we do what we do – not necessarily to please grandmothers, but to grow the Kingdom one heart at a time.

It was also my turn to preach at the prison last night, and I walked the men through Romans 3 where we get an accurate glimpse of fallen and rebellious mankind from God’s perspective (no one seeks God, no one does good, no not one), followed by God’s solution to man’s dilemma – faith in the one who bore our sins and took our punishment that we may be made right before the Father – faith in Jesus Christ as our personal savior.

We always try to impress on the men that the time to have a personal relationship with Christ is NOW, since we are not guaranteed tomorrow.  As with most chapel services we provide, the men were given an invitation to pray the sinners prayer to accept Christ.  Please pray for those that took that first step of faith last night, that they would continue their faith journey under the protection of the Holy Spirit against the wiles of the devil.

Thanks as always for your faithful prayers each week for the men and their prayer requests below.  It is an honor to serve alongside each of you in this ministry as we all do our parts in the body of Christ.  Have a blessed week!

Grace and peace,

Rick

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

• Dave– my kids to be OK, and by the 20th for this county to figure out what to do with me.
• John– had an eye injection in right eye, may need surgery.  And for my sentence to be commuted.
• Ross– thankful for court going well, agreed to transfer everything to Florida where I’m from, still need a place to live in Florida before I can be released.
• Angel– for Bernard having severe back pain and getting tests back for lump in side, my brother with kidney disease needs healing, my fiancé still struggling with drugs and not doing well – I think she’d using again – the devil has a grip on her. Prayers for my public defender and that I would be out soon.  Also prayers for peace in the world.
• Shaun– all the inmates in here to have what they need, for my family, and provide for my sister and 2 kids.  Also for my children and grandchildren, and my family who is doing time as well, especially my daughter.
• Joel (as translated by another inmate)- my family, especially my Mom, for all of us in here, for my protection while I’m here and keep me safe when I get out.  Change my heart, I’m tired of coming in/out of prison – I want my life to change.  Also pray for peace in the world.
• Joshua– my Mom and my family.
• Darren– to receive forgiveness from those I’ve hurt, and to have the strength to forgive those who’ve hurt me.
• John– for Israel.
• Alonso– for all the men not here in church, and for those I can’t seem to make amends with.
• Phil T– my son Kyle was in a fender-bender with his car, he’s OK physically, pray for wisdom in all the decisions to be made and that everything would turn out OK.
• Andrew– going to rehab.
• Joel– my wife got kicked out of her apartment.

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

• Maurice– for relief of the stuff I’m dealing with – my emotions (resentment, guilt, shame) – I need more clarity and the ability to move through it.
• Joseph– my children, my family, all the people in Chester County prison – for the ones that love the Lord and are afraid because of what the enemy puts in their head (peer pressure).  For the boldness of believers in here, that they not be afraid to say the name of Jesus.  For open hearts to accept the Lord before death.
• Andy D– for potential volunteers to the prison team with cold feet.  We pray for more workers in this ministry, specifically more guys to support the second service.
• Andy L– just learned that my best friend from High School died – Wes Boyer – pray for his wife and daughters.
• Rick C– my son’s school friend Conner (27) died suddenly, the friend group is taking it hard and there’s no info about how he died.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

For our wonderful chaplains – Rhonda and Heinrich – to experience a fresh filling of the Spirit each morning, and renewed strength, wisdom, and compassion as they minster throughout the prison each week.

For the processing of a few new volunteers to go smoothly and quickly, that they may join us on Monday evenings very soon. And prayers for God to touch a few more volunteer hearts to join us.

For the overworked prison staff members and their families to receive God’s strength, endurance, and peace until the Lord provides some new hires to share the load.

For aftercare ministries serving those recently released from prison and helping them get a foothold on a new life in Christ that they began in prison.  May these ministries have all they need to be effective for the Kingdom and may each of the clients grow a heart of faith like they never have before.

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,

Setting the clocks back to standard time means we now get to drive to and from the prison each week in the dark.  Not my favorite scenario, but it reminds me of Jesus’ words – “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:4-5)  I understand Jesus is referring to the time we have on earth to do God’s will (day) before we pass from this life (night), and later on Jesus tells his followers that we are the light of the world, so it’s a reminder we need to get moving on sharing the Good News before time runs out.

Understanding the Good News was at the heart of Dan’s message last night.  He began by asking “what must we do to be saved?”  A simple question with a simple answer, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).  Dan did a great job illustrating how humans have time and again over-complicated this Good News, and how the right answer is simple yet deep – much more than words, it’s a matter of the heart.

I am consistently impressed at how most of the prayer requests spoken each week are for someone or something beyond the individual, versus requesting prayers for themselves.  I think it shows a certain amount of spiritual maturity to be “other-focused” as God instructs us throughout His Word.  The men are encouraged each week to keep that focus, and share the Good News back on the blocks.  Our goal each week is to encourage them and perhaps provide some tools to do just that. Pray for success.

Thanks for your persistent prayers each week for these men and their prayer requests listed below.  Also lift up the ladies in prison, as well as our chaplains and the prison staff – all doing a job most of us would rather not even think about.  God bless you all this week!

Grace and peace,

Rick

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

• David– my children, my ex-wife got bad news this week – she lost her home.  Also my court date is this week.
• Andrew– for my cousins in my apartment to realize I got picked up, and for my cat.
• Calvin– for my son in Lancaster, we’ve not been able to communicate lately, and he’s hard-headed like me, pray we can make progress.  My court date coming up, praying for dismissed charges and release.
• Deshawn– my future, my girlfriend, and help to get off the road I’ve been walking and have a walk of faith.
• Shaun– for my fellow inmates, that God would comfort them, and for my grandson who turned 7 today.  Pray for my family that they would have what they need – things are getting bad.
• Tom– my friends and my family.
• Angel– my brother with kidney disease is out of the hospital but still needs healing.  Pray for the wars happening in the world, for hunger in so many places, and for the drug problem all over the place – satan’s tools in full force.  Also prayers for my family, and for my probation officer.  I pray that I would get into the program I need and for my charges to come down to misdemeanors.
• Ross– my cellmate beat me up and my court date on Nov 1 didn’t go well – I can’t get released without a place to live.  I’m from Florida and my friend still can’t find place to live.  I’m maxxed out right now.
• Steven– for all the men in here, and thankful for the volunteers coming out.  I’m first-time homeowner but fear losing my property because I’m in here and can’t take care of things.  Thankful that my son and brother can take care of some of the things.
• Brandt– for Israel and the situation over there, my family and friends, and my court date coming up.
• Phil T– for the elections on Tuesday- may Godly men and women get into office.

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

• Maurice– lost another Aunt last week, this one had no kids. Pray for God to watch over my family, especially my little cousins who lost both their Mom and Grandmother within the same year, and Dad is not there.
• Phil T– For the Alpha program at church to be successful and reach so many people who need Jesus.  Also for a family dealing with issues with their son – lift up Erin and Mark in prayer.
• Andy D– for revival in our country where many people would come to see the true and living God, and for the insanity of rejecting God to stop.
• Joseph– my children, my family, my friends, for churches, and my church.  For people to stop using God as a hustle for money. For everyone who is locked up- touch them in a way that brings them to the cross, and touch their families.  And for all the families who have recently lost loved ones.
• Dan T– for Pastor Jack Crans with late-stage cancer, we pary for a painless and peaceful passing into eternity with our Savior Jesus.  We are so thankful for all God has accomplished through him.
• Andy L– for my brother’s son Doug, recently released from prison but caught up in drugs and not yet walking with the Lord.  Pray for him to wake up and get right with God.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

Praise to God and thanksgiving for how He provides for this ministry through His faithful servants.

For a fresh daily indwelling of Holy Spirit strength, wisdom, and compassion in our wonderful chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich to prepare them for all God has in store for them each day.

Prayers of thanks for more volunteers to join the Monday night crew going into the prison each week.  May the applications be processed expediently so they may begin serving soon.  And may our gracious God touch a few more volunteer hearts to join us.

Prayers of endurance and blessing on the prison staff working long hours and many shifts due to manpower shortage.  May the Lord provide relief with some new hires.

God bless all the aftercare ministries in Chester County helping recently released women and men adapt to life on the outside with a new foundation in Christ Jesus.  May these ministries enjoy ample funding and resources to do what they do, and may every client be blessed to be a blessing to many others.

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,

Let me first welcome several new members to our weekly prison ministry prayer chain who signed up at the banquet.  Let me also offer my thanks to all who attended the Annual Onesimus Ministries Banquet last week.  Turnout was a bit light this year, but the food, fellowship, worship, and speakers were all excellent!  If you were unable to come, you missed out on a very special night – make sure to mark your calendars for next year about this same time!

Last evening was cold and wet, but the Son was shining brightly within the prison chapel I assure you.  The men who came out for the 7:00 and 8:30 worship services expressed how thankful they are for our presence each week, which just increases the joy for those of us going in as the Lord calls us to.  Phil’s message on hitting rock bottom and building upon the firm foundation of Christ was spot-on and the men really resonated with his personal testimony which included time in the very same institution.

This week I encouraged the men with Psalm 32 to kick off the prayer time.

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,

    my body wasted away,

    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.      Interlude

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you

    and stopped trying to hide my guilt.

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

    And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.      Interlude

Therefore, let all the godly pray 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.      Interlude

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

    I will advise you and watch over you.

Do not be like a senseless horse or mule

    that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

Many sorrows come to the wicked,

    but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.

So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!

    Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! (Psalm 32:1-11)

As I tell the men most weeks, the Psalms are the ultimate prayer guide and I believe God loves it when we pray scripture back to him and lay hold of His promises.  I encourage all of us to so the same, and in light of recent events, encourage us all to follow Psalm 122 praying for the peace of Jerusalem (and surrounding region). Thank you all for your diligence in prayer for the incarcerated women and men, and the men’s prayer requests voiced below.  May God bless you richly as you claim His promises and pray His Word.

Grace and peace,

Rick

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

• Dave– my children, my significant other, and wondering what is happening with my case – I’ve been here almost 8 months and haven’t seen a judge.
• Ross– big prayer request for a place to live in Florida (where I’m from), and for my cellmate Bernard who can’t be here because of severe back pain, and he found a lump in his side – pray it’s nothing.  Also want to pray for those on the outside.
• Shaun– pray that I can stay focused and get what I need out of this place, and pray that my fellow inmates can get what they need.  Also pray for my sister and her kids – they are having trouble making ends meet.  Also pray for my children and grandchildren.
• Mark– pray for everybody in the world, my significant other, family, and my brother is really on my mind (he died a year ago).  I’m trying to understand my destiny, and will be going up state for a while. Also want to pray for my girlfriend to find a place to live (getting evicted), and for some physical healing for my back and hip.  God help us break the cycle of bad decisions and bad behavior that land us here.  And help me to pause when faced with circumstances so I don’t overreact badly.
• Angel– for each of us, our wives, kids, moms and dads, and for all those struggling with addiction like my friend Stephanie.  It’s hard to contact my family, I pray for better communications and for my fiancé Danelle who just got out of rehab, that she stays safe and sober and works out her situation in the shelter she’s in.  Also pray for probation officers to help me get the help I need, and for peace and the children of the world.
• Steen– thank you Jesus for being here with us and being my personal Lord and Savior.  Thank you for the volunteers and I pray for our victims and for forgiveness for what I did.
• Phil T– I attended my 50th High School reunion and tried to share Christ with an old friend but he wasn’t really buying it.  Pray for Charlie.
• Angel– I’m concerned about a guy the Lord led me to talk with – he wants to hurt himself – I told the officers, but we really need to pray for Dennis.
• Joel– my family, for each of us, for the people in Mexico affected by the hurricane, for the war in Israel, and for all of us to be ready for when Jesus comes back.

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

• Martin– for successful recovery, my family, my 97 year old grandmom, and good outcome of my case.
• Maurice– my Aunt had a stroke. I pray for my little cousins who lost both their Mom and Grandmother within the same year, and Dad is not there.  Also pray for me in general.
• Clarence– Thankful for the volunteers, pray for the brothers back on the block who aren’t here, and pray for me, my children, my father’s legs keep going out on him, and I have court on the 27th of next month after being here 7 months.  Praying for strength for each day.
• Jacob– my family and a good outcome with my case.
• Joseph– for all the inmates to come to the cross, and also all the folks on the outside.  Pray for my family, my friends, and pray for my enemies.
• Dan– my sister Kathy is pregnant with her first, and it’s twins, and there’s difficulties with the pregnancy.  Pray for her health and the health of those babies, may they all be safe.
• Daryl– for Israel and peace of Jerusalem. And for our country and our leaders, and the next president to be a lot better.  Pray that we would all depend on God’s word and nothing else.  And for the volunteers to have good health and safe travels home tonight.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

We’re so thankful and praising God for his provision through the generosity of all ministry supporters – from the banquet offering, and our 15 very generous table sponsors, and all those who faithfully fund this ministry throughout the year.

Continue to pray for protection, wisdom, and daily strength for chaplains Heinrich and Rhonda as they serve each week in the prison ministering to many inmates, staff members, and their families. Also praying for safe return to the US for Rhonda and husband Mike on an overseas trip.

Thanks and prayers for more laborers in the field – God always provides and we are counting on Him.  We have a few new volunteers in the pipeline and pray all goes well processing their applications and background checks. 

Remember to lift up the prison staff who are short-handed and must work many long shifts.  It takes a toll on them and their families – may the Lord strengthen them with endurance and may His peace surround them at work and at home.

Finally, please keep in prayer the aftercare ministries across Chester County that help men and women recently released from prison.  May they have what they need in personnel and resources to bless these former inmates as they rebuild their lives on a firm foundation of 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.

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,

Last night may have been not-so-great news for Phillies fans, but there was plenty of GOOD NEWS proclaimed in the Prison chapel for those who came out.  It can be so rewarding to hear the heartfelt appreciation for us coming out each week, and the depth of sharing by some of the men during testimony time is incredible. What an honor to be used by our Lord in this way at this time for the benefit of these men. When we get home after 10pm on Monday nights, it’s encouraging to know that we made a difference simply by being obedient to the Lord’s call.

Erwin’s message reminded us that we were all created by God, but not all are children of God.  Being a child of God only happens for those who accept Christ – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).  Erwin further stressed to the men we all have a choice – to follow God or not – and our choice has some serious consequences.  The results of either choice were spelled out in detail, with the obvious conclusion “Who wouldn’t choose God?”

Each week the Gospel is preached and men are encouraged to make the best choice ever in this life.  We get a small glimpse of where their hearts are by hearing what they’d like prayer for.  Our prayer time last night began with these verses from Psalm 28:

Praise the Lord!

    For he has heard my cry for mercy.

The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger.

    I trust him with all my heart.

He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

The Lord protects his people

    and gives victory to his anointed king.

Save your people!

    Bless Israel, your special possession!

Lead them like a shepherd,

    and carry them in your arms forever. (Psalm 28:6-9)

The last verse seemed poignant considering the current conditions in the Middle East.  Let us all continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem as well as the other prayer requests spoken by the men across both services.  Again my thanks for your support of this ministry through prayer and other means.  Together we are a light in a pretty dark place.  Thanks for your partnership. Be blessed this week.

Grace and peace,

Rick

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

• Angel– for my brother’s health (needs a kidney), my family’s health, and the health of the men in here.  Thanks be to God for changing my life through reading the Bible every day, I pray for strength and to be able to give 100% of my life to God.  Also pray for my lady that she’s going to be OK.  Pray that prison would rehabilitate us with some programs- we need some programs while we wait so long to even see a judge. Also pray for Stephanie who has drug problem.
• Ross– for 2 men back on the block.  Bernard still has much back pain and now a lump in his left side, praying it’s not cancer.  And for Cody that he doesn’t have diabetes.
• Shaun– for all the inmates in here that God would be with them.  And for my sister, my kids, and my grandkids.
• Dave– for everyone in here, for my buddy mark, for my kids and my girlfriend, and for judges to figure out what to do with me, I’ve been here for over 300 days.
• Dios– for all to go well with my court date tomorrow (Tue), and that I could be released.  And for all our families.
• Joel– for my mother’s health- she is very sick and can’t move.  I pray too that she can be on path to Jesus.  And please make my faith stronger.
• Andy L– for my neighbor who is dying of kidney disease and probably won’t get a new kidney since none available. May they trust in the Lord.

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

• Maurice– my Aunt had a stroke. I pray for my little cousins who lost their Mom last year and Grandmother also died.
• Martin– for my family, my 97-year-old grandmother, for a good outcome of my case, and for strength to overcome my drug addiction permanently and put that part of my life behind me.
• Corey– for everyone in the room, for my family (brother and parents on road trip), that we can stay healthy, and for my girlfriend.
• Jacob– for healing in many ways- my grandfather had a bad fall and now has covid in the hospital, lots of guys on the block have stuff going on, and please heal our hearts- so much bad stuff happening in the world.
• Jeremiah– our families, and for humility of all the lawyers and judges in our cases – God is the only true judge.
• Dan T– for the peace of Jerusalem as our time here seems to be getting very short. I pray we are all ready for Jesus’ return.
• Andy D– my family and I are all grieving the recent loss of my Mom.

Prayers from Onesimus Ministries

Praise God for our 15 table sponsors for the Annual Banquet for Onesimus Ministries this Friday.  We pray that attendees will have a great night of fellowship and praise for what God is doing through this ministry.

God bless chaplains Heinrich and Rhonda as they serve each week in the prison ministering to many inmates, staff members, and their families. Travelling mercies for Rhonda and husband Mike as they return from an overseas trip.

For additional laborers in the field – God provides and we are waiting on Him.  He knows our need for more volunteers to come into the prison with us on Monday nights. 

Pray for prison staff forced to do more with less as they experience staff shortages.  Families are impacted by the longer hours and many shifts.

Please continue to pray for the various aftercare ministries across Chester County, helping men and women recently released from prison to cope better with the outside, and rebuild their lives on a firm foundation of Christ.  May these ministries be fruitful and have all the resources they need to operate effectively.

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