My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Prison Fellowship team got the evening off last night so that a praise band from a church in Coatesville could put on a concert for the inmates last night.  While we miss ministering to the men, we hope and pray it was an enjoyable and refreshing evening of lifting up praise to our mighty King.  We look forward to seeing them next Monday and hearing about the concert.

In lieu of prayer requests from the Monday evening church services, Chaplain Rhonda and Chaplain Heinrich were willing to supply prayer requests for some folks they are currently ministering to. Thank you all for your ministry to the inmates, staff, and volunteers at Chester County prison – your prayers really matter!  Our ministry would not succeed without faithful prayer warriors like yourselves. Keep up the good work!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenneth– Lord grant me peace about deciding to fight for my innocence versus taking a plea deal, give me strength and focus to do the right thing and may the truth be made clear to all.
• Lloyd– to find purpose for my life, I need forgiveness – can’t forgive myself for some of the horrible things I’ve done – I’ve tried to take my life several times.

[Note: we assured this individual that accepting Christ assures forgiveness for everything we’ve ever done, and that God has a plan for him]

• Kenny– new maintenance job going real well – keeps me busy and time goes fast. Please pray for my family, friends, my girlfriend, and that Frances and Jimmy doing well.  Pray my time here goes fast and smooth – 5 months down, 6 to go – and that my time here is a life lesson for my future. Also pray my job can move me over to the Work Release Center.

Female Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda

• T. J. – wrote to me asking for prayer for “spiritual healing, grief, and also guidance”. Her mom died last year and she is still struggling with coming to terms with it.

• B. T. – her niece overdosed and is now in a coma, without brain activity. The family is talking about taking her off life support. She is struggling in dealing with this, especially since she can’t be with her family right now.

• J. C. – re-incarcerated; dealing with extreme anxiety; she is a single mother with a 12yr old that is spiraling out of control and 3 other children to care for as well 

Male Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Heinrich

Please pray for:

• FH: Elderly man (76) incarcerated for first time. Pray for everyone involved: spouse, children, congregation, law enforcement, and legal staff.
• WB: Brother passed away from drug OD.
• JK: Inmate with severe emotional disturbances. Been at CCP for 5 years, miserable future ahead except for God stepping into his situation. Blank stare…
• RS: About to be released to Jubilee Ministries where he “stumbled” spiritually at end of a previous stay. Thank God for a gracious opportunity to return and complete the training.
• Pray for family of young man who passed away from drug related incident soon after intake. Pray for medical and security staff emotionally impacted by the death after working very hard to regain a pulse.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Blessings upon our Chaplains and their families- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich.
• Pray for the prison staff, female inmates, male inmates, all youth in juvenile detention, and all of their families.
• For timely resolution of prison staff shortage and high turnover rate that impacts volunteer opportunities and the amount of religious programming allowed at the prison.
• For recently released inmates to find a good church, surround themselves with brothers and sisters in the faith, and stay on the path as they continue their faith journey.
• For those headed to state prison to continue their journey of faith, and see their new location as a mission field.
• For God’s blessing upon, and provision for, the various Aftercare ministries across Chester county.  May they be equipped with all they need to continue operating and ministering to former inmates and everyone who comes to them for help.

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

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The biggest prayer request among both inmates and volunteers last night was peace around this election.  Our country has been through the wringer for years with all the rhetoric and divisiveness across all channels of television and social media. No matter which way the election turns out, our God is still on the throne.   HE alone determines what will ultimately transpire in our world according to His plan.

In chapter 2 of his book, Daniel said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for He has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.” (Daniel 2:20-21)  God’s chosen people, the Israelites, experienced both good kings and bad kings in their history – why should we be any different?

One thing is certain – as Christians, we must set the example for our world and our local communities by following Jesus’ commands to love one another (John 13:34) and even love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).  This is especially important in these contentious times within which we live. And while we’re praying for them, why not also pray for the requests below? 

Thank you all for your diligence in lifting up the men and women in prison every week. Your prayers are a wonderfully loving way to reach out to neighbors you may never actually meet (but maybe one day in heaven).  God bless your week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• John– that God will return us to our families.
• Ron– eventually get me back up state (prison), it’s been a month already.
• Drake– to not be double-charged for the same crime in 2 counties.  Also for the conversion of all my family members, and for there to be more community and friends among us.
• Ross– that my application would go through and work out to get me back home to Florida, and reach my max out date in April.  For everyone in here, their families, their health, and their court cases.  For those going home to have a good journey.
• Joey– for my time in here to be a speedy process, and that I can come out a better person.
• Mark– thankful for volunteers spending their time with us.
• Jose G– for the election tomorrow, for our nation, and for the salvation of every sole in this facility.  Also want to lift up 2 relatives with lung cancer – John and James.
• Dan T– for the Lord’s choice to get into the White House, and for a good witness opportunity with my brother-in-law, that He would accept Christ’s love in his heart.
• Troy– that I get out on Thursday, and for the Outley House in Philly.
• Warren– that we not be discouraged and trust in the Lord.

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

• Deron– for the volunteers and what they have going on in their lives, and for the men on the block that couldn’t make it out tonight, for my kids and my mom to stay safe.
• Jeremiah– for my children, and for people in my corner helping me out.
• Don– my daughters, and to undo the negativity experienced through the week.  Also thankful for the volunteers.
• Brian– for forgiveness, strength, understanding, and freedom.
• Andy D– peace in our nation after election, that people can see past this and love each other.
• Matt R– for men and women incarcerated throughout the world.  It’s a broken systme, pray that they get fair treatment – God watch over each of them and protect them.
• Deron– for victims of wars in the middle east and other places and the terrorist activities happen all over.  My brother is in the Army – please keep him safe.
• Ryan– my friend Mike has a friend who was in a bad motorcycle accident and lost his leg.  Pray for healing for everyone involved.  Also for people suffering in seemingly unfair circumstances, that they would trust God.
• Troy– not feeling well tonight, pick me up with strength and healing.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Continued blessings and provision upon our faithful Chaplains and their families- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich.
• Please solve the prison staff shortage and resolve high turnover which all impacts volunteer opportunities and overall religious programs at the prison.
• God bless each member of the prison staff, each inmate, and all of their families.
• May those recently released be faithful to Your guidance, receive Your protection, and constantly seek Your guidance in their everyday lives.  Please be with those headed to state prison as well.
• Blessings that all needs be met for the various Aftercare ministries across Chester county, and that they would be able to continue operating and helping former inmates and everyone who comes to them for help.

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

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We’d like to thank our great God, and everyone who participated in our 1st annual benefit dinner at Green Street Grill – it was a resounding success!  From the feedback so far, everyone had a wonderful evening.  The food was off the charts, the fellowship was great, the live music added a nice touch of class, and many people had fun bidding on an array of interesting silent auction items. We especially want to thank our gracious host Kerry Greco and his Green Street Grill staff – well done!

It’s so cool when God’s people come together for a good cause, support it so well, and have fun at the same time – a win-win-win situation. We’re also thankful for how we all come together each week in prayer for the benefit of those in prison, those ministering to them, and those overseeing them. God honors and answers our prayers in ways we may never see personally.

I preached through 1 Timothy 2 last night, and this weekly email is a great opportunity to practice the first few verses:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

May God bless you in a special way this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenny– thankful for maintenance job that starts tomorrow – no more crazy early hours getting up at 2:30AM to work in the kitchen. I get to have a more normal routine so I can attend Bible study on the block and go to church on Monday nights.  Please pray for my family, my girlfriend, and my friends.  Pray my time here goes fast and smooth, and for everyone here to find a way to God.

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

• John– that God will return us to our families.
• Ron– to get back up state (prison).
• Douglas– to go home after my court date on Wednesday, and get back to work to give my kids a good Christmas.
• Josh– my court date on Friday.
• Joe– for my good friend Renee
• Ross– for everyone in here, and their court dates, for our families, and that I can max out my time and get back home to Florida. Praying for an answer to my complaint to PA Bar association about my situation. Also for all the young trick-or-treaters to have a safe holiday.
• Shawn– that I can get into rehab.
• Demonte– for everyone’s mental health in here.
• Drake– my baptism coming up on the 31st.
• Dan T– for my brother in law to accept Christ.
• Phil T– for the Alpha program at my church, and the Holy Spirit weekend coming up – that participants would sense the presence of God’s spirit.

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

• Jeremiah– for my sister Tamika to fully recover from her surgery.
• Donald– for my daughter and 3 grandchildren at home.
• Candido– for my family, for me, my friends, and everything in between.
• Adrien– my family and my parents.
• Pasquale– my wife, my kids, my mother.
• Jose– for perseverance, forgiveness, and patience.
• Matt R– mt friend Ethan lost his father 2 days ago – strength for the family

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Praise God for blessing us with a wonderful outcome for our 1st annual Benefit Dinner.
• God bless our wonderful Chaplains and their families- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich.
• Resolution of prison staffing shortage and high turnover which impact religious programs at the prison.
• That every inmate would act upon the opportunity to invite Christ into his/her heart.
• May the Lord bless the prison staff, inmates, and all of their families.
• Guide, direct, and protect all recently released inmates and those transitioning to state prison.
• Provide for the needs of Aftercare ministries across Chester county, that they would continue to minister effectively to former inmates and everyone who comes to them for help.

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

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The big news for the ministry is our 1st Annual Benefit Dinner at Green Street Grill has sold out!  God continues to bless this ministry in so many ways, as he opens the hearts of His people to donate generously in ticket sales, event sponsorships, and donations of some really cool auction items.  Friday’s dinner will be a wonderful time of fellowship and celebration of all He is doing in our midst.  If you missed out on this event, not to worry – the Feb 22nd Benefit Breakfast in Oxford and the May 16th Benefit Concert in Exton  will be here before you know it.

For all of you who support us in so many ways, we echo the same sentiment Paul wrote at the beginning of  several books of the New Testament. To quote from Colossians, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people” (Col 1:3-4).

May your day and week be filled with many blessings from above.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Eric– I’m very anxious about going up state – they don’t tell me where I’m going. Pray God would surround me with good people – other Christians – and protect me.  Pray for all the guys in here and for the volunteers.  Pray for my grandmom (very sick), my kids, and my whole family. God help me keep humble in state prison.
• Kenneth– for my girlfriend (Taja) who is transitioning from here to Virginia, and for her mom (Barbara) with an infection in her hip – healing and quick recovery.  Praying for spiritual guidance, patience, understanding, and help my decision making.
• Javier– patience and freedom, my daughter to have strength to move on after death of my wife.
• José– my daughter (6) had her birthday yesterday, hope it was a great time.  God take care of her and her Mom, and take care of all of us, and grant me patience.

• Kenny– pray for a couple of guys on kitchen crew trying to drag me down and challenging me to fight just because I’m following rules and trying to make a better life for myself.  Praying the maintenance job comes through, particularly the one at the Work Release Center so I can get moved there and have contact visits with my family (vs. phone/glass visits).  Please pray for my family, my girlfriend, and my friends.  Pray my time here goes fast and smooth, and I can make this whole experience 1 big life lesson on following the Lord and forgiveness.

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

• Deshawn– pray for my court date coming up, and I want to thank the Lord for salvation and how He makes time for me – I’m in His service and have so much to be thankful for, like my Christian family.  I pray more people would accept Jesus, and may our minds be always on Him.  Open our hearts and minds, help us stay focused on the most important things, and keep us encouraged through our hope in Jesus Christ.
• Ross– for everyone in here, and for health and our families.  I have 5 months left to max out, and signed an application with Florida hopefully to get back home.  Pray for my situation that I brought up to the PA Bar Association in a letter, and for all the upcoming court dates.  Pray for all the men and women in this prison, and for those recently released.
• Junior– my court date, to get home, and for my wife and 2 kids (8 and 5).
• Drake– pray that I can apply ‘good time’ towards my sentence, for friends and family, for the volunteers, and for my baptism coming up on Oct 31 – pray my 2 teachers can come in to support me.
• Dan T– for a clear opportunity to witness to my brother-in-law, and that he could overcome whatever obstacle may be in the way of him accepting Christ.

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

• Clarence– thank you for the volunteers who bless us each week bringing the Word, pray for the men back on the blocks who couldn’t make it out, for persistence for me, and it’s my last Monday here – I’m headed to another facility for rehab.
• Ryan– my friend Shawn relapsed and got 2 DUI’s so he should be in here soon – pray he comes to church and the Lord gets ahold of his heart.
• Jacob– pray for both my daughters to be safe (Gabriella and Taneil).
• Matt R– my friend (Ethan) -father with dementia and is close to death, many family complications – pray for the family and that the father knows Christ.
• Clarence (different man)- pray that when I’m released I have a humble heart, not get angry, be able to handle situations, and not repeat the mistakes of my past.
• Mike– for volunteer Andy’s healing from surgery, for all the folks cleaning up after the hurricanes and suffering losses, and for Tony who was moved to the work release center – having a rough time since they found the body of his missing child, and turns out his son’s cousins and friends OD’d him and beat him then dumped the body.
• Andy D– for my sister’s husband’s son (Bobby) who is an addict and in a facility since he attempted suicide in front of his father while telling him “it’s all your fault”.  My sister and her husband not getting along, and she doesn’t know Christ and makes excuses for not wanting to hear more.  Pray for this whole messy situation.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Praise that Andy is back to ministering and healing up- pray for full restoration and no pain.
• Praise that our 1st annual Benefit Dinner has sold out, and several people have blessed us with excellent donations for the silent auction.
• Asking God’s continued blessings upon our Chaplains and their families- Jack Crans, Rhonda Soland, and Heinrich Botes.
• Praying for solutions to prison staffing issues (shortage and high turnover) which impact operations and restrict expansion of religious programming at the prison.
• Blessings upon prison staff, female inmates, male inmates, and all of their families.
• Guidance and protection for recently released inmates and those transitioning to state prison.
• Blessings of adequate staff and resources for Aftercare ministries across Chester county to continue ministering effectively to former inmates and everyone who comes to them for help.

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

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I appreciate all the congratulations and prayers for my daughter’s wedding this past weekend.  It was an absolutely beautiful weekend – God blessed us with incredible weather for her outdoor ceremony in a beautiful setting along the tree-lined Conestoga River in Lancaster.  Perfect temperatures, gentle breeze, and sun shining through the trees with birds chirping made a wonderful backdrop for a very God-honoring wedding ceremony.  My wife and I had our hearts overflowing with how my Daughter and new Son-in-law invited Christ into the middle of their marriage right from the start.  It was apparent to every person at the ceremony how big a part God plays in the life of my family.

I believe the same holds true for the ministry teams that conduct Monday night services each week – it should be apparent to every person we interact with throughout the evening how God’s love, forgiveness, and our thankfulness for His promise of salvation drive what we do. We pray in thanksgiving for each of you as you support us in this ministry with prayer and other means.  May our Lord bless you richly this week as you join us in lifting up the prayer request below.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Eric– My Mom’s Mom is very sick and close to dying, she may be on hospice. My mom is completely stressed and trying to be strong for me – she kept it from me but my sister told me. I’m trying to be strong for her too.  I’m headed to state prison in 2 weeks- pray for my family and especially my kids to understand, give them strength one day at a time. I want to understand and apply what I hear in church, I am energized by hearing and learning God’s Word and His will for my life.
• Kenneth– pray for comfort for my family and for Eric’s family too. Asking God to prepare me for what lies ahead – I’m stuck looking at my situation and what I wanted and expected to happen, and focused on what went wrong. God help me see what went right and to stay focused on your will for me.
• José– forgiveness, my family and my kids.
• Javier– my wife recently passed away, strength for my daughter to move forward.

• Kenny– finally was able to get a haircut- feel like a new person. The maintenance job I’m hoping for should be coming any day now, then I can stop with the crazy cafeteria shifts.  Getting along with my Muslim cellmate – we share about our faiths.  My blood pressure meds are working, almost no headaches anymore. Please pray for my family, my girlfriend, and my friends.
• Keith– [released 2 weeks ago] Pray for Keith, his girl Anita with addiction issues, his family, and his weekly request that God would keep working in his life.
• José– [released several weeks ago] Pray he’s engaged in a good church and a Bible study with solid brothers and sisters in the faith.

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

• John– that God would return us all to our families soon.
• Joe– for my uncle (Steven) and my friend – health issues – I don’t know what’s going on with either of them.
• Drake– my (Catholic) baptism ceremony is in the prison chapel on Oct 31 at 1:15pm.  Also prayer for building/developing community and support systems. Praying for access to more seminary courses.
• Ron– to get back home to Waymart, where things make sense.
• Josh– I’m struggling with the question of has God forgiven me?  I need strength.

[Note: several volunteers did ensure him of God’s forgiveness for those who believe]

• Dan T– for my brother-in-law to accept Christ.
• Rick C– thankful for a wonderful weekend for weddings – Phil’s son Kyle married his fiancé Hannah, and my Daughter Ali married her fiancé Aaron. We pray God will walk each step of the journey these two couples have started with each other.
• Phil T– for Chaplain Heinrich’s heart tests to come back normal and no additional treatment needed. Also praises for his 2 sons getting their green cards after 11 years of waiting.  Please also pray for the salvation of my son-in-law Chris, and bless our granddaughters under his supervision.

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

• Mike– thankful for volunteers, for my children (Michael and Everly), for Kim who is working on my sentencing request for the Judge, for my upcoming hearing (no date yet). And praying for all the folks impacted by recent natural disasters.
• Jeremiah– successful surgery for my sister (Tamika), and a quick recovery.
• Troy– for healing and quick recovery of our brother Andy after his surgery. Also for my neighbor (Lou) that the Holy Spirit would draw him into a saving faith.
• Tony– for the comfort of my wife and my kids while I’m not there.
• Matt R– my mother-in-law (Cheryl) got home Sunday after knee replacement surgery – pray for healing, wisdom to take it slow, and a better outcome than last knee replacement that got complicated after she fell and it opened up.  For my Father-in-law (Gerald) to have patience, strength, and endurance as her caregiver.
• Jose G– for the salvation of everyone in this facility, for families impacted by the recent hurricanes devastating the southern US, and travelling mercies for my wife Ruby and I as we travel to southern India to visit parents.
• Rob– for the mess over there in Israel, for my children, and for my girlfriend (Wendy).

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Andy’s healing and quick recovery from hernia surgery, and reduced pain in the process.
• Praying we can sell the remaining 38 seats for Prison Ministry Benefit Dinner at Green Street Grill on Oct 25 (see www.onesimusministries.org).
• God’s blessing upon our Prison Chaplains- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich.
• Quick resolution to prison staffing issues (shortage and high turnover) which impacts routine operations and religious programming at the prison.
• We pray for all prison staff members and their families, the female inmates and their families, the male inmates and their families, and the youth at the juvenile detention facility and their families.
• We pray for all the recently released inmates and those transitioning to state prison – may they discover God’s plan for them and experience true spiritual freedom.
• We lift up the Aftercare ministries across Chester county, that God would bless them with ample staffing and resources to effectively minister to everyone who comes to them seeking help.

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

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Volunteer Phil and I both have children getting married this weekend – his son and my daughter.  We had a few laughs in the service about them not marrying each other (guess you had to be there).  It’s nice to talk about joyful life events with the men in prison to give their minds a break from the daily grind of prison life.  I know they appreciate hearing news from us as well as their own families, as we build relationships and expand the family of God.

They also very much appreciate all of you who pray their prayer requests each week.  We remind them you are part of their silent support system, lifting their requests to God throughout the week. Let me add our thanks for partnering with us for the sake of the men.  God’s blessing on you and yours this week.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenny– just waiting for one of the maintenance team to be released for my job opening.  I got a new cellmate – a Muslim guy – we are getting along and he asks me about what I’m reading in the Bible. My bloodwork all looked good, my high blood pressure runs in the family.  Please pray for my family, my girlfriend, and my friends.
• Keith– [No word from Keith since his release last week] Please continue to pray for Keith, his girl Anita with addiction issues, his family, and his weekly request that God would keep working in his life.
• José– [released several weeks ago] pray he found a good church with brothers and sisters in the faith to encourage him and keep him accountable.

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

• John– that God would return us all to our families.
• Joe– my uncle Steven is in the hospital – don’t know why. I’ve lost a number of important people in my life in short order.
• Drake– for community healing, and thankful for my friends from church being there for me.  Pray I’d be accepted to the Work Release Center, and for my brother Nathan.
• Ross– everyone in here, all the court dates and probation violations, pray I can max out my time and go home to Florida.  I’m interested in a program in Ohio.
• Josh– my Foster Mom (Charlene) lost her Dad.
• Ron– my kids who lost their Mom 3 weeks ago.
• Thomas– all the guys in here, that I have a good court hearing, and quick return to family.
• Phil T– for the people of Israel, the hostages taken a year ago already, for antisemitism worldwide to cease.  Also for my son Kyle’s wedding, and for Rick’s Daughter Ali’s wedding – both coming up this weekend.
• Jim M– that the US would continue to support Israel, and for my son Jacob.
• Jose– salvation for all the souls in Chester County Prison, and for our nation. Also want to pray for Binila (60) going through brain cancer- surgery just done and now chemo starting.
• Erwin J– for victims of Hurricane Helene, and folks in the path of Hurricane Milton.
• Dan T– for my brother-in-law to overcome whatever roadblocks are in the way of accepting Christ.
• Warren– for better mental health and humanity.
• Phil T– for sexually abused people.

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

• Clarence– thanks for volunteers coming out every Monday to share the word, and for all the prayer warriors who pray our prayer requests each week.  For the brothers back on the block that don’t make it out to church services, for Jeremiah’s case, for God to continue to work on me, and that I can get into a rehab program soon.  For strength and to stay grounded in the Word, and thankful for volunteer Matt helped me out- bless him for all he does.
• Rob– for our families and others in our lives who are also “doing time” (because of us), for everyone in here, and all the incarcerated around the world.  For our kids and the younger generation.
• Mike– thanks for volunteers, for my children (Michael and Everly), for their mother to find Jesus.  For all the Helene victims and those who could be impacted by Hurricane Milton.
• Andy D– my upcoming surgery on Wed, 10/9, for all to go well and heal quickly.  For my wife who had recent knee surgery to recover, and that we’d have peace about how we will try to take care of each other.  For my Sister (Donna) battling stage 4 cancer, preventing her from attending Alpha and Bridge course – may she find Jesus.
• Matt– my mother-in-law (Cheryl) is having her other knee replaced – pray it goes better than other knee done last year.  For my Father-in-law (Gerald) who’s been cancer free for 5 years – strength and patience to hold down the fort
• Rick– my friend Kerry who had to rush his 1 yr old Son (Noah) to the emergency room with trouble breathing.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Andy’s upcoming hernia surgery on Oct 9 and quick healing.
• Praying for sellout event – Prison Ministry Benefit Dinner at Green Street Grill on Oct 25 (see www.onesimusministries.org).
• Lord bless our wonderful Prison Chaplains- Jack Crans, Rhonda Soland, and Heinrich Botes.
• God please resolve the prison staffing situations (shortages and high turnover) which make routine operations and religious programming difficult.
• Blessings upon inmates and recently released ex-offenders, that they experience spiritual freedom and set their foundation on the solid rock that is Jesus Christ, and that they would be surrounded by brothers and sisters in the faith.
• For Aftercare ministries across Chester county to be fully staffed with volunteers and shelves full of resources, in order to effectively minister to all the folks God brings to their door.

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

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last night we witnessed true dedication to preaching the Gospel in prison. I saw Andy pulling in to the prison parking lot and noticed the front of his car was mangled up pretty bad.  I asked when it happened, and he casually replied, “Oh, about 5 minutes ago”.  A huge male deer met his demise after jumping right in front of his car on the way to prison.  Andy shrugged it off like it was nothing and preached his message as planned to the inmates in first service.  It’s sad to see one of God’s creatures die like that, but even more encouraging to see God’s protection of one of His children on mission for Him.  We gave thanks in both services, and prayed for Andy’s wife to be understanding (it was her car). He did report later last night that he got home safely and she was indeed understanding – answered prayer all around!

Thank you all for joining us on this prayer journey each week, as we lift up all the inmates, staff, and their families at Chester County prison.  The Chaplains and volunteers also appreciate your prayers, as we pray right alongside all of you. Below are the requests verbalized this week. May God bless you and your family richly this week as we lift all these requests to our gracious Heavenly Father.

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenneth– my trial was a gut punch – so many lies being told, then being found guilty on all charges even though the attorney admitted I was out of state when the crime happened, but said the charges can still apply.  I don’t understand what is happening, and trying my best to see what God is doing. Help me trust Him.

• Kenny– getting the maintenance job in the prison is looking good – keep praying that I get it. I got a new cellmate and we’re reading the Bible together – we take turns then talk about what it means.  I had blood and urine samples taken (routine) and pray for my labs to be good.  Please pray for my family, my girlfriend, and my friends Frances and Jimmy going through tough time after losing his adult daughter last week and his sister a few weeks ago. Pray that my time goes smoothly and quickly, and the Lord will show me the right way.
• Keith– [When submitting appointment request, I was notified Keith no longer in custody and his status was “general release”.  He was expecting transfer to a Maryland prison in November, so I’m not sure what happened. Guess we just chalk it up to answered prayer!  Please continue to pray for Keith, his girl Anita with addiction issues, his family, and his weekly request that God would keep working in his life.]

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

• John– that God would return us all to our families.
• Jim M– for a family friend (John) with stage 4 kidney cancer.
• Joe– my friend Jeffrey is terminally ill, with less than a year to live.  Also for another friend struggling to stay sober.
• Ross– for everyone in here – both men and women, all the court dates coming up, everyone’s health in here, and that I can max out my time to go home to Florida.
• Jose– for all those impacted by Hurricane Helene devastating the Southeast US, and for all the rescue workers.
• Matthew– for anyone who needs forgiveness.
• Joshua– for my family, my friends out there, and pray for all the Judges, PO’s, and CO’s.
• Drake– for my support system.
• Dan T– for my brother-in-law to overcome whatever roadblocks are in the way of accepting Christ.
• Miguel– for patience in hard times, and gratitude in good times. And for my kids (3 boys) to remain healthy and strong.
• Ross– I also want to pray for a program to help out of state inmates in need.

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

• Troy– all those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
• Chris– to get back together with my Daughter (Stormy) soon.
• Clarence– thanks for volunteers coming out each week, for the guys back on the block that don’t make it out to church services, our families and children, my court case, to get closure in a hearing Thursday, for Jeremiah, and for volunteer Matt who is out sick.
• Jeron– to be reunited with my kids, and that their Mom would get her head right.  Also for volunteer Andy in first service who hit the deer tonight.
• Bard– all the court cases coming up, especially for John.
• Andrew– my girl is depressed – pray for strength, my court case, and my family and friends.
• Zack– the Bible says to pray for our enemies, so for my enemies.
• Jeremiah– strength.
• Rick C– my daughter (Ali) is getting married in 2 weeks, praying peace for her and her Mom.
• Andy D– for the girl who cuts my hair with questions about baptism for her teen sons, may she watch the church video I sent her and come to an understanding of what it means to have relationship with Jesus.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Volunteer Andy’s upcoming hernia surgery on Oct 9 and quick healing.
• For word to get out and all tickets to be sold for the Prison Ministry Benefit Dinner at Green Street Grill on Oct 25 (see www.onesimusministries.org).
• For our wonderful Prison Chaplains- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich.
• For current and prospective staff at Chester County prison, in light of shortages and high turnover which is making normal operations difficult and impacting religious programming.
• For both current and recently released inmates to experience spiritual freedom and set their foundation on the solid rock that is Jesus Christ, and that they would be surrounded by brothers and sisters in the faith.
• For all the Aftercare ministries across Chester county- may they have all they need in resources and volunteers to do the work that God calls them to.

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

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

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

www.onesimusministries.org

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Before heading to prison on Monday nights, I prepare to lead prayer time by reading Psalms, beginning with the passage used the prior week.  I keep reading until something stands out and I sense the passage for that evening.  It’s always encouraging when the selected passage “fits in” with the song selections, the testimonies, and the prepared message (all without prior coordination).

Last night, it made me smile when Matt stood up to lead prayer in the 2nd service, and with no foreknowledge, he had pre-selected the same Psalm that I used in 1st service.  And it fit the themes within the 2nd service as well.  It’s so cool to see God use His word and His servants that way.

So which Psalm was it?

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 my 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 in you.

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.

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

It’s really rewarding to be used by God as part of something bigger than ourselves, along with other like-minded followers of Jesus.  I hope all of you feel the same way.  I know how grateful we are to have every one of you praying with us, and for the volunteers, chaplains, inmates, prison staff, and all the families associated with Chester County Prison.  Never underestimate the power of each and every prayer offered up to our Heavenly Father. God bless your week!

Grace and Peace,

Rick

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

• Kenny– my leg is better from slip and fall while working in kitchen, just bruised.  Thankful I’m now off on Mondays so I can go to church service. Applying for better job in maintenance, pray for opening. Pray for acceptance of my motion to accept “good time” (reduces sentence 8 days for every month worked).  Need wisdom in applying to work release center vs. working/good time deal. Thankful for visit by Dad and Grandfather on Tuesday, pray for my family, girlfriend, and friends all doing well. Also pray for my time to go smoothly and fast, and that we can all get a second chance.
• Keith– please pray for my girlfriend Anita to have the strength and wisdom to seek rehab and get cleaned up.  Thankful I got to pray with her on the phone, and I pray it’s God’s will for us to get back together when I get out, and for both of us to clean up and be more than we are now.  Pray for my family and that God keeps working in my life.
• José– [He was released a week ago and was very nervous about being on his own again – pray for his strength and understanding where the LORD is guiding him, and keep him far from trouble].

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

• John– God please return us all to our families.
• Ross– I want to go back home to Florida, praying that my time would max out and probation get revoked so I can go.  Thankful for all the volunteers, praying for all the girls and guys in here, and all the cases.  Also praying for everyone’s health in here.
• Drake– that my church group will be able to come to my baptism on Oct 31. Also pray that people will stop screaming through the night.
• Warren– for togetherness.
• Zack– for my Mom (Kären), and that parole goes well.
• Johnny– waiting 40 days to go upstate and start my time there, pray things would hurry up and get onto next phase.  Also pray for mental health in here – so many people in despair that need to be uplifted.
• PJ– pray the charges against me will be dropped which will solve my problems because I’m not guilty.  My next hearing is Oct 21, the day before my birthday, that would be a great gift – I’m ready to go home. [ I usually pray that the truth would be made known and evident to everyone involved in the case].
• Joshua– for family and that I can get into rehab soon.  Pray for my son  who misses me dearly. Also want to pray for Warren’s situation, and for forgiveness.
• Tony– for justice and diligence in here.  Thankful that I’m still alive, not hurt, and that I wake up every day.
• Phil T– my son Kyle interviewed for a better job today, and is getting married in less than 3 weeks.
• Jose G– pray for the salvation of Elizabeth who is lost, and for the salvation of every soul in this prison.
• PJ– for the guys on the block in terrible physical shape – some can barely move.
• Thomas– my court date on the 14th, and for all of us to be free.
• Dan T– for the right opportunity to witness to my brother-in-law, and for him to overcome whatever roadblocks are in the way of accepting Christ.
• Jim M– my son Jacob.
• Deron– God keep blessing me with all I need

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

• Chris- for God to help me find my way and direct my path – I would like to open a church and do God’s work, and for forgiveness of my sins- past and present.
• Mike– thankful for volunteers each week bringing the Word, my children Michael and Everly as they adjust to a new home, new parental figure and new school.  For positive outcome at my pre-trial, and for hostages and families of hostages in Israel and throughout the world.
• Jeremiah– thankful for all the volunteers, and for my children 
• Joe– get my life back on track – I used to pray daily and lost my way, need to find my way back.
• Andy D– my wife who is recovering from recent knee surgery, my upcoming hernia surgery, and to be patient through the healing process.
• Ryan- for the upcoming message I am giving next week- I’m excited and nervous about teaching since I’ve never done it before.
• Rick C– for Matt’s wife’s heart to be open to the Lord’s leading.

Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries

• Successful upcoming surgery on Oct 9 and quick healing for board member Andy.
• Praying for a sold out event – Benefit Dinner at Green Street Grill on Oct 25 (see www.onesimusministries.org).
• Our wonderful Prison Chaplains- Jack Crans, Rhonda Soland, and Heinrich Botes.
• All current male and female inmates, the prison staff, and all their families.  Also lifting up the men and women recently released – that they would each establish a new structured life based on a firm foundation of Jesus Christ through the power of His Holy Spirit, and that God would surround them with faithful brothers and sisters.
• We lift up staff shortages and high staff turnover to be resolved, and lessened impact on operations, religious programs, and less stress for supervisors, staff, and volunteers.
• Aftercare ministries across Chester county to be blessed with an abundance of resources and volunteers to do God’s work with former inmates that come their way.

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