Hello, I am so pleased to be able to introduce myself as the new chaplain for the females at Chester County Prison. I am deeply humbled and amazed at what God has done in bringing me to this position and to this point in my life. It is all Him, and I can take no credit for it. As Psalm 118:23 says: “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in (my) eyes.” I am so grateful to Him.
These first two months as chaplain have gone quickly and I am beginning to settle into the rhythms and responsibilities of the role. I have to thank Chaplain Heinrich Botes for his tireless patience in answering all my many questions and so willingly explaining the workings of the chaplaincy as well as the prison’s policies and procedures. And of course, also thanks to Chaplain Lillian Anthony for sharing with me her wisdom and experience gained from faithfully serving many years as female chaplain; all making for a very smooth transition. I also give thanks to the Onesimus Board who have welcomed me so warmly and made me feel at home among them. I especially want to thank Chaplain Jack Crans for his unflagging support and encouragement that has been such a blessing to me.
In these two months of ministry, I am excited to report there are quite a few women (and I hope a growing number of them) who are diligently seeking the Lord, really desiring to know Him more and grow in their relationship with Him. They are asking for Bibles, Christian reading books, devotional books, Bible study books, as well as 1-on-1s with church volunteers. I am always so blessed and encouraged when they come to our church service with questions about something they’ve read in their Bibles—wanting to know, wanting to grow. It is a thrill to see them begin to believe there is hope for a better life. I pray God will continue to draw them to Himself, more and more each day. It is a privilege and a humbling thing to think He allows me to have some small part in their spiritual growth. I look forward to the great things to come.
Thank you for all of your prayers and support for the chaplaincy and the men and women of Chester County Prison. I hope to meet each one of you and have the opportunity to thank you in person at the Onesimus Banquet coming on April 5.