Three years ago, OMI volunteer and board member Rick Chiavetta enabled our ministry to enter the 21st Century with the creation of our website, www.OnesimusMinistries.org (and he’s graciously paid the renewal fees for the site). Now we’re attempting to be more proactive in reaching out to churches in the county with the compilation of a database of contacts at these churches.
Too often once an inmate leaves CCP – even those who’ve fully availed themselves of the extensive spiritual opportunities there – they sadly become the embodiment of Proverbs 26:11(NIV) “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Left to their own devices, by returning to the very neighborhoods that fostered the behaviors that landed them in jail, it’s too often just a matter of time until they end up back in CCP. Sadly, in many cases, that same vicious cycle gets repeated time and time again.
By fostering an ongoing electronic dialog with the churches, it’s hoped that more and more churches will become involved with this ministry. We’ll always have a dire need for prayer partners to intercede for the intentions of the men and women incarcerated at CCP.
The churches would also be a great source for potential volunteers, a possible church home to provide love and accountability to ex-inmates upon their release, and to help share financial burdens periodically for a faith-based ministry entirely dependent upon the generosity of those God inspires to give.
Currently just 13 (less than 5%) of the almost 300 churches in Chester County have come alongside Onesimus with their Time, Talents and Treasure in growing disciples from the fertile field that is CCP.
Please e-mail us at outreach@OnesimusMinistries.org with any way that you or your church might help in not only fulfilling The Great Commission at the prison, but to assist us with Paul’s ongoing charge “to be able to present each one to God, perfect because of what Christ has done for each of them.” Colossians 1:28 (NLT)