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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last night in the prison I spoke about the age-old question “what’s my purpose?” We addressed the question of mankind’s purpose, then drilled down to my specific purpose. We began with the reformed theological viewpoint through the Westminster shorter catechism’s very first question – What is the chief end of man? And of course the answer is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We looked at many scripture references from Old and New Testaments that show us how obedience is key to glorifying God, and discussed how we enjoy Him forever by being in relationship with Him.
Our specific purpose is found by recognizing the gifts He’s given us (time, talents, treasures), and loving others through sharing those gifts. That’s what Jesus told us to do – obey His commandments – and the greatest is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and the second is like it – love our neighbor as ourselves. “God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Thank you all for sharing your time, talents, and treasure supporting this ministry. I believe it pleases our Heavenly Father to see His children supporting “the least of these.” Keep up the good work, and God bless your week.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
PS. – Please join us on Saturday, Feb 28, 9:00-11:00am for our annual Benefit Breakfast At Waterway Church in Oxford. Breakfast is free, but reservations required. [click here] for registration and details.
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):
- Eric– everyone’s happiness, togetherness, and for kindness.
- Joe– praying for housing.
- Frank– for my sobriety when I get home.
- Vernon– for my kids and my Mom.
- Sean– for my daughters, and a good outcome from my court date next Tuesday.
- Richie– for my ex-wife Deb, my girl Kaitlen, and my court date next Wed.
- Manuel– my family, especially daughter Sofia and wife Adriana, and to know what is going on with my situation, no word on my case.
- Kyle– Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can’t change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference, and for my sobriety.
- Christian– for anyone who is struggling, my family, and court date Wed.
- Jerron– my fiancé Paige needs strength and understanding (both of us), I need help for my temperament.
- James– for my fellow inmates like Job where everything was taken away and being tested every day.
- Andy– for unsaved family members to come to Jesus.
- Roland– for my sister-in-law Joan in the hospital, for her situation to stabilize.
- Eugene– for the homeless on the streets.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Ron– my stepson.
- Jonathan– my court date on Feb 2, and to be forgiven by God for my crimes and my sins.
- Julius– my court date tomorrow, my new nephew on the way (baby), for people to be more humble, and thankful for the volunteers with the heart to come in and serve us each week.
- Jermaine– my kids, especially my daughter graduating high school, fiancé having a disability hearing Thursday. For mom and dad and sisters- want my family to be together. Got to talk to my dad, first time in a long while, mom still not ready to talk. For everyone in here, and everyone like us. Also for this to be my last time here, help me to mend my ways.
- Troy– for my wife, and the entire family praying for me, I have court on Wed. Pray for all the inmates and staff, for all my kids, especially my youngest daughter Lexis who is really lost and not living right. Thankful for my cellmate Bob- we have a really good connection.
- Bob– I’m blessed every day, thank you for the new people I’ve met. I pray for all the court dates and as the hand of God reaches out that we would all reach back. Also pray for all the chaos to settle down around the world, and the innocent stay safe. Also pray that I can get my CDL when out of here and have safe journeys with a new career.
- Ryan– to see my family soon.
- Andy L– for my pregnant neighbor who’s told her baby will only live 5 days – we pray for life!
- Jim M– for everyone in the prison to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
- Mike– for my family, and forgiveness.
- Brandon– my brother Clarence on E-block, and my dad got out but has nowhere to go and it’s winter. Please take care of my family.
- Dan T– my brother-in-law who keeps dodging me, pray he would be saved.
- Rick C– for my daughter and her husband to be blessed with a baby.
- John– family and friends.
- Phil T– for Joy and Andrew and twin babies Josie and Ellie. Mom and dad stressed to the max, and Josie going through serious health issues, but faith is strong. Thankful for the miracles – keep them coming! Also thanks for my daughter Morgan getting good report from her first OB appointment in her pregnancy. My wife fell and hurt her shoulder- prayers for healing and for her salvation.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
- Joseph– pray for us all to be living sacrifices.
- Paulie– father health, also help him to open up.
- Dustin– true justice to prevail. Court case 1/28
- Andy– pray for his friend Matt for salvation and help with depression.
- Steve– for his wife Robin and his kids. Court case 2/16
- Tyreek– pray for another 25 years (it was his birthday) and for his girlfriend and 2 kids.
- Daniel– thank God for bringing him back!! For his wife Grace and her court case and that they can be reunited on 2/19 when he is released.
- Jay– God is speaking!! More clarity and understanding. Find purpose
- Thomas– to get time served for an old warrant. Build back his relationship with his significant other. Gods will. Reunite with his son Noah.
- Vincent– Get released Thursday and help take care of his 93 year old mom.
- Jerry– Getting out today. Give him peace and reunite with his son.
- Rick– Health, strength, and healing for our volunteer brother Bill, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and beginning treatment.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Thankful for Waterway Church in Oxford, hosting our 2nd Annual Benefit Breakfast on Feb 28th.
- Chaplain Rhonda, and the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
- Chaplain Heinrich, and the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
- Chaplain Jack Crans, leading chaplaincy program at Chester County Prison, and for inmates and prison leaders within his mission field. Also personal strength and healing from cancer.
- Onesimus Ministries board of directors, and provision of some new members.
- Volunteers ministering to the inmates at Chester County Prison.
- Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
- Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.
If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at outreach@onesimusministries.org.
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