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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We are quickly approaching most people’s favorite holiday – Christmas. But why is it so popular? Is it the festive, decorated trees, houses, and storefronts? Is it the mad scramble to buy the right gifts? Is it the traditions and family get-togethers? Is it the rich foods and Christmas cookies? We must be careful. There’s certainly nothing wrong with joining in the celebratory mood and partaking in tradition, but our hearts must be clear on the true reason for the season – the savior of the world come to earth as a baby. A demonstration of the Father’s agape love for us, that would be continually revealed in increasing fashion throughout the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
And the best gift we could give anyone this Christmas season is to gently inform and invite them into the real Christmas story. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently invited people to follow Him. We must keep in mind John 3.17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
We need to be careful about our attitude – sometimes we are quick to condemn others and their views (on Christmas, for example). We’re much better off following the example of Jesus towards the general public, inviting them into something better because God loves them and wants more for them – true riches in a priceless inheritance kept in heaven, for those who would call on the name of Jesus Christ and be saved.
We can share our living Hope with everyone around us. And thank you for sharing your time and attention each week as you pray for the men and women in prison. Your prayers and the presence of chaplains and volunteers in the prison share our living Hope with many inmates. Thanks also for your ongoing support of this ministry. You are a blessing to many! Be blessed in His name!
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):
- Richie– my girl Kaitlyn, my ex-wife Deb, my family and friends.
- Manuel– my daughter (Sofia), my wife (Adriana), my family and my friend Javier.
- Victor– my family, my brother (Augustine), my Dad (Lucas).
- William– my son (Michael, 15 ) died on his Mother’s birthday – His birthday is coming up on Dec 19th.
- John– for God’s will to be done in my life, for patience and strength, for my case to come back with time served, to get into a rehab facility, and get started on a productive life and stay out of jail.
- Bob– for people everywhere, this world is a mess.
- Andy– I’m continuing my Gospel conversation with my brother Jeff today, pray that his heart is open to hear the Good News and accept Christ.
- Roland– for all the guys going to court this week, that the Lord will comfort them through the proceedings.
- Eugene– for all those who have lost loved ones, going through this holiday season missing them- may they make it through the season victoriously with Jesus.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Cory– my mom is feeling better after the hospital stay, but she’s still sick with a fever – pray for her healing. Also for people to be safe out there in winter weather with all the snow and ice.
- Billy– my upcoming court date.
- Jonathan– for my family to have a good holiday.
- Ron– for my brother (Dave)
- Mike– for my wife (Robin) and my kids (Hannah, Michael, and Gavin)
- Brandon– for my brother (Clarance) on E-block, he’s really going through it
- John– for my family, and a family friend (Christina).
- Andrew– for my Mom (Kathleen), my father (James), and my sister (Kyra).
- Jim M– for the salvation of everyone in here. Also for my brother in law Jeff (72) in a nursing home with deplorable conditions. We are trying to get him into a nursing home closer to his family.
- Phil T– for baby Josie and her family (Joy, Andrew, and Ellie) to continue experiencing God’s love and miracles with her health and wellbeing, and to grow into a happy infant, toddler, little girl, young lady, and eventually a mom herself.
- Phil T– for Lilly, a small child receiving a liver transplant 6 months ago but her body is rejecting it, may God’s healing and wholeness be upon her little body. Also for my daughter Morgan.
- Dan T– for my Brother-in-law to have a softened heart to at least listen to the Good News and ultimately accept it.
- Jose– for Anna, who suffers severe depression and anxiety. Also for 2 other friends.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
- Alfonzo– my family.
- Haydon– to be home soon.
- Armon– for my family, and that court goes well.
- Josh– understanding.
- Steve– wife Robin, their marriage, and to get home soon.
- Matt– my daughter Emma.
- Jose– my court date to go well, and that I can get home soon.
- Dave– family.
- Dan– for his wife and himself- lots going on.
- Denny– family.
- William– family.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Chaplain Heinrich Botes, and the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
- Chaplain Rhonda Soland, and the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
- Chaplain Jack Crans, the chaplaincy program at Chester County Prison, and prison leaders within his mission field. Also personal strength and healing from cancer.
- For the Onesimus Ministries board of directors, and the future of the board.
- All the volunteers ministering to male and female inmates at Chester County Prison.
- The 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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