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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Periodically during church services in the prison, we hear testimonies that remind us why God has us doing prison ministry. We are blessed every time He gives us a glimpse of what He’s doing in there.
Last night, a former hardened criminal was bearing his soul, telling us how God has been softening his heart, evident through his (lack of) response to someone stealing his cookies. Previously, he wouldn’t hesitate to beat up the person he thought most likely did it, including boiling some water and throwing it in their face. But now, God gives him peace to not care so much about somebody taking his stuff. It honestly doesn’t trigger him to violence like before.
Christmas is a great reminder of how much God cares about all of us, from corporate CEOs to janitors, from political leaders to inmates – He wants our hearts and will do incredible things once He has them. And it’s an honor to serve Him as He’s drawing people to Himself. He lets us be a part of what He’s doing. Thank you for also being a part of what our Father is doing at Chester County Prison. Bless you for blessing the inmates, staff, chaplains, volunteers, and their families with your prayers. May God continue to reveal to all of us what He’s doing with our lives as we submit them to Him.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):
- Jerron– for patience, peace, understanding, for my fiancé (Paige), and guidance.
- Manuel– my wife Adriana, daughter Sofia, my family, my friend Javier, and peace for all of us.
- Bob– I entered a motion for PCRA which resets my case back to the beginning, pray that it goes well for me. Healing for my leg, and direct me on the right way to go.
- Frank– to be home to take care of my parents (Frank, 87, and Barbara, 85).
- Boz– for God’s plans to succeed at the end of it all, but there’s never an end to it with God.
- Andy– to feel better from my cold for our family get-together on Saturday.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Madrid– for my family, for me, blessings for my friends here.
- Ron– for my stepson Mason and my brother Dave.
- Jonathan– my little brother (20) had his appendix burst, he is the hospital getting surgery, pray he’s ok. Also for my son, and for forgiveness.
- Aaron– I have a little brother and an older brother, and our relationship is not good – one of them gave my sister the drugs that killed her. I just want my family back. Want to pray for my daughter, my child’s mother, and my significant other who going through it right now. I have court in 2 days and pray I get released so I can get back out there with another chance to do it better- staying away from bad habits, places, and people. Pray for all the guys fighting through their cases, may it all go well for them.
- Mike– my family, my wife Robin, daughter Hannah, and sons Gavin and Michael. Also for my fellow buddies on the tier.
- Steve– for my 1-1/2 year old son Elisha, and my baby’s mom.
- Jose G– for the salvation of all people at Chester County Prison and their families.
- Phil T– continued prayer for Joy and her little babies Josie and Ellie- may God continue to hold them in the palm of His hand and heal them. Also for Joy’s husband Andrew with panic attacks. And a word of praise for my daughter Morgan (previously prayed for her depression) who just found out she’s pregnant and everything went well with her first appointment.
- Andy L– for my pregnant neighbor who doctors tell her the baby won’t live more than 5 days after birth, we pray God proves the doctors wrong. I also have 2 good friends who are dying, and it feels like I’m surrounded by death and sorrow.
- Erwin J– please continue to pray for my sister Elwyn with cancer.
- Dan T– my brother-in-law has early onset of dementia and is unsaved, pray for his salvation.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
- Vincent– mother and family.
- Joseph– all those in CC prison- quick releases and for his family.
- Armand– relationships in and out of prison.
- Josh– understanding.
- Matt– his brother Tom to heal quickly.
- Tom– family and early release dates.
- Steve– for his wife Robin and family.
- Tyreek– faith
- Zack– wisdom, his family and his court date Friday.
- Carlos– family, prisoners and his court date next Monday.
- Bento– everyone to get back to Jesus.
- Daniel– him and his wife to get back together soon.
- Jason– homeless and those addicted.
- Matt– health of Gerald and Sheryl. For Abi is having surgery for a small hole in her heart.
- Troy– family improve relationship.
- Andy– for his sister Donna going through cancer. His brother Jeff who has a calcium blockage in his leg.
- Ryan– for his wife Janice to find peace, and to be a better husband to her.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Chaplain Heinrich, and the male inmates and staff within his mission field.
- Chaplain Rhonda, and the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
- Chaplain Jack Crans, leading the chaplaincy program at Chester County Prison, and for leaders within his mission field. Also personal strength and healing from cancer.
- For the Onesimus Ministries board of directors.
- 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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