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New Year blessings to you and yours!
It seems like we’re about to turn a corner in the “wet blanket” attitude within the prison. Inmates are still mostly down in the dumps as they think about Christmas activities they are missing with their families, especially those with children. But last night in second service I noticed a little glimmer of hope shining through – most of their testimonies and some of the prayer requests looked forward to new beginnings in the new year.
Volunteers use that opportunity to remind everyone how our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ extends the best offer of Hope not just at New Years but every day of the year. There are certain times (and circumstances) in life when people stop to consider their life and where they’re headed. We notice this every New Year, and we also see it at funerals, rescue shelters, and certainly in prison. I guess when you combine two (like New Years in prison) the effect may be more pronounced.
And like we tell the men, whatever it takes for God to get your attention, now that He has it, make the most of what He’s offering you! Reminds me of 2 Cor 6:2 , “For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.”
We pray that today would be the day of salvation for every soul in Chester County Prison – men, women, staff, inmates – everyone. And we extend that prayer to all of our families – I think we all have family members not walking with the Lord. May God get their attention, and may their hearts respond “Yes!”
As always, we thank all of you for your prayers and support throughout 2024, and look forward to laboring side-by-side with you for the sake of the Gospel into 2025 and beyond – however long God will have us doing this! May each of you be blessed beyond measure in this New Year.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):
- Kenneth– spiritual growth.
- Ken– all people affected by wars – in Ukraine, Syria, Israel, etc. Also for Native Americans and some land issues they are dealing with in Oklahoma.
- Kenny– thankful that Mom and Dad both back to work (after the flu). Safety for my brother going to Mexico in January for the first time. Pray that my family and friends, like Frances and Jimmy, are all doing good. Pray my time continues to go smooth and fast. Thankful that I’m able to save money from my maintenance job in here, where I don’t need family to send me any money.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Rick C– for volunteer Matt – his wife has covid. Also for my friend Milt on hospice who’s waiting to go home to the Lord – peace and comfort for he and his whole family.
- John– God please return us to our families soon.
- Scotty– my wife and kids, and for patience in court on Thursday. I have anger issues that get me into trouble, pray for peace in my heart.
- Daren– to stay sane in here, develop a stronger faith, and that our families are doing well out there.
- John #2– protect our families especially during the craziness of New Years celebrations, and may we all make a resolution to grow in faith this new year, and get to know Jesus if we don’t know Him.
- Jose– thanks for 2024 – all the good things and the bad things (learn from both).
- Phil T– my wife Dawn had some medical tests that turned out to be a false alarm. Pray for her salvation.
- Dan T– for my brother-in-law, headed to a 1 month grief counseling session – his 18 year old son committed suicide 2 years ago and he blames himself. Continue to pray for chance to witness to him, and that he would accept Christ. Pray he would know that Jesus can help him with his burden.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
- Irvin– pray that God would clear me from all of this once I’m out – cleanse me.
- Logan– for all our families, that we may be reunited soon. And thanks God for your grace.
- Elijah– for all in here, experiencing a real bad chapter in our life. For my child’s mom who is really going through a tough time- pray for her. For everyone to get a second chance and to turn from sin.
- Jeremiah– I go to trial Jan 9, pray for a fair outcome. Continued healing for my sister Tamika (note – Apologies for misspelling her name the last few weeks).
- Keith– for my 83-year-old mom, God protect her – keep her safe and healthy.
- Troy– For young granddaughter of church friend (Nora) who broke her arm and had to have surgery – pray for healing and restoration.
- Wayne– for the homeless folks out there to find food and shelter. And for those out there still using (drugs) to get the help they need. Pray for my Aunt who’s been out there using for 42 years and having a rough time with failing health.
- Caleb– that things would go smoothly for us when we get out – that we keep following the Lord and stay in His Word.
- Brian– for my children and all our children to be on a better path.
- Andy D– for volunteer Matt’s wife with covid – pray for mild symptoms and not spreading.
- Ryan– for my buddy Greg – his wife has cancer and going through radiation treatments. May they both be strong.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Chaplains Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich – may God grant them all they need (and more) to minister effectively within Chester County Prison and beyond. May their home lives be blessed as well.
- Staff of Chester County Prison (especially leaders) – may they be blessed with strength and endurance as they deal daily with staff shortages and other issues. And may their home lives provide the support, rest, and peace they need to recharge after every shift.
- Volunteer opportunities to increase through resolution of staffing issues at the prison.
- Inmates and their families – blessings of peace, protection, comfort, and wisdom as they attempt to get along without each other.
- Prison volunteers – a renewed and refreshed spirit with boldness to meet every opportunity God provides to share the Gospel.
- Aftercare ministries – to experience abundance in support to continue ministering effectively and efficiently to released inmates rebuilding their lives on the outside. God’s blessing upon each volunteer and client to each grow in faith.
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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