[To view in a browser, visit this Link]
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Last night at prison, due to circumstances beyond our control, we got inside very late. First service normally runs 7:00-8:15pm. We finally got to the chapel around 7:25 to find inmates already seated (we normally welcome them in) and we scrambled to begin 25 minutes behind schedule. Plus our team leader was out sick, so I was volunteered to lead the service. No pressure, right? All I had to do was compress our normal service (introduction, prayers, songs, testimonies, message), recalculate the timing, and do it all on the fly – what could go wrong?
We cut through the fluff and got right to the point- focused on the most important thing. I tossed out my normal intro and relied on God to give me the words – and He did. I told the men we weren’t there to talk about religion or a bunch or rules, we’re there to promote a relationship with Jesus Christ – it’s the only way. We are born into sin that the Bible says is a death sentence (The wages of sin is death, Rom 6.23) but God made a way out by sending His son Jesus to take that death penalty in our place, and offers us forgiveness and eternity in paradise with Him. He wants us to commit to Him and be in relationship.
Quick and to the point, and the men responded! The rest of the service went on without a hitch, because we put it in His hands. Our simple goal is to honor and glorify God and spread the love of Jesus through the Gospel message. I believe that’s what He wants, too. And if we’re following God’s will, why wouldn’t He help us do that? Makes sense, right?
Scripture tells us to love one another and to pray for others. So when we lift up in prayer the inmates, chaplains, volunteers, and staff of Chester County prison each week, we’re doing God’s will. Thank you for joining us in ministry at the prison, and supporting in various ways. I pray you feel His approving presence as we do what He wants each week. God bless you!
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):
- Austin– for my safe passage up state.
- Damon– for my Dad (Dennis) with a hard heart, and my Father-in-law (Jim) on his death bed- he’s in the hospital now and I hope for the chance to see him again.
- Diego– my fiance (Esmerelda), and daughter (Melina).
- Manuel– for my family, especially daughter (Sofia) and wife (Adriana), and for patience.
- Juan– family and friends, no news on a court date- to get a new date this month.
- Edison– family.
- Edgar– family and get a court date soon.
- Carlos– my family
- Roland– for God to instill in all of us daily more love and less anger.
- Andy– for changes to happen in the prison system where the legal process to get a court date would move much quicker, and for the men to be heard – current levels of communication is not good.
- Eugene– for God to restore these men’s love, joy, and peace from Him. And for restoration of each man’s family.
- Rick– continued healing for Officer Steve, suffering with back pain. Also for Roland and his upcoming heart testing- may results be normal.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Troy– my entire family, forgiveness, and my daughter Lexus really on my heart- asking God to please soften her hard heart and get her out of a toxic lifestyle. Also for my cellmate going to court tomorrow and is really nervous.
- Brandon– for my family on the outside to be closer to Jesus, to find Him, and to prosper.
- Jonathan– forgiveness, my grandma, my family and loved ones all doing time as well as me.
- Julius– for strength, feeling defeated, lack of emotion. Thinking a lot about my Dad who passed away when I was in high school. Thankful for the love from the Christian brotherhood in here.
- Mike– my family (wife and kids) and forgiveness.
- Avery– for God’s peace over every one of us, in our daily battles and if anyone going through long-term battles.
- John– my family and friends.
- Delron– for everyone here, forgiveness, my court date Thursday, been crying lately- been surrendering to God this week. Waiting to leave once detainer lifted. For my autistic son who can’t speak, and for my soon-to-be wife Carol, pray that she went home.
- Jim M– for all the guys who got out lately to stay grounded in the Word and find a Bible preaching church to be part of. Also for my grandson who is autistic.
- Tim– for my family and my church family that supports me (I’m a musician on worship team). Also for a retired minister at church (who also played piano) who recently passed away.
- Emmanuel– for all the single moms out there, that God would provide for them.
- Erwin J– my sister Elwyn going through cancer treatments.
- Paul– not to be confused, and for my sister and my Dad.
- Rick C– for our fearless leader Dan, not feeling well due to cancer meds he’s taking.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service):
- Shane– intimacy w/God and to hear His voice
- Louis– inmates/staff
- Jose– for the guys on “E Block” to come together and bless their interactions
- Ivan– family
- David– everybody in here, kids/grandkids, favorable outcome w/sentencing
- Koen– everybody in here including staff, family, girlfriend and her family, Ethan and his family
- Andy– for a continuous reminder of 1 Corinthians 13
- Jason– everybody in the world, upcoming court dates and favorable outcomes
- Ryan– my son Will just broke up with his significant other, coping skills/strength, turn to the Lord during this difficult time
- Matt– Gerald and Cheryl’s health, patience/understanding so I can be a better husband and father
- Bill H– thanks for encouraging messages each week in prayer Email. Hope to be home 4/21 for a couple of weeks, then get second PET scan for comparison- Pancreatic cancer requires ongoing monitoring/treatments. Praying for God’s guidance as I look at options.
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, heading chaplaincy at Chester County Prison, and for the prison leaders within his mission field, and his personal strength and healing from cancer.
- The Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
- The Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
- Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, clarity on mission, and integration of a few new board members.
- The Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.
If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.
