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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We all get along well with one another on the Monday night prison ministry team. As we gather in the prison parking lot, process through prison entry, and await the inmates in the chapel, we often catch up, trade a few jokes, and rib each other a little bit. I was speaking with Andy, one of our senior team members, who shared that he had prayed for us to have 17 men show up that evening. Of course I jokingly shot back “that’s it? 17? C’mon Andy – How big is your God?”
Soon after that, the inmates were escorted into the chapel and our services began. At the conclusion of the service, Andy was sure to find me and announce “did you see how many men were here tonight? I counted 17!”
Does God answer prayers? Absolutely! Does God help those doing their best to serve Him as He’s instructed in His Word? I believe He does. The first question for all of us – how often do we pray and ask God for His help? The second question – do we pray Big prayers, because our God is more than able.
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3.20-21)
Thank you for taking the time each and every week to pray for this ministry and all involved – inmates, staff, chaplains, volunteers, and the families. Don’t be afraid to pray Big prayers! We have a Big God who delights in us, and loves to hear from us. And as we get closer to Him, and our will reflects more and more of His will, I believe he loves to say Yes to our prayers. Have a blessed week!
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):
[NOTE: Due to scheduled staff training, we were unable to have the chapel service on Thursday last week. Below are the names of men with prayer requests from last week. Please keep them and all the men in your prayers. Thanks.]
- Shaun
- Blair
- PJ
- Manuel
- Juan
- Diego
- Edgar
- Carlos
- Zack
- Damon
- Joe
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Troy– for my entire family, especially my wife and my daughter Lexus. And for every soldier of God’s army in this room tonight, and for forgiveness. I thank God for my cellmate coming with me to church tonight, and please pray for the Hayes family on the passing of daughter Danielle – she had 4 kids and her funeral is on Saturday, my birthday.
- Delron– for my court date. Jesus has been working inside me since I started coming to church, and I want to pray for everyone here, for myself, our families, those struggling with everyday struggles, and forgiveness.
- Carl– I’ve been really down lately, and got some good news today, thank you God.
- Brian– my family, and all our families, especially those family members who have anger against us. Also my court date on the 30th to go well.
- Brandon– My sentencing Is tomorrow – pray for that, and for the birthdays coming up. Also for my friend Robert and grand-daughters – hope they are all doing well.
- Jonathan– forgiveness, my neighbor Jim, and my grandmom.
- Jose G– for our brother Jim, just out of surgery for colon cancer – quick healing and recovery. And for the salvation of all the souls in this facility.
- Mike– for my wife Robin, daughter Hannah, sons Michael and Gavin.
- Ariel– for all the sickness on the earth, and for my heart condition.
- Avery– for all those dealing with a tumultuous time, either in prison or with family and friends – may they all find peace in whatever situation they are dealing with.
- Delron– for my son’s mom, and past relationship – trying to get back in my life. Please heal these relationships.
- Phil T– for a good report on our brother Jim out of surgery.
- Jim M– for a friend of a friend (Bobbi), she’s having a one foot section taken out of her colon because of Diverticulitis. And another friend Kris – Her 32 year old daughter passed away a few days ago in Texas and Kris can’t afford to fly there for the funeral.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service):
- Josh – for understanding – specifically to better understand God’s word.
- Ryan – For quick resolutions for his legal matters so he can return to his family.
- Jason – That everyone in prison would come to the Father, and for his court date this upcoming Monday to go well.
- Elizer – That things are well at home when he gets out.
- Jim – for his friend Phil, who’s struggling with his post cancer treatments, and for comfort for his wife.
- Andy – or opportunities to share Christ with his neighbors
- Marty – that the Lord would help him to be a better man.
- Ryan – for restoration of his relationship with the mother of his child. Pray for rejuvenation.
- Matt – For his Father-in-law, Gerald, who has been rehabbing – pray for strength and healing, as well as for his friend Jackie whose father died last week – that the Lord would comfort her.
- Shane – For young boys KJ and Elijah in his neighborhood who don’t have a father in their lives – that the Lord would touch their heart.
- Merlin – for his wife and daughters, for provision.
- Barry – For his girl to stay clean, and that he would be able to get his kids back.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- 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, heading chaplaincy at Chester County Prison, and for the prison leaders within his mission field, and his personal strength and healing from cancer.
- Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
- Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
- Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, thankful for God’s blessing of several new board members.
- The Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.
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