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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Something happened last night in second service that reminds us why we do prison ministry. I was the only volunteer in the chapel when the inmates were brought in early, and one young man commented he’s never been to chapel and just came for something to do. The service began with Andy’s standard intro reminding the men we’re not there to talk about religion or a set of rules, but to share that God wants a relationship with each of us, then he briefly shares the gospel message. We sang a few worship songs, then took prayer requests. Since only 4 guys showed up, I asked each one individually what they would like prayer for. Nobody opted-out, they all had something.
In typical fashion, I knelt down and began prayer time with scripture – Psalm 27:7-14 to be exact – then allowed the Holy Spirit to guide my words through the prayer requests. Somewhere in all this, that young man’s heart was broken, and when it came to testimony time, he stood with tears in his eyes, barely able to speak, and told us he appreciated us being there and he wasn’t sure what he believes. I forget his exact words, but it was evident God was doing a work in this young man. We told him he was not there by accident – God has a plan. Please pray for Vince.
Andy followed up with him after the service to meet one-on-one with him, and for another soul in Chester County Prison, the adventure begins! I love it when God allows us to see what He’s doing, and how He allows us to be part of it. If you’ve never experienced something like this, then you need to get out and share Jesus! It’s the thrill of a lifetime – literally (for the person you’re sharing with). Your prayers for the chaplains, inmates, and volunteers undergird everything that happens in ministry out there. Please continue to pray not just for them and the prayer requests, but that we’d get to be part of many more of these “harvest sightings”. Thanks for all you do in His name!
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):
- Eugene– healing from wrist pain
- Javier– family, court date Saturday.
- Matthew– wisdom to know the difference.
- Manuel– my family, my court date next week.
- Rick C– for leadership of the U.S. and countries around the world to forge agreements, particularly concerning peace in war-torn areas. Also for our catholic brothers and sisters mourning the Pope’s passing, may they all come to trust in no one man but in Jesus Christ alone.
- Kenny– sciatic pain a little better after stretching. My counselor on vacation, waiting for him to explain next steps towards my release in 31 days. Waiting for confirmation from judge that I’m actually leaving in a month (he must sign package). Pray my family and friends all doing well, for my time to continue going smooth and fast, and for everyone to gets a second chance with Jesus.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- John– God get us home to our families.
- Timothy– haven’t spoken to anyone in my family in 4 years. I want to learn more about the Bible.
- Jim M– for my aunt who just turned 90.
- Zier– for me, my family, and my 10 kids.
- Jon– I was just sentenced, praying for my motion for judge to reconsider and God would soften his heart. Praying for strength, power, forgiveness, perseverance, and His glory. Also pray that volunteers all get home safe and thanks for them coming in each week to share the Word with us.
- José– family, friends, freedom, and everyone in here.
- Dan T– brother-in-law with terminal Alzheimer’s-like condition, God show me the open door to witness, and pray he keeps it together long enough to accept Christ.
- Andy L– my mixed up neighborhood with 3 broken marriages and everyone dealing with major problems.
- Rick C– thanks that volunteer Erwin is back and feeling better, pray for recovery to continue to 100%.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
- Shaun– hope to be released next month, court date on 28th. Pray for friends, family, guys back on the block and their families.
- Charlie– court date on the 14th, hope to get home. My Dad (88) diagnosed with dementia and doesn’t want to go to doctor, I need to be home to help him. My wife (Heather) having weight loss issues, asked doc for gastric bypass surgery but he said no. Pray God would help her do it on her own. Thankful she’s holding it all together at home with my Dad.
- Vince– my grandmother has dementia, hope she’s around until I get out. For my family and my girlfriend (Amanda) on the outside to stay strong and wait – I want to get married.
- Will– for the troops overseas, all the sick and suffering, everyone in prison, and my family.
- Troy L– for my family, we have adult children and conflict going on right now – praying for peace in those relationships.
- Andy D– an old bandmate of mine passed away – he was a believer so he’s good, pray for his family.
- Matt R– my wife (Cari) needs to create healthy habits and take better care of herself. Pray for her to stay strong in her walk with the Lord.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- For a successful event – our first Prison Ministry Benefit Concert on May 16 at Grace Covenant Church in Exton, pray all the details come together.
- Our prison Chaplain servants – Rhonda, Heinrich, Jack – and their families.
- All the volunteers who serve in prison ministry.
- Prison Leadership and all levels of prison staff, particularly anyone new to the job or in new positions, and their families.
- Please resolve staffing issues (hiring, turnover) at Chester County Prison.
- The families of each inmate – they are also “doing time”.
- Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in Chester county, ministering to inmates released from CCP – may the ministry have all they need, and may each client be blessed as integrate back into society.
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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