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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Have you ever worked diligently at something, wondering if it meant anything
to anyone, or if it was worth it? Ministry can feel like that sometimes.
We serve out of gratitude for all Christ has done (and continues to do) for
us, and we shouldn’t expect anything in return beyond the joy of following
His will. But is there always joy in serving? Not in my experience.
Last night in prison was a wonderful reminder of why we minister there.
During prayer and testimony times, man after man verbalized their
appreciation for the volunteers and how much they look forward to Monday
nights, the highlight of their week. They find great encouragement there,
and many take it back to the blocks and encourage one another there.
Ahhh, there’s the joy! I believe every volunteer felt it. A bit of
confirmation that our attempt to follow God’s will really does matter, and
availing ourselves to what He would do through us – it’s making a difference
in their lives. Thank you, LORD, for your “pep talk”. We all need that
once in a while, to refresh our spirits. And thank YOU for your faithful
prayers every week. I assure you, the difference we see among the inmates
has as much to do with your support as with our presence there. What you do
makes a huge difference- lives are changed. Thank you. Have a blessed
week.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service):
* Zack: That the sun keeps shining.
* Sean: that his daughter is doing well. Sean needs encouragement, he
was pretty down yesterday.
* Diego: leaving soon – that he would stay in God’s hands, fiance
Esmerelda and daughter Melina.
* Manuel: Family, daughter Sophia, wife Adriana, more patience.
* Juan: family, everybody.
* TJ: more patience for his time in prison, for his family and friends
to understand his efforts to become a better man, strength to fight past
sin.
* John: for his Mom, his lady friend, his heart condition and other
physical ailments, court on the 20th.
* Al: Family, for his case to be dismissed.
* Damon: For Zack to understand God’s love for him. For his family – a
few weeks ago he prayed for his missing sister, sadly they found her dead
and foul play is suspected. For people to seek Jesus and the Gospel to be
shared.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
* Troy- court date on June 1, pray for entire family, brother’s 75th
birthday today, pray for wife Beth, daughter Stephanie, son Tyson, and
especially daughter Lexus on a bad path. Also pray for my sister and
granddaughter in North Carolina, and all the men in here.
* Brandon- for our brother Julius on restriction, for Chuck on the bus
up state, and all the brothers moving on, that God watches over them. Also
for God’s healing on all of us – physically, mentally, and spiritually.
* Andrew- for my attitude in general, thankful for this time out in
life and God provided some good people to talk to in here, I feel
rejuvenated through their encouragement.
* Jonathan- my dog Lulu was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease last
night at emergency vet visit. Pray for my grandmom having trouble paying her
bills, and for forgiveness.
* Mike- for my family, forgiveness from my wife Robin, and for my
daughter Hannah and sons Gavin and Michael.
* Ron- for a chance to make it out of here on the 27th, pray I get to
go home.
* Phil T- continued praise for Joy and her twin babies Josie and Ellie
– the miracle babies – now turning 6 months old! Also praying for the women
who can’t become moms, praying God’s peace.
* Avery- patience and understanding (and wisdom).
* Josh- my grandfather (Rich) has cancer, much anxiety in the family.
* Dan T- brother-in-law that was saved months ago held hands and
prayed at lunch today – praise God!
* Ariel- for a reunion where we can all be together. Also a lump in
my chest and lungs, difficult to breathe sometimes – need healing.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service):
* Jacob- daughters (Kyleigh/Madeline), mother (Katelyn), Judy
* Ryan- friend (David) has shoulder issues and needs to get back to
work
* Jeff- lost an aunt last week, help me cope with the loss and
strength for my family
* Alan- cousin’s family (Smith Family) James Smith (father) passed
away
* Anthony- grandmother has shoulder pains
* Artemio- family and 2 cousins in Chicago- one is going to Army and
the other one is disabled and in wheelchair due to drug overdose
* Todd- stay humble during the rest of my sentence, mother and her
strength
* Rob- more happiness/wisdom, good spirits to my father who is serving
time upstate, safe travels for my family
* Barry- girlfriend to stay clean and get kids back, happiness for all
* Merlyn- forgiveness
* Cam- son (Hayes) recently was diagnosed with Turet’s syndrome, pray
that he grows out of it
* Jody- son (Joshua) who is at Chester County Prison as well
* Ryan- Criminals for Christ Ministry, Michelle, Elana, Brayden,
family on the outside and Sheila
* Kevin- fiance (Brianna), children (Jayloni/Ezekiel), myself, safety,
all inmates, father (Nate) in heaven
* David- everybody here, kids/grandchildren, upcoming court hearings
* Andy- opportunities to share the Gospel w/neighbors
* Matt- father-in-law (Gerald), he’s been in hospital since March,
strength and healing
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
* All the Volunteers ministering to inmates at Chester County Prison.
* 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.
* The Families supporting each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and
volunteer.
* Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, and our new board members.
* The Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations
throughout Chester County.
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