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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Have you ever experienced God showing up in an unexpected place? My family traveled to western New York over the weekend to attend the outdoor wedding of my wife’s nephew. He has four brothers, all of them great guys, but none strike me as walking closely with the Lord. One of the older brothers was married last year, in a ceremony filled with poetry and flowery language. This wedding, however, was surprisingly different, and quite unexpected.
The officiant appeared to be a pastor – the couple’s pastor – and incorporated scripture throughout the ceremony (and not just the 1 Cor 13 passage on love). Christ was invited into, and a part of the service right from the start. And I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Family members commented to one another all during the reception, first with surprise, then how it was joyfully refreshing to attend a truly Christian wedding.
I’ve known the groom most of his life, and had opportunity to speak with him after the reception. It was a great discussion of putting Christ first, then living a life of gratitude for all He’s done for us. I never would have thought he and I would have such a conversation. I pray God continues to move in the lives of he and his new wife, and maybe rub off a little on his brothers.
One place God’s presence is never a surprise is among all of you that support this ministry. We are always thankful how God supplies all our needs through His people, and that you follow as He leads. Thanks as always for your faithful partnership in prayer. God bless you.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):
- Rick C– for Andy to recover from the flu and return to full health. Also safe return of Roland and family from wedding in Italy.
- Manuel– family, and my court date in 2 weeks.
- Javier– family.
- Chris– to someday see the vatical in person, and for everyone in here to find faith.
- Ralph– to get a new King James Bible.
- Jack– missed my son’s 4th birthday on Monday, and for my 2 other kids. For the strained relationship with my wife – she’s seeing another guy after giving me many chances to clean up my act and my alcoholism. Pray for my parents bearing much of the burden, and for God to show me clearly what I need to learn. Continued prayer for my Grandmom (Janet, 89) who can’t get out of bed after heart surgery. My Mom is taking care of Janet alone, none of her siblings will help.
- Kenny– (I contacted Kenny after his release to remind him to stay in God’s word every day. He said he will miss our one-on-one meetings but glad to be out. He said it’s a big adjustment but with time and God’s help he will be OK.)
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- John– God please guide us all home.
- Shaun– for my bail to be reduced to a reasonable amount, and for the officers to have softer hearts and more compassion.
- Shay– that I would continue on the right path once released. Also pray that when the time is right, I can become a father, and be a really good father.
- Jim M– my friend Ed who rides a motorcycle had a heart attack this past weekend.
- Jon– my family, protection through the full armor of God, peace throughout the world, and thankful for volunteers that come in each week.
- Tim– to get home and get my family back together – they are going through tribulations.
- Jose G– for a 14 year old girl named Anna who experiences mental issues – cutting and suicidal – may she receive the help she needs and be healed. Also for everyone in here, and in Chester County prison to be saved.
- Geronimo– my family, for the new guys coming in, and to change our life in here.
- Dan T– failed attempt to have dinner with brother-in-law with mental decline to share gospel with him – Lord please provide the right opportunity.
- Ryan– my children, and all our kids to have good, healthy lives.
- Joseph– world peace in all the countries and in the U.S. – keep us safe.
- Phil T– thankful for 40 years of marriage, and how my wife stuck with me through all our trials including my prison stay, but she has yet to accept Jesus in her heart – pray she will soon.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
- Joshua– my Dad passed away this month- my family needs me. Pray I can get home to my family by Father’s day. Pray for volunteers to all have safe travels home, and that my court date tomorrow goes well.
- Sergio– for my newborn daughter, just born today. Pray I can be a good father to her. Also pray for volunteer Andy – complete restoration from sickness.
- Bill– for my baby’s mom (Nicole), and my 4 month old daughter.
- Vince– for my friend Tim going through a hard time, that his spirits would be lifted, and have peace in place of anger.
- Matt R– Pray for strength and healing for my father-in-law (Gerald)- he fell over the weekend nad his health is rapidly declining.
- Sam– for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of my Mother (Helen).
- Ryan S– for my son’s friend Andrew who we had to put in hospital – headed to a recovery house – pray he finds a good place. Also for my son who feels it’s his fault.
- Andy D– my sister-in-law (Ginny) has severe physical and emotional issues, but is afraid to reach out. Pray she could humble herself and seek help.
- Michael– my girlfriend Rebecca and an older friend Shirl that Rebecca and I take care of (Shirl has seizures). I pray they can stay safe until I return.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Our dedicated Chaplains- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich, and the families that support them.
- All the volunteer teams, their families, and an increase in ministry opportunities to align with available volunteers.
- Prison leadership, and the staff at all levels, and their families.
- The inmates and their families, who are also “doing time”.
- Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across Chester county. May they have all the volunteers, staff, and resources they need to minister effectively, and bless all the clients as they integrate back into our communities.
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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