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Brothers and Sisters
in Christ,
It's a different
vibe, but still works. Meeting with the
men in Chester County Prison classrooms instead of the chapel presents both
opportunities and challenges. While the
acoustics are better (for hearing prayer requests and testimonies) and the
seating more comfortable, I think everyone feels a little out of sorts. We don't have our hymnals or Bibles. Instead of a cavernous hall, we are fitted
into a space with just enough chairs. We're behind desks instead of in pews. It
just feels different.
Should our
surroundings dictate the effectiveness of church services? God can meet with us anywhere, any time, so
maybe that's one of the lessons He has in store for us in this season. It doesn't matter where we are – church
building, prison chapel, classroom, open field, mountain top, or middle of the
ocean – God is ready to meet with us any place, any time.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I
flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make
my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle
on the far side of the sea,
even there your
hand will guide me,
your right
hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:7-10)
And no matter where
we meet with God to pray for these requests, He hears us. Thank you for taking the time each week – no
matter where you are – to lift up these men, women, chaplains, staff, and
volunteers. It's said that prayer
changes the pray-er every bit as much as what's being prayed for. May each of
you fully experience the wonderful blessings God has in store for you this
week.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from Medium
Security (6:00pm Monday service):
- Erskin– for everyone on my prayer
list that I wrote out, for Chelsea, for Father Peter, and for my
family. Also pray that we are all
on the narrow road like in Matthew 7:13-14. - Julius– for our friends on the
block that went up state – John and Ash.
For others to get their time started. I have court on 6/29, hopefully get time
served so I can go home. And for
all the men in here to find God. - Troy– For John and Ash going up
state, and for their families. For
all our loved ones and families, for my wife Beth and my kids Stephanie,
Tyson, and especially Lexus. Thank
you Lord for waking us up this morning, and I pray for a new court date
soon. - Jim M– for every person in this
prison to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. - Ryan– for a guy on the block
having a mental health crisis, he was sent to medical- hope he gets the
help he needs. - Brandon– pray for God's healing for
the men on the block – His physical, mental, and spiritual healing. - Phil T– for volunteer Erwin health
issues and upcoming tests- quick healing and recovery. Also praise for the preemie twins (Ellie
and Josie) that we've prayed for- they are now 7 months old and attended
their first baseball game. - Erwin– my sister Elwyn struggling
with cancer and corresponding treatments. - Rick C– for my daughter Ali and her
husband having difficulty trying to conceive.
Prayer Requests from Medium
Security (6:15pm Monday service):
- Damon – Has lost 2 family members
recently – for comfort, his father who is almost totally blind, his
father-in-law who is bedridden and dying. - Sean – For his future – he is
still fearful and uncertain, for strength, his kids. - Jim B – for his friend Bob's son
CJ who is 19 and suddenly has gone completely deaf, for Bob for the grace
and strength to help his son. - Andy – for volunteer Matt and his
family as Gerald, Matt's father-in-law is in the hospital and is expected
to pass in a few days.
Prayer Requests from Minimum
Security (7:30pm Monday service):
- Anthony – his wife who is in Rehab
- Blair – his kids, family and
himself - Jack – himself, for a consistent
relationship with the Lord - Todd – for anyone who needs
prayer - Rox – for his Mother who just
had a heart transplant - Jason – for his mother who is sick
- Justin – for all the wars to end
- Jason – His wife and kids
- Daniel – for all the people in this
place, blessings to everyone - Mark – for his family
Prayer Requests from
Onesimus Ministries
- For the Volunteers ministering to inmates at
Chester County Prison. - For Chaplain Heinrich, and his ministry to male
inmates and staff. - For Chaplain Rhonda, and her ministry to female
inmates and staff. - For Chaplain Jack Crans, as he leads chaplaincy at
Chester County Prison among both inmates and prison leadership, and for
his personal strength and healing from cancer. - For the Families supporting each inmate,
staff member, chaplain, and volunteer. - For Onesimus Ministries Board of
Directors,
wisdom and insight for the future of the ministry. - For Aftercare
ministries and
post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.
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