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My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Do you constantly seek God’s direction? I end my morning prayers asking how best I can honor and glorify Him today. I’ve found one thing is certain – what God has for us to do is seldom comfortable, and often what we’d rather not do. Sure, scripture tells us God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7), but I think that’s more about our heart condition towards following His will, and less about feeling good for the time, talent, and treasure we’re willing to give. Scripture also tells us obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22). If we truly want to follow Him, we must be prepared to go where He asks.
Talk to anyone who’s introduced another person to Jesus. Most will admit it took them outside their comfort zone, but they’re so glad they did it. That’s where we find Jesus. When we stretch ourselves and fully rely on Him to give us the opportunity and the words, He can use us more effectively than us waiting for when we feel ready. Growing the Family of God happens through changed hearts – and that’s of the Holy Spirit, not us. He doesn’t need us to bring people to Him, but wants us to get involved in what He’s doing so we grow closer to Him.
Though we are a nation founded on independence, I pray we can all increase our dependence on Him in order to live the life He calls us to. Thank you for how you join us each week depending on Him to hear and answer our prayers for the inmates, chaplains, volunteers, staff, and families connected with Chester County Prison. Thank you for your faithful support in so many ways. Have a blessed week.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):
- Eugene – daughter (Cashmere) to be able to use right arm, and for strength/healing for my wrists.
- Roland D– wife (Debbi) healing from fractured pelvis and injured foot.
- Andy D– wife (Barbara) just diagnosed with sleep apnea, pray she can get accustomed to CPAP machine like I have and get back to restful sleep.
- Chris– praise God my high school sweetheart is back in my life. Also for my baby’s mom to allow me to see my daughter.
- Lloyd– oldest daughter (Harley) just graduated high school, she’s responsible and I pray she stays safe and for her direction in life. Also pray for all my 9 kids, and for my 9 sisters.
- Manuel– court date was delayed, no new date. Pray for my family.
- Javier– my family.
- Jeff– my kids, especially my 15 month old daughter since her mom is here in prison now.
- Jim– everybody in here, all the court dates coming up, that it goes well on each of them.
- Arnoldo– my family, my wife and 2 kids, and for peace.
- Jack– thankful my commissary situation resolved, parents home safe from international travel, pray for relationship with my father- not currently on speaking terms due to disagreement and his discouraging words to me about not getting back on my feet for 18 months. Thankful for surprise visit from my Mom last night.
NOTE: Due to a power outage at the prison, services were cancelled Monday Night.
Below are a few requests from the team, and from Chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
o Continued prayers of healing for team leader Dan undergoing cancer treatment
o For Phil’s daughter Morgan suffering depression
o Erwin’s wife Rena with upcoming back surgery
o For Anna (14) in suicidal depression feeling nobody loves her
o Dan’s brother in law in mental decline, hasn’t accepted Jesus yet
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
o Volunteer Matt having shoulder surgery on Wednesday
o Matt’s wife’s cousin (Chris) with brain tumor
Female Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Rhonda
L. J. – back in Chester County Prison; really going through some kind of struggle; she’s always open to hearing about God, but can’t seem to ever commit
K. F. – also back in CCP; experiencing mental and physical health issues; seems she is a target of the other women for teasing and ridicule
D. S. – ALSO back in CCP; very distraught and discouraged about her circumstances; physical issues, but still trying to grow her relationship with the Lord
Male Inmate Prayer Requests from Chaplain Heinrich
Please pray for:
- Inmates from the Restricted Housing Units where Chaplain Heinrich leads chapel services on Wednesdays. He is preaching through the Gospel of John in a verse-by-verse-chapter-by-chapter manner and is now in chapter 7.
- Inmates from the Maximum Security Units where Jim Davis of City Gate Mission leads chapel services on Wednesdays. Jim has faithfully served Maximum Security for many decades.
- Inmate X (now a Christian) who just “made a deal” at Court and will now spend 12 -14 years in a State Prison. We pray that he will understand that he can be a missionary/ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ in the “far country” where he will now live.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Our wonderful Chaplains serving in the prison each week – Heinrich and Rhonda.
- Continued prayer for Heinrich’s family in South Africa mourning the loss of his sister.
- Thankful for our many faithful supporters.
- Bless all the volunteers serving both inside and outside the prison.
- For all the staff members in the Prison, and their families.
- God’s provision for and blessings upon Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations across Chester County ministering to recently released men and women.
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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