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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Each of the Monday night volunteers takes their turn preparing and delivering a message to the inmates. We never know ahead of time how many will come out and hear that message, but we trust God will put the right people in the room that need to hear what He's put on the heart of that week's preacher.
As a group, we resolved to prepare and execute the service to the best of our abilities no matter if it's 30 inmates or only 3. In fact, a few years back we had a service where only 1 inmate came out. Seemed kind of silly with 7 volunteers for just 1 inmate, but we held the service just the same (although if I recall, we sat in a small group and had a more intimate service that week).
It's the same routine every week – we arrive, prepare the room, and we wait. We chat about how many will come out. Andy talks about how his wife prayed a number, and she's often right on the money. Last night we weren't sure if anyone was coming – and we've had that happen in the past as well. On rare occasion, we get word from an officer that nobody is coming, so we have a brief time of prayer for the inmates and go home.
Last night we had only 3 inmates in first service, but must have faith that it's exactly who God wanted in that place at that time. And we must honor God by giving our best in all circumstances. Do you get depressed or angry when things don't turn out the way you expect? I think we all do, but it's a chance to flex our faith muscles and practice our resolve to use our God-given gifts to His glory no matter what.
Thank you all for flexing your prayer muscles each week for these men and their families. We all win, and hopefully we all get closer to God in the process. God bless your week.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (Inmate 1-on-1 sessions):
- Troy– the drama from my cellmate is too much, losing my peace. Had a rough call with wife- she's in a bad mood. I can't video call her because of technical glitch. Praise God my brother Jimmy visited me again, and he called his granddaughter Kelani after 3 years of silence. My court date passed and I have no information about what's going on with my case – I just want it to be over, no matter the outcome. Please pray for my friend Jaxx, thankful he's in my life. Please pray for former cellmate Mac whose uncle died suddenly from a slip and fall accident.
- Brandon– back to regular cell as of Wed – 24 days in the hole – glad to be out, but not happy about circumstances that put me there (belligerence and mouthing off to officers that resulted in physical altercation). Help my attitude and language, and how I represent Christians. Thankful my release date still Aug 19.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (6:00pm Monday service):
- Greg– thankful I was out in the yard and got to see the sun rise. Lots of men on the block leaving, I pray the best for them – like Carl getting to rehab. I'm getting released this week, and need to find a good church. Happy news- my brother and his wife are expecting a baby in Nov.
- Corey– this is my second time in prison – when I get out, I don't ever want to come back. Pray for the people affected by all the tornado warnings across Pennsylvania – keep them safe.
- Erwin J– pray for wife Rena's health.
- Rick C– pray for daughter Ali and husband to conceive.
- Andy L– safety for all the family members who travelled to be part of family reunion.
- Jose G– for every heart in this prison to know salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Dan T– my brother-in-law continues to grow in faith – praise God.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (6:15pm Monday service):
- [The group was much larger than usual and arrived really late. We prayed themes as a group instead of individual requests.]
- Family
- Freedom
- Understanding
- Inmates
- Court dates
- Unity between cellmates
- Medical- attention, needs, treatment
- Forgiveness
- Reconciliation (family/friends)
- Sobriety
- Fair treatment (judicial system)
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (7:30pm Monday service):
- For continued healing of our brother volunteer Bill Harkins.
- Johnny– son (reconciliation), court date
- Jacob– grandmother, daughters (oldest daughter's birthday is 7/28)
- Harry K.– family, kids, repaired relationships
- Stanley– parents, brother
- Harry D.- every man in here finds what he's searching for, my faith continues to grow
- Michael– life (understanding/direction)
- Artemio– family, situation, everybody here
- Todd– soul of my best friend Ashley (passed away 7 years ago)
- Merlin– wife/daughters (protection for them while I'm in here)
- Rodney– kids, wife, mother, grandchildren
- Jason– kids, grandkids, wife, stronger relationship with God, court dates
- Jim– family, healing for relationships
- Andy– healing for wife's knee
- Matt– family still grieving the loss of my father in law
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- For the many Volunteers ministering within Chester County Prison.
- For the Warden and all leaders within CCP, may we continue to find favor.
- For Chaplain Rhonda, and her ministry to female inmates, staff, and families.
- For Chaplain Heinrich, and his ministry to male inmates, staff, and families.
- 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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