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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
When it comes down to it, do we really trust God? When we ask for His help, do we wait expectantly for Him to act, or do we orchestrate everything as best we can to take care of things ourselves (just in case)? I’m not suggesting a completely “hands-off” approach where we expect everything to happen without any input from us – It’s more about those times when we feel powerless to do anything, and we cry out to Him. Do we honestly trust that He will come through? Or do we just hope He will act, while in the back of our minds preparing ourselves for disappointment?
My struggle through food poisoning/intestinal parasite issues continues (a week and a half now). I found myself crying out to God quite a bit. Relentless pain day after day wore me out. On Saturday, it seemed to finally be over, but symptoms returned Monday morning. I was really looking forward to getting back to the prison- I’d missed the last few Monday nights due to vacation and this illness. Right up until the time I had to get in the car, pain and doubts filled my mind – I shouldn’t go, they can get along without me, I feel awful.
Then a boldness came over me and I said to God “We’re supposed to be able to trust in you -or is that just bunk?” I decided to take Him at His word and headed out to the prison. And God delivered. No pain or pressure all evening. I didn’t feel great, but I could function. God proves Himself over and over, why do I still doubt? Our good, good Father wants the best for us, wants to be close to us, and wants us to rely on Him. Forgive me, Father, for not trusting you as I should. You are so good to me and I’m a spoiled brat, quick to judge everything and everyone, including you. I’m so unworthy, yet You love me more than I can ever imagine – so much that You sent your Son to die in my place so that our relationship can be restored. Forgive me for not doing my part – please help me get better at that.
Thank you all for your prayers each week for the Chaplains, volunteers, and especially the inmates and their prayer requests. You are an essential part of this ministry and we appreciate all you do! May our good God bless you richly this week.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):
- Javier– my family, especially my daughter.
- Manuel– family, and for me.
- Shaun– my court date coming up 8/25, praying for justice.
- Andy D– for my sister’s health, and her pursuit of the Gospel.
- Eugene C– for more laborers for the harvest – across all ministries, not just in prison, and for the grace to continue to serve.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Tim– my court date got pushed out to next month.
- Josh– for my bail reduction to go through.
- Jim M– my niece (Elizabeth) is pregnant and had to go to hospital for dehydration.
- Dan T– for our brother Jose with a torn-up knee and fractured bone – restoration and healing.
- Erwin J– thanks for prayers for my wife (Rena) after back surgery- please continue to pray for ongoing healing.
- Darrell– I need a permanent place to live when I get out of here- God please lead the way. Also hoping that I can recover all my stuff where I used to live. Finally, hoping to get a haircut and shave to be presentable for my court appearance.
- Phil T– for the peace efforts around the Ukraine war to be successful and the killing stopped.
- Aaron– for my family, and for everyone’s family – we can’t check up on them in here.
- Andy D– for the Gospel conversation I had earlier today with a friend – I pray it was effective.
- Dan T– for my brother-in-law to be receptive to the Gospel message.
- Phil T– my daughter-in-law Hannah is due with their first child in one week- pray for Mom and Baby Lily, that all goes well with delivery and everyone is healthy and happy. Also continue to lift up Joy and her miracle twins – thank you that with latest scans at CHOP they are now optimistic that they can treat the baby with heart issues, where just weeks ago they were pushing for a selective abortion. THANK YOU LORD for proving the doctors wrong through Joy’s faith in You, and we continue to pray for those 2 little babies inside her- that You would carry them through to full term and be born healthy with no further need of medical intervention – they are in your hands.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
- Jeff– my brother Mark that was in the hospital passed away on Friday. I’m so thankful Andy got to visit him and I got to speak with him after that. We will see him again in heaven. I pray for my nephews who had problems with Mark, and my youngest nephew did not get to reconcile with him before he died- praying for his heart.
- Phil– for my children.
- Tyler– strength for my wife and kids- keep their hearts safe and give them the resources they need.
- Frankie– my mother and my uncle with cancer. Also for improved relationship with my Parole Officer in Lancaster.
- Justin– my grandmother had a 9th stroke and is in hospital, pray I can get out and take care of her.
- Troy– my Mother-in-law broke her femur and is in recovery now. Also for my family- I have 3 adult sons who are not getting along- pray for family unity.
- Ryan– my friend Jeremy had part of his lung removed. And for his son in North Carolina who struggles with addiction and is suicidal- his Dad can’t get to him, trusting in the Lord to pull him through.
- Matt– my nephew Luke hurt his hip – fractured- pray for quick healing so he can get back to playing sports. Also for my friends parent (Lee and Sarge)- for health and a resolution to their situation.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Our Chaplains (Rhonda, Heinrich, and Jack) and all the volunteers ministering within the prison.
- God’s provision for expanded opportunities within the prison, and God’s wisdom for how best to capitalize on them and get more volunteers plugged in.
- Continued prayer for the family of Heinrich’s sister in South Africa after her sudden passing.
- All the inmates and staff at the prison, and the families that support them.
- For the Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations in 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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