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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It was great having a number of family members in town this past weekend to see my son in the lead role of a local theater performance of “Sunday in the park with George”. An obscure play, but he did a phenomenal job (I’m not at all biased). After the show, I hugged him and told him what a great job he did. I don’t tell my children often enough that I love them and am proud of them. I doubt many of us do. Life is short, and wouldn’t we all want our last words to those around us be “I love you”?
Monday morning I drove my sister to the airport, and after we got her luggage out of the car, we hugged and both said “love you”. We often say the right things when folks depart on a trip, but shouldn’t we treat each day and each encounter as if it could be our last? You never know – it just might be! Last week a dear brother at church suddenly lost his wife of many years – in the middle of moving, took her to the hospital not feeling well, and a few hours later she was gone. A stark reminder of our mortality and the fragility of life. God’s Word reminds us many times to be ready for Christ’s return as it may come as a thief in the night (Mt 24.43, 1 Thes 5.2, 5.4, 2 Pe 3.10, Rev 16.15). I think the same readiness applies to the lives of loved ones – we never know when they will be called home.
We remind the men in Chester County Prison every week that God loves them more than they can imagine- so much that He sent His only Son to die for us, taking on the penalty we deserve for our sin, so we could be forgiven and set free from its power. And you are part of that! Through your support in prayer and other means, our Chaplains and volunteers are able to share the love of Christ with those who might not otherwise experience it. Keep up the good work! God bless you all.
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Chapel Service, plus Inmate 1-1 sessions):
- Carlos– hopefully get out soon. For my family, especially my Mom and little brother, and our little dogs.
- Sean– for my family, all the guys in here, for my buddies Mike and Dan, and that I have an offer coming.
- Mike– for a softened heart and to find God’s purpose for me in this time away.
- Javier– family, especially my daughter.
- Manuel– my family, my wife, and I have a new court date coming up 9/23.
- Dan– my girlfriend (Selah) to be OK by herself, she’s had a brain injury.
- Kyle– family.
- Andy D– salvation for my sister.
- Eugene C– for more laborers in the field.
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- Andrew– for my Mom and Dad and Sister to all be in good health.
- Zare– Family, my Mom and my Sister, and for the families impacted by the shooting in Minnesota, and for all the guys in here.
- Rick C– for all victims of senseless violence like the innocent girl stabbed to death on a train in North Carolina – help us Lord to share your love in our families and communities and do all we can to promote peace. Grant us your peace until you return and make all things right.
- Billy– for my court date.
- Jim M– for God to give me boldness – I’ve witnessed to a few friends and don’t seem to be getting through.
- Erwin J– Praise and thanksgiving that my wife Rena is off of her walker and doing much better after her back surgery (Erwin also commented she must be feeling better since she gave him grief about something lately).
- Dan T– continued prayer for the right opportunity to share the Gospel with my Brother-in-law.
- Tim– for everything to go well with my court date coming up.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
- Aaron– for everyone suffering with hunger.
- Frankie– for everyone in here and everywhere. Thanks God for a good week, and continued prayer for my Mom and Uncle dealing with cancer. Mom is doing better.
- Chris– everyone in here, that we can all take the next steps on our journey. Jesus, help me to live your way – my way is not working.
- Will (Bo)– for everyone’s families and the hardships they are going through. For my significant other, dealing with health issues and recently in the hospital, that she would accept Christ as her Lord and Savior.
- Logan– for my kids- it’s been 10 months and I miss them so much. Pray my case can come to its conclusion and I can get home.
- Ryan S– for my Brother-in-law (David) to get the help he needs in drug/alcohol rehab, and that he would find God in there. And for my wife Janice who is struggling with her brother back in her life (history of family dysfunction).
- Andy D– wisdom in caring for my Sister when she gets released from the hospital. And peace in my heart as I interact with her husband and share the Love of Christ.
- Matt R– for the health of my in-laws, and God please show me how to be a better father and husband – help me to do Your will.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- Chaplain Rhonda and all the female inmates and staff within her mission field.
- Chaplain Heinrich and all the male inmates and staff within his mission field
- Chaplain Jack Crans and the entire chaplaincy program, and the prison leadership within his mission field.
- All the volunteers ministering to the male and female inmates at Chester County 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.
- Protection for the families that support each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
- For 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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