My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
1 Peter 3:15 says “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect“. You never know who might ask, or when – and I guarantee most times will catch you off guard. In prison ministry, we must also be ready to articulate it quickly. Like last night, when a young man on his way out of the chapel after services asked me “when people are saved, what are they saved from?” I had about 15 seconds to answer before he joined the group headed back to their cells. I pray my answer was sufficient, and the Holy Spirit further expanded his understanding.
Being active in any ministry will challenge and grow us – I highly encourage every follower of Christ to identify the gifts and abilities God blessed them with, and plug into ministries that will use them for His glory. We all want God’s guidance in our lives, so remember the old saying, “you can’t steer a parked car.”
Thanks for travelling alongside of us on this prison ministry journey, as we all pray the heart cries of these men each week. We follow God’s will when we love one another in this way. May the LORD bless you and keep you as we follow Him together!
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (12:00 Service, plus Inmate sessions):
- John– gets out tomorrow and knows attacks from Satan are coming – especially around lust for women. He worries about falling – pray for his strength and brothers in Christ to surround him and hold him up.
- Ryan– pray for Dulce Alvarez (little girl abducted from playground in NJ 5 years ago), and pray for protection for all the children.
- Eric– for the rest of my time in here to go quickly, and for my family and my kids to have understanding when I’m home and family things get back to the way it used to be. Also for a better relationship with God. Thanks for the volunteers and pray for everyone in this place.
- Derek– for patience, my Mom, my Sister, my Stepdad, and family.
- Dylan– for my little Sister and Nephew- their health and welfare. Also for my baby’s Mom.
- Kenny– slipped and fell in kitchen while working, really hurt my leg, getting x-rays tomorrow. Blood pressure almost normal, still a little high, and still getting some headaches. Pray that my family, girlfriend, and friends all doing well. Pray that my time goes smoothly and fast – it has been so far – and for early release in May.
- Keith– please continue to pray for my girlfriend Anita who struggles with relationships and drugs, and for my family. Also pray that the LORD continues to work in my life as he has been.
- José– [I just missed him, as he was released a few hours before our meeting time. Please pray for Christian brothers and sisters to surround him, and the Lord to protect and strengthen him as he begins his new life knowing Jesus as his guide.]
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm Monday service):
- John– that God would return me to my family.
- Drake– for the one remaining part of my baptism ceremony to be approved, thankful for getting glasses, still seeking a better plea deal.
- Johnny– been here a long time waiting for sentencing to go back up state. Pray for family of inmate on my block who passed away from being given the wrong medication. Thankful for those who alerted authorities and helped get him to the hospital as quick as possible. I’m feeling really down and need to be picked back up.
- Ross– thankful for volunteers, and pray my probation is revoked so I can go home (to Florida).
- Zack– to get into a good rehab program, and for my Mom (Kären).
- Josh– for my family, and that I still have my job when I get out.
- Junior– my family, my wife, kids, and my friend (Elder).
- Jose– for all souls in this place (inmates and staff) to be saved, and for our nation with the upcoming elections.
- Phil T– thankful that our brother Jose is back in good health, and for his son and daughter-in-law expecting their first child.
- Zach– for an early release date.
- Miguel– my family’s guidance, health, and healing while I’m away.
- Jim M– Praise God for Heinrich’s extraordinary situation and for his continued healing from emergency heart surgery.
- Phil T– for our brother Dan on vacation, and bless the Alpha program starting at my church, and may my wife agree to attend and find Jesus.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm Monday service)
- Unfortunately, we were informed there would be no 8:30 service last night.
Prayers from Onesimus Prison Ministries
- We are thrilled God decided to keep Heinrich with us a bit longer.
- Lifting up board member Andy with his upcoming surgery on October 9.
- Praying we sell all the tickets for Benefit Dinner at Green Street Grill on Oct 25 (see www.onesimusministries.org).
- Please keep all our wonderful Chester County Prison chaplains in prayer- Jack, Rhonda, and Heinrich.
- God’s blessings upon every soul at the prison – all the male and female inmates, the prison staff, and all the families.
- For resolution to staff shortages and high staff turnover impacting operations, religious programs, and causing stress for supervisors, staff, and volunteers.
- God watch over all recently released men and women as they transition to a new life in Christ on the outside. Protect them, and surround them with faithful brothers and sisters to encourage them to stay in God’s word and engage in local churches.
- God bless and provide for the many Aftercare ministries across Chester county – grant them the resources and volunteers needed to do be effective in following God’s will all ex-offenders that come their way.
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.
These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/
If this email was forwarded to you and you’d like to subscribe, click HERE.
