PRAISE THE LORD
Prison Mission Report
Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ,
"We should feel it our special duty to work for those living in our neighborhood. Study how you can best help those who take no interest in religious things. As you visit your friends and neighbors, show an interest in their spiritual as well as in their temporal welfare. Speak to them of Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour. Invite your neighbors to your home, and read with them from the precious Bible and from books that explain its truths. Invite them to unite with you in song and prayer. In these little gatherings, Christ Himself will be present, as He has promised, and hearts will be touched by His grace.
"Church members should educate themselves to do this work. This is just as essential as to save the benighted souls in foreign countries. While some feel the burden for souls afar off, let the many who are at home feel the burden of precious souls who are around them, and work just as diligently for their salvation.
"Many regret that they are living a narrow life. They themselves can make their life broad and influential if they will. Those who love Jesus with heart and mind and soul, and their neighbor as themselves, have a wide field in which to use their ability and influence." {MH 152-153}
Brother Ronald,
I am trying to change my life around. I am sick and tired of living this jail life. I’ve been in and out of jail since I was 15. Now I am 27. I was supposed to do 3 years in prison but my attorney got a 1 year county time. The judge said next time there will be no jail time but a high prison term. From your experience and struggle through your hard life and dramatic change, I also wanna do the same. So hopefully I can get a chance to get a workbook and experience it. I hope you guys can bless me with a workbook.
Stephan, CA
Ronald John,
I hope you and your ministry are doing fine. I hope you received the last $20 I sent. I sent it cash cause I didn’t have time to get in line at the Post Office. I really hope you received it. I really appreciate the ministry that you have to help others. I would like a copy of your book or any other you have published. Brother, I have a question, is there a possibility you can come and preach in our church? Please write back and let me know. Enclosed is a $30 donation. Keep up the good work.
Pete, CA (Non-inmate)
Dear Brother Ronald John,
I have just got your letter. It put a smile on my face to hear from you. I thank God that you have made a book for people to learn His Word. I am sorry but I am a loner. I don’t have no one on the streets. I have enjoyed your book that another inmate has. I would like one my self. So can you send me one please. I thank you.
Frank, CA
To My Brother and Sister in Christ,
I am an inmate. My old cell mate got sentenced to seven years. He told me about the Bible studies in the prison system. I got a letter and it contained your program. I sent away for it right away and found that I needed 10 stamps to cover the shipping. I didn’t see that it said if I had no money I could let you know and that was OK. So I didn’t know until I heard from Billy again. So that is what I am doing now. I do not have the money to send the stamps but I am very eager to start reading the book. I hope and pray that I can be of some use to your ministry. I long to be part of something used for good. I was doing Satan’s work for 20 years and am eager to now do God’s work.
Jonathan, CA
Dear Brother Ronald,
I received your letter last night and want to thank you for responding to my request. I am very interested in the workbook. However, I am totally indigent. I don’t even receive mail from friends or loved ones. I am in "lockup" from my behavior in the 80’s, so I am limited with my contact with others. However, I will pass your letter down the run and see if I can get others interested. I have over 25 years in the Texas prison system and have done many Bible courses. I am always open to ways to help me grow in Christ and want to thank you for your concern for those of us still behind bars. I found a friend on the run that will be sending stamps.
Edward, TX
Dearest Brother,
Thank you for your info regarding your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I do in fact would love to have a copy. Enclosed are 10 forever stamps in hopes of getting a copy. I’m a baby in Christ. I know the Lord has put your pamphlet in my path for a reason.
Gustavo, CA
Dear Brother Ronald,
I received your workbook. I just wanted to let you know that your book is very informative. I’ve learned so much and for some reason I can’t put the book down. Please don’t be offended by my choice of words "some reason", but it’s a great thing to me. It also opened my eyes up completely. Thank you so much for taking all your time and resources and putting them all into this wonderful book. O yeah, I kept 2 Saturdays holy. It was kind of easy, I should say. The real part is when I hit pop (population) again.
Ronald, NY
Dear Ron,
I got your newsletter from a brother in Christ and would love a copy of your "Change Your Life Biblically".
Jason, CO
Dear Brother Ron,
I want to reach out to you with my gratitude for your work of getting the truth out. Your book is great. I spent all my adult life behind prison bars and I was proud of it. I strived, fought and climbed to become a member of the Aryan Brotherhood. What a joke. I never realized I wasn’t a man at all, just a chess piece for a bunch of scared prisoners. That is what a prison gang is. And it is a no-no amongst those people to believe in God. So I never picked anything up "Christian". Then my cousin and I dropped out of the gang. And he kept trying to get me to pick up the Bible, but I didn’t like all the so-called "Christians" around me, as they did all the old habits and so forth. So I went to the SHU and I started to look for the truth. Then I was given your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". To be honest, I read it at first because it had "Lucerne Valley" address and I had a lot of years there growing up. Then I couldn’t believe how great your book is. The Feds sent me to a place called, "Teen Challenge" a "Christian" program which was everything but Christian. I won’t tell all the stuff that was wrong there, as it doesn’t matter. I left there and was on the run from parole. I got arrested and ran into Danny. I’ve known him in and out of prison for years. We started talking and he told me about God. At first I thought he was just trying to get out of his time. Then I moved in the cell with him and being locked down with him twenty three hours a day I see a changed man. Yes, he is the one and only true one I’ve seen in here. So I have been really trying. As soon as I get the stamps, I’ll order my wife and myself a book each. I am blessed to be able to read Danny’s for now. It’s actually one of the most trying as it makes you dig for the answers. Brother Ron, I thank you for your time.
Jerry, CA
Hi,
My friend lent me his book to check out and as I’m sitting at the tables in the day room, everyone asks to see it. I haven’t said a word to anyone and they still keep asking to see it and also asking for order forms. Please send me extra order forms for other brothers, please. Thank you for being there and helping us out to see God truly.
Christopher, CA
Dear Ronald John,
Thank you for your prayers and beautiful letter of encouragement. I fear nothing. My life is in God’s hands and I will do His will as long as He gives me life. Enclosed are the names of two men I have worked with for only a short time. Both are beat up by this wicked old world. Please send them your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". Enclosed is a check to cover.
Gloria, AZ (non-inmate)
Dear Brother Ronald John,
First and foremost I would like to say thank you for giving me a chance to participate on your prison ministry. I’m 21 years old but gone through a lot in this life as an ex gang member. Now I’m seeking the divine light of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe your workbook is going to help me realize more about life in earth and life in heaven. Now at this moment I’m paying for making the wrong choices. I was someone that should have thought twice before making wrong choices. That’s the reason I want to change my life to do good for myself, my whole family and for many youths out there that need to know gangs are wrong. I want to dedicate my life to God and those who love me.
Jaime, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
Thank you for responding to my letter. I’m always happy to hear from you. You always seem to say the right things. I will take your advice and pray on my knees and weep for God to come into my life. Not only that, but I will continue to do the work He wants me to do. The book has taught me a lot of stuff I never knew, and reminded me of things I need to keep in practice. I try to spread the Word of God here but no one wants to hear it. So I just keep to myself for now. I think if I were to dedicate myself more to Him He would help me much more. And ow that I know about the Saturday Sabbath, I have to excuse to sin. Well brother, I’m going to read the book one more time before I start my answer sheets. I want to get the answers right.
Ruben, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
Thank you for the beautiful workbook you have put together. I have been down 11 years with 7 more to go. I have taken numerous Bible courses during that time, including the precept upon precept course and two college courses. One for my AA degree in religion education and my present course for my BA degree in Theology. Never have I had my eyes opened to the Word of God like you’ve broken this workbook down. Telling the real things God is telling us. I have started reading the Bible over again from Genesis and applying your book to my studies. God bless you and your ministry. I have started a small Bible study with 4 inmates to try to help them in their study of the Bible using your workbook, "Change Your Life Biblically".
Daniel, FL
Ron,
I hope this letter finds you at your best. I was very angry at you for a few days. I didn’t like what you said. But like they say, sometimes the truth hurts. But it’s all under the bridge. I haven’t said thank you in a while so: THANK YOU FOR THE HELP you have given me. I haven’t had a job since I been down except for the 2 weeks before I transferred. I never received a pay check but you what, after your letter came I made a point to hustle a few stamps. That letter opened my eyes to a lot of things that I didn’t think about before.
James, CA
Dear Ron John,
First let me say, wow! "Change Your Life Biblically" is the best book I have ever read. I’ve read it from cover to cover twice already. I am always going back to it to help me find the things I need in the Bible. This isn’t my first term in prison. Actually my 8th. As of to date I’ve got 22 years in the system. But never as a Christian. I have 2 strikes against me so I’m scared now. All this time I should have been scared of the Lord. Now I am. But I have cleaned my slate and have a fresh start. Now I know I must and can stop sinning.
Billy, CA
Dearest Ronald John,
I received your response. Thank you for your speedily time. Unfortunately I am an indigent inmate but I do have but a few stamps to send. I am looking so forward in reading "Change Your Life Biblically". I am very interested in what it has to reveal. If and when I receive more stamps I will be glad to send them.
Jesus, CA
Hi, God bless you.
Well, I answered the questions you gave me in your study. I spent about 6 hours a day reading and studying the Scriptures. Thank you very much brother for taking the time out of your life to send me this book. I pray that God blesses you mentally, physically, spiritually and financially for your commitment to God’s truth. I don’t get out of prison until May of 2012. If there is anything I can do to help from here, I will. The study that you sent me was a great learning experience for me. Now I know what justification is and what it means to be sanctified. Now the prophecy of Daniel has a new meaning to me. I understand much more about the book of revelations. And you taught me what is required to obtain salvation: The Ten Commandments is the path to heaven. The brothers here send their regards to you: Chris, Tracey, Alex. Tracy also wanted me to tell you that his wife is going to send you some money and that he is really enjoying the Bible study. I hope we can meet some day. I would like to shake your hand.
George, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
I am writing to say "HI" and to let you know that I’m still reading your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I’m almost done and I am going to read it once more. Also, I want to tell you about my wife Elizabeth. She has been a Catholic all her life, just like I was before I read the Bible and found the truth. I was thinking that your book could help her understand better. So I wanted to give it to her as a present and surprise. I am sending you stamps so you can mail a book to my wife. I am detained for an unknown length of time because this is immigration. I can only talk to her about the truth and the Sabbath but a little at a time in my letters. I want her to follow Jesus as I am doing. I want to thank you for your study because it is opening my eyes and I can see the path now. Today is Monday and I can’t wait to read your newsletter.
Hector, TX
Most Esteemed Ron,
I have a brother here who showed me your blessed book, "Change Your Life Biblically". He is a Muslim and he says your book is most excellent and states that he feels it’s approximately 85% truth. Everyone has opinions, right? I’m a Messianic Jew. I believe your book might be the one Christian study that would closely adhere to the teachings of Messianics.
Roy, TX
Dear Prison Ministry,
Please send my wife and myself copies of your free book. I’ve recently rededicated my life to Jesus Christ. I’m hoping Donna, my wife, with the help of your book will join me in my walk with Jesus. Besides it will be fun to Bible study by mail with her. Another inmate in here with me tells me your book is a must read. He tells me he can’t put it down.
Pete, CA
Ronald John,
I write briefly. You see, I was given about $20 and out of it I send Ten Stamps to help out the next man who may request your wonderful book that will help as it did to me. I would hope it may be some one here who may be without funds and whom would desire your assistance in their walk. Now please believe me, I’m not well off, but you see that I continue to send stamps. It will be my sacrifice of only giving back what rightfully is His. I love your ministry. This will be what I could do for now.
Frankie, CA
Dear Mr. Ronald John,
Just a note to check in and say "hello". I’ve been rereading my book so that I can fully understand. It’s really a great read and you wrote it well. I’m slowly doing the test. I read it twice and started looking at the test and doing some of it. I’d get stuck so back to rereading it. Like you said, all the answers are there. I’ll take my time and do it right even if I have to reread it 10 times. I have truly gotten into some arguments about the 7th day Sabbath. And even when I explain it they’re still saying "no way". O well, I try to spread the word whether they listen it is up to them. You have been a big help in my life. I can write and talk to you and you’ll take the time to write back. That means a lot to me. Thank You. O, I’ve been talking to my next door neighbor. They won’t give me a celly. But we’ve been talking about your book. He is very interested in getting and reading your book. I gave him your address and flyer to send to you. He is worried because he doesn’t have the funds right now. It don’t need to be said, but I will send you more stamps when I receive some more. But I do that anyway to help you pass the word. Thank you brother Ron for all you do for us. You are making a difference. A positive one. I want to thank you for being true and a great friend.
Chris, CA
Dear Jesus Christ Prison Ministry,
I have completed answers to this study book. Now I am using the book to dialogue with others. I thought I could read this book and breeze through the answers to the questions. Boy was I very wrong. I had to study intensively in this book as well as the Bible. My eyes were open to new knowledge I did not know before. If someone is tunnel visioned it will be hard for them to understand these truths. If all people of Christ follow His teachings they will be of those who enter heaven. Thank you for guiding me to heaven through your book.
Floyd, TX
Hi Ron,
I’m so happy to hear of all His provisions for you and your ministry. The way He works is simply amazing. I always have to stress how God’s ways are very sensible. For example, about the Law, how can anyone think that the Lord would allow us to live in a lawless society? People are in a fantasy land to think that we can go without any laws. My current cellie is ideal. He is not religious at all. So he is not stuck on any one belief. He doesn’t even read the Bible. But I can see the influence I have on him by my actions. He sees my study habits, my devotion and my firm beliefs. I don’t think he has ever seen that before. (He’s obviously been around a lot of phony Christians.) So he is actually asking questions and noticing some of the things I read. It’s nice to deal with someone whose mind isn’t already warped to the ways of the world, as far as Christianity goes.
Peter, IL
Brother Ron,
Great to hear from you again brother. There are not too many believes and followers in this place. So I sometimes find it difficult to bring up the name of God in a conversation. People either walk away or change the subject. It is funny how people don’t believe in God, but want to believe in UFO’s. "Silly Rabbit, tricks are for kid." You know what brother Ron? I don’t know how long you’ve been doing God’s work. But I have just begun and let me just say, that it’s not easy. Temptation is everywhere. Girls on magazines, rap music on the radio, even in conversations. I slip and begin to speak about gang wars, shoot outs and drug deals gone bad. My mind races and dwells on seeking vengeance for what’s happened to me, and why I’m here. I pray and pray and sometimes I try to remember what this book says. "You must let the past be buried and let the grass grow over the burial site. Forget it. Your anger will not change the one who did you the wrong. Your anger will only destroy you." Volume 3, page 44 (Change Your Life Biblically) I love that. It really gets me thinking of how right it is. But man, brother Ron, it’s a struggle. God knows I mean well. I try to forgive, but it’s hard when your doing life because of some unjust court system. But hey, I guess it’s better to be locked up and given the chance to change than to be lost in the world and burn in the unholy place down stairs. Brother Ron, thank you again for your time and prayers. Let us pray for those who seek guidances.
Ruben, CA
An inmate sent me a letter one day. The letter was full of complaining and griping about what a raw deal he had received. He kept stating that he was innocent and sent a copy of a letter one of the jurors in his trial had sent to the court. This juror explained that they were miss led in the charges and didn’t feel the defendant deserved the sentence that he received.
After reading the letter, I could see that it wasn’t about guilt or innocence, but about the charges. They knew he was guilty, but that they were not told the complete truth about mitigating circumstances that could have lessoned his sentence.
I wrote back to this inmate and explained that one of the first responsibilities of a Christian is to accept truth. When I was put in prison even though I was innocent of the charge, I just left it in the hands of God. Even though I was innocent of man’s charges, I knew that God had worked it out because I had been breaking God’s commandments in my life. I had been breaking His fourth commandment. I took the punishment and left it in the hands of God. Like Joseph, God was preparing me for a special work.
Through this experience I learned what true Christianity was all about. I surrendered my life totally to Him. Then God was able to use me as He used Joseph. When I paroled He sent His Holy Spirit to dictate and direct the book, "Change Your Life Biblically" to me and to start this ministry.
The following letter is from this young man I shared with. It warmed my heart to see that he is truly desirous of changing his life.
Dear Brother Ron,
Thank you for your letter. I always look forward to hearing from you. I want to thank you for being honest with me and helping me to open my eyes. Your response really helped me realize what I needed to do and how important it is for us to be honest and take responsibility for our actions. After reading your letter a few times, I got down and had a long talk with Jesus. I have to admit, I felt a lot better afterwards. Right now I’m able to admit to you that yes, I was involved with the robbery. I can no longer go through life trying to place the blame for my actions on someone else. Understanding this, it doesn’t matter if I have to spend the rest of my life in prison as long as I know I’m being obedient to Jesus, living the perfect life and obeying the Ten Commandments.
Darrin, FL
Hello,
I am starting a life term. I would really appreciate your study guide, Bible and or anything you can send. I would like it to feed and fill my soul so I can overflow into the cups of others. Maybe through my mistakes in life, I, with the help of Jesus, can help direct others unto the narrow and rocky path. Maybe Jesus can use my mistakes as a learning tool for other potential brothers in the Lord.
Curtis, CA
Dear Ron,
Thank you so much for your true insight into the Bible. I have been studying the Bible now for a number of years and I had never broke down the Bible as you have. You have certainly opened my eyes to a lot of truths I didn’t know. My sources are limited in here in prison, so you can see how much we need to rely on God’s true people, such as you and your workers. God will surely bless you and your ministry. Thank you again. I haven’t any money to send you, but I would like to be a part of your ministry here in prison. Please let me know if there is something I can do. I have started a small Bible study of 4 men using your book.
Daniel, FL
Brother Ron,
I would like to say thank you for a very eye opening to the truthful gospel. Your book, "Change Your Life Biblically" is the most knowledge filled, easy to understand book about Jesus I have ever opened. As well as each verse and chapter of the books of the Bible to check and back it up to see the facts with our own eyes. It is not an "I said it so you believe it". No, it’s a book put in laymen’s words for those of us who aren’t educated enough or been given the gift to understand the Bible fully. Thank you.
Jerry, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
I received your letter. Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. Cris, Alex, Tracey and I are doing a Bible study. All four of us worship from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. We all do memorization of verses every day. All four of us have been picking a Bible study topic for our night time Bible study. One of us every night brings a topic from the Bible to study. We are in our cells a lot brother, so we worship together through the air vent. We pass your Bible flyers out as much as possible. So far I’ve brought 5 people to your study and everyone of them has said that they can’t put it down. Praise God.
George, CA
PRAYER REQUESTS:
That by the time I get released from prison I will have overcome the sins in my life and that my life will be changed biblically. That I am able to find and make contact with my family. I have lost contact with them over the last few years from being in and out of prison.
Anthony, CA
Folks, again I ask, no, I plead, please share this ministry with your friends. We need help. Please remove the flyers and share them. Invite others to be partakers of this little ministry. Invite them to experience the joy of help inmates change their lives.
Love in Christ,
Ron
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26