PRAISE THE LORD
Prison Mission Report
Dear Brothers and Sister,
"The flesh was to be eaten. It is not enough even that we believe on Christ for the forgiveness of sin; we must by faith be constantly receiving spiritual strength and nourishment from Him through His word. Said Christ, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life." John 6:53, 54. And to explain His meaning He said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." Verse 63. Jesus accepted His Father’s law, wrought out its principles in His life, manifested its spirit, and showed its beneficent power in the heart. Says John, "The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14. The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must receive and assimilate the word of God so that it shall become the motive power of life and action. By the power of Christ they must be changed into His likeness, and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His disciples.
"Before obtaining freedom, the bondmen must show their faith in the great deliverance about to be accomplished. The token of blood must be placed upon their houses, and they must separate themselves and their families from the Egyptians, and gather within their own dwellings. Had the Israelites disregarded in any particular the directions given them, had they neglected to separate their children from the Egyptians, had they slain the lamb, but failed to strike the doorpost with blood, or had any gone out of their houses, they would not have been secure. They might have honestly believed that they had done all that was necessary, but their sincerity would not have saved them. All who failed to heed the Lord’s directions would lose their first-born by the hand of the destroyer.
"By obedience the people were to give evidence of their faith. So all who hope to be saved by the merits of the blood of Christ should realize that they themselves have something to do in securing their salvation. While it is Christ only that can redeem us from the penalty of transgression, we are to turn from sin to obedience. Man is to be saved by faith, not by works; yet his faith must be shown by his works. God has given His Son to die as a propitiation for sin, He has manifested the light of truth, the way of life, He has given facilities, ordinances, and privileges; and now man must cooperate with these saving agencies; he must appreciate and use the helps that God has provided--believe and obey all the divine requirements." {PP 277-279}
Dear Ronald,
I was informed of your ministry through a friend. He has shared a lot of your literature with me and I am very much interested on having my own. I am indigent at this time but should be having some money soon. I am in a stage in my life where I’m learning more about my Maker. Not to heavy in any religion, but a strong believer in Jesus Christ and very open to learn more.
Wilson, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
I read your book, "Change Your Life Biblically" and I love it. It is making my soul and my life more power to be a better Christian life and making me walk in Jesus’ way. Praise the Lord for the Prison Mission Report in the Newsletter. I like what they say in it.
Steven, CA
Greetings in Jesus Name,
A quick note to thank you for sending the workbook. I’m finding it informative. I’m really enjoying what I’m learning from it. I will continue to write as I progress but for now I just wanted to touch bases and to send the enclosed enrollment for two other inmates. We have a little study group going and the workbook is extremely helpful. I’m looking forward to hearing back from you and let me know how I can be of service.
Kenneth, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
Hearing about Jeff makes me wonder why we humans are so slow to learn. Not only to understand but to learn from our mistakes. Thank God He is so long-suffering and patient with us. I feel ashamed sometimes at myself for being ignorant and not doing what I am told. We are in a battle with Satan. I hope the DVD you are putting together does touch hearts. It seems more urgent than ever that this message of "being saved through obedience to Jesus" is desperately needed. Every time I talk to some here I always get the same, "Yeah, I know I should, but...." you know the rest. It scares me. I cry for them. I cry for myself. So many precious human beings will not listen, learn and obey. How can they expect the most Perfect, Righteous and loving Being to lead them into His city? That is why we are stuck on this wretched planet. Otherwise we would defile heaven. Sometimes the outlook seems so bleak I don’t ever want to get out of bed. I didn’t realize this was going to be such hard work, brother. I praise God He has all the strength for I sure don’t. It must really grieve our Lord when He sees our stupidity. Thanks for your "tip" on not "fighting" sin. I need to focus on what is right. (Folks, if we just concentrate on doing right, we don’t have to worry about our "sins".) Right now it seems that Jason is the only one who seems really focused on learning from Jesus. Every time he sees me he always wants to talk about things of the Lord. I find that very comforting and he lives right here. So we spend a lot of time together. I think right now just focusing on the Lord together is what is needed. Asking God to help us see where we need to go and what to do is hard. It seems I am always passing up good opportunities or I may not see them at all. I need to just be patient and focused and have faith. The past two years have been a blur. They have been a journey in character building and I have a long way to go.
Preston, IN
Dear Brother Ronald,
It’s me Gilbert. Just want to let you know how I am doing. Even though I am still in the SHU I am doing good. I just finished reading the second book from the Conflict of the Ages series. These books are so extraordinary. Just right up my alley. Thank you once again brother. I asked you to send books to my mom and my children’s home. I asked my mother to have my brother or sister read and translate the book to my mother and she really enjoyed it. My mother asked me to write you and ask you if you could please send her a book of her own.
Gilbert, SC
Dear Ron,
I follow all of His commandments and I believe if your not teaching Jesus Christ’s teachings then we need to come out from under that church. Many people don’t believe our Sabbath is supposed to be recognized by us as God’s day not our day. I’m in dire need of your book to further my knowledge and teach people the correct "Word" from Jesus. When I had your book things were coming great. Now that the guy wanted his book back, I feel kind of lost. So can you please send me a copy of our book "Change Your Life Biblically"? You will be helping a fellow brother in Jesus as well as the inmates I can reach with the Word through my Bible and your book.
Curtis, VA
Dear Sir,
I am writing to you to ask for a copy of your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". My co-worker in the office here has mentioned your book more than a few times to me. He told me it was a great source of inspiration for him and he encouraged me to write.
Damien, CA
Dear Publisher,
I just ran across a copy of "Change Your Life Biblically". I was looking through the book and it has really got my attention. I would really like to have a chance to be able to have my own. I want to do the study work. I hope it will help me change my life. I need to change mine and I have been trying.
Howard, TX
Dear Jesus Christ Prison Ministry,
Thank you for helping us to know Jesus Christ better while we are here in jail. Me and my good friend Ricky read the Bible together and a brother in Christ seen our desire to know the Lord and passed us your pamphlet for a workbook. We only have one pamphlet but we’d both like your workbook so we can do it together.
Leonard, CA
From County Inmate,
Well, for starters, I just received a copy of your book, "Change Your Life Biblically" and so far I can dig how you are pitching knowledge on the history side of the Bible. For me that’s a first or the first time it’s been put to me that way. I deeply appreciate that brother. Your truly blessed. I’m looking at a tough situation and God is and always has been my only comforter. I just never realized it. A lot of us here realize this same truth and we ask that you keep us here in jail in your prayers as we will you. Some fellow brothers here don’t have money to purchase your book. If you could please issue some to them I’m sending there info along with this. Thank you again.
Joseph, CA
Dear Ron,
Sorry about using your letter for writing paper. Dealing with financial issues and paper is scarce. Travis and John were excited when they received the workbook. Between the three of us we will be holding a study group and using the workbook as our guide. It is through this service we will encourage others to become a part of our group and I’ll hand out the request forms for those who desire to use the workbook and learn from it. At present I’m reading chapter on "Jesus our Saviour".
Ken, CA
To the Brothers,
This is my first time in prison and hopefully my last. I heard of your ministry from one of the brothers here in my dorm. I became interested. I have had a relationship with God since I was 15; I am now 19. I ended up here by the power of God because of the darkness I was walking in. I have now realized that God is the only way to happiness and I need to stay in constant communication if I want to remain happy. I am interested in working for the Lord. I heard that your ministry can help me out. I was wondering if you could send me a copy.
Efrain, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
First of all, I want to thank you for being obedient to our Lord and telling us the truth. I’m learning so much by studying with brother Preston. I even asked a Christian brother on the outside to purchase me a concordance like his to check all the facts for myself as you have rewritten them in your book. I love that it’s not a "self-help", "feel good" type book. God knows I’ve read piles of them and they did absolutely squat for me. I do want your "Change Your Life Biblically" book but I cannot afford the Ten Stamps at the moment. I have to have that book! God will provide soon enough, but for now I’ll continue to study with my brother Preston. It’s unreal to see how much "paganism" I was involved in celebrating. I can’t understand those who think it’s OK or normal to be in and out of prison and acting as if it’s a right of passage or something. I do show them the love of Christ when I come in contact with them. I can tell you I’m not the evangelist that my brother Preston is, but I do counsel others well. Or I guess you can say, I’m a good listener. I am also learning to answer people’s questions with the correct answers from the Word of God. When I do get your book I’m sure I’ll be even better at delivering the truth.
Jason, IN
JCPM,
I would like to receive your book you offer. I am very interested in getting closer to Christ. I have always believed in Jesus but know I need to follow His Words and the Holy Spirit closer. I feel your book and Bible study will be of great help. I have read one of your newsletters and really relate to the letters inside. I am now in prison and will follow through with your study.
Billy, GA
To Whom It May Concern,
An acquaintance of mine has allowed me to look through his copy of "Change Your Life Biblically". After having read, re-read, the invitation to obtain my own copy, go through it thoroughly, and answer the questions, I am extremely interested in obtaining such a copy to follow its instructions and complete it for its extensive knowledge. I am a child of God, endlessly learning and building up as my calling is to teach. The only way to properly teach is to have the correct information.
Kevin, TX
Hello Brother,
I just wrote you to let you know how much I appreciate your help for sending me the monthly newsletter. I am Ethiopian. Some friends are sending me money so I am able to send some stamps for the ministry. My heart for the ministry of JCPM is very big and I have a big desire to serve Jesus Christ. Let my Lord open the window of blessings for JCPM so you will be able to reach others.
Benjamin, TX
Brother John,
I have been in touch with you for a couple of months. I received your newsletter and would like to tell you thank you and I’m still here. You know I like to read the newsletters. It inspires me a lot to know that a lot of brothers in prison are taking the good fight against the dark sides. I’ve been doing some other Bible studies but today I started reading CYLB again and I read a couple of pages and I get the goose bumps because it’s so true. And by each day that passes I learn more and more about the good news of Jesus. I would like to thank you my brother for the newsletters. It reminds me that Jesus keeps us together in the Spirit. By any chance you wouldn’t have a copy in Spanish or any other material in Spanish. My neighbor is in to the Word but he only reads Spanish. Please let me know if you do and if I have to send stamps for it. Thank you.
Norberto, CA
(Folks, we are in the process of breaking the book down into little "booklets" so we can begin sending them into Spanish inmates. We don’t have the funds to print the books. Even as it is, we don’t have the funds for these booklets either. But if the inmates send us the stamps for each booklet, then we will be able to absorb the rest of the printing costs, I think. :-) We sure do need your help in encouraging your friends, family and church members to help us. We need more donors. I thank each of you for your love and continued support with all your tithes and offerings so we can continue the work God has called us too.)
Dear JCPM,
It has taken me a while but I have collected enough stamps so that I may have the opportunity to learn more about Christ. I will be waiting patiently for my "Change Your Life Biblically" so that I may begin my study.
Raul, CA
Brother Ron,
I’m doing good. I’m still walking my walk. I have to say, it’s not easy but it is getting easier thanks to the power Jesus is giving me to walk as He wishes me to. I just wanted to check in and to let you know I’m still hanging in there. Do you think it might get me a pen-pal? I won’t hold my breath. I haven’t given up hope on that subject yet, but I’m pretty close. This is a lonely place. More so when no one wishes to hear the truth about salvation. I have to say, my old way of thinking was easier, but I will do anything it takes to be with Jesus when I die. I will be there with you one day, brother. It is good that you are doing mission work in El Salvador.
Jonathan, TX
(Folks, so many of our inmates need a good Christian friend to talk to. Would each of you take a few moments to go to our web site and pick a few names to just say "hello" to. If you don’t have a computer, please write and ask and I will send you a list that you can use. Write them all. When Jesus comes, what excuse could we possible give for not taking a few minutes to bring joy to a lonely soul? As we do to them, Jesus will do to us.)
Dear Brother,
I want to truly thank you for blessing me with an opportunity to read this wonderful workbook, "Change Your Life Biblically" from the top of my heart. At first I was honestly afraid to read it because I didn’t think I would understand it. Well, I’m not through volume 1 yet, but I’m truly enjoying it. There are a few brothers here with me whom are baby Christians like myself. But I am pleased to pass on the address and info of the ministry. I have done Bible studies before but never could answer the questions. But I find that I have no problem writing my thoughts down and answering the questions as I read. Once again, thank you very much for this blessing. I really hope that Jeff is doing well. I really enjoyed the few months we had together in jail. He is a very smart person and he taught me a few things which I hold close to my heart. I pray every day that he and I will parole to understand our mistakes in life and grow from them. It’s not about what we want in life, it’s about what is needed. I am starting to realize this more and more. I will continue to hold you guys and the ministry in my daily prayers. And may "our Lord" continue blessing you in your journey in touching people’s lives. Thank you for the spiritual support.
Michael, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
Thank you for sending me some more fliers. I have already passed them out. The seed has been thrown and I pray that they all take root. Praise God. My life has changed completely. Thanks be to our Lord Jesus Christ. Ever since I started being obedient to the 10 Commandments, the Holy Spirit has really been working in me. Your book opened my eyes to the true gospel (Jesus’ Teachings). My friend and brother Andy has been telling me for 3 years about what your book teaches, but my eyes were closed. When one day I seen one of your fliers I read it and I prayed on it. And I was led to send you a donation by the Holy Spirit. I mean, in my prayer time, a little voice you could say, kept saying, send a donation, the truth will set you free. It was so overwhelming I had a hard time completing my prayers. So I said, Alright God, you are driving. When I received your book so many light bulbs went on. Everything Andy had been telling me for the past 3 years was right. Now I share that true gospel with boldness. I never felt the way I feel now since I am being more obedient to all His Commandments. You even talk about being persecuted. Well, let me tell you, "oh boy" it seems like everyday now. But thanks be to God, that I can now share in the truth with meekness and boldness. Please send some more fliers because there are others here who are hungry for truth.
Richard, CA
Dear Brother Ronald,
It was great to hear back from you so soon. I know it seems dubious with the timing of my letters, but I would like you to know that I write because of my respect and love for your, or should I say, Jesus’ ministry. And of course, I write you because I "want" something from you. Your Godly advice. Your advice actually makes me examine myself and many times they convict me. Kind of like the Holy Spirit. I had a new Christian brother that used to come to the Bible studies I was teaching. He moved and here is his new address and here are stamps to help with postage. I believe he’ll love your book like I did.
Timmy, CA
Brother Ron,
How are you? I’ve read in your newsletter that JCPM is starting a branch in El Salvador. I think that’s great. I know God will help you with getting things up and running. To do my part I’ve enclosed 10 stamps. I know it isn’t much but it’s all I have for right now. OK, let me tell you how I’m doing with the workbook CYLB. I’ve been reading it at a slow pace so I’m not that far into it. The part about Faith in the beginning has gotten to me. I keep coming back to it. I always used to think that faith was just simply a belief and nothing more. I didn’t think it had to do with a person’s actions. What I’ve learned about faith is that though I thought I had it, I never really did. My actions haven’t really been all that good lately. It’s not that I can’t or don’t want to do good, it’s just that in a place like this kindness is often taken as weakness. I have a problem with people trying to take advantage of me. I mean, I’m only 5’4" and that in itself creates a problem in here. I’m an ex-gang member and on the streets I learned to stand my ground. I haven’t been able to shake that off. Being kind is viewed as being scared of the other taller guys. It attracts bullies and with bullies comes trouble. Trouble is what I’m trying to avoid. Do you see now why it’s hard for me to do good?
James, CA
Brother Ron,
This is such a sensitive time of year. I know God doesn’t want us to give credence to Satan’s counterfeit holidays (Christmas) but most people are so uplifted and in good spirits (on the surface anyhow). It’s just tricky dealing with it without offending anyone. Did I mention my son Eric is going to join the military? I think it would be great for him to get some structure and discipline in his life. He actually had it pretty much set up after he graduated last June, but he wanted to put it off until after the summer supposedly to have fun with his friends. He got arrested in June. So much for having fun. I mentioned to you before that being in this cellhouse now is a lot more difficult convincing these older guys about the truth of God’s ways. I’ve noticed I have to change my approach quite a bit. It’s more difficult but a good challenge. I’ve started to notice a difference. It’s actually kind of fun. Especially when you can prove things right out of the Bible. I’m not sure if I mentioned to you before about the third commandment, "taking the Lord’s name in vain". It’s obvious we shouldn’t misuse the Lord’s name verbally, but I always thought there was more to it than that. Like the fact that we all take on God’s name when we accept Him into our lives. Our actions represent Him, His family of true Christians. It finally dawned on me the true meaning of this verse - Proverbs 30:8-9 "Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches,; feed me with food convenient for me, lest I be full and deny you and say who is the Lord? or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain." From this verse it is obvious we can take the Lord’s name in vain by stealing, by our actions. I’m sending this little tithe. I have a brother who just sent me $50. Well, the good thing about Christmas here is that we do get a better meal. Thanksgiving also.
Peter, IL
"But only as we live in obedience to His word can we claim the fulfillment of His promises. The psalmist says, ‘If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.’ Psalm 66:18. If we render to Him only a partial, halfhearted obedience, His promises will not be fulfilled to us.
"In the word of God we have instruction relative to special prayer for the recovery of the sick. But the offering of such prayer is a most solemn act, and should not be entered upon without careful consideration. In many cases of prayer for the healing of the sick, that which is called faith is nothing less than presumption.
"Many persons bring disease upon themselves by their self-indulgence. They have not lived in accordance with natural law or the principles of strict purity. Others have disregarded the laws of health in their habits of eating and drinking, dressing, or working. Often some form of vice is the cause of feebleness of mind or body. Should these persons gain the blessing of health, many of them would continue to pursue the same course of heedless transgression of God’s natural and spiritual laws, reasoning that if God heals them in answer to prayer, they are at liberty to continue their unhealthful practices and to indulge perverted appetite without restraint. If God were to work a miracle in restoring these persons to health, He would be encouraging sin.
"It is labor lost to teach people to look to God as a healer of their infirmities, unless they are taught also to lay aside unhealthful practices. In order to receive His blessing in answer to prayer, they must cease to do evil and learn to do well. Their surroundings must be sanitary, their habits of life correct. They must live in harmony with the law of God, both natural and spiritual." {MH 227}
Dear Ron
I’ve followed your material from prison to the free world and have remained intrigued by its content and look over it often. After my release I admitted myself into a recovery center for addicts and alcoholics alike and have flourished here since 2007. The program is spiritually based and I feel we are under a covering from GOD and his hand is on us. We are nonprofit sponsored in part by United Way and a few other businesses and local Churches in the area and we help a multitude of men in the surrounding counties. After completing the program I was asked to come on staff and work towards being certified as an addiction counselor. The senior pastor mentored me until becoming terminally Ill and has stepped down leaving me to carry the torch. There views on Jesus are not the same as our views as I have been shot down on several occasions when I have tried to introduce them to these studies and the truth they bring to light. I have been told I have no grasp of what Jesus is all about and that I am a legalist hung up on the law much the same as the Jews who crucified JESUS. My concern is for these men and there eternal life not arguing over who is right or wrong when it comes to religion. We house 36 men including myself and I feel they should make up their minds after they study for themselves. What would it cost me for 36 of your complete Bible studies shipping and handling? I would bear the cost myself. I just need to know what the total would be and then get it together to send to you. My name is John and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
John, Via e-mail
Thank you folks for your continued support. Lives are being changed and the truth of Jesus is going where it has never gone before.
Love in Christ,
Ron
The Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Psalm 84:11