PRAISE THE LORD
Prison Mission Report
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
"It is a delicate matter to deal with minds. Only He who reads the heart knows how to bring men to repentance. Only His wisdom can give us success in reaching the lost. You may stand up stiffly, feeling, "I am holier than thou," and it matters not how correct your reasoning or how true your words; they will never touch hearts. The love of Christ, manifested in word and act, will win its way to the soul, when the reiteration of precept or argument would accomplish nothing.
"We need more of Christlike sympathy; not merely sympathy for those who appear to us to be faultless, but sympathy for poor, suffering, struggling souls, who are often overtaken in fault, sinning and repenting, tempted and discouraged. We are to go to our fellow men, touched, like our merciful High Priest, with the feeling of their infirmities.
"It was the outcast, the publican and sinner, the despised of the nations, that Christ called and by His loving-kindness compelled to come unto Him. The one class that He would never countenance was those who stood apart in their self-esteem and looked down upon others.
"‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,’ Christ bids us, ‘that My house may be filled.’ In obedience to this word we must go to the heathen who are near us, and to those who are afar off. The ‘publicans and harlots’ must hear the Saviour’s invitation. Through the kindness and long-suffering of His messengers the invitation becomes a compelling power to uplift those who are sunken in the lowest depths of sin.
"Christian motives demand that we work with a steady purpose, an undying interest, an ever-increasing importunity, for the souls whom Satan is seeking to destroy. Nothing is to chill the earnest, yearning energy for the salvation of the lost.
"Mark how all through the word of God there is manifest the spirit of urgency, of imploring men and women to come to Christ. We must seize upon every opportunity, in private and in public, presenting every argument, urging every motive of infinite weight, to draw men to the Saviour. With all our power we must urge them to look unto Jesus and to accept His life of self-denial and sacrifice. We must show that we expect them to give joy to the heart of Christ by using every one of His gifts in honoring His name." {MH 163-4}
Dear Sir,
A Christian friend recently gave me your address and said for me to ask you for the book, "Change Your Life Biblically". He said it was free to prisoners. May I please receive a copy of this book?
David, GA
Dear JCPM,
Thank you so very much for responding to my recent letter concerning your workbook, "Change Your Life Biblically". Enclosed you will find 10 first class stamps to pay for the workbook. Please send one to me as quickly as you can because I am anxious to start learning more about the Bible as God reveals it to me through His Holy Spirit. Thank you again for the prison ministry.
Paul, CA
Brother Ron,
Greetings my brother in Christ. Your book was an amazing read. Now I see things more clearly of practical living for God and Saturday the Sabbath. I’m going to be sending you money for the book with my gate money as I promised. What I would like to know is how much will it cost me to send your book to a few friends? I want to send it to them for x-mas. I do believe your book will make the perfect gift. I think anyone who wants to make a change in their life and come to know God and live by God’s way should in fact read your book. So thanks for everything. You’ll be hearing from me.
Alexander, CA
Dear Ronald John,
Received your letter and your introductory issue. Very interesting I might say. You seem to have reached out to many people in and out of prison. I feel Jesus here in my Bible and your writing. Hope you consider sending your workbook.
Michael, CA
Dear JCPM,
Hello. I am writing to tell you how much I enjoyed the introductory issue. I really liked reading your testimony. I am waiting on the book, "Change Your Life Biblically". It seems like a wonderful book by what I’ve read and can’t wait. And I am sending 10 stamps. I’ve been trying to think of ways to help people through the Lord. It feels really good to give instead of to receive. And I will continue to help when I can. I thank you of all the work you’ve done with your book and will wait patiently for it.
Shannon, CA
Brother Ronald,
I am in fact going to change my life. I’m going to do it for me: nobody else. I should have followed the book in the first place. I’m stupid for not doing so. I’m going to this time. I need to or yes I will in fact spend the rest of my life in prison.
Richard, CA
JCPM,
I found your newsletter in the dayroom and looked through it. I copied your address down along with some information from the cover and the information about your book, "Change Your Life
Biblically". What really caught my eye was the statement on the cover, "Since June of 1997: following the example of Jesus in keeping the Sabbath day holy." I do not know who the newsletter belongs to because he tore the location he is at off. I am interested in the book and I am sending $5.00 donation. I do not receive money from any one so all I can offer is this small amount at this time.
John, IN
Dear Brother Ronald John,
I have spoken to and with quite a few of the guys here at this unit about your book and about the Sabbath. There is much division even in among the various denominations. There is considerable opposition to the Sabbath. Yet those that oppose all refuse to refute it with there own Bibles. This only goes to show that the truth is much stranger than fiction. But they all refuse to even want to go and seek or learn about the real truths taught in your Bible. It does distress me to a point. Especially for those that profess to be "Christians", carry their Bibles, attend their Bible studies, etc. The guys that praise God constantly are the ones I worry and pray about constantly that they may have their blindfolds taken away so that the truth can be clearly seen. (Sorry folks, but doesn’t that sound just like church going people on the outside?) On the other hand, the problems that you mentioned in your letter, being "they are too lazy to take responsibility for their own lives" and that "they spend their lives in prison letting the state take care of them" is not too far off from where the apple lands when it falls off the tree. I see that most of the guys are always looking for a quick fix and the warm and fuzzy feelings rather than wanting to have to work on their salvation. I’m disengaging from many associations with most of the guys rapidly. What does one have in common with unbelievers? I’ve been spending more time going back to reading your book. Thanks for putting together such a wonderful book - CYLB.
TJ, AZ
JCPM,
Can you please send me a copy of "Change Your Life Biblically"? My cellie has this book. However he is paroling and taking his book home. This is a must read for me.
Steven, CA
Dear Ron,
It has been immensely enlightening to not only read your text, "Change Your Life Biblically", but also to complete the worksheets. Your Bible study has forced me to continuously consult God’s Word for verification, rely on the Holy Spirit for interpretations and ultimately thank God for blessing me with this Bible study. What impressed me the most however is how you have articulated the everlasting gospel as this: "Stop sinning, be perfect and keep the 10 commandments". In all His time on earth, Christ never asked His people to do more than those three things. You are the first Bible study that refuses to accept excuses for sin. You recognize that sin is a conscious choice we make. What I will take away from my study of your text is the significant responsibility I have to my fellow man. I know that Christ has given me everything I need to serve Him. I will continue to proudly stand tall for Christ and think always of those things that are right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. This way my conduct will speak volumes of my relationship with our Lord.
Martin, CA
Dear Ron,
I hope all is well with you and your family and JCPM. I would like to thank you again for the great book on changing my life biblically! It teaches so much I never knew and I thought I knew a lot. I will be finishing out my final 4 months and I plan on carrying on with the Sabbath as in "on the 7th day" Saturday. Not the 1st day Sunday. I want to share the Sabbath with my old Sunday keeping church.
Robert, CA
To Whom It May Concern,
I was told by a friend that if I wrote to you I could find out what I have to do to get the book called, "Change Your Life Biblically". What do I have to do to get the book. I’m so interested in the Word of God and your book really caught my eye.
Mark, CA
Whom Ever This May Concern,
I’m writing you of your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". It is so inspiring that I must write you in hope to receive a copy. If possible I can use this to change the minds of my family and friends. Your book inspired me how to change my life. I would be very thankful if you would send a copy. It would literally make me very happy. I’ve been searching for the truth for a long time. And your giving dates and facts and that is so important to me. I feel we are in the Revelation days today and God wants me to change my life. So if you could bless me with this book I will be so thankful.
Brian, CA
Dear JCPM,
I have heard about your ministry and your little study. I have been down quite some years and would like to receive a copy of your book.
Warren, CA
Brother Ronald,
I received your letter and am happy to hear that you are doing well. I will look into how I can get those DVD’s here. We have a new chaplain. I’ll continue praying for you and your loved ones.
Joe, CA
Dear Ronald John,
I’m writing to thank you for the book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I would also love for you to send one to a friend of mine. His information is inclosed along with his number. He doesn’t know about this. I wanted to surprise him. I read the book once and loved it. But I’m gonna listen to you and re-read it 3 or 4 more times before I answer any questions. Thank you again and may the Lord bless you for the things you are doing for us and so many others.
Javier, FL
Dear Sir,
I am an inmate. I am very excited to receive this good book you put together just for us. I’m enclosing my stamps for postage on my free book.
Senobio, CA
Dear Ron,
I just got the workbook from you. I really like it. "Change Your Life Biblically" is what I was looking for. I was having problems reading and understanding the Bible. Honestly, I never thought how to read the Bible because I see everybody read it differently. But with the lovely present that you have sent me I’m very sure I will be ready to understand how to read the Bible. Can you send out one of your lovely workbooks to a friend to help her change her life? I will be very thankful to God.
Francisco, CA
Dear Dad,
Hey man, what’s up? Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written. All is going pretty good on this end. Not much changes in this place. I’ve been witnessing. The problem is, no one wants to hear. Or they just don’t believe. You can’t talk to someone who doesn’t believe. As you know. It’s hard to live the way we are supposed to in an environment like this. When I was in Ely, I was in a single cell locked down all day. I didn’t have to deal with anyone. I’m thankful I spent the time I did in Ely. God used that time to get me ready. If I would have come here any sooner, it would have been all bad. Now He is using this to get me ready for the streets. I’ve got a little less than three years left; if I get my parole. 4 years if not. Short time’n it now. I started my 7th year in September. 10 years is a long time to be in prison. I’m truly happy I don’t got a life on the end of that. A lot of people in here do. Love you dad.
Tony, NV
Dear Ronald John,
You just blessed me with "Change Your Life Biblically" and a newsletter with a bookmark. I was introduced to you and your book through a fellow brother. He just paroled home and I hope and pray for his continued freedom. I passed out all the little fliers you put in my book package. I hope you get more responses. God is working here. I’ve just started the book and will write with questions and or opinions. Your doing a great service. Keep it up and God bless you.
Christopher, CA
Hello,
I’m writing to find out if the ministry "JCPM" is still active. I had an opportunity to read part of the book, "Change Your Life Biblically". Unfortunately I was unable to complete the reading and study. In time I would like to do that when my circumstances bring me to a point where that becomes possible. But what I read interested me and I would like to do more.
Joshua, TN
JCPM,
Praise the Lord. Can you please send me the "Career Opportunity" flyer. As many as possible so I can pass them out to our young inmates. Also, do you have any support ministry for older inmates such as myself.
Zachary, NV
Dear JCPM,
I am writing to you to see if you can bless me with your Bible studies or send the religious materials. I enjoy learning about God. I want to grow in His path and word. I accept Jesus as my Saviour.
Jose, CA
Hello Ron,
I hope things are going well for you. I’ve been looking for your book. But still haven’t’ gotten it. It’s been two weeks today since I received the introductory issue. I’ve been looking forward to your book. But as you know nothing goes right here in prison. So if you would, would you please put a follow up on the book. Also, would you send me as many as you can of the introductory issues so that I can pass them out through out the building here.
Bill, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
Thank you for your letter. I spoke to chaplain Baldwin this past Wednesday. I asked him about the four DVDs that you had sent him. Chaplain Baldwin hesitated and responded that Chaplain Kingsland had an issue with them. When I asked what these issues were, again he hesitated and told me that I’d have to get in contact with Kingsland. I got the impression that I and the others will not be getting an opportunity to view any of the videos you sent in. I was somehow expecting this to occur in the back of my mind. I have let the guys know what has transpired to date and they are disappointed to say the least. I will have them each write an inmate letter to the chaplain requesting to view the videos. Now that the videos have been kept from us, some of the guys are really interested and even more so as to why these videos are being withheld from us. I can only assume that the truth is not what the chaplain wants us to know about. I am incorporating your book into a Bible study that I am putting together. There is an interest in it as I’ve already done a few one-on-one studies with some of the guys. Slowly it is coming together. I still have a lot of work putting this all together.
TJ, AZ
Hello,
My name is Fred. I came across your "Change Your Life Biblically". It really finds my interest. I would really like to request for this book as well as any other information you can send me. A friend let me read it and I’ve really enjoyed reading it as well it helps me to understand the Bible more.
Freddy, CA
Dear JCPM,
A friend and brother in Christ shared your intro issue with me. And I was moved in the Spirit. I only have a few months left but am very hungry for God’s Word and Kingdom principals in my life. I must read your books and share them with my fiance. As we belong to a Christian motorcycle ministry. I am praying for God to reveal my mission. Maybe it is to hook up our ministries together.
Tommy, CA
Ronald,
I received your letter the other day. I was very happy to hear from you. Well, I have just started your book and so far it’s a really great book. I hope to learn a lot from it. I was wondering if you could pray for me. I haven’t been in my Bible or doing my Bible studies like I used to. I can feel myself falling back.
Shannon, CA
JCPM,
First of all, may God bless us always. By the blessing of God I came across your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". A very great book so far. I am a slow reader and really want to get the most out of this book. I’m in a dorm of 20 people and half have asked about your book. About six want to read it next. So I’m requesting one more book to pass around the dorm. Plus, some copy of the answer sheet or any thing else that can be of help to drawing us closer to God. I would like to be put on a prayer request. I only have been down three months and I haven’t heard from my kids.
Ronnie, CA
JCPM,
I am writing this letter to let you know I am still working on the book. I haven’t stopped working on it. It’s just a very good book and some parts I admit are hard to find sometimes. But reading the newsletter I keep getting gives me encouragement and pushes me to keep learning by the letters I read how the book is helping other brothers and sisters. I am now on the 2nd half of the book and still going while learning so much about God and His plan and the things that happen so many years ago and things that are still going to happen. I am in the Word each and every day. Staying in Christ and walking safe from any problems due to the power and glory of our loving Savior. I will have the lessons done soon. Just to let everyone know I’m still with Christ, still growing, learning and very happy with my life in Christ.
Dwight, CA
Greetings,
I really would like to receive your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I am in the process of changing my life style as we speak. So your book would be perfect for my growing spiritually as well as emotionally.
Dewayne, CA
Hello,
I happened across a copy of "Change Your Life Biblically" that my cellie had. Wow, couldn’t believe how in-depth and easy to read this book is. If someone told me 10 years ago I’d be in jail and have just the cloths on my back, I would have told them they were crazy. Play with fire we get burnt. If at all possible, could you send me a copy of "Change Your Life Biblically"? It would really be a blessing to me.
Jeffrey, VA
"The necessity of personal cleanliness was taught in the most impressive manner. Before gathering at Mount Sinai to listen to the proclamation of the law by the voice of God, the people were required to wash both their persons and their clothing. This direction was enforced on pain of death. No impurity was to be tolerated in the presence of God.
"During the sojourn in the wilderness the Israelites were almost continually in the open air, where impurities would have a less harmful effect than upon the dwellers in close houses. But the strictest regard to cleanliness was required both within and without their tents. No refuse was allowed to remain within or about the encampment. The Lord said:
"The Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine enemies before thee; therefore shall thy camp be holy." Deuteronomy 23:14.
The distinction between clean and unclean was made in all matters of diet:
"I am the Lord thy God, which have separated you from other people. Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing, . . . which I have separated from you as unclean." Leviticus 20:24, 25.
"Many articles of food eaten freely by the heathen about them were forbidden to the Israelites. It was no arbitrary distinction that was made. The things prohibited were unwholesome. And the fact that they were pronounced unclean taught the lesson that the use of injurious foods is defiling. That which corrupts the body tends to corrupt the soul. It unfits the user for communion with God, unfits him for high and holy service.
"In the Promised Land the discipline begun in the wilderness was continued under circumstances favorable to the formation of right habits. The people were not crowded together in cities, but each family had its own landed possession, ensuring to all the health-giving blessings of a natural, unperverted life.
"Concerning the cruel, licentious practices of the Canaanites, who were dispossessed by Israel, the Lord said:
"Ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them." Verse 23. "Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it." Deuteronomy 7:26.
"In all the affairs of their daily life, the Israelites were taught the lesson set forth by the Holy Spirit:
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17. {MH 279-281}
God is love. I try to share with each of you the joy I have in serving Jesus. It brings me such great joy to help people, especially inmates, find the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is such a dear Friend of mine. I want everyone to know the joy that comes from serving Him.
Many have let the world crowd out the Saviour and His presence. We have an intellectual presence of Jesus, like we have of historical figures, but that is not the same as a relational presence that we have with family.
Knowing Christ intellectually will not get us into Heaven. Lucifer knows Christ intellectually and personally. If Lucifer won’t be in Heaven, how much less will we be there.
We must have Christ abiding in us. He must be our every thought, our every desire, our every want and our every need. The time of trouble that is soon to burst upon us can not be entered with the same level of commitment we now have. We must understand that to stand in the time of trouble is to stand before God perfectly for one year without an intercessor. If you are not living that perfect, righteous and holy life now, you won’t be able to live it then.
It is absolutely imperative that we begin now training ourselves to live without sin. We must set the habits now of living without sin. This takes a moment by moment dependence on Jesus. Pure faith.
Does this mean more church going? Not at all. Church going is the problem. Church going makes us lazy, indolent and dependent on the church instead of on Jesus. Church going has become as much a "god" to Christians as it was for the pagans to go to their idols of worship.
Does it mean more of what we eat, drink and wear? Not at all. Jesus said not to worry about what we eat drink and wear. What it means is to give up self and our selfishness: working our own way to Heaven instead of following the example of Jesus. Jesus owned nothing. What do you own? Jesus had no income. What is your income? Jesus Sacrificed His life! What are you sacrificing?
Not even by a thought did Jesus sin. We must be at that level in order to make it through the Time of Trouble. Read the book, "Change Your Life Biblically" and watch our DVDs that were dictated and directed by the Holy Spirit to prepare you for the Time of Trouble.
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