PRAISE THE LORD

Prison Mission Report

Dear Family in Christ,
"It is always humiliating to have one's errors pointed out. None should make the experience more bitter by needless censure. No one was ever reclaimed by reproach; but many have thus been repelled and have been led to steel their hearts against conviction. A tender spirit, a gentle, winning deportment, may save the erring and hide a multitude of sins.
"The apostle Paul found it necessary to reprove wrong, but how carefully he sought to show that he was a friend to the erring! How anxiously he explained to them the reason of his action! He made them understand that it cost him pain to give them pain. He showed his confidence and sympathy toward the ones who were struggling to overcome.

"'Out of much affliction and anguish of heart,' he said, 'I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.' 2 Corinthians 2:4. 'For though I made you sorry with my epistle, I do not regret it: though I did regret it, . . . I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance. . . . For behold, this selfsame thing, that ye were made sorry after a godly sort, what earnest care it wrought in you, yea what clearing of yourselves, yea what indignation, yea what fear, yea what longing, yea what zeal, yea what avenging! In everything ye approved yourselves to be pure in the matter. . . . Therefore we have been comforted.' 2 Corinthians 7:8-13, A.R.V.

"'I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you.' 'I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;' 'being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart.' 'Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.' 'Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.' Verse 16, A.R.V.; Philippians 1:3-5; 1:6, 7, A.R.V.; 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

"Paul wrote to these brethren as 'saints in Christ Jesus;' but he was not writing to those who were perfect in character. He wrote to them as men and women who were striving against temptation and who were in danger of falling. He pointed them to "the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep." He assured them that "through the blood of the everlasting covenant" He will "make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ." Hebrews 13:20, 21.

"When one at fault becomes conscious of his error, be careful not to destroy his self-respect. Do not discourage him by indifference or distrust. Do not say, 'Before giving him my confidence, I will wait to see whether he will hold out.' Often this very distrust causes the tempted one to stumble.

"We should strive to understand the weakness of others. We know little of the heart trials of those who have been bound in chains of darkness and who lack resolution and moral power. Most pitiable is the condition of him who is suffering under remorse; he is as one stunned, staggering, sinking into the dust. He can see nothing clearly. The mind is beclouded, he knows not what steps to take. Many a poor soul is misunderstood, unappreciated, full of distress and agony--a lost, straying sheep. He cannot find God, yet he has an intense longing for pardon and peace.

"Oh, let no word be spoken to cause deeper pain! To the soul weary of a life of sin, but knowing not where to find relief, present the compassionate Saviour. Take him by the hand, lift him up, speak to him words of courage and hope. Help him to grasp the hand of the Saviour." {MH 166-168}

 

Hello My Friends in Christ,
As you can see there are three of us that want to participate in your Bible studies. We are all in a faith-based facility and we all love the Lord. I realize that your ministry is small but all three of us are indigent and we have nobody on the outside who supports us or even writes us. The only person we rely on is Jesus Christ. We are hoping that through your studies we can all grow in Christ. Please send us your booklet so we can study to be approved. We thank you for your ministry. It means a lot to us to know that somebody cares. It is only the Love of God that enables ministries such as yourself who helps inmates such as ourselves. We love you and thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your ministry. We apologize for not being able to help you financially. If you cannot afford to send us those booklets we will understand. Thank you so very much and may God bless your ministry with great abundance.
Bart, FL

 

Dear Ron,
Thank you for the enlightenment. I finally made my connection. I am a very avid student of the Bible and for the last few years I've discerned some major flaws in the traditional teachings and interpretations of Scripture. However, for me it had become so frustrating to have these types of discussions about Christianity. Based on a few memorized Scriptures I've found that people will tailor their interpretations to fit their sinful lifestyles. For me it all began with the letters of John. John didn't pull any punches. If you're a child of God you don't sin. Most Christians I know and pastors I've heard steer clear of these kinds of hard-line teachings and I'm looked upon as a misguided saint when I speak in this fashion. The reply goes always to the effect that "we all sin everyday and that won't change until we are resurrected in our 'new suits'". I don't know about everyone else but as of late, I am strongly convicted and highly confident in my walk and sin I abhor. It's sickening but I believe the big problem that exists in society today is that people don't know the true definition of sin and people tend to excuse what they think sin really is. Anyway my brother, this journey with you has begun as a new breath of fresh air. God bless your ministry. May He continue to provide and expand it.
Antoine, CA

 

Dear Mr. John,
I have finished the book you sent. Thank you. All is well here. A few bumps in the road. Sorry I haven't wrote. I have been in confinement and my property has been stored. I am hungry for more. The Great Controversy was unbelievable. What's next? Where do I go from here?
"Change Your Life Biblically" volume 4? Hope to hear from you soon.
Shawn, FL

 

Dear Brother John,
Thank you for responding to my request for your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I am anxious to learn of the answers you've found to life. I've always had God in my life but I haven't found all the answers. Your book is popular (as you must already know) at this prison. I am hearing a lot of controversy regarding it though and am very interested in reading what you have to say.
Allexy, CA

 

Dear Friends in Christ,
Hello. I'm writing to request the "Change Your Life Biblically" workbook. Hopefully it is still available.
Ernie, NV

 

Ron,
It is kind of cold right now because power went out completely yesterday afternoon. Even their backup transformer or generator was out so we had no light at all last night and no heat. I think it's about 15-20 degrees. I haven't heard from you in a while. Then I realized the last letter I sent you I had to send out in a card with a money voucher which for whatever reason takes a couple months. Maybe they use the Pony Express. I figured I would write again since I have write-outs now. Things are going well as far as spreading the truth. The Lord has opened doors and given me opportunities to explain the truth to many people. I mainly do it through writing seeing as the time we see each other is limited.
Peter, IL

 

Dear JCPM,
My name is Johnnie. I'm a reborn Christian in search of help with my walk with Christ. I came in contact with your address from a fellow brother whom is currently receiving Bible studies from you and became very interested. So if it's possible, I would like to know if I can receive help from you guys with spiritual literature and prayers.
Johnnie, CA

 

JCPM,
I am writing to say that I'm very interested in "Change Your Life Biblically". I always want to know the truth about God. I am a new man in Christ. I can't wait to receive it. I'll be waiting. Thank you and God bless you and your ministry.
Christopher, NV

 

JCPM,
My friend received your "Change Your Life Biblically". I would really love to receive one also that we can study together. Thank you so much.
Mary, CA

 

Dear Brother Ronald,
I write you this very short sincere letter to really thank you for writing to me and helping me to understand more about the dear Lord and to change my life. Would you please send me your book, "Change Your Life Biblically"? Right now I'm in ADSEG and do really need help and lots of prayers.
Virgil, AZ

 

To Whom It May Concern,
I am a growing Christian. I would like to receive my free book and any help you can aid me with. I am in a drug and alcohol program. Assistance will be totally appreciated.
Gregory, NV

 

Dear Jesus Christ Prison Ministry,
After a fellow inmate of mine gave me an introductory issue to read I kind of went into a state of shock when I read "That the Holy Spirit came to me and told me that we are going to write a book. He told me that He was going to dictate and direct the book to me." I knew that this is something special. I can't hardly wait to read your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I will send your JCPM whatever I can for your wonderful work for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sylvester, CA

 

To Whom It May Concern,
Enclosed is only 2 stamps. I know you asked for 10 but I'm honestly indigent. I had to trade my last indigent envelopes to be able to send these 2 stamps. God bless you if you can help. I will be honest and tell you I would love to be in your program and do your workbook and whatever else you have.
Christina, CA

Dear Ron,
I got your letter. I would like your book. I am considered indigent. I haven't had any $ in my account in over 3 months. I'm interested in what ever you offer for free to prisoners. I'm just trying to find peace of mind in this world of madness. I hate this place and I wake up more bitter and frustrated everyday. If you can bless me now, in the future I'll do my best to donate. I'm in the hole for a long stretch.
Brian, MI

 

Dear Mr. John,
I received your letter many months back. Sorry it took so long to write back to you. I'm returning one of your flyers that you mailed to me. I will need more flyers to put in the wall holders in the chapel. I'm Jewish and lead and teach Jewish services and studies. But I'm also a Jewish Messianic. I'm only allowed to lead and teach only one group at a time. But I will try to do what I can and when able to.
Karl, GA

 

JCPM,
My name is Michael. I'm writing to say I really enjoy your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I like how you break things down to where they are easily understandable. It cuts right to the chase. It opened my eyes to many things. I turned my buddy on to it and like myself, he enjoys sharing it with other people. Your book helps me now read the Bible with more enthusiasm and interest. I can't express how much this book has done for me.
Michael, CA

 

Dear Brother Ronald,
You ask that indigent prisoners write and be honest. I received your reply to the inquiry made on my behalf by another prisoner. Since age 18 I have spent a total of 27 months in the free world. I am currently 36 years of age. I'm going on my 6th year on a 32 year bid. My dad died a few months prior to my birth. My mom turned into a full time drunk. Life was not easy for us. I joined a disruptive group at an early age. I've had a few jobs here and there. A year and a half ago the saving grace of our Lord Jesus found me - a lost and misguided adult-child of Christ. I have no friends in the outside world. I feel the world has forgotten about me. I feel all alone and abandoned by society.
Dougal, WA

 

Dear Ronald,
God bless you. I want you to know I am so sorry. Please forgive me. I hope it never happens again. I have decided to do all I can to promote your book. I have always given it high praise upon my fellow inmates. Now I will do all I can to put it in the hands of every inmate in Colorado's system. I hope your book catches hold of Colorado like it has in California. I hope you know that without you I would still be living in darkness. Your sort of the father of my transformation. Your book opened my eyes. I am eternally grateful to you. Ron, I know by first hand experience the power of your book. The trick to some people is as simple as getting them to read it. The more your book shows up here, the more people will read it.
James, CO (he sent me 80 names)

 

Dear Brother Ronald,
I was able to get 10 stamps as per your letter requesting them. Thank you for talking interest and time in answering my calling to God since I am beginning to study the Word of God. Thank you for taking valuable time out of your day to answer and to send me a workbook. A fellow Christian gave me the stamps to send to you as a gift to me.
Dennis, CA

 

Hello,
I hope this note reaches you in good health and happiness. I would like to request to be sent the book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I am in prison until the end of the year and am a new Christian and am using my time here to grow spiritually.
Launa, CA

 

Dear Ronald,
I thank you for sending me this book. It has opened my eyes to a whole new spiritual life. I found out things about the Ten Commandments I never new. Especially about the Sabbath and what day we should keep holy. Since I've received this book a change in my heart has occurred. It is wonderful that you teach the truth: keep the Ten Commandments and stop sinning, because that's what I'm trying to do. "Change Your Life Biblically" has changed my life and I thank you for finding a way to get these books to us. I'm getting close to release and I was wondering if when I get out I could send you some kind of financial help the best that I can to help get these books to more inmates. I was caught up in believing Sunday worship was the truth, but now I know better. Thanks to you.
Brian, CA

 

Dear Ron,
Thank you so much for this study. I am a new Christian and a lot of what you teach in this book has answered me spiritually as they are points I have had issues with in the past. The churches like to complicate it all and you have simply stated facts I can understand and relate with. I am training for fire camp so I will be paroled towards the end of the year and I will be eager to go where God sends me. I have no family or children so I am free to go where the Lord sees fit. I would love to get a web page since I have no one to send me letters or help me while I wait for a pay slot. I hope to hear from you soon.
Launa, CA

 

Ron,
Hi, always good to hear from you. I was sorry to hear about your mother. It seems as though you received a lot of love and encouragement from her. You wrote a very nice piece about her in your newsletter. It was good of the Lord to allow you the time you had together. I'm sure you will get support and encouragement from other sources. Ministry in here is going pretty well. Actually a lot of times people will give me an opening mainly about telling them of the Sabbath. A lot of people ask me about if I watch religious programs on TV. I let them know I don't because their understanding is limited according to the Bible: Psalm 111:10. Those people may know the Bible real well, they can quote all kinds of scriptures and know stories, but they won't understand properly. They expect us to learn from them? I don't think so. I explain to them that it's very obvious the Sabbath command is one of the commandments and we have these people telling us we don't have to observe it! They like to say we can observe any day as long as it's one day a week. I tell them not so. The Lord told us to keep the Sabbath holy. He made it holy and He expects us to keep it that way. We can't keep any day holy if it wasn't made holy to begin with. Besides that, it identifies who God's people are. As Exodus 31:13 says. If we don't keep the Sabbath we obviously don't belong to Him. A lot of those TV evangelists don't even follow God. And they expect to lead others to Him? They don't even belong to God. Well, as you can see, that opens the door for me so I can explain other lies that have been thrown our way. Sure, these people say some good things (when they read out of the Bible) but that is the same way Satan operates. He mixes truth with lies. God can only give us truth. Basically there are some people who understand this, but most like the comfort of going along with the crowd. I've noticed one thing over the years, people who don't like what I say I can see their conscience bothers them because they know I'm right. They see my devotion to the Lord and they can't handle it. They feel guilty. I can't help that. I just do what I know is right. I tell and explain things of God to people. It's entirely up to them if they want to adhere.
Peter, IL

 

Hi,
I would like to request "Change Your Life Biblically". My cellie borrowed it from a friend of his. I didn't get a chance to read it. This is my first time in prison.
Jeremy, CA

 

Brother Ronald John,
Thank you so much for responding to my letter. Let me start by saying I thank all of you at JCPM for the wonderful work you are doing in the name of our Lord Jesus. I look forward to possibly being able to receive your Bible study. If you would be able to send me the study so I could get started, I would be very glad to reimburse you as soon as I return to work. With that being said, I thank you and look forward to spending time with Jesus Christ in and through all walks of life.
Kenneth, CO

 

Dear Brother Ronald John,
I want to take this time to thank you for the book, "Change Your Life Biblically". Now I'm going to include an hour of my Bible study time to this book. I shared the extra forms that you sent me with the Christian brothers here to help spread the good news of our Lord.
Marcos, CA

 

Dear Brother Ronald John,
I received my certificate today. Thank you. It is very nice. I have totally enjoyed participating in this Bible study. I pray it has just begun. You have a unique way of showing clearly the simple truth of the Word of God. I hope you do have other topics that you have covered that you are able to send me to study. The way you explained Daniel. The way you explained the Revelations, Romans 3 and 7 as compared to 6 and 8 really has opened my vision to the reading of God's Word. The poor book is falling apart. I'm gong through it so much. But that's OK. The Word is Alive in me. Any other topics you have ready to be sent, please send them to me. I am hungry for more. I have totally enjoyed this certificate process with you and I don't want it to end. Let's do a "post" certificate program. This program of yours is my blessing.
Thank you for the program and your prayers.
Harold, CA

 

JCPM,
Hello. My name is Timothy. I am waiting to go to prison. Someone let me read your introductory issue and I would like to know if you can send me "Change Your Life Biblically". I need all the help I can get and what better help than from God.
Timothy, GA

 

To Whom It May Concern,
I wrote you in July of last year concerning your 'Change Your Life Biblically' book. I was not able to purchase a book but a fellow inmate gave me his to read while he was here. When he left he took his book with him. I am in the same position as before. I don't have the means to purchase one or send any stamps. Do you have any used books that you would be willing to send? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I love God and enjoy learning all I can about the Bible.
Steven, CA

 

Dear Brother Ron,
Great to hear from you brother. I am happy that you are sending out more books than you have. I pray I learn the lessons you are learning. How to trust in God and just give it all we have to help where we can. But the fact no money is coming in shows the world no longer wants truth. They want a safe world without removing the wickedness that is within them. You are right brother, we need to trust and not worry. I am over joyed when at least one man desires to learn because I want to learn and practice truth with him. The Lord has blessed. I will boast of what He has done. I have been praying in earnest to lay down sin and turn full tilt to our Savior. I have been asking about putting up a flyer to let other inmates know the Holy Spirit has arrived in the cell house and how I may help them listen to Him and turn to Jesus. Then in my leadership class I believe the Lord answered because I have to do a project about inspiring others to a cause. Since it is a Christian leadership course we are learning that leaders are to be servants. So I took this opportunity to ask some brothers if they would like to join with Jesus and share the "Change Your Life Biblically" book with the whole cell house. So with the Lord's help I made over 200 of my own flyers and we came to God to ask for hearts to be opened and ready to receive who wanted to receive and to bless our journey. Not because we had to do this, but because we wanted to do this out of love for our God and our fellow man. So brother, you should be getting many book requests. I believe the time of Jacob's trouble is closer than ever. My heart feels anguish now as I write this. I need to learn to lay down my life for my friends. You are right brother. Our simple little duty is to obey the Master. We have no strength, so we must go to Him even to do that. To me it makes sense. How can God let someone who wants to willingly rebel into heaven? It makes no sense to let willingly disobedient beings live forever. A fellow inmate stopped by my cell who I converse with every once in a while. We were talking of current events. I mentioned the fact that before to long we will probably be without electricity and many of our "conveniences". This thought produced fear in him because he just couldn't fathom the thought of being without his TV or florescent light. I used the conversation to steer him to think about what he is putting his hope in. Because putting our hopes into man's technology and economies will produce no lasting fruit. The Holy Spirit does awesome work when I learn to sit down, shut up and obey. Patience and kind words work miracles through God. I need to remove thorns from my speech
Preston, IN

 

"Had the Israelites obeyed the instruction they received, and profited by their advantages, they would have been the world's object lesson of health and prosperity. If as a people they had lived according to God's plan, they would have been preserved from the diseases that afflicted other nations. Above any other people they would have possessed physical strength and vigor of intellect. They would have been the mightiest nation on the earth. God said:
"'Thou shalt be blessed above all people.' Deuteronomy 7:14.

"'The Lord hath avouched thee this day to be His peculiar people, as He hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all His commandments; and to make thee high above all nations which He hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the Lord thy God, as He hath spoken.' Deuteronomy 26:18, 19.

"'And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.'" Deuteronomy 28:2-6. {MH 283-284}

Thank you folks for your love and support of this little ministry. It has been 15 years now since the Lord dictated the book, "Change Your Life Biblically" to me. 15 years of living in faith each day as I send out the books and answer every inmate who writes me. But with less than $3,000 a month in donations, we have developed a debt. Folks, we need help. It appears at this time that we will be sending twice as many books this year as we did last year. But folks, that means we need twice the donations. Your help is needed! Thank you.
JCPM