PRAISE THE LORD
Prison Mission Report
Dear Family in Christ:
"We are saved by hope." Romans 8:24. The fallen must be led to feel that it is not too late for them to be men. Christ honored man with His confidence and thus placed him on his honor. Even those who had fallen the lowest He treated with respect. It was a continual pain to Christ to be brought into contact with enmity, depravity, and impurity; but never did He utter one expression to show that His sensibilities were shocked or His refined tastes offended. Whatever the evil habits, the strong prejudices, or the overbearing passions of human beings, He met them all with pitying tenderness. As we partake of His Spirit, we shall regard all men as brethren, with similar temptations and trials, often falling and struggling to rise again, battling with discouragements and difficulties, craving sympathy and help. Then we shall meet them in such a way as not to discourage or repel them, but to awaken hope in their hearts. As they are thus encouraged, they can say with confidence, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me." He will "plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness." Micah 7:8, 9.
God "looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
He fashioneth their hearts alike."
Psalm 33:14, 15.
He bids us, in dealing with the tempted and the erring, consider "thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Galatians 6:1. With a sense of our own infirmities, we shall have compassion for the infirmities of others.
"Who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? "One is your Master; . . . and all ye are brethren." "Why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?" "Let us not therefore judge one another: . . . but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way." 1 Corinthians 4:7; Matthew 23:8; Romans 14:10, 13. {MH 165-166}
Dear Brother Ron,
It has been a little while since I last wrote. I ran out of stamps and that is one of the many reasons for the delay in my letter writing. I still haven’t watched all of the DVDs all the way through. I had several presentations to get together for classes and now I feel I am getting the run-a-round to get access to a DVD player to watch them. You see, a couple of inmates who run the computer lab caught wind that a couple of the DVDs were about Ellen White. I was confronted by one and he right away told me she was a heretic. I said "No, just a follower of Jesus and His way." I began to try to calmly share truth with him. Ever since then though, it is like they are trying to keep me from viewing the DVDs. But God works for His truth and I got around all of that and began to enjoy watching them again. Hopefully it will last a while. Let’s see what else to report. A couple of weeks ago a Christian brother asked me to come down to the flag for Bible studies. As the days went by we just read different passages we all had been studying and just praying some together Then I slowly started to share some CYLB with them and then that is when things started to change. The righteous are always misunderstood. But I continued to persevere and with God’s help we are starting to get some unity back to our little meeting. A brother is starting to spend a little one on one time with me. I think he is beginning to "see" the reason for why I do not gather in "church" on Sunday. That letter I have from Pope John Paul II really helps guys see that the "church" really claims to have authority to change God’s Commandments. This really makes them think. So with persistent prayer and God’s help I hope the men can truly understand what it means for Christians to gather together. I keep directing my family to the teachings of Jesus and praying for them.
Preston, IN
Dear JCPM,
I would like a copy of "Change Your Life Biblically". Please! I am desperately trying to change my life and surrender everything to the Lord. This book will help me tremendously.
Antonio, CA
Dear John,
I received your letter where you ask me what I had been reading and learning. First, let me tell you thank you for your helping me. Second, I want to tell you that I speak Spanish and read and write in Spanish. But lately my English skills are working better than ever before. I still use my English-Spanish dictionary some times. I thank God for make me decide to start writing in English. So if you find errors, please understand. The workbook is very good. I looked up all the texts in the first lesson and everything talks about faith "act". So we cannot say that we have faith in God if we do the wrong. Now I understand why you say that faith is an act and I never see it that way before.
Francisco, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
Sorry for the late response. I know that I could be doing better. It’s a daily battle and I find myself at times losing sight of Jesus and focusing too much on myself. Foolish of me, huh!? I read the quotation from sister White and the Spirit bonked me in the head. I’m like a dummy that needs a reminding over and over again. On the bright side, we are still studying together every day and we’re on Daniel 7 where you are giving us history lessons. Many of it seems to fly right over the brothers head but I’m trying hard to show them the importance of history in connection with prophecy and its fulfillment. I’m trying hard to make it a little more fun with maps. I guess history just isn’t as interesting as other topics. I could see that they are learning and having fun at the same time which gives me great joy. At times I can’t help but to laugh at their zeal for the Lord. I’m reminded of my early infancy and the zeal I use to have. Maybe I need more reminding because as you’ve probably noticed, my zeal for the Lord seems to have diminished with time. I have good days but it just isn’t the same any more. That’s why I gave the brothers an acronym to remind each other. EDSD: Examine ourselves, Die to our fleshly desires, Surrender all to Jesus, Daily.
Timmy, CA
Dear Ron,
Thank you for your book. It has opened my eyes to many things I had to unlearn. I am reading it again as every time through it I pick up more and more. It really is changing my life and my thinking. I am currently reading your book for the 4th time. I spend a lot of time going from one Bible to another trying to get through each one’s own interpretation. Your book is very easy to read and understand. Thank you very much.
Ben, CA
Brother Ron,
I received your introduction letter and pamphlets and still waiting on your book. I hear a lot of good things about it from people who have it. I’m really looking forward to receiving it especially that I’m here in the hole.
Matthew, CA
Dear JCPM,
I am writing to get a copy of your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I paged through it in our chapel and I would very much like my own copy. Thank you for making this available to us.
Stacy, OR
Dear Brother Ronald John,
I recently received your workbook. This is a precious and amazing book. I agree with everything that you say and teach. I believe what the Holy Bible teaches about the Holy Sabbath and the Christian life. Before I was a Catholic - a pagan. I was believing everything they teach me in the Catholic church. But it is more tradition than the Bible truth. Now I am so glad that I know now that truth and I believe completely in the Holy Word of God. By the way, me and other Christian brothers are a little group of 15 and we get together. Most of us just read Spanish. Can you send your book in Spanish, please?
Jose, CA
Folks, I wish we had the book in Spanish. It is about half way translated. It is hard finding volunteers to do the translation. It has been in the "translation" process for over 10 years. Is there someone out there who would love to dedicate their translations skills to the Lord and finish the book? Thank you.
Jesus Christ Prison Ministry,
I am indigent. I have no support. I’m writing you to ask for one of your books, "Change Your Life Biblically". A friend of mine gave me one of your flyers and I have read some of your book and I like it a lot. It has opened my eyes even more. To see it written this way is pretty cool. I have to say, it has helped me understand the Bible a lot more.
Malachi, CA
Dear Ron,
Brother I just arrived here. I am looking at 11 years. I have 11 years to get to know my Creator much better and to trust Him completely. I’ve given it all to Jesus Christ. I can’t do it on my own. I’ve finally realized it. You think you can send me your Bible study book so I can get some wisdom and understanding. I’m indigent and no one is looking out for me.
Michael, CA
Hi,
I hope this letter finds you well. A fellow inmate lent me his "Change Your Life Biblically" book last night. I have decided I want to try and obtain my own copy and start the new year off right. Although I have no money at the moment, I am offering to donate two envelopes in hopes you will be able to help me receive a copy of this book.
Noah, CA
Hi,
This is about the best book I have ever read that breaks the Bible and its meaning down to simple, understandable terms. Thank you. I believe that everything does work for the good to those who love the Lord and by my being incarcerated right here, right now, I believe I found the truth to eternal life in the Word through your help and that makes it all worth while. To find the truth makes this time here a blessing.
Harold, CA
To JCPM,
I recently found two separate editions of your newsletters and would very much like to receive a copy of your "Change Your Life Biblically" workbook. Also, if possible to be placed on your mailing list to receive your newsletters and other material. I often receive a lot of conflicting views of Christianity, Sabbath worship, end-of-world vies, tribulations, rapture, cult and new age teachings, papal worship and other arguments and am in search of the real truth about "religion". I am hoping your workbook will help me find answers to life’s major questions.
Jeff, FL
To Whom it May Concern,
I loved your book. It meant a lot to me. I read it every day and it changed my life. But when I left my cell for dinner I came back and it wasn’t in my cell. Someone stole it right out of my cell. I know you are short on funds there, but is there any way you can send me a new one? I am just becoming a new believer and am doing life in prison and have no support or funds. I am terribly sorry.
John, CA
Dear Sir,
I am writing to ask about receiving a book called, "Change Your Life Biblically". I recently saw the book and found it very interesting and inspiring. However, I never got to read clear through it.
Achilles, CA
Dear Servants of Jesus Christ,
I hear so many men being blessed here in prison by this ministry. I would like to ask for a Bible study.
Luis, CA
Dear Sir,
I want to thank you for this opportunity to enroll in your Bible study. It is my prayer that I get as much as I can from it.
Anthony, CA
Brother Ron,
Well, sometime around the end of 2009 you sent me a "Change Your Life Biblically" book. I read it a few times from cover to cover. I do remember in one of your letters you saying don’t give it to anyone. But after reading it two times cover to cover, I thought I knew it all. I let someone use it and something happened to him and I lost it about five months ago. I have a good friend who told me write to you and tell you what had happened and ask for another book. I want to send you some stamps but with it being right after Christmas and all I’m going through rough times with money and all. So if you could send me another CYLB I will send in a book of stamps when I get back on my feet.
Jack, IN
Dear Ronald John,
I am indigent. I’m sorry. I would really like a workbook, "Change Your Life Biblically". I’m really trying to change my life. I am 50 years old. Inside my heart and mind I know God is the way to do this. I need help. I’ve never asked nobody for nothing. I could always make out OK. But I’m asking you for this book. Please send me one. I’ll stay in touch by writing you and let you know when I get a prison job and will send you a check.
Tyler, CO
To Whom It May Concern,
I’m doing 2 years for a robbery. Since coming to prison I’ve given my life to Christ. I would like your free Bible study. I want to learn all about Jesus.
Ronald, CA
Jesus Christ Prison Ministry,
I’m doing 15 years in prison. A friend told me about your Bible study, "Change Your Life Biblically". I would like to do your Bible study. I’m a Christian and I’m trying to educate myself as much as I can about God before I get out. I will be looking forward to completing your Bible study.
Matthew, AZ
JCPM,
One of the inmates that also became a good Christian friend showed me the "Change Your Life Biblically" workbook. He allowed me to read it for awhile. It really caught my attention on the true facts of the Word. Specially on the Sabbath. Because I also believe that’s the day the Lord said to keep it holy. Many inmates don’t agree. It’s Sunday to them. But I believe what the Word of God says. So I’m asking if you can please send me one "Change Your Life Biblically" workbook. I had to give the other one back to the inmate friend since it was his. All I could donate was 2 envelopes. I’m indigent at this time. I really would love to have one of my own to help me learn more and understand the Bible better.
Daniel, CA
JCPM,
All I can really say about your workbook is, "WOW!" What an eye opener. I’m requesting another one because I want to give the one that was given to me to the chaplain (the guy who leads the Christian church) here. I went to church here and after it was over I went up and asked him what day he considered the Sabbath to be. He told me it’s normally celebrated on Sunday. So I asked him that doesn’t the Bible say it is on Saturday? He told me that the Old Testament says that but that the New Testament doesn’t say that and we are not any longer under the law but under grace. I wanted to cry. So I pray he will read your workbook. I’m going to try to give it to him today. I hope to hear from you soon.
Malinda, CA
Dear Brother Ronald John,
I truly can appreciate the knowledge your book is bringing me in my search for the truth. I am and will continue to search out your book for more understanding of how to approach, read and receive for application the true word of God in the Bible. How am I putting this learning into practice in my life right now? I am first following the Ten Commandments so that I do not disqualify myself. I am totally trusting and depending on God’s Word in my life. I have talked to and shared the information I have received from you to inmates and staff alike. Whoever I am able to talk with. I have written down the "New" revelations given to me through your book and related them in writing to all of my family members. My wife and sons who attend Sunday worshiping churches. I also contacted some brothers in Christ I served with in my church.
Harold, CA
Dear Brother Ronald John,
I gladly received your most welcomed letter. It found me in God’s tender care as I pray that my letter finds you in God’s care. I am doing a 19 year sentence that I came to prison for. I barely started my term in 2010. I fought my case for 3 1/2 years and with the help of our Lord I got 19 years instead of 40 to life. I’m an X-gang member and after 30 years of this life style I decided to turn my life over to God fully while I was in jail.
Marcos, CA
Dear JCPM,
I came upon your ministry from a fellow Christian brother. I read your letter and information that was included. I would like to participate in any of all your courses. So please whatever I need to send in order to obtain your letter and courses, I can do.
Randall, CA
Greetings to Jesus Christ Prison Ministry,
I received a copy of "Change Your Life Biblically" about two weeks ago that I had requested. This book is off the chain. Awesome. Can’t wait for you to write another one. I’ve showed your book to several inmates here in different pods of the jail. They asked me to request from you a copy of the book. I have sent the names to you.
Jeffrey, VA
Dear JCPM,
I am writing because I’m interested in what you have to offer. My roommate has previously purchased your book and has been actively writing you. She loaned me these stamps I have enclosed along with mine and my friend’s application whom is indigent. Can you please find it to give us both books and also since we are all in the same room material to start a study group?
Shyla, CA
Dear Ron,
I was referred by my cellie about Jesus Christ Prison Ministry and how great was the book he got. I am very interested in "Change Your Life Biblically". I’m willing to change my life and accept the Lord of Christ. So please send an issue and more to me. I want to be a part of it.
David, AL
Dear Ron,
I just received your newsletter with the death of your mother. I would like to say I’m so very sorry that you have had her pass away because it is evident how special she is to you. I have been fortunate to receive joy and a new found hope from doing your Bible study. I want to say, "Thank you". I don’t know how to say this, but trusting in God and concentrating on the priorities of my life have really made me see more clearly. "Be still and know I am God". I don’t follow the crowd and I can see how angry they are but I don’t find the joy and happiness in them as I do in Jesus. Ron, I am so happy to be no longer addicted to drugs. My whole outlook has changed and like the brothers I share what has been given to me. Thank you Ron for your love and compassion in shining your light so others can see the Light. You will be greatly rewarded in Heaven.
Angelina, CA
Dear Brother Ronald,
The battle at this prison is still raging hard. There is a spirit of disunity and disfellowship over here. It seems like nobody likes to come to Bible study and fellowship. Almost all the time I have to go and "drag" the brothers to have study. They always (it seems) have to use the bathroom or get on the phone at that time and as a result there are days we end up not having Bible study. I guess there are days we just can’t help because of work and time schedule. So I try to give the brothers some homework so they can get in the habit of spending time with God. Like you said, so that we don’t forget the One who gives us power, wisdom and energy. I still struggle which says that I haven’t died in Christ completely. I still have pride issues and I allow myself to compromise because more of me lives than Jesus in my life. My spirit is grieved because I know how far I have allowed myself to fall and feel comfortable. It’s so easy to lose focus because I keep looking around instead of looking up. I got tired of being the only one that tried to live the perfect life and nobody here to encourage me. All I got was criticism as being a legalist and had to defend His doctrine of purity day in and day out. And when I grew tired and needed some words of encouragement - there was none. I want to cry because I feel so lonely. I’m frustrated and tired and feel weak. Not to make an excuse for my compromise but its definitely a leading reason. Sigh, so you see, I need more prayer than anybody else. OK, sorry this letter is a little depressing but I write with confidence that your response will rebuke and encourage me. :-)
Timmy, CA
Dear Brother Ron,
Hooray! More books than you can make are going out. That means that demand is great and our Lord is about to do a miracle for His people. This also means we are doing our duty. Good to hear from you brother. You sound good. Well, after I wrote a note witnessing to the truth, my Saturday class was dropped and I started a different class. Praise God. If the Lord needs me to continue in college then I will do it without desecrating the Sabbath with His help. For now though, the "teaching group" here in the cell house is still pretty small. Which is good. We are all still slow to learn. God has weeded out some. It has been an interesting few months as I have shared the teachings of Jesus. I pray we truly start to bear some fruit for God. I am finally just doing it God’s way. Praying more and letting God do His will and not the other way around. I began to devour the "Systematic Theology" book. I have been shocked and appalled. Brother, the churches have now taken the grace of God and divided it into two categories: "Common grace" and "saving grace", according to scriptures taken out of context. Jesus never taught such things. But since we are "saved by grace" according to the churches, it has to be divided up into different categories since the Bible clearly teaches that "not all" will be saved. Any one with sense would see that if something is unmerited it is given to all breathing and liven men. If something is unmerited it also means it is not able to save eternally. Something else decides that: obedience. So this teaching is deceptive and basically says it is OK if we sin. Crazy. Thank God for His true teaching. The reason I wrote this down is to let you know that this statement made me study even harder to understand the concepts of Justification and Sanctification because this quote is crazy. Any "smart" criminal knows that if the judge justifies him and lets him free from the prison he cannot keep breaking the law or he will be condemned and thrown back into prison. The Bible says the same thing. Those who sin will be cut off. The problem is known and unknown sin. I think this is the confusion Again, Paul says that no man is without excuse. I can see this Theological class is going to be interesting. Most of what I read in the book sounds great to itchy ears and people trying to justify their sinful life. It really saddens me. Hearing other ideas and teachings will help me understand how to approach others and ask them why they are using scripture as an excuse to commit sin. Using scripture to make excuses to sin is deadly. Brother, I am now starting to see just how easily sin deceives. Lord help us. Also, it seems the churches have taken "justification" and made it eternal life. Brother I am still learning and growing in righteousness.
Preston, IN
"A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine." Proverbs 17:22. Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God’s love and care--these are health’s greatest safeguard. To the Israelites they were to be the very keynote of life.
The journey made three times a year to the annual feasts at Jerusalem, the week’s sojourn in booths during the Feast of Tabernacles, were opportunities for outdoor recreation and social life. These feasts were occasions of rejoicing, made sweeter and more tender by the hospitable welcome given to the stranger, the Levite, and the poor.
"Rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you." Deuteronomy 26:11.
So, in later years, when the law of God was read in Jerusalem to the captives returned from Babylon, and the people wept because of their transgressions, the gracious words were spoken:
"Mourn not. . . . Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:9, 10. {MH 281}
The first week in August my son and I went on a "missionary trip" to Washington. In this months newsletter we have an updated "Lives Being Changed" DVD. God bless you for all your love and support of this little ministry. May this updated DVD inspire all of you.
My son Jeff came home the first of July. He finally gave his heart to Jesus. It has been a long 12 years. He has made the commitment to make this ministry his life. I praise God for his dedication. He is working hard at redoing our web site. It should be awesome when we are done with it. We are also continuing putting together DVDs to help each of you in your missionary and witnessing programs.
Love in Christ,
JCPM