"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?... there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Luke 15:4, 7

Pug-behindneewsletters

Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and cloth you? when did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me." Matthew 25:37-40

PRAISE THE LORD

Prison Mission Report!

Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ,

"In the region of Christ’s ministry were many of these sufferers, and as the news of His work reached them, there is one in whose heart faith begins to spring up. If he could go to Jesus he might be healed. But how can he find Jesus? Doomed as he is to perpetual isolation, how can he present himself to the Healer? And will Christ heal him? Will He not, like the Pharisees, and even the physicians pronounce a curse upon him and warn him to flee from the haunts of men?

"He thinks of all that has been told him of Jesus. Not one who has sought His help has been turned away. The wretched man determines to find the Saviour. Though shut out from the cities, it may be that he can cross His path in some byway along the mountain roads, or find Him as He is teaching outside the towns. The difficulties are great, but this is his only hope.

"Standing afar off, the leper catches a few words from the Saviour’s lips. He sees Him laying His hands upon the sick. He sees the lame, the blind, the paralytic, and those dying of various maladies rise up in health, praising God for deliverance. His faith strengthens. Nearer and yet nearer he approaches to the listening throng. The restrictions laid upon him, the safety of the people, the fear with which all men regard him, are alike forgotten. He thinks only of the blessed hope of healing.

"He is a loathsome spectacle. The disease has made frightful inroads, and his decaying body is horrible to look upon. At sight of him the people fall back. In their terror they crowd upon one another to escape from contact with him. Some try to prevent him from approaching Jesus, but in vain. He neither sees nor hears them. Their expressions of loathing are lost upon him. He sees only the Son of God, he hears only the voice that speaks life to the dying.

"Pressing to Jesus, he casts himself at His feet with the cry, ‘Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.’

"Jesus replies, ‘I will; be thou clean,’ and lays His hand upon him. Matthew 8:2, 3.

"Immediately a change passes over the leper. His blood becomes healthy, the nerves sensitive, the muscles firm. The unnaturally white, scaly surface peculiar to leprosy disappears; and his flesh becomes as the flesh of a little child. . . .

"‘When this man came to Jesus, he was ‘full of leprosy,’ Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin-- deep-rooted, deadly, impossible to be cleansed by human power. ‘The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores.’ Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence was healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, ‘Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean,’ shall hear the answer, ‘I will; be thou clean.’ . . . {MH 68-70}

"Jesus looked upon the distressed and heart-burdened, those whose hopes were blighted, and who with earthly joys were seeking to quiet the longing of the soul, and He invited all to find rest in Him.

"Tenderly He bade the toiling people, ‘Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.’ Matthew 11:29.

"In these words, Christ was speaking to every human being. Whether they know it or not, all are weary and heavy-laden. All are weighed down with burdens that only Christ can remove. The heaviest burden that we bear is the burden of sin. If we were left to bear this burden, it would crush us. But the Sinless One has taken our place. ‘The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.’ Isaiah 53:6.

"He has borne the burden of our guilt. He will take the load from our weary shoulders. He will give us rest. The burden of care and sorrow also He will bear. He invites us to cast all our care upon Him; for He carries us upon His heart.

"The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He looks upon every soul who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour. He knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations; for He was ‘in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.’ Hebrews 4:15. He is watching over you, trembling child of God. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded? He will heal. The Lord ‘telleth the number of the stars;’ and yet ‘He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.’ Psalm 147:4, 3.

" . . .Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be open for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon your Burden Bearer.

"Circumstances may separate friends; the restless waters of the wide sea may roll between us and them. But no circumstances, no distance, can separate us from the Saviour. Wherever we may be, He is at our right hand, to support, maintain, uphold, and cheer. Greater than the love of a mother for her child is Christ’s love for His redeemed. It is our privilege to rest in His love, to say, ‘I will trust Him; for He gave His life for me.’ Human love may change, but Christ’s love knows no change. When we cry to Him for help, His hand is stretched out to save." {MH 71-72}

God Bless you Brother Ron,

Each time I read your book I feel my mind and body getting wiser and wiser in my obedience with Jesus. Thank you young man and know that you are truly God sent. And may God keep you alert so His saints can continue to learn from you.

Rocky, CA

Hello Ron,

I still haven’t watched all of your DVD yet. Time in the chapel library is hard to come by. Then you have to hope the TV and DVD are available. I am trying to view it first and log time with topics so that when I am able to start my group I can bounce around and stay on one topic. I like your DVD. It has a good message just like your book. I look back to a year ago when I was in the county and all depressed. Now I look at myself and feel so blessed that God is working in my life and how much I’ve grown. Your book has been a big part of my growth, I wanted you to know that. I am making a point of focusing more on Jesus.

Daniel, CA

Dear Ronald John,

I am currently doing time. My cellmate Gilberto was telling me about your workbook called, "Change Your Life Biblically". I was impressed with some of the things that I read. I have never been able to understand the Bible. I’m enclosing 10 stamps for your workbook. Thank you for your time. Can you please add my name to your mailing list so I could receive your newsletter?

Ernesto, SC

Dear Brother John,

I am writing to you with hopes of receiving your workbook, "Change Your Life Biblically". I would like to receive this workbook. I am looking to change my life. I just have a problem with taking the wrong paths in life. I guess I have been searching for the wrong things. I am at a point now in my life that I have got to change my life. The paths that I have been taking are nothing but "dead ends". A fellow inmate gave me your info and told me to write you.

Keith, GA

Dear Ronald,

I get a lot out of the book. Things I can use in conversations with other men. I’m learning and what’s nice, I’m putting it into practice with talking and sharing with others. I’m learning to follow Jesus by reading "Change Your Life Biblically".

Marc, CA

Dear Ronald,

I would like to thank you for the wonderful workbook I received. It was a blessing and I enjoyed the lessons. There were lots of topics that drew my interest. This book showed me many things I had not know before. This workbook has helped me move closer to the Lord. It has touched my life in a big way.

Michael, CA

Dear Brother,

The Bible study is much more complicated than I expected. I’ll be honest, I thought I’d be able to breeze through it and get all the answers right and get put on the pen-pal web site. It is much more than that. It took me a couple of days to realize it. But from what I have gone through, I was surprised.

Gilbert, TX

Dear Brother Ron,

I can’t even tell you how excited I am to be able to write you so soon to order your book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I shared my excitement with some of my sisters in Christ and they are so excited as I am. Money for me is a little tight so I am going with payment option # 2 (ask 2 inmates to order their books along with their stamps with the order for my book.) I hope that is okay. Enclosed you will find my application and 2 of my sisters applications and their stamps. We all are looking forward to receiving the books. I plan to share information about your ministry with our chaplain. Please send me more applications. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Ronda, CA

JCPM,

Thank you for your offer to be a part of your Bible studies. I am very excited about hearing from you so please hurry, hurry.

Jesus, CA

Dear Brother Ronald,

I received your letter last week and it’s always nice to hear from you. I didn’t know you were a comedian. That was pretty funny though. Actually, I have been enjoying this quiet time reading this wonderful book here at SHU. I would like to tell you a little about myself. My parents brought me to the US when I was ten years old. After two years here in the US my father left my mother for another woman. I grew up in Los Angeles and ran wild without no guidance for many years. My mother used to pay me twenty dollars every time I went to church. The church was a small Hispanic Pentecostal church. Ever since I was fifteen I have longed and prayed to God for some type of life changing transformation that never happened. I didn’t know I personally had to workout my salvation. I went to prison 11 times and have been to Federal prison three times for illegal entry into the US. The sin in my life caused me to be separated from my loved ones. Every time I get released I get deported back to my native country of Mexico. I get tempted to be with my family and I keep coming back. Since I have no family in Mexico, it’s hard to get accustomed to a country where you don’t have anybody and that you don’t know. The Lord gave me seven beautiful children and they are getting older. If you could, please send two books to each of the addresses below. They are my family. I want God to fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Gilbert, SC

Dear Brother Ronald John,

I’ve been staying real busy educating myself and helping others as much as I possibly can. I enjoy reading the book. Slowly but surely I’m learning a lot as well. This book explains it real clearly. Enclosed I am sending you the 10 stamps I said I would send as soon as I got them. I do apologize for the delay.

Christian, CA

HI,

I Just wanted to thank you for what you’re doing to help spread the Word of God. I enjoyed your book. I am rereading it right now. Here is a small donation to help spread the Word. I hope to be able to help more later.

Jesus, CA (non-inmate)

To a Brother in Christ,

I was transferred and yes, I want the book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I am completely indigent and I have no money or stamps to send. I hustle in here and many times I do get stamps and as God as my witness I promise as soon as I get 10 stamps I will send you them for the book. Can you please send the book? I want to shine for Jesus so could you send me the workbook?

John, CA

To Whom It May Concern,

I recently picked up your book, "Change Your Life Biblically" that somebody had set down for a moment to check out. I came across the address of where to write to get my own personal book. So would you please send me a copy of "Change Your Life Biblically"? In the mean time I am able to read and use this one from time to time. I have been reading this one particular issue and it has been found to be very interesting so far. So please send me my own issue of this book.

Terrance, CA

Hi,

Can you please send me "Change Your Life Biblically"? I read a little bit in the county but never got a chance to finish it because it was my cellie’s. I have been studying the Bible now for nine months and have an honest desire to learn more. I am open minded and pay no attention to traditional beliefs. If God will, maybe I can also be a part of your ministry.

Luis, CA

Dear Ronald John,

Hello. I’ve been doing the worksheets and I have to tell you, they are the hardest studies I have ever done. It takes me a long time and lots of thought and back-study to do and I still screwed up on the dates of the reigns of the empires that the statue in Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. I have a huge blue NKJV study Bible that has come in very handy dealing with the question of where and when. I can see why your book is making such a big splash. I do believe it was divinely inspired. I think you have the best explanation of what is in Revelation that I ever read. I did believe in the "grace" salvation for a long time because it was the easy path to take. I had a hard time with your book at first because it is hard to accept that one MUST CHANGE. It makes sense because why would anyone want my old sinful nature in such a place as heaven? You point right at the scriptures they use to propitiate their masquerade. That went a long way towards convincing me. So now I am traveling that narrow road which leads to eternity with Him. I’m sure I’ll see you there. Thanks for everything. It’s really sad to think about how many people are lost because of the false teachings of "grace". It is really hard to tell them anything cause they point to that same old passage in Paul’s writing which they think gives them license to sin. I have been pointing to James 2:17 and really all of James 2 because it’s written pretty clear there that faith alone isn’t going to save anyone.

Johnny, CA

Dearest Brother,

Greetings in the name of Jesus. I thank you for your letter. If it wasn’t for my Bible, Jesus and your companionship, I would surely have been crushed by the enemy. Trying to share and spread the truth is such a wearisome task. I’m glad I have the mighty Jesus to help and comfort. I had a great Sabbath. Me and three other men were in a cell learning from the Word. I was sharing with them the role Grace has to play in our salvation. Many ears were attentive, but I am not sure it really sunk in. One guy is going to get the book. Then, just this past Sabbath, I met another man who claims to be a Sabbath keeper. We did some studying together. I need to learn more patience like a true farmer and realize the planting of a seed does not immediately produce fruit. Yesterday one of the guys I study with came to my cell. We started talking and got on the subject of the Sabbath. (I even have a copy of the Pope’s letter.) It helps me with proof about the Sabbath. I think the Holy Spirit moved on his heart because he told me he always wondered about that. Since the mainstream doesn’t believe it, it sometimes keeps a man from wanting to break away. But we must listen to Jesus. After chow I talked with a guy who had been keeping the Sabbath. So we both agreed it is no coincidence we both had accepted the Sabbath truth and met each other. He will be requesting the book. I must remember the Lord does great work. He is love. Satan is always trying to get me to become discontented. But I must keep my eyes on the goal. So my brother, God is doing great things here. I am really joyful about my mom. I truly believe the Lord is really working on her heart. I keep telling her to read your book and to look to Jesus and Jesus only. Yes brother, I understand about "church". I need to do more "reasoning" with the Word of God instead of using "feelings" even though they do come in handy sometimes. I really enjoy the newsletters. I thank you so much for your service and being there to help with your letters. You are truly serving the Master. I pray as I surrender I can too.

Preston, IN

Dear Brother,

Greetings from the exclusive "gated community" of San Quentin Prison. Thank you for your letter and words of encouragement. I’m really looking forward to studying the Word of God using the workbook you described.

James, CA

Dear Brother Ronald John,

First and foremost, let me thank you for the books you sent to me. I will certainly put them to good use. I will incorporate them into my studies immediately. Thank you for the blessing. I share my studies with family through the mail and it amazes me how little people really know about the scriptures. For example, I sent my sister (who is a Christian) a study on Jesus and His brother James and she wrote back saying thanks and that she had no idea that Jesus even had a brother. Yes, I read the newsletter about how the fellow brother is down in El Salvador doing God’s work through JCPM. That is a blessing and wonderful news. I’m sure the Lord will continue to bless your ministry and provide funding. Just keep doing what you do. I totally agree with you 100% that salvation is a personal thing, not a group thing. All these sects feel or believe that you have to be a part of a particular group or belief in order to be saved when that is not what Jesus tells us. It’s plain, it’s simple and it’s clear. I think that humans have tendency to over complicate things to their detriment. It is all about the Bible and it’s not that difficult to understand. Anyway, I want to thank you again for the books and for the encouragement and friendship you have bestowed upon me. You are truly a blessing from God.

Joseph, CA

Dear Brother Ron,

Thank you for your reply. Slowly, as I talk to the others about my walk in Christ, it does get the attention of others around me. These guys are interested in learning the truth now and realize that there is a lot that has not been told them. I have included their info for you as well. I seem to be getting through to a few guys at a time as I’m in a different building now with guys I haven’t been around. I know some of them from before the move. Now I get to talk to them also. Some are receptive and others still stick to their convictions and preconceived notions. I just ask them to show me where in the Bible their beliefs are taught. Your book has helped me quite a bit in being able to pin point where the truth exists. Can’t beat that. It is a difficult walk that most fail to understand. But by leading by example seems to be the best way that the others can see what Christ has done for me. Hopefully this will all rub off on them as well. One soul at a time.

TJ, AZ

Dear Brother,

I went through your book briefly and I must say, it is a wonderful study book. I would enjoy a copy to study it. I understand that it can help me. I am a believer in Jesus Christ and have been for a number of years. Its good to see brothers get out and stay out. And it’s good to see you working for God. You are a good example and an encouragement to others. Well, I’ll be looking forward to going through the study guide. I will be praying that God continues to bless your ministry.

Rene, AZ

Dear Brother,

I came across your address by a friend. He gave me a chance to read "Change Your Life Biblically". I had it in my cell for a week before he transferred out to another prison. I only had it for a week and it left me speechless. I would like to ask for a book so I could study it.

Adam, CA

Dear Ron,

I really enjoyed doing the answer sheets even though this was the hardest Bible study I’ve ever done. Thank you so much for providing this service. I have to say, I admire and respect the time and sacrifice that you put in on behalf of sinners such as I. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.

Johnny, CA

Dear Brother Ron,

Thank you for your book and your time to help me understand myself and what God wants me to do. I will always keep your book and read it and when I get out I hope that if I get into a Christian program that they would use your book to teach others about the right way to serve the Lord. Thank you for opening my eyes to see the truths about what is missing in my life.

Hillman, CA

Dear Brother Ronald,

Thank you for being the forgiving person that you are. I was so glad to hear from you. And I would like you to know that I am really busy beyond what I can handle. Besides my school work, correspondence courses, my job, independent studies, people come up to me all the time asking for everything ranging from small things to big things including spiritual advice, Bible questions, family trouble, stress, prayer... I feel like I’m being stretched in 100 directions. I can’t really get mad at these guys since many of them come for spiritual advice. I sometimes wonder how you do all that you do. You’re probably more busy than me and you never complain. Shame on me. :-) I love your advice by the way. The one about if I spend more time striving for righteousness and doing what is right, the "resisting" part against sin will not even be noticed. I think there was a time when I walked by this concept in mind but some how fell off by focusing on overcoming my weaknesses. Hey, I still need reminding.

Timmy, CA

A story:

"One day a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near him. The driver got out and said, ‘I always park there! You took my place!’ The visitor went inside for Sabbath School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, ‘That’s my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sabbath School the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, ‘That’s where I always sit! You took my place!’ The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment. But still he said nothing. Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up and His appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on His hands and sandaled feet. Someone noticed Him and called out, ‘What happened to you?’ The visitor replied, as His hat became a crown of thorns and a tear fell from His eye, ‘I took your place.’"

Sent in by inmate Joseph, CA

"When all has been done that can be done in helping the poor to help themselves, there still remain the widow and the fatherless, the aged, the helpless, and the sick, that claim sympathy and care. Never should these be neglected. They are committed by God Himself to the mercy, the love, and the tender care of all whom He has made His stewards." MH 201

I want to thank each of you for your love, devotion and support of this little ministry. This is our thirteenth year since being called by God to start this ministry. Thirteen years since the Holy Spirit dictated and directed the book, "Change Your Life Biblically". Thousands of lives have been changed. However, thousands more are still waiting to be changed. Your continued monthly support will help us get out of debt so we can send more books to more inmates.

Just so you know, we are getting out of debt. We have paid off one credit card and only have two more to go. With your dedicated help it won’t be too much longer. Our expenses have dropped and we are doing with less.

Juber is over 1/3 the way in translating the book into Spanish. I pray that by next summer it will be completed.

Thank you folks. May God continue to bless you for your kindness and love to this, His very small ministry.

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