Jesus Christ Prison Ministry
Since June of 1997: Following the Example of Jesus in Keeping The Sabbath day Holy

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Volume 12, Issue 9 / September 2009
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"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

PRAISE THE LORD

 

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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

Prison Mission Report!

Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ

 

"There is everywhere a work to be done for those who through intemperance have fallen. In the midst of churches, religious institutions, and professedly Christian homes, many of the youth are choosing the path to destruction. Through intemperate habits they bring upon themselves disease, and through greed to obtain money for sinful indulgence they fall into dishonest practices. Health and character are ruined. Aliens from God, outcasts from society, these poor souls feel that they are without hope either for this life or for the life to come. The hearts of the parents are broken. Men speak of these erring ones as hopeless; but not so does God regard them. He understands all the circumstances that have made them what they are, and He looks upon them with pity. This is a class that demand help. Never give them occasion to say, ‘No man cares for my soul.’" {MH 171.2}

 

Ronald John,

Hello. Good to hear from you as well. Good to hear about the continual work done by your son. It sounds like the type of training that will produce much fruit. When you talk about being proud of him, I understand for I could sincerely say that our group here is finally maturing enough to do with out me if I were to be moved. I’m content now. I have by far emphasized the Bible as the "only" rule of faith. I am truly well. It’s been pretty smooth lately. We have gotten more converts. Yes, a few will throw an opinion or two, but we quickly address them politely and nicely. We have been flooded with good material and books. Your book truly has a vital message. I don’t believe we could afford for you to stop your service. In the future I plan and would like to do more for your ministry. For now enclosed is stamps. May it help for now. I will end now. You see I’m due for surgery so it may take a while to heal after surgery so I write now as I can. Please pray for my healing.

Frankie, CA

 

Ron,

Just a few lines to say hello and get some books sent my way. I am now a porter and have been able to talk to some guys and share your book. You should have had about 3 or 4 guys request your book the past week or two. I am doing my best to be an example and study to be able to share accurate knowledge. I have a Jehovah witness who study and try and convince me the commandments were nailed to the cross. That Jesus made new commandments. That the covenant with God was only for the Israelites. I’m doing good. I am able to feed extra food, give away paper and envelopes, pass books and literature and witness to many guys with this job. I have two copies of your book and I keep rotating them to guys and I see the impact on their walk. I keep them going from cell to cell too. How is your son doing? Is he going to take over the ministry? Enclosed in this letter will be 30 stamps for three books. One for me to loan out and one for my friend and one for my cellie.

Danny, CA

 

Dear Sir,

I am enclosing 10 stamps for your workbook, "Change Your Life Biblically". I wrote you a while back with an order form for the free book. But you wrote back saying the ministry can only afford to print the book and that I must send the stamps if I wanted the book. Well, praise the Lord. A family member sent me some so I can order the book. I want to change. I want to do all I can in the Christian growth process.

Dale, TN

 

Dear Brother Ron,

I just got the urge to write what I did. Hopefully it will help. It’s on the Sabbath that I’m writing. Brother Ron, it’s so hard not to harbor evil feelings towards another person when you’re surrounded by unbelievers. Got people in here that have no respect. Want to talk all day and night. I tried to talk to a neighbor about Jesus and all that, but he said he didn’t believe. I’ve witnessed a couple times but no one wants to hear it. I have a feeling that God wants me to do something great. But I’ve still got areas that I’m still weak and it’s causing me to slip and stumble. Like my anger and my mouth. How did you not pay attention to all the stuff that goes on in this place when you were in prison. I’m having a hard time. We have to stop sinning. We must reject this world. This world is passing away. We as Christians must keep the 10 commandments. We have to reject all these worldly things. We have to read the Bible for ourselves so that we will not be led astray. Only through reading the Bible will we know what God’s will is. What God wants us to do as believers.

Anthony, NV

 

Dear Brother Ron,

Thank you for the book. I got it yesterday. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. I like your straight forward, no nonsense approach to God. Don’t worry, I’m not worried about the certificate. I’m worried about my salvation. I was raised a Catholic and I never even knew I was breaking God’s law by going to church on Sunday, not keeping the Sabbath. In fact, I read the Bible for years and never understood it at all. It was all a bunch of gobbledygook to me. But now that my heart is in the right place, God is bestowing upon me the ability to understand His Word. I’m enjoying it thoroughly. I’ve got a long way to go, but I know I’m now on the right track and I’m anxious to learn all I can. I’ll be sure to let you know how I’m doing with the book.

Ron, CA

 

Dear Brother Ron,

I hope this letter finds you in the very best of health and spirits. I just wanted to send a few lines your way to properly introduce myself. But most importantly, to say, "Thank you very much for my copy of ‘Change Your Life Biblically’". I received it the night before last and can hardly put it down. Very eye opening book. I plan to study it through again and again. I’m not a "new" Christian, however, I was a backslider and I struggled with so much guilt over not maintaining my walk that it kept me away from really looking at why. The very first chapter of this book helped. Recently the Holy Spirit convicted my heart and I had come to the same conclusion as the faith chapter confirmed. I had not been faithful while believing at the same time that I indeed had "faith". The only difference now is that now I know what it means, really means. Thank you for that. My friendship with our Father, through my relationship with Jesus Christ is finally the most important one in my life. I cherish the love that has changed my heart.

Tim, CA

 

Dear Brother Ron,

I just got your letter and again thanks. I haven’t got the DVD yet, but when I do I’ll be sure to let you know. It felt good to find some other Christians on the same page. To be honest, I’m really lonely here until I get a letter from you or talk with my Lord. I may just have to walk this walk here alone. In the material was a big pamphlet that was called, "Earth’s Final Warning". It talked about a lot of great truths. Also it had a picture of a billboard that read, "Saturday The TRUE Lord’s Day changed by Antichrist." So I showed it to a friend who is Roman Catholic. It literally ticked him off. It showed me just how much some love their churches. It’s a life and death situation. So I’m praying hard for him. I’m praying hard to find some local Sabbath keepers to come here. Someone with more authority on the subject might bring in more curious Christians. It seems like no one wants to believe an "inmate". No one in this cell seems interested in Bible studies. If it’s not ordained by a "church" all they want to do is argue with you. Not many humble people. As soon as I open my mouth about the Sabbath the conversations about Jesus are pretty much over and we just talk about general things. That is why I feel lonely, but not discouraged. The chapel here has Asatru, Native American, Jewish, Islam, Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah Witness and every other denomination you can think of. But there are no Sabbath keepers. It sounds like high hopes. But I believe it can happen. I want to hear the word of God from a true follower of Christ in the flesh. It may not ever be, but I hope so.

Preston, IN

 

Dear Brother Ronald,

I am really excited about reading your book and doing the Bible studies. I would also like to work for Jesus in your ministry. But I am unable to come up with the funds for your book. I have very few friends in here that are willing to assist me. It is really hard on me. The only person and true friend I have right now is Jesus Christ and I would like to know Him even better. I would also like a pen-pal to write to that can help me grow. I do volunteer in the chapel library. I would be willing to put any fliers or stuff around and have the guys in the chapel get your book.

Daniel, ID

 

Dear Family and Friends,

I am writing you back to your response. I am currently an incarcerated mother of four young children. I have several other family members serving time as well. My four children are among several different family members who are just making it. So unfortunately my account is indigent. I really had my heart settled on this material. I’m ready to change and live by the truth for my family and myself. I know this is just the beginning of my journey.

Brandy, WV

 

To Whom It May Concern,

We are six inmates in a California Jail seeking God’s teachings. Some of us are totally indigent and have helped each other out with 40 stamped envelopes. We thank you for your help and we all pray to God to bless your ministry.

Enrique, CA

 

Ronald John,

I hope that you are having a good day and enjoying it. I just wanted to write you a quick letter and let you know that I received the book you sent me. Thank you so much. I have started to read it and am enjoying it a lot. Thank you for the book and all your hard work. Please keep it up.

Jonathan, CA

 

Dear Ron,

This study was the most challenging of all and more informative than all the other studies I have done combined. There is a lot I realize now that I need to learn and continue reading "Change Your Life Biblically" over and over and the Bible. Thank you very much for all your time, energy and effort.

Michael, CA

 

Dear Brother Ron,

I came across one of your discarded newsletters yesterday evening and I’m glad I did. I read all the praise reports about your book on "Change Your Life Biblically". I am very careful of doing just any old study laying around. But as I read the reports I noticed words like, "Sabbath", "God’s Commandments" and "3 Angels Message". Although I’ve never heard of or seen your book, "Change Your Life Biblically" I’d like to request a copy of it for myself. I am indigent and therefore cannot afford to send stamps for it. Christ has done a work in my life since my arrest. He has revealed many Bible truths to me that most mainstream Christians seem to take offence to. Hence the old saying, "The truth hurts". I’ll never understand why the truth angers a Christian. When a truth is revealed to us from Scripture, we should rejoice and thank God for revealing it, not get angry at the messenger or God for it. I count revealed truths as blessings in my spiritual growth.

Michael, FL

 

Dear Ron,

I’m almost finished with my book. I’m taking my time with it so that I can pass. I really thank you a lot for sending it to me. It has opened up my eyes to a lot of things that I thought I knew. I share it with some of the brothers that are over here with me. I truly would like to again thank you very much for the eye opener. Your book has really opened up my eyes a lot to a lot of things.

Ronald, TX

 

Dearest Ron,

I just wanted to check in and let you know that I’m still studying your book and looking forward to finishing the answering sheets as well. I met a guy named Danny who gave me your address while I was in Ad-Seg in route to the SHU. I ain’t gonna lie, I wrote more out of boredom in sitting in the hole. But after reading this book, I can honestly say this is by far the easiest explained way to become saved and one with the Lord I have ever heard of. Its truth in laymen’s terms. And there is no way around it, it’s the real deal. I will read again to memorize a lot of it and then send back the test. Even if I don’t pass, at least I found the real way to get to heaven.

Curtis, CA

 

Dear Brother Ronald,

I received your most welcomed letter and the workbook applications you enclosed. I wanted to thank you so very, very much. It’s nice hearing from you and I’ll pass out the applications to all I know here. Oh, I also received my beautiful workbook last week. It’s fantastic and I absolutely love it so much. Once I’ve thoroughly read it over and over again, I’ll answer the work sheets and send them back in. Thanks for everything and I’m glad to be blessed with you as a brother in Christ and a friend.

Mark, CA

 

Dear Brother Ron,

To be honest, I really didn’t like to write. Its enjoying now. I enjoy reading. I don’t understand when people don’t like to read. I hear all these worldly conversations in here and see how people treat each other and it makes me sad. I try so hard to block out what these people talk about. You are right. I need to stop getting angry. There’s no need for it. I’m still learning to be patient. I’m still young at 24. So I’ve still got a long way to go. I’ve grown a lot in the past two years. It amazes me sometimes. That’s right, it doesn’t matter what we wear, eat or drink. It’s not what goes into a man that defiles him. It’s what comes from the heart that does. Jesus said first seek the kingdom of God and everything else will be given to you. People are so worried about what other people think of them that their blinded. They want to be popular and praised by man. I could care less whether someone likes me or not. I’m going to do what Jesus tells me to do and not what another man does. If they don’t want you to come back to their church, that’s their loss. You bring them the truth and they reject it, it is their life. You guys did what you were supposed to do.

Anthony, NV

 

Dear Mr. John,

I am from Africa, Ethiopia, and have been in Federal custody for two years and five months. I considered myself a Christian all my life. But recently I have been blessed by the Lord to have the Holy Spirit reveal to me His deep meaning of the Word. I am seeking to better understand and become more Christ like through the studying of God’s Word. Upon searching the tank I have come across a book from your ministry "Change Your Life Biblically". I believe from another brother in Christ who left. I thank you for this opportunity to grow in Christ.

Asfaw, TX

 

Dear Bro. Ronald,

Just a few lines to give you my new address. I’ll keep it short so I can get it in the mail now. Also enclosed is a request for my new cellie to receive his own copy of "Change Your Life Biblically". The copy you sent me is truly changing my heart and opening my eyes to Biblical truths. I love God.

Tim, CA

 

Dear Brother Ron,

I received the letter and address form you sent to me. I’m returning the address form along with this letter. I’m very interested in doing this workbook you have so I could be placed on this Pen-Pal web site. I’m a man who has a life sentence and who would very much like a pen-pal. I’m indigent and all "so-called" family and friends have abandoned and forgotten me. I realize that the only one who remains loyal and true is the Almighty God.

Michael, CA

 

Dear Ron,

Hi once again. Thank you for your letter. I was facing a lot of stuff and didn’t know how to deal with it, so your book was a God sent and blessed me abundantly. Thank you so much for being a light in the dark. You really did make an impression on me and helped me through rough times. So may Jesus keep you in blessings and shine through you for years as you make things easier to deal with for many people who struggle.

Joe, OR

 

Dear Brother Ronald,

There are a couple reasons for this letter. First, I am enjoying my journey through "Change Your Life Biblically". It is truly doing just that: changing my life. I now keep God’s 10 commandments. I love God more than anything in my life. I look forward to the Sabbath and enjoy every second of my time with our Father on that Holy Day. Second, I said all that to say this, since you were responsible for putting this little book in my hands, I hope you don’t mind but I now consider you my spiritual adviser. Since the light has been turned on in my heart, I’m the kind of person who can’t put a lamp shade on that light. So, I share my faith with the tier, cell block, building and yard. Now, that hasn’t been without feedback. Other inmates are flooding me with their beliefs. I’m getting little booklets shot to me left and right. I pray for spiritual discernment on the doctrine that I don’t dismiss off hand, such as Catholic and Muslim. You will be playing a big part in my journey. Like I said, I share my faith with everyone. So you’ll be receiving quite a few requests for that little book from here at my new home. I trust you because I finally feel that I’m on the right path with what I’m learning as your student.

Tim, CA

 

To Whom It May Concern,

I am doing a 32 month term for receiving stolen property. My friend recently let me read his book, "Change Your Life Biblically". This book by far is one of the most inspiring, most educating books I’ve read in my life. This book holds all the questions I had about the contradictions of the Bible. The reason I’m writing is because I want a copy of this book. My friend refuses to part with his and I don’t blame him one bit. I am indigent. I don’t have no friends and family who can help me with funds.

Cory, CA

 

Hi Ron,

I’ll Tell you, it’s so upsetting seeing Satan at work and all the people he has deceived. My new cellie is a good guy and very sincere. He has even told me what a joy it is having me for a cellie. He’s very sincere about living for Christ and listens to all kinds of TV evangelists. He wonders why I don’t listen to them. I don’t want to come right out and hurt his feelings. I’ve told him many things about the Sabbath and about how their knowledge is limited. The deception that they teach, like I told him, there’s a lot of truth (when they read out of the Bible) but they mix it with lies and deceptions. How it’s obvious that people who observe Sunday aren’t obeying Him. He got kind of offended that I could say such a thing and that how could all these churches that worship or observe Sunday be wrong? I told him that I didn’t say that, the Bible does. I also had him read Exodus 31:13 which says the Sabbath is a sign throughout our generations forever. Who are we going to listen to: the many and whole world that’s deceived or God? It’s an obvious answer to anyone who is sincere about loving God. I told him it was hard and took some research but that it became very obvious. I think it left him pondering. He wasn’t even familiar with any Christian churches that observed Saturday. That’s how good Satan’s counterfeit is. Anyhow, day by day I see progress made in the advancement of God’s Word. Getting back to the Holy Spirit, I think a lot of people mistake the Lord’s grace with the Holy Spirit. They don’t understand how truly gracious the Lord is. But as with a credit card company, eventually that grace period runs out and we’ve got to make full payment. With God eventually we will have to fully obey His laws.

Peter, IL

 

Brother Ron,

Thank you very much for writing. I enjoyed your letter tremendously. Yes, your book is easy to read and right to the point. I like that. It ought to have a warning label on the front: ‘For those of you looking for the easy way to salvation, there is none! So quit your sniveling and open the book and start showing God you love Him.’ Too many people want to continue their old ways and think they’ll still be saved. It’s ludicrous. I really am glad I’m not that foolish. I want to be one of those "remnant" who follow the true doctrine of our Lord. I’d like to sit here and tell you how ever since I’ve had Jesus in my heart my life has been easy. But that’s just not true. It seems the closer I get to God, the more worried Satan gets so he tries to throw roadblocks in my path. But I will say this, now when things go wrong in my life, I call on the Lord. He helps me deal with them and I feel sure that He won’t leave me hanging. He truly is an awesome God. I know He’s going to make of me a new man. Danny’s been helping me a great deal in my walk with Christ. I think God put me in this cell specifically for that reason. I’m reading like 4 books at once right now: The Great Controversy, Mystery of the Ages, Change Your Life Biblically and the Bible. I really enjoy it. I want to learn more about Martin Luther and the reformation too. I love to learn new things concerning the Lord.

Ronald, CA

 

Dear Mr. Ronald John,

I am sending you this letter to let you know that I have studied your Bible study "Change Your Life Biblically" and it has done just that to my life. I feel that God lives in me and I try everyday to live for Him a new day full of joy. Thank you for letting me feel and experience this great and wonderful joy through your study. I have talked to others about your study.

Alex, FL

 

Ronald,

I’ve noticed something about you. Your patience and such humble service. I see that like actual literal sheep, some of us are dumb and stubborn. Brother, between us, I’m not attempting to boost you high, but seriously some (a lot actually) are pretty hard hearted to stick by. Brother, I know that if you keep on and do not lose track, you will be rewarded. I see that I too must do the same. I feel so fortunate and grateful. The knowledge of truth, wow, it gives peace and an obligation and duty, reverence/fear for what’s right.

Frankie, CA

 

Brothers & Sisters in Christ Jesus,

Glory to God! I found your book recently in my local "Free Clothes Bank". It is like finding a "gold nugget" amongst rocks! What a fabulous work you’ve done!! Praise the Lord Christ Jesus. I have another envelope already addressed with your ministry address as I am starting a new job: soon. I will be sending you folks a donation! Glory to God! This is an awesome study guide! Excellent job with this work to explain salvation through Christ Jesus!! May I request two copies of this book, "Change Your Life Biblically". I’d like to pass one copy to each of my young adults with families of their own now. They will read your treasure of a book as they will understand their salvation concepts. I will be purchasing several more copies of this book in the very near future.

Debra, WA (non-inmate)

 

"The victims of evil habit must be aroused to the necessity of making an effort for themselves. Others may put forth the most earnest endeavor to uplift them, the grace of God may be freely offered, Christ may entreat, His angels may minister; but all will be in vain unless they themselves are roused to fight the battle in their own behalf.

"The last words of David to Solomon, then a young man, and soon to receive the crown of Israel, were, "Be ... strong, ... and show thyself a man." 1 Kings 2:2. To every child of humanity, the candidate for an immortal crown, are these words of inspiration spoken, ‘Be ... strong, ... and show thyself a man.’

"The self-indulgent must be led to see and feel that great moral renovation is necessary if they would be men. God calls upon them to arouse and in the strength of Christ win back the God-given manhood that has been sacrificed through sinful indulgence.

"Feeling the terrible power of temptation, the drawing of desire that leads to indulgence, many a man cries in despair, "I cannot resist evil." Tell him that he can, that he must resist. He may have been overcome again and again, but it need not be always thus. He is weak in moral power, controlled by the habits of a life of sin. His promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. The knowledge of his broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens his confidence in his own sincerity and causes him to feel that God cannot accept him or work with his efforts. But he need not despair.

"Those who put their trust in Christ are not to be enslaved by any hereditary or cultivated habit or tendency. Instead of being held in bondage to the lower nature, they are to rule every appetite and passion. God has not left us to battle with evil in our own finite strength. Whatever may be our inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong, we can overcome through the power that He is ready to impart. {MH 174-5}

 

Dear Ron & Jeff. 7/31/09

The Newsletter was delivered today, and I read your story. Although I am trying to put away money to be able to move to an apartment, I have been impressed to increase my contribution to One Hundred Dollars!

Joseph, TX  (non-inmate)

 

God Bless you folks for your love and support. Those of you who dug deep last month truly blessed us. We pray that hearts will be touched again this month. Sorry, but any and all help is needed right now. Thank you for getting us through this rough time.

Folks, our well pump went out. It took $3,000 to get it up and running. Then, one Sabbath we went on a missionary trip. On the way back while driving the freeway, the front wheel gave us problems. We were able to make it to a gas station. The mechanic said we were lucky to be alive. The wheel should have come off while driving. Another $1,200 in repairs. Please help us.

Ron & Son