Several years ago, God burdened the hearts of the Southwest Radio Ministries’ staff to start an outreach ministry to inmates. They decided to call it the “Onesimus Prisoner Outreach Ministry.” That may sound like a strange name to you until you understand who Onesimus was.
His story is found in a small yet powerful book of the Bible called “Philemon.” There’s another strange name for you. The Apostle Paul was a prisoner of the Roman Empire when he wrote this letter to Philemon. He was arrested for telling people about Jesus.
Onesimus was a runaway slave who robbed his master, Philemon. Onesimus ran from Philemon’s house in Colossae to Rome. Through God’s divine providence, Onesimus found Paul. Paul had led Philemon to Jesus in Colossae, then he led Onesimus to the Lord in Rome. All three of these men had their lives radically changed by Jesus. Isn’t the good news of Jesus powerful?
Paul wrote this beautiful letter to Philemon encouraging him to receive Onesimus back into his household, not as a servant but as a brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16). Paul’s Christian reply to the horrible institution of slavery is revolutionary. In the family of God, Onesimus, who had no rights as a slave in Rome, was equal to Philemon and the Apostle Paul!
If you have not received God’s gift of salvation, you can do so today. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, we are blessed to be in God’s forever family with you.
Our Onesimus prison ministry sends newsletters to inmates across America, each containing a Bible study along with offers for books and other resources available free of charge to inmates. When you sign up, we also send a welcome packet that includes a free Bible.
About Onesimus:
Onesimus, a runaway slave, found redemption through Christ under Paul’s guidance, illustrating the transformative power of the Gospel. His story inspires our mission to treat all as family in Christ.
How It Started:
Onesimus Prisoner Outreach Ministry emerged from requests by inmates inspired by our radio program, Watchman on the Wall. It has impacted many lives, including notable cases like David Berkowitz and former Manson Family members, demonstrating the Gospel’s universal reach.
Our Mission:
Through Southwest Radio Ministries, we provide free Bibles, Bible studies, and resources to incarcerated individuals. We also distribute Gospel calendars, fostering communication and relationships with inmates and chaplains nationwide.
Join Us:
Your support is crucial to sustain this vital ministry. Partner with us financially to spread the Gospel behind bars, empowering inmates for transformation through Christ. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those seeking redemption.
