Restoration

Outreach of

Dallas

4209 Samuell Blvd.

Dallas, Texas 75228

469-487-5737

Useless became useful~

Philemon 1:9-12

9 Yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—10 I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, 11 who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. 12 I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart,

Reading this story somehow reminded me of my high school yearbook, seeing the names of people who were said to be most likely to succeed. Some people were considered useless. Today, we call them the least, loss, and the last. Useless men and women often find themselves in jail or prison. Once in the justice system, the mindset is to lock them up and throw away the key! But thank God for believers like Paul, who found himself in prison for the case of Christ and showed us the importance of empathy and understanding for those considered ‘useless’ or marginalized.

Paul’s plea to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus is not just a matter of duty or obligation. It’s a heartfelt appeal rooted in empathy and understanding of Onesimus’ situation. It’s worth noting that Philemon’s name means ‘affectionate’ or ‘kind,’ Paul may be highlighting this to encourage Philemon to show these qualities towards Onesimus.

Onesimus was a runaway slave who escaped from his enslaver, Philemon. It is believed that Onesimus fled to Rome and crossed paths with Paul, possibly by chance or even intentionally. Despite Paul being under house arrest in Rome, he was able to lead Onesimus to faith in Jesus Christ.

When Philemon’s slave Onesimus ran away, he became unprofitable to Philemon. However, he had become profitable to Paul and, indirectly, to Philemon (profitable to you and me). It seems that Onesimus became profitable to Paul in some way, perhaps by assisting him during his house arrest. Because Philemon loved Paul, if Onesimus helped Paul, he would also be helping Philemon.

Consider this: Prisons are full of people like Onesimus.

Will you join us in setting the “captives free”?

In His Service,

Dr. Jeffery Parker



UNLOCKING HOPE

Greetings, ROD Family and Friends,

On this North Texas Giving Day, September 19th, we're reaching out to you with hearts full of love and a vision of transformation. Every day, our prison ministry touches the lives of those society often forgets—men and women behind bars who are yearning for a second chance.

Through your support, we offer them more than just a message of hope; we provide the tools, guidance, and care they need to rebuild their lives. Our ministry is a beacon of light in the darkest places, where we walk alongside those who are lost, reminding them that they are never alone.

But we CAN'T do this alone.

We believe that every person is capable of redemption, and with your help, we can continue to extend our hands in love and compassion to those in need. Your generous gift today will allow us to expand our programs, reach more individuals, and create lasting change in the lives of those we serve.

Join us in unlocking hope. Stand with us as we open doors to second chances and brighter futures. Your support is not just a donation—it's a lifeline, a new beginning, a testament to the power of God's love.

Thank you for believing in the potential of every man and woman.

Together, we can make a difference.

With gratitude and hope,

ROD Ministries Staff and Ambassadors

UPCOMING EVENTS

ROD Breakfast

Every 3rd Saturday of the month at 9:00 am

CALLING ALL WOMEN!!!

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

We would like to invite you to join a team of six to eight individuals to serve at ROD Breakfast every third Saturday. This presents a wonderful opportunity for you, your family, your friends, and your church to serve the community through this initiative. For further details and information, please contact Mrs. Williams at 469.729.5302.