Greetings
Week 28 of the lockdown 😞.
COVID-19 cases as of 09/25/20; Dixon: confirmed staff 17, recovered staff 14, confirmed inmates 26, recovered inmates 16 | Sheridan: confirmed staff 15, recovered staff 15; confirmed inmates 22, recovered inmates 20. The first few months Dixon had no cases, but it looks like COVID-19 is making a presence now. Please pray it will be eradicated soon.
There was no mid-week message, I'm thinking Pastor Joe Thorn may be on vacation since he did not preach last Sunday. I had to resort to putting together another 'Weekly Note.' But thankfully I wasn't on my own, God provided. My morning Bible study included John 4:1-43 and with the reading of my commentary of John, by James Montgomery Boice, I was able to put to paper a 'Weekly Note' and send it to the chaplains. It reflects on the contrasting characters of Nicodemus and the woman from Samaria and despite their disparities, both are in need of the Gospel and God offers it to both of them.
SOCPM on ZOOM finally stepped forward with an introductory study on 2 Timothy. In addition to the typical topics related to a Bible book introduction; author, recipient, date, theme, etc. some of the discussion was putting ourselves in the 'shoes' or perhaps 'sandals' would be more appropriate, of Paul and Timothy and the many emotions that they were experiencing. The attendees were very open as to what it was like for them when they first entered the correctional system. They were realizing, how they were losing everything, of course, freedom, but their job, families, homes, and more. Both stated how God gave them a wake-up call. Reminds me of a quote I hear quite often, 'prison is the best thing that happened to me.' It quite often is a true statement. It is quite often where the seed finally falls on good soil. I'm looking forward to next week when we will study and discuss 2 Timothy 1:1-10.
SOCPM has a new Ministry Connection partner, Christian Pen Pals Ministry. A member of my church shared how she was looking for a ministry she could do from home. I suggested being a Christian pen pal and she responded with an interest. I knew of a couple of pen pal ministries, but the potential volunteer had some concerns with them. So, I did some research and came upon CPP Ministry. The founder Beth Michael also has authored a book on Christian Pen Pals as a ministry 'Visit a Prison in an Envelope.' After reading the book I felt comfortable that CPP Ministry was a trustworthy and knowledgeable ministry when it came to being a prison pen pal ministry and passed on their name to my fellow church member and she is doing her own checking out and praying for God's will.
Have you ever thought of being a Christian Pen Pal? Beth shared with me in an e-mail they have 2,000 names on a waiting list. Her sharing reminded me of Matthew 9:37, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." If you feel God stirring in you in possibly being a Christian Pen Pal, please pray, seek affirmation from fellow Christians who know you well, and confirm He is calling you. Being a Christian Pen Pal has its challenges but it also is a rewarding God-glorifying experience. Check out the book 'Visit a Prison in an Envelope.' It's a Kindle Unlimited so those of you who have Kindel Unlimited it's free to read. Check out Christian Pen Pals Ministry. Contact CPP directly or you can contact me by replying to this e-mail.
When I come to the end, I start asking myself, 'is there any other ministry news worthy of sharing?' Well, I'm asking and nothing is coming to mind. So, I guess that's it for this week. Thank you for your support whether it be through prayer or financial.
To Him be the glory in ALL things and to Him alone!
Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries