SOCPM Newsletter | May 15, 2021

Greetings,

I had a pleasant surprise last Saturday after sending the SOCPM Newsletter. I seldom venture on to Facebook these days, but something led me to check it out. I noticed I had a few messages. One was from Paul, a former SOCPM student, twice a SOCPM student (March 2012- August 2013, July 2017 - April 2019). Paul, who was recently discharged, and I ended up talking on the phone by day's end. He mostly wanted to share he is going to a church and playing drums on the worship team. I was humbled when he also shared that I played a part in that. 

Though many SOCPM students say, they will visit SOCPM's website and look me up once they're discharged, not many actually look me up. It can be discouraging, especially when a student who was an inspiration to me and who said they look me up is off parole, but I don't hear from them. I understand; their lives after prison have been well underway for a couple of years. Their time in prison was a time to leave in their past (there are currently four former students who have sent me FB friend requests, but they are still on parole, and because of IDOC policy, I can't their requests). 

Nonetheless, when they do look me up after being discharged and hear them share words similar to Paul's, it reminds me of the purpose God has called me. They may express 'I' played a role in their lives. However, by God's grace, I was only a vessel (2 Timothy 2:20-21), and it isn't for my hearing from them to feel good about myself, but it is for God's purpose and His glory (2 Timothy 1:8-9). However, I believe God brings words like Paul's to strengthen me for what lies ahead (2 Timothy 2:1-3 ).

What lies ahead, maybe a return to the prison classroom! A received phone call and an exchange of e-mails with Dixon's chaplain gives me hope that my return may become true in June. The numbers of COVID cases in IDOC {see below} are supportive of a return. As great as that will be, it will require an adjustment to my current weekly schedule, despite my recently spending time dedicated to lesson planning. I won't bore you with the details of my weekly schedule, but I've been keeping busy with many long-overdue administrative tasks in addition to the Weekly Notes.

Transitioning to Weekly Notes. this week's Weekly Note was on Psalm 4:6-7. During trial and tribulation, David is praying and trusting in God to get him through it all. Verse 6, There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!" Charles Spurgeon writes, 'Here the faith of the afflicted finds words of sweet contentment and peace. There were many, even among David's followers, who want to see rather than to believe. Unfortunately, this is a tendency of all! Even the regenerate groan after prosperity and are sad when darkness covers good.'  [1]

It has been a struggle for me of late as it seems the wicked and evil of our current world prospers, and good is made to look as evil (Isaiah 5:20). I need to look to 2 Timothy 3:1-4, 12) to remind me God is sovereign, and He is not anxious over all that is happening as it is all part of His plan of redemption. My role is not to fret in my circumstances but meditate on verse 7, You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.' and heed Surgeon's following comment, 'Let my barns be empty, I am full of blessings if Jesus Christ smiles on me.' [2] I not only need to know Romans 12:1-2 but live it out in my daily life.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 (ESV).

On the personal prayer front, Cameron, as of this hour and I best know, is sober and has a somewhat positive attitude, praise God. Still, his greatest need is not sobriety and a positive attitude but rather Jesus. Please remain in prayer for his salvation. With the more increasing probability o my return to the prison classroom, I again ask for prayers for God's wisdom in our classroom discussions. I discipline my time well in the coming weeks to get as much accomplished in various administrative tasks and lesson development.

To Him be the glory in ALL things and to Him alone!

Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries

Week 61 of the lockdown 😞. 

COVID-19 cases as of day, 05/13/21; Dixon: staff confirmed 315, staff recovered staff 310, staff current 5, staff tests 12,331; offender confirmed 592, offenders recovered 592, offender current 0, offenders tests 44,808 | Sheridan: staff confirmed 149, staff recovered 149; staff current 0, staff tests 12,252, offenders confirmed 464, offenders recovered 464, offenders current 0, offender tests 27,519 | IDOC: staff confirmed 4,541 , staff recovered 4,469, staff current 72, staff tests 239,589; offenders confirmed 10,894, offenders recovered 10,884, offenders current 10, offender tests 590,846. [3]

With a controlled return of visitations and there only being ten current cases of COVID amongst an offender population of 25,505 (.0004%) as of March 31, 2021[4] is beyond very encouraging. Praise God! Please continue to be in prayer for continued stable numbers and the full return of volunteers soon.

[1] C. H. Spurgeon,. The Treasury of David: Spurgeon's Great Commentary on Psalms, Clarke, Roy H, editor, 3rd ed., vol. 1, T. Nelson Publishers , 1997, 21.
[2]ibid. 1.

[3] “COVID-19 Response.” Illinois.gov, 30 Apr. 2021, www2.illinois.gov/idoc/facilities/Pages/Covid19Response.aspx.

CHS - Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations from Clarke, Roy H, editor. The Treasury of David: Spurgeon's Great Commentary on Psalms, by C. H. Spurgeon, 3rd ed., vol. 1, T. Nelson Publishers , 1997 are from the New Geneva Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson, Inc., using the New King James Version of the Bible, ©1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Publishers.

FDK - Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations from Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 15, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

JMB - Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture from James Montgomery Boice, Psalms 1–41: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005) is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.TM

WAV - Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture from VanGemeren, Willem A. “Book 1 Psalms 1 - 41.” The Expositor's Bible Commentary Psalms, by Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland, Revised ed., vol. 5, Zondervan, 2008 is taken from is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

WSP - Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture from “Psalm 1.” Psalms: A Critical and Expository Commentary with Doctrinal and Practical Remarks, by William S. Plumer, Banner of Truth Trust, 1975 is taken from the Holy Bible King James Version.

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