SOCPM Newsletter | May 22, 2021

Greetings,

There is still no word on IDOC opening the prison gate to volunteers, but the possibility remains upbeat in an e-mail this week with Dixon Chaplain Thomas. As the SOCPM's return grows positively, one of the questions that I continue in prayer is classroom discussion upon SOCPM's return. As I've mentioned in previous SOCPM Newsletters, a lot has transpired in our culture, 'our world,' 'our country.' I don't believe I can skim over not discussing sensitive and potential topics. I honestly am not enthusiastically looking forward to those discussions. I will remain in prayer for God's leading and trust in the presence of the Holy Spirit when that moment comes. I again covet your prayers.

Another area of discussion is the student's personal life. Did they get COVID? Family? Did anyone you know die from COVID? How did you persevere with the never-ending lockdown and not having physical interaction with family? What about your faith? Did you doubt? Did it grow stronger? I may not be looking forward to the questions and discussions above with enthusiasm, but I'm ardently looking forward to the personal questions. I simply love and miss my guys, and hearing and discussing what has transpired in their life is one of the areas I'm passionate about in prison ministry. The passion of personal discussion does not rise above the sharing Gospel. The only passion that rises above sharing the Gospel is seeing a person responding to the Gospel and confessing Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of their life.

One of the major tasks I've undertaken these past months is enhancements to the SOCPM dB. With the upgrades, I can now keep track of a classes' weekly attendance totals and a student's attendance totals for the class. I'll try to avoid the who cares details other than to say I have 191 classes totaling 4,831 enrollments. All this data is currently in an Excel spreadsheet. Doing all the data entry to reconcile is one big, UGH! I share not so much for, woe to me, but to give a perspective of the bittersweet moments I have hourly. With each student enrollment, I see the student's IDOC mugshot. I'm surprised how many I recall the solid and fond memories. After gazing at their picture for a few moments, many questions come to mind. What lifestyle are they living today? Did they remain on the path knowing Christ and or still growing in their faith? There is no doubt Jesus sowed many seeds through SOCPM, but where did the seeds fall? My deepest desire and prayer is they fell upon the 'good soil.' (Matthew 13:1-23) All glory be to God!

Another item I'm seeking God's will once classes resume whether to continue the Weekly Notes. Can I maintain putting together the Weekly Notes, do classroom prep, and all administrative tasks before and after each class, without becoming burned out? Once classes resume, I'll be seeking the student's, hopefully honest, feedback on the fruit of the Weekly Notes. 

This week's Weekly Note was on Psalm 4:8. 'In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.' David is not anxious but at peace when he lies down to sleep. He has fully trusted God for his safety. My love for Charles Spurgeon continues as he writes, A quiet conscience is a good bedfellow. How many sleepless hours can be traced to our untrusting and disordered minds. [1] Just as the entries of data reconciliation seem immeasurable, so are my hours of sleepless nights. Recalling verse 3, 'the Lord hears me when I call' is teaching me to include in my nightly prayers, especially when I'm restless the words, 'You know my troubled thoughts God, I trust in You that you'll have mercy on me and give me relief from my distress (v.1).

Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant—Psalm 119:76 (ESV).

On the personal prayer front, Cameron has had a few moments of stress but, for the most part, is remaining calm. We talked for about 45 minutes Thursday, and he was open to listening, and I trust hearing on various topics, including what is doctrine and why it is essential when choosing a church. Another topic was, what does the sovereignty of God mean. Please remain in prayer for his salvation. My patience and perseverance get tested in our phone calls, and I need prayer for God to strengthen both. Michelle and I are planning to return to live in-person church this Sunday. Prayers are sought for our protection and continued peace, and I won't be jumping backward when someone steps closer to me. 😱🤣

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

Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries

Week 62 of the lockdown 😞.  

COVID-19 cases as of day, 05/21/21; Dixon: staff confirmed 317, staff recovered staff 312, 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 12,859, offenders confirmed 464, offenders recovered 464, offenders current 0, offender tests 28,379 | IDOC: staff confirmed 4,569, staff recovered 4,493, staff current 76, staff tests 248,787; offenders confirmed 10,903, offenders recovered 10,890, offenders current 13, offender tests 603,455. [2]

It has been several weeks since the start of controlled visitation, but COVID cases continue to drop. There have not been any 'current cases' at Sheridan since a staff member on May 1st and April 10th for offenders. Endless praises to God! Nonetheless, please continue to be in prayer for ongoing 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] “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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