SOCPM Newsletter | June 25, 2021

Greetings,

The everlasting wait of at least a firm date of either Dixon or Sheridan lifting the lockdown on volunteers remains everlasting. However, for the time Sheridan Chaplain McClimans shared, he's started hearing rumors, but nothing from the Warden's office. Both chaplains, for now, remain grateful for SOCPM's dedication in sending the Weekly Notes and promise to notify me as soon as they know more. 

As I continue in my state of perpetual waiting, the what seems endless exit of SOCPM students is one constant. This week's heart grieve was teh transfer of Jong Lee to Robinson. Aka Lee Jong Bum. I remember when I asked him what name he wanted on his certificate and name card, he said, 'Jong Lee Bum.' When I questioned if it was a derogatory nickname or had other significance, he told me it is a popular name in Korea. Thus in my being me, in good loving nature, would quite often welcome him to class saying 'Hey Bum, good to see you!' it would right away bring a smile to his face, and he would give me a nod and quite often would come up to me and start a conversation. In addition, he, on more than one occasion, would ask me for the lyrics to a song. 

Bum was a SOCPM student since January 2016. When I would talk to him about his faith, which was a challenge because of his solid Korean dialect, he would acknowledge Jesus as his Lord and Savior and confirm the Gospel. One of teh challenges I may have mentioned it is hard to get a strong feel for someone's faith in a classroom setting, but I have a better than fair hope Bum had saving faith. But only God knows for sure. So pray for Jong Lee that he gets connected to Christian teachings in Robinson. I'm going to try and get the Chaplain at Robinson's name and e-mail in hopes of some follow-up.

The Weekly Note for this week was on Psalm 5:3. In my greeting to the students, I shared a comment by Charles Spurgeon stood out, "I will look for the answer; after I pray, I will expect the blessing." [1] I added there is a benefit in the discipline of journaling their prayers. One of the advantages of a prayer journal is seeing how God is faithful, but it also can be a reminder to follow-up with those we say we will pray for and perhaps do but never follow-up with the person to see how God answered their prayer.

Because of space, I'm limited in my comments. But another good discipline I hope the students take note of is William S. Plumer's comment, 'To seek God early is to seek Him earnestly. The man, who gives his first waking thoughts to God, will not be indisposed to acts of devotion at later hours of the day.'  [2] The discipline of giving God my first thoughts for the day, I can say I do well, but not good as I'd like. My challenge is I check my computer to see what tasks I have planned for the day, But at times I see a task that is short and quick but then another and another, and before long, I'm focused on my daily tasks and think, but have forgotten the most important task, my time in prayer and God's Word. Satan can fool me in saying I'm being productive, but I'm never as productive as I could be if I don't begin my day by going to God and letting His Word be my guide for the day.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (ESV).

Cameron is supposed to get his long-awaited stimulus check in the mail Friday on the personal prayer front. As I write the newsletter Friday afternoon, I've not heard an update. Please pray it has arrived. He is still looking for a place to live. The plans of renting an apartment with a coworker are no longer in play. He wanted me to contact Grady, his former youth pastor, now a pastor in Maricopa, AZ. I told him that is something he needs to do. He did, and Grady says he will help. Please continue to pray he finally finds a place to live. After talking to Grady, he is also looking into getting his license. He is also talking about getting his drives license as Grady will try and help get him a car. I have concerns about that but am seeking trust in God's will on that matter. He remains sober and upbeat. He's re-enrolled in school and remains sober. After salvation, I ask for prayer that Cameron's situation remains positive. If he were to fall again into his addiction and be homeless, it would be hard for me emotionally.

After seeing her neurologist, Michelle will have an MRI, more precaution than concern, all concerning her vertigo, which has been much better of late. The retirement of her manager Kathy is next week, and there is still no mention of a new manager. Please pray when the person is named, Michelle will be pleased, and the new manager will allow Michelle to continue to work from home. In my most recent blood work and other lab tests, some numbers came back that have raised my doctor's concerns about my kidney health. It can still be a lasting effect from my prostate surgery, but he has ordered me to have an ultrasound on my kidneys and see a nephrologist. I already have an appointment with my urology surgeon on July 19th. Please pray the labs are indeed due to my prostate surgery in March.

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

Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries

Week 67 of the lockdown 😞.  
COVID-19 cases as of day, 06/25/21; Dixon: staff confirmed 318, staff recovered staff 318, staff current 0, staff tests 13,910; offender confirmed 592, offenders recovered 592, offender current 0, offenders tests 49,481 | Sheridan: staff confirmed 149, staff recovered 149; staff current 0, staff tests 14,561, offenders confirmed 464, offenders recovered 464, offenders current 0, offender tests 31,256 | IDOC: staff confirmed 4,631, staff recovered 4,606, staff current 25, staff tests 281,306; offenders confirmed 10,917 offenders recovered 10,913, offenders current 4, offender tests 658,097 [3]

The number of COVID cases for Dixon and Sheridan for both staff and inmates remains at 0. The number of cases in all of IDOC among staff and inmates is static. Praise God!

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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