SOCPM Newsletter | September 10, 2022

Greetings,

SOCPM Inside the Prison Gate: A new ministry partner who happens to be a Scotsman

SOCPM Outside the Prison Gate: Meeting with Peter 👍, Fundraising 👍, contact while on parole 👎🏻

On the Home Front: A retreat and two anniversaries

On the Prayer Front:  All things family, SOCPM, and more

These are the topics for this week's SOCPM Newsletter. I hope you enjoy it, despite my lack of an editor. Michelle would like to edit my newsletters (I think she has a deep-seated desire to be an English teacher with a red pencil in hand), but her work voids the time.

To Him be the glory in ALL things and Him alone,

Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries

SOCPM Inside the Prison Gate

I'm behind on almost all of my favorite podcasts. So, I've been binging on Alistair Begg's podcast Truth for Life on my drives to and from Dixon and Sheridan. I've enjoyed Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, for many years. His Scottish heritage adds a particular enjoyment to listening, but his teachings are the main attraction. The current teachings I've been listening to led me to see what resources are available on the Truth for Life website. Unbeknownst to me, many of them are on video. Since the number of videos I show in the Malachi Dad classes is minimal, I decided I like to build the SOCPM library of videos related to Christian Living (marriage, fatherhood, etc.). I found several rather quickly, but since I'd be burning them to DVD, I contacted TFL on their copyright permissions. I was filled with joy when I got permission to burn them to DVD. 

I plan to use the two-part teaching 'A Word to Fathers' in the last weeks of Christian Living at Dixon. Unfortunately, this week's Christian Living call was canceled do to Dixon going on lockdown after the Discipleship class but before the start of Christian Living. Lord willing, I'll be able to show them in the last two weeks of the term.

SOCPM Outside the Prison Gate

I had my first clergy visit with Peter at Kane County. I felt it went well from my perspective, but I had a humble confirmation. A ministry partner who crossed paths with Peter informed me that Peter said he was grateful for the visit, and though it was only 30 minutes, he enjoyed our conversation. Unfortunately, Peter's trial had already concluded before our visit. He received a 4-year sentence and will be returning to IDOC at any time. Having already served 1-year in Kane, he will only have to endure IDOC for three years. It is unlikely he will do his time at Sheridan or Dixon. I've not heard anything regarding Argenis, another former SOCPM student currently in Kane County.

With Labor Day behind us, Redeemer Fellowship's community groups should meet on their weekly schedules, which has me planning to resume fundraising presentations. I have four more groups to meet. I also intend to contact pastors I know from other churches to see the possibility of doing a SOCPM fundraising presentation to members of their church.

As I've often stated as a volunteer in Illinois Department of Corrections it is against policy to have contact with a former SOCPM student while on parole. Once he is discharged contact is allowed. However, I know of instances where IDOC volunteers do have contact with men on parole. So, I wondered how come some can and some can't; I was told by these volunteers, if it is ministry related it is permissible. I was unsure if that was true and if so what constitutes ministry related? I wanted to here it from a person in IDOC administration.

I inquired to Dixon last week about my desire to meet with one former student from Dixon. I stated I wanted to see how he was doing. Does he have a church, or can I help find him one? Could he use biblical-related resources or counsel on anything? The reply was that it would not be seen as ministry related. I asked whether it was possible to read the policy, but there wasn't anything formally written. However, they're aware volunteers are violating the policy, which is being addressed.

Needless to say, I was disappointed. However, as much as I believe in an ordained ministry, which I am, having visits with a person being ministry related, I won't pursue it for now. After the denial, Chaplain Thomas sent me an e-mail with the words that were the words I needed to hear, 'To be clear – we need you at Dixon doing what you do.' As much as I wish I could have ministerial contact with former SOCPM students on parole, my first calling is being a minister to those inside the gate.

On the Home Front

Life on the home front has been mostly quiet, but in the coming weeks will be more active. 

As this letter makes its way through cyberspace, I'll be attending 'Seaworthy,' the annual men's ministry retreat through my church Redeemer Fellowship at Cedar Lake Camp. It is the 2nd annual one but will be my first. I did not attend last year due to another commitment. 

The other commitment was Michelle and my big move from our condo in Cortland to our townhome in North Aurora. It is hard to believe it is already our first anniversary in our new home. Last September 9th, we closed and made the big move, which was a big move, with lots of stuff to Goodwill on Friday, September 10th. Our new home has been a blessing, and we are both thankful God brought us here. I still love it when I can push a button and drive our car into a garage. It is the first time I've ever had a garage where I can actually park the car. Thank you, Lord.

There is one other anniversary this coming week, and outside of salvation it is my greatest blessing. Michelle and I will celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary on September 13th. a bit of an irony is the place we held our reception is a little over a mile down the road. I remember after we left the reception and headed south on route 25. Only God knew as we passed what was then a golf course, would be the place that would one day be our home.

My bride Michelle and me September 13, 2008

Michelle, still my bride, and Scott, July 2022

Until death do us part. - We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Photo by Keven McDunn

On the Prayer Front

Cameron - Say a prayer for Cameron's salvation and that of his friends Hunter and Amy. Permanent sobriety for Cameron and Amy. Cameron will have the necessary and successful surgery.

Michelle (aka my lovely bride) - The new cortisone injection thus far has been successful in reducing swelling and pain in her knees. She remains in God's Word.

Self - Say a prayer of thanks for 14 years of marriage and many more. Say a prayer of thanks for our home. Safe travels to and from the men's retreat and a blessed time while there. I can resume the SOCPM fundraising with confidence God will bless SOCPM in reaching the goal. Discipline in the study of God's Word, exercise, and diet.

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