Greetings,
Another term, another year. 2017 saw many a 'good' students paroling home. As always it is bittersweet. This week was a farewell to Toby and Joseph.
Toby was one of the most passionate students in fatherhood classes wanting to truly raise his son Toby Jr. in the knowledge, love, and mercy of God. He also has a passion for taking the extra steps in seeking Christian growth outside the classroom. Almost every week Toby would ask for articles on theological topics and Christian living. It was a bittersweet moment last night as the class came to an end and several men and I commissioned Toby.
The same was true for Joseph, though not a student after March of this year in order to dedicate time to the choir and preparing for parole, Joseph as a student almost weekly was requesting articles on the further teaching of God's Word and parenting. I believe in God's providence I and Joseph crossed paths last week allowing me to pray for Joseph and again this week just prior to his walking out the gate allowing final farewells.
Despite the paroling of many 'good' students in 2017 God has been gracious in bringing many new students to SOCPM in 2017. So much so, I think it's quite possible the number of students seeking true knowledge in God is a majority.
Please pray 2018 is indeed a fruitful year for God using SOCPM for His glory.
To Him be the glory!
Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries
Discipleship: Developing Christian Character
Dixon Correctional Center
Class resumes 01/24/2017
Sheridan Correctional Center Afternoon
Richard - Pray for my girlfriend, Yvonne to find happiness and to be clean and sober, and to know that I love her very much. Pray for my mother to receive the funding necessary for her to attend to her dental health and automobile needs. Pray for my family to be happy, healthy, wealthy and wise.
Jason - I would like to send a prayer up to my family and two daughters to have a Merry Christmas and to keep joy and love in their hearts. I would like to send a prayer up to the families and children growing up in this world to retrieve the wisdom of Jesus in their hearts. I would like to send a prayer out to the world for a Merry Christmas and knowledge to understand what it is.
No name - Prayer for my wife and kids, my sisters. Prayer for Scott and his son and wife. Prayer for our enemies!May all be of godly health, safety and at peace. In Jesus Christ name. Amen! Prayer for those who pray for all of us here at Sheridan.
Robert - Please pray for my continued growth of knowledge and also though things that I need. They have been supplied as I need them, before I ask, I am blessed. Please pray that I continue to be blessed so I can be ready when I parole from here.
Sheridan Correctional Center Evening
William - I would like to send out a prayer to all the men here that are getting "good time." I pray that they put it to good use and find their path to God. I would also like to pray for myself that I never stop trying to please God and stay on the right path in life. PS maybe a little good time for myself too.
Steve - Dear God, I pray to you for my continued faith allowing me to live in your grace. Also, for patience and acceptance of my current situation. For the health of my parents and my children and for Mary and her family. That Calsey can find her way from heroin addiction. In Jesus Christ name. I pray this amen.
Steve & William - Dear god, in Jesus Christ name we pray for the help of John C. He apparently suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Amen.
No name - Please pray that my SSC comes through soon and that I get the full six months if it's God's will. There is much I want (hope) to get started doing once I am released. Please pray that my loved ones forgive me and open their hearts and reached out to me. That amends can be made, Bonds be repaired (Crystal).
Michael - Hello, how are you, first I want to say thanks for always taking time for praying for me and my family. My name is Michael, can you please pray for me that I can get out this year coming up. Thank you. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas.
Michael - Hello, how are you doing, my name is Michael, a lot of times I be going through a lot, can you pray that I can see my family this weekend or soon. Also, can you pray that I talk to my family as well? Thank you so much. God bless you and your family. Merry Christmas.
Christian Living: Malachi Dads - The Heart of a Man
Dixon Correctional Center
Carl - Please pray for my court date March 7, 2018, that my appeal goes well, thank you. Pray for Cameron's situation and hope he sees the true ability to change and grow into a productive individual; most of all get back on track in and every situation and trust God! Pray for my sister Sherese health, my brother receive a well-salaried job! Pray for my wife's life overall. My son's behavior and his mothers love to mend us together again. Amen.
Randy - RC Sproul's family for the loss. My family for salvation. God Behind Bars Ministry, Kent's ministry, Scott's ministry, Scott's son Cameron.
A. C. - Pray for us here at Dixon. May we have a happy and blessed holiday. May our families be kept safe through their travels during the holiday season. Pray for Scott's son, may he get the help he needs and may he come to the Lord for guidance. In Jesus name, amen!
Christian Living: Malachi Dads - Family Restoration
Sheridan Correctional Center
Derrick - I would like to ask God to keep me safe keep me on the right path. Please help my wife to stay strong with everything and help her to do what she needs to do, hopefully, if it's my time I can get some good time, if it is God's will for me to come home early or when its set for me too.
Toby - Please continue to pray for my family. Toby Jr's mother has expressed interest in me, although I'm not exactly sure to what degree. Nonetheless, she will be here with my family to pick me up and drive me to transition house. I suspect that she thinks or wants everything to continue as before, intimately speaking. Again, please pray for us. In The past, I have been wildly influential in her life. My intentions are to communicate to her my three most important things. My relationship with God, my recovery, and my family. My world will revolve around these things if she is on board great if not we'll need to part ways. Please pray that God will establish me well at the transitional house for 3 to 4 months. Pray that I'll get affiliated with a solid church and other believers as well as new friends within the AA community. Pray that He will help he establish prayer times, reading of the Word and fellowship on a regular basis. These disciplines are essential ingredients for my success. Also praying, that God will give me wisdom and discernment in regards to my relationship with her. Thankfully, while at the transitional house we will be one hour apart from each other. Time to pray and observe. Regardless of the status of our intimate relationship, please pray that God would help me to model and pattern the life of Christ to both Kristen and Toby Jr.
SOCPM Alumni
Andre
New Life Corrections
Vienna; 09/2012
Discharged 12/18/2017
Howard
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 08/2016 thru 02/2017
Paroled 12/18/2017
James
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 12/2016 thru 12/2017
Paroled to 12/18/2017
Justin
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 01/2015 thru 06/2015
Discharged 12/18/2017
Dewayne
Soldiers of Christ
Dixon; 10/2015 thru 11/2016
Discharged 12/18/2017
Joseph
Soldier of Christ
Sheridan; 07/2013 thru 11/2013
Discharged 12/18/2017
Michael
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 02/2017 thru 12/2017
Paroled 12/19/2017
Raulon
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 08/2015 thru 02/2016
Paroled 12/19/2017
Everett
Soldiers of Christ
Dixon; 12/2016 thru 05/2017
Discharged 12/20/2017
Andres
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 05/2015 thru 12/2015
Admitted Stateville 12/20/2017
David
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 08/2015 thru 12/2015
Discharged 12/20/2017
Sergio
Soldiers of Christ
Dixon; 08/2014 thru 09/2014
Transferred Vienna 12/20/2017
Juan
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 05/2016 thru 10/2016
Transferred 12/20/2017
Dajawon
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 07/2017 thru 07/2017
Paroled 12/20/2017
Joseph
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 05/2015 thru 03/2017
Paroled 12/22/2017
Stephen
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan; 02/2016 thru 11/2016
Transferred Pinckneyville 12/22/2017
Ministry Partners New Life Corrections
New Life Corrections
Dixon Correctional Center
No prayer requests received from ministry partner.
Wesley Ministries
Illinois River Correctional Center
No prayer requests received from ministry partner.