Greetings,
Classes at Dixon were canceled this week because of Lincoln’s Birthday which is a holiday for workers in Illinois Department of Corrections.
However, classes were robust in both sessions at Sheridan. This week’s lecture, the fourth in the teaching series ‘Lack of Assurance by ’ Joel Beeke was ‘Church History.’ The title was a little misleading. It was not actually teaching on all of church history but centered on the Puritans and the Westminster Confession of Faith. The teaching focused on Chapter 18 paragraph 1 and 2 Peter 1:4-10 on the various possibilities and levels of assurance of faith.
In Sheridan Malachi Dads' classes, we continued in the book ‘Heart of a Father’, chapter two ’Sin.’ This is one of my favorite chapters as it gave me the opportunity to make clear teaching of the Gospel and how sin prevails in all of us. I share how as an unbeliever we are not fully aware of just how sinful we are until we know God's law (Romans 7:7). Several quotes of Scripture were included in the teaching a couple of them on the temptation pushes us towards sin were; Genesis 3:6 and 1 John 2:15-16.
I also received a humbling and encouraging note from David a student in both Malachi Dads and Discipleship.
Scott, I can't thank you enough for your faithful service to us here at Sheridan. I have been as you know in your Malachi Dads' class and your discipleship class for over a year now. Because of this my knowledge and relationship of God and His Word has grown so much! My faith has grown as the Word says in Romans 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” I loved the "Fundamentals of Faith" study. It's basic knowledge of the word and the study Bible that I got is awesome. The books and handouts are valuable resources in my growth as a Christian and may God bless you, your family and your ministry to continue to share the true message the Word of God and His love for us. Thank you, God bless you, in God's love David.
I truly am humbled and thankful to read notes like David, as it reassures me that also through your support and encouragement God is using SOCPM to produce fruit.
As always please remember out chaplains Rob and Leon.
To Him be the glory!
Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries
Discipleship
Dixon Correctional Center
Class canceled, resumes 02/19/2020
Sheridan Correctional Center Afternoon
Herman - Please pray that I, Herman Nitz Junior will receive money to take care of my family and my fiancé Cindy so we can buy a new vehicle and pay bills, tickets, etc. She crashed her car and needs help. I can't be there, I believe God in the Bible will help her receive support through prayerful people. Thank you. God is moving in my life by allowing me to be led by faith in Him and His Word.
Sheridan Correctional Center Evening
David - Please pray for the staff at inmates at Commissary and for me getting along with them, please. Also, for my relationship with my kids. Thank you.
Alex - Pray for our world. Pray for our President and our future President too. We need to get all along and sooner than later Yahweh. Y’shua the Son, help me set a better example to those waiting and watching for me to fail as a Christian, for I am going home March 20-27 and need you (Father God) more than ever.
Brother Jeffery Ray - Lord, I am thankful for Your grace and mercy upon me in my life. Your Son Jesus took on the sin of the world so that we could have everlasting life in eternity. I am so very thankful for Your blessings upon us all who do Your will and serve You as volunteers coming into the prison, reaching out to those who don't truly know You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit in or out of prison. Lord bless us all more and more to spread Your word of salvation through our talk, walk, and faith. In our Lord and Savior in Jesus' name amen.
Demond - I need prayer for my wife and kids we need to be stronger in the Lord and have faith.
Kevin - I am praying that I stay the Christian course I set up as I leave prison in a few months. May I stay true to my word and follow up with the pastors and Christians that have loved me and prayed with me throughout my prison sentence. May my dad, mom, and grandparents maintain their health so I lose no more family while in prison.
Juan - Prayer for Scott a man who comes to us to share his word here at the prison we thank him. God bless him and his family. Pray for my mother and family may they all stay healthy and strong.
No name - Please pray for Paige and Channing. She just got out of prison and is starting over. Also, pray for Dana that she will see her condition before it's too late. Pray for Sommer who is a light in the darkness and a true friend. She has been ill and not sure what it is. Last but not least pray for Jimmy. His heart is good but sometimes makes bad decisions.
Jordan - I would like to send out a prayer request to pray for the inmates at the Robinson in Southwestern facilities as they are on lockdown due to flu-like illness. Pray that everyone gets well and also for the attics who are still out there struggling.
Christian Living
Dixon Correctional Center
Class canceled, resumes 02/19/2020
Sheridan Correctional Center Early
Demond - Need prayer for my wife and kids and for our whole family that we can grow stronger in the Lord.
David - Please pray for me to get closer to God for peace here. For our volunteers, for us who know God to shine His light with our gifts the way, He wants faithfully. For my health and the health of all of our families.
Gerald - I am asking for prayer and understanding God's plan for my life when I leave here. I know the basics of what he wants me to do I want to do that anyway. I just want to know a little more about His plan for me. I am confident of His love for me I just want to know where He is directing me. Thank you God bless all of you.
Juan - Bless Scott and his family we thank him for blessing us you're in prison going out of his way every Friday. Thank you. Bless my family, Salazars, at home, bless all those who need blessing and seek your help.
Alex - Pray pray that I'm able to combat the devil and his minions here in Sheridan. Help me keep into the Word and in Christian ways. Also for my fiancé Kay to be safe and happy out there.
Sheridan Correctional Center Late
Cody - My grandpa McDaniels suffering from dementia/Alzheimer's. Be with Jewel who lost a daughter last month (was possibly my daughter). Watch over my family in prayer for me as I learn if another set of twins is mine. Be with their mother Kendra (unfortunately that little girl passed away as well). Pray, I could make up for my mistakes as an addict and be the best father possible. Pray for my stepfather who has kidney stones. Be with those suffering from this new virus out there. Be with Perez, his daughter, and the things his family is going through. Pray for me and help me break away from all of Satan's bandage on me, specifically my prejudice and immorality. Thank you and God bless.
Justin - My friend Elizabeth, family and kids, inmates, officers.
Anthony - For my children’s safety. For my entire family's safety and health. For my prayer life. That I get good-time and work release. For my peace. Protection from anything that's against God's will. Wisdom and understanding of God's word.
SOCPM Alumni
Larnie
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 11/2019 thru 02/2020
Paroled 02/10/2020
Bradley
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 07/2017 thru 09/2017
Discharged 02/10/2020
Chad
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 03/2013 thru 05/2013
Transferred Western Illinois 02/10/2020
Jose
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 09/2019 thru 02/2020
Paroled 02/11/2020
Wesley
Soldiers of Christ
Dixon: 07/2017 thru 02/2020
Paroled 02/11/2020
Matthew
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 11/2017 thru 01/2018
Paroled 02/11/2020
Jerrick
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 08/2018 thru 04/2019
Transferred Dixon 02/11/2020
Sergio
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 01/2020 thru 02/2020
Transferred Stateville MSU 02/11/2020
Bobby
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 05/2016 thru 07/2016
Admitted Stateville NRC 02/13/2020
Noah
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 08/2018 thru 12/2018
Discharged 02/13/2020
Orlando
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 01/2018 thru 06/2018
Paroled 02/13/2020
Michael
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 01/2018 thru 10/2018
Paroled 02/14/2020
Arthur
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 10/2018 thru 12/2018
Paroled 02/14/2020
Rickey
Soldiers of Christ
Sheridan: 05/2019 thru 06/2019
Paroled 02/14/2020
Rafael
Soldiers of Christ
Dixon: 03/2017 thru 05/2017
Paroled 02/14/2020
Eric
New Life Correction
Illinois River: 01/2013
Paroled 02/14/2020
Wesley Ministries
Illinois River Correctional Center
No prayer requests received from ministry partner.