Greetings,

Week 22 of the lockdown 😞.

No changes in the number of COVID cases at Dixon (2 staff). At Sheridan, cases went from 2 inmates to 2 staff. Please continue to keep that in prayer.

I’m writing this on Wednesday the 11th. Michelle and I leave Thursday for my mom’s memorial in Las Vegas, NV, returning Saturday. But, I still wanted to send you a weekly newsletter.

As for the trip itself, I’m very much looking forward to seeing my son Cameron. However, I personally am not looking forward to traveling and interacting with those who will be attending the service. I’m concerned Michelle, Cameron, or myself contracting COVID. We will take all the necessary precautions and have an ample supply of disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and masks and have been told the planes, hotel rooms, etc are desensitized thoroughly but I still have my anxieties. Maybe more so because my mom died from COVID. She did have underlying health conditions but so do Michelle and I and I’m certain Cameron’s health is not the best despite only being 30, because of the years of substance abuse. In short, covet your prayers for God’s protection and peace in my heart by trusting Him.

I’ve not heard back from Chaplain McClimans of Sheridan on how the DVDs were received, but I’m trusting God used them for His glory. I did hear from Voddie Bauchman Ministries, praise God, and they are open to SOCPM using any videos, however, they themselves don't have the copyright, but the person I spoke to, Jay, is willing to help in getting permission to the organization/ministry that does hold the copyright. I sent him the title of 15 videos, eight of who I was able to identify who originally posted the video to YouTube. He will contact try to contact them regarding permission. As for the other seven, I attempted to contact the three individuals who posted the video, hoping they will get back and provide their source for obtaining the video.

With my being out of town I will not have an opportunity to listen to Wednesday’s midweek message and compile a summary to send to the SOPCM students but did find an article that I hope they will find of interest ’The Purpose of the Bible - What is it?.’ I found it interesting because it is a reminder that the Bible is not like any other book. It is God’s Word written to us, it’s His means to reveal Himself to us, so we can come to have knowledge of His character and what He expects from us and how through the Bible we too can glorify Him in serving the Kingdom.

I find at times when reading the Bible or after reading it, I did to receive what I read for the purpose God gave us the Bible. My hope is the SOCPM students like myself become more discipline in reading the Bible and its purpose is not just to be a book like any other book but a book God wrote for me.

I did a test connect with Joe for SOCPM on Zoom and have including Joe and myself six participants. I hope to get an e-mail sent to everyone

Being it's Wednesday I probably have not received all the e-mails on SOCPM Alumni, I will plan on including those in the scheduled August 22nd newsletter.

I’m somewhat short on thoughts this week, I guess that’s good for those of you who like short newsletters, for those who like the longer ones my apologies.

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

Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries

Weekly Message

My schedule did not allow me the time to watch and edit the Wednesday midweek message by Joe Thorn. In place of the message, the following article was forwarded to the chaplain at Sheridan.

’The Purpose of the Bible - What is it?.'