SOCPM Newsletter | January 2024

A Joyous New Year  and  A Blessed New Hope

The day finally arrived to see my son Cameron after 8 years & 5 months. It was a few short days, but they were blessed, especially for Cameron. His mom and I arrived in Tucson on January 2nd and stayed in a lovely three-bedroom Airbnb. The first week of January was chosen for the reunion to celebrate Cameron's 34th birthday on January 4th. The date of January 2nd had special meaning, too; it marked Cameron's 5 months of sobriety.

We had no plans other than to celebrate Cameron's 34th birthday on Thursday the 4th. My flight arrived in Tucson around 7 PM, and I was met by Cameron and his mom, who arrived earlier in the day. So we ordered Grubhub and just spent the evening talking and watching TV.

On Wednesday, we walked a trail so I could get a thirty-minute walk. After the walk, we went to Fiamme Pizza, the restaurant where Cameron works. The owner was trained in pizza making in Italy; the pizza recipes originate from Italy, and Fiamme is fire in Italian.

We all had our own personal-size pizza on the house, Cameron's treat. I had Grandma's pizza: Grandma sauce, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, ricotta, mozzarella, and sausage. However, the pizza maker forgot the sausage. I was a bit bummed, but I could hear Michelle saying God is doing what you can't for yourself. Truth be told, I think sausage would have offset the delicious pizza. That evening, we did an hour Facetime call with my sister Martina in Las Vegas, Nevada.

On Cameron's birthday, his mom and I treated him to a lunch and take-home dinner at his favorite restaurant, Oregano's. God opened the door for an opportunity for me to give a clear explanation of the Gospel to Anne Marie and Cameron. His mom professes to be a Christian, but after I shared the Gospel, I believe God opened her eyes to a better understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Celebrating as a family, Cameron's 34th Birthday

At long last, with some hesitation, I gave Cameron my old MacBook Pro. I worry he will lose it if he relapses, but he plans to go to school in the fall and will need a computer. Before giving it to him, I prayed for God's will. I believed God told me there was no guarantee Cameron would remain sober, but at some point, I needed to show Cameron I had faith and trust in God he could.

I also gave him five US Savings Bonds he was given back in 1990 when he was born. They all have matured, and again, fearful he would relapse and waste the money on drugs or alcohol, God was I have to show him I believe in him and let him be what is his. He showed his maturity after I left. When we first went to cash the bonds at US Bank, we were told that because of the way they were written, two of the bonds would have to be cashed through the US Treasury.

After spending a few hours trying to figure out how to convert paper bonds to electronic bonds and where Cameron would have to send them to the US Treasury, Cameron found out through a friend that Wells Fargo Bank would cash them. Which they did for free. It made me very proud, showing me Cameron doesn't need dear old Dad to help him do all those essential things.

Sadly, Friday arrived too quickly, and it was time for his mom and I to depart, but not before one more family picture. The most memorable moment for me is when, at some point, Cameron said, "It's like we're a family again."

The Kalas Family - Tucson, AZ

On my journey home for the first time in many years, I have faith and a genuine hope that perhaps God has a purpose for my son Cameron.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

A Thumbs Up for Sheridan, Not So With Dixon

In Sheridan's Malachi Dads classes, the guys are enjoying Voddie Baucham's 4-part series Love and Marriage and Voddie as a teacher. I plan to bring in more of his material after we've completed the book Malachi Dads: The Heart of a Man - Part 2.

We're a few weeks from completing the 3-part 36-week teaching on Revelation. I have several plans on various teachings until Dixon, if ever, completes Revelation.

The situation at Dixon is not promising. As mentioned above, weekly lockdowns due to staff shortages are again the norm. Once we finish the current term, I'm seeking God's will on whether I should drop the weekly curriculum paralleling Sheridan and offer stand-alone teaching. It would be doable in the Discipleship classes; the Fatherhood classes would be a challenge, and I genuinely do not want to drop Malachi Dad. I ask you to join me in prayer.

Christmas in Uganda Prisons

In October my Brother in Chrsit and comrade in prison ministry David reached out and shared with me his hopes to reach a thousand Ugandan prisoners for Christmas. and if SOCPM could help. I've been connected to David for a few years and know he has a sincere heart for the thousands of men and woman who are in Uganda prisons. I don't know how many prisons he visits but he visits several throughout the week.

David sent me a list of his needs for the Christmas outreach and I prayed as to how God would want me to help. God blessed SOCPM in 2023 and with my taking a sabbatical I the funds to help David meet a small portion of is needs.

In mid December David reached out he was almost at his goal but was still short in meeting his goal. His planned goal for tomatoes and cooking oil was short. It was a large amount for him but even after giving to a few charities nearby which was Michelle's and my custom and I didn't have the cost of buying Michelle Christmas presents, I could contribute David's final needs personally.

David called me all the way from Uganda and expressed his gratitude and I said just send me some pictures.

Prayer Requests

Prayer of praise with a blessed visit with Cameron and his mom, Anne Marie, Cameron's five months of sobriety and his ongoing making wisdom in his decision making.

As always, pray for Cameron's salvation and continued sobriety. There are no breakdowns with his car. His health, he was diagnosed with bronchitis while we were visiting. Wisdom in his planning short and long term planning

Pray God uses my sharing the Gospel of Jesus to Anne Marie and Cameron or His glory.l

I'm still struggling with my diet, I need self control in not giving in to cravings. I'm still doing good in 150 minutes a week in cardio exercise, pray I remain disciplined. I'm having dental implant surgery January 1th. Please pray all goes well with my having to go off blood thinners and the surgery itself.

A prayer of praise for God's blessings the financial support for SOCPM.

Wisdom in the challenges I'm facing at Dixon and decision making in the curriculum I choose for the next Discipleship class.

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