SOCPM Newsletter | April 2023

Greetings,

A busy time since the last March SOCPM Newsletter, from good to UGH

SOCPM Inside the Prison Gate: The sage of class cancellations continues.

SOCPM Outside the Prison Gate: A saga of good time and fellowship on the road.

On the Home Front: The saga of despair over Cameron continues, but hoping for a saga of new light.

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

Inside the Gate

Cancellations and lockdowns continue to make the current term a stressful one. After a one-week return to Dixon, I had to cancel the following week due to the expected and fulfilled fallout of Cameorn's release.

I planned to return to Sheridan the week after the conference but had to cancel because of a bad cold. Then this past week, the afternoon before I was scheduled to go to Sheridan yesterday (Friday)Sheridan, the chaplain notified me because of some volunteer records, including mine, no gate passes would be issued until they were updated.

I sent him the updated and signed forms for my records yesterday and trust God to be back in booth Dixon and Sheridan this coming week.

 Outside the Gate

Voddie Baucham has become one of my favorite teachers over the past few years. So, when I learned he was to be a speaker at the 2023 Ligonier Ministries National Conference, I began to look for a way to attend at a minimal cost.

SOCPM being a part of Ligonier's Chaplain Outreach program, the conference registration was waived. I then contacted Jeremiah, a pastor friend from Rockford, IL, with who I also attended the 2019 conference, with was going to the 2023 conference. He was. Jeremiah's son, Jonah, and a family friend John were driving down and renting an Airbnb and be happy for me to join them. Splitting a car rental, gas, and lodging three ways would be less expensive than flying, car rental, and lodging on my own. So, I decided to join them on a road trip to Orlando, FL.

I can't remember the last time I went on an overnight road trip, but I have fond memories of those I took in the past.

They all picked me up on Tuesday, March 21st, around 10:30 AM, and the journey began. I won't bore you with all the details, but the highlight of the trip down was a place called Ole Ruddy's BBQ. We happened upon it when stopping for gas in Jackson, GA., and saw a line of 18-wheelers parked in the lot. It was one of those situations of so many yummy tasty choices on the menu. Needless to say, we all enjoyed our lunches sitting at picnic tables in the warmth of the Georgia weather.

It took us a bit longer than planned for the drive down, but with an overnight stay in Lebanon, TN, We arrived at our Airbnb late evening Wednesday. The three bedrooms and very comfortable living quarters were a deal. After splitting the costs three ways, it was less than a hotel.

However, the conference was the purpose of the road trip, and it did not disappoint. There are too many highlights to share, but I'll mention two.

In addition to his sermon, Vodddie was interviewed for a couple of Ligonier podcasts, Renewing Your Mind and Ask Ligonier (I could not find a posted recording for either, but I expect they will be in future podcasts).

After attending the recording of the Renewing Your Mind, I got a photo op with Voddie.

I mentioned that Vodie has become one of my favorite teachers, and the use of his sermons has made him a favorite with SOCPM students. His classroom teachings include Love & Marriage, Leading as Fathers and Husbands, The Fatherless Family, and Why You Can Believe the Bible.

On the Home Fron

Cameron was released from Pima County Jail on Wednesday, March 29th. But, as it was with many things Cameron, it was a harrowing few days for his mother and me. I won't go into details, but sadly, he relapsed the first day, and he lost an iPhone and his wallet in the next two days. He ended up in detox, and thankfully, his probation officer let it slide. She has been an advocate for helping Cameron get back on track. She brought him his wallet when on the day he was released, which he lost the next day. I traced his activities and found he had left his wallet at an At&T store. The iPhone remains lost.

I found a transitional living home, respecting Cameron's privacy I won't give the name, but it is not God's Rescue Mission, but he needed to be medically clear to enter from alcohol and drugs. He finally started getting wise and admitted himself into detox at a Tucson hospital. But not before some belligerent moments while waiting in the ER room, which included a security officer taking his bottle of whiskey. By God's grace, he was not arrested for violating probation, resulting in being sent to prison for a couple of years. I will mention that to Cameron when he tells me God is never there for him. Praise God that his several days in detox have cleared his mind.

He is scheduled to be released today; I've spoken several times to a staff person at the transitional home, and it sounds like a good program with strict rules. There is more but a positive note to end the newsletter regarding Cameron. My last phone call with Cameron earlier today; he's applied to be a transporter at the hospital. A much better job than in the food service industry, where his alcohol exposure has been a hurdle he could not jump in maintaining sobriety.

He is in need of many prayers, which I've detailed below.

On the Prayer front 

Cameron - I detailed the latest of Cameron above; here are the prayer requests that come to mind. Sobriety, adjusting and accepting the rules of the sober living transitional house, his being hired as a transporter for Tucson Medical Center, God will heal him over the emotional wounds of his past relationship. He can find meds that will be accepted long-term in the transitional home. He will find a good therapist, ideally Christian, a primary physician, joy, encouragement, and hope. I can find a good church for him that he will attend. Last but not least, his salvation.

Self - I'm still struggling with motivation in exercising though I did the treadmill Thursday and today. I'm more consistent about smoothies, but improving my overall diet is still challenging. I'm scheduled to have a stress test this Thursday, and I'm concerned with my poor health habits of late.

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