Sheridan Prayer Request March 26, 2010

Praises to our great God for a great night last Friday;

We were joined by two newcomers Paul and John.

There was a lot of agreement on how we often fall into a cycle of performance orientation, where are actions can be for the wrong reasons and those wrong reasons cause us to take our focus off Jesus.

Here are this week’s prayer request

Quincy – Hey, my name is Quincy and I would like for you to pray for me that Lord keep his hands on my life and to continue to watch over my family and children

Miguel – I need prayers for patience cause I’m dealing with a couple of people that are stubborn and don’t want to change their negative ways. Also that my daughter Delilah graduates the 8th grade on stage.

Michael – I would like you to pray for the two new guys that we have in the Bible study, that God guide them and that He will their hearts and stay with us.

John – Requesting prayer for strength to find God’s will in my life and requesting prayer for early release.

Paul – I owe my mother $5,000 I gave it to a lawyer and if she know she would likely disown me. She had bonded me out of jail. Soon she will find out and I don’t want to lose our relationship. I haven’t spoken to her in months because I’m scared to face her.

James – My name is James, please pray that I may gain some self control and be a doer of the word. Please pray that all believers can stand strong in faith in Jesus.

Sean – That God’s will be my will, That God continues to bless and keep and renew my family especially spiritually. That my salvation is secure in God. I love you Jesus.

The prayers these men request are about thing that are upmost in their hearts; family, children, patience, caring for others, strength, fear, self-control, knowing God’s word and His will. The circumstances may be different but they are just like the our prayers. We have another commonality, sin, different circumstances but all of us in need of a Savior.

Thanks for your prayers and words of encouragement, it truly means a lot to me and knowing the power of prayer I can only imagine how much it means to the Men of Sheridan.


Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord;

Scott Kalas

Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries
www.soldiers-of-Christ.org

Connecting prison ministries and institutions to serve the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated for the Glory of Jesus Christ

U.S. Mail
Soldiers Of Christ Prison Ministries
P.O. Box 671
Cortland, IL 60112-0671

Mentor: The Kid and the CEO

The MENTOR: The Kid & The CEO, is a must read for all. It’s well written, and reads like a great novel. Portative, positive, positive. This is the attitude and way of life everyone one should be striving for. This book will bring hope and encouragement to those down on their luck, thinking life has nothing to offer them. It really cemented the idea that our own thinking and actions can either make or break us. In the end it is up to you. To have mentors throughout your life is vital, and having God as the center of your life is a must.

I found myself continually saying, “yes, yes.” I loved how Malcolm made it a point to teach both Tony and Gary what is needed to be a good person, as well as successful in life…in all areas of one’s life. We can all learn something from this book whether that be from Tony’s perspective that with the right attitude, good morals and hard work, you can do anything. Or from Malcolm whom we witness the importance of looking beyond ourselves and doing for others. After all, isn’t that what God has called us to do, and in doing so we end up being a winner as well.

You reap what you sow, so sow well.

Prayer Request for Sheridan Facility 3/12/2010

Hello prayer warriors it was a great time in Sheridan. We talked on the subject of sex and though the lesson itself was good I felt a evening of good fellowship as we also spent some time on spiritual gifts and there was also the blessing of some good news but I’ll let Quincy share that with you in his prayer request.

Quincy – I like to thank Jesus for answering my prayers and for you praying for me. I heard from my family and children – Thank God. I pray that the lord keep watch over my family and children as well as your family and children too. God Bless you

Sean – That God will be my will, that Scott continued to be blessed as a servant of God and that he receive traveling mercies as he does God’s work. That God continue to bless Sheridan Correctional Center and its staff so that we as detainees also b blessed. That God’s spirit live in and protect my mother, father, children, and the rest of my family

James – My name is James, whoever comes in contact with this prayer request please pray for me that I continue to grow day in and day out. I don’t want to waste my life in jail. I want to grow up as a man of God and not as an enemy of God. God bless you from my heart

Michael – please pray for the nation and the country of Chili. That the lord will be with them and bring them out of their problems and trouble and I will and always pray for you with the love and care that the Lord put in my heart.

Truly the news that Quincy heard from his children was a great joy. Thank you on behalf of Quincy for your prayers as I am confident that God heard them and blessed Quincy. Your prayers are working in James too. I have seen over the past few weeks more sincerity in his wanting to be in the class. Remember he at one time chose to stop attending but your prayers for God to work in his heart were answered and he is attending again.

I’m almost in tears as I write this e-mail as I witness these men growing in the Lord and that is through your prayers so I truly am thankful I do ask for your continued prayers for the class as a whole, that the men keep coming. Also I’m trying to make contact with Julie Beethem to arrange for another session in Sheridan. There is no guarantee that we can come back. I’m open to teaching whatever Sheridan feels needs to be taught to these men. Hopefully they will continue to see it being God’s Word. I’m also have three request two from ministry partners (Paul and John) and Miguel a friend the men in the class to join the class and though it is late in the class and I’ve been told no more vacancies can be filled I’m seeking God’s lead on asking Julie if they can join us.

Have a blessed week

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord;

Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries
www.soldiers-of-Christ.org

Connecting prison ministries and institutions to serve the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated for the Glory of Jesus Christ

U.S. Mail
Soldiers Of Christ Prison Ministries
P.O. Box 671
Cortland, IL 60112-0671

ONE LIFE MATTERS, A NEW BEGINNING

ONCE LIFE MATERS is a quick, easy read. Right from the first page you’re drawn into Marty’s world. The insight to being in the music industry in that era and all it entails is fascinating. Though it’s a biography/non-fiction, ONCE LIFE MATTERS reads like great fiction.

As I read about Marty’s journey I couldn’t help but be amazed what he survived. It’s clear that God had a bigger and better plan for Marty then he had for himself. And He wasn’t giving up on him. Marty just needed to walk through that door that was being held open for him time and time, again.

ONCE LIFE MATTERS is straightforward in how one repeatedly ignores Gods whispers, and where that road can lead. Without God we are lost souls, constantly searching for purpose and meaning in our lives.

I loved the way Marty wove in scripture relevant to what was going on in his life, hindsight that will speak to its readers.

It may have taken Marty years, as it often does many of us but he finally found his way. Not only did he find his way but he continues to walk through open doors, following Gods whispers, and sometimes shouts to do amazing work in His name.

Marty is a walking testimony that lives can be changed, and not only changed but totally turned around. A great inspirational story for those of us in the Prison Ministry, as well as for those struggling with some of the same issues Marty had.

I highly recommend this book for those in the Prison Ministry, as well as for those struggling with addictions, in prison or are far from God and feel their life is meaningless and hopeless.

ONCE LIFE MATTERS is encouraging to those struggling in life, as well as inspiring to those with loved ones far from God and caught up in their own nightmares.

Sheridan Prayer Request Friday March 5, 2010

Hello Prayer Warriors,

I had a busy weekend and apologize for lateness

We had a really good discussion this last Friday on anger. The men could and did honestly reflect on how ‘sinful’ anger has caused a lot of negative consequences in their personal lives. We also shared some good light hearted moments it was good to share some laughs with the men.

The prayer request for this week are along the same line as previous and I take that as a sign there are now any looming challenges or overwhelming trials, but rather the continuing desires of their hearts

James – My name is James and who ever receives this prayer request, please pray for me that I may continue to change from the life of crime. It’s hard but I’m making progress slowly but surely

Quincy – My name is Quincy and I would like for you to pray for me and my family that the cycle of coming to jail would end and that the Lord keep watch over me and my family

Michael – Just pray for all the people in the world and all the nation that are in deep trouble having really bad problems.

Sean – That God’s will be done in my life, that my family stay strong in God, that God continue to bless Scott and his family and that Scott will continue to have traveling mercies bringing God’s word to us here at Sheridan

This week we will discuss the ever fun topic of ‘Sex.’ Though it can be mentioned with light heartedness, sadly this gift from God between a husband and wife can be one of the most challenging sins to keep under control. Especailly with the promotion of it so heavily in our culture. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to be present in my presenting of the material and of the men’s heart in receiving it.

On a personal note, as you may know, I’ve been unemployed since November and though God has provided it be a joy to employed in some capacity again. I myself would love to pursue a vocation in prison ministry but the pay in this vocation is very low and unless we are able to sell our town home in Carol Stream that is almost out of the question barring God doing a miracle. Please pray if it is God’s will for me to pursue prison ministry as vocation at this time He bring us a buyer of the town home and open doors for emloyment in this vocation. If it is not His will that He bring me employment in the EDI field.

One additional note my brother Dwight recently became unemployed as well if you could please lift him in prayer for employment. He is also not saved a prayervrfo his salvation is paramount.

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Chriiprst Jesus our Lord;

Scott Kalas
scott@socpm.org

Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries
www.soldiers-of-Christ.org

Connecting prison ministries and institutions to serve the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated for the Glory of Jesus Christ

U.S. Mail
Soldiers Of Christ Prison Ministries
P.O. Box 87663
Carol Stream IL, 60188-7663

An Inspiring Story

LIVE TO TELL is an amazing story.

Make sure to check out Marty's ministry, Marty Angelo Ministries, Inc.
http://www.martyangelo.com/

A Christmas Celebration at Cook County Jail

ROCKIN THE JAILHOUSE

A Christmas Celebration at Cook County Jail

As the first group of men from division fourteen filed into the room, taking their seats, I could sense God’s presents. What a treat it was to recognize several of the men from only a few weeks prior when I severed then a Thanksgiving meal.

The hour began with encouraging words from Gaius. When Chicago Willow began to sing, oh, what a blessings that was. The men were off their feet and clapping their hands. A smile spread across my face as we sung the roof off the jailhouse.

Bev gave a message about salvation and how each and everyone of us have sinned, yet Jesus came to save us. Her message was powerful; reaching many of the men as they called out, Amen’s and nodding in agreement.

Song that grabs the soul

A song from Cheryl, I HAVE TO BELIEVE was so powerful; it reached down and touched your soul. As I glanced around, there were men standing with raised hands, others with tears in their eyes. Even the three officers standing in the back of the room, arms around one another, were swaying back and forth to the powerful words Cheryl sung with tears rolling down their cheeks.

Jim then spoke to the men on how we all have made promises we haven't kept. Have had people in our life let us down. Yet Jesus is always faithful. His word is His word! At that time Jim asked the men if they’d like to ask Jesus into their heart, to step forward. One by one, man after man, gathered at the front of the room. Tears were flowing from volunteers, inmates and offices. The presence of God was truly tangible.

Back to their floor

As each man left the room in single file, one by one. They shook our hands, thanking us with a grin upon their face. Once back on their floor, each man would receive a bag of homemade cookies that were baked by volunteers.

Receive the blessing of volunteering

Every Monday night several volunteers meet at Cook County Jail for a Bible study with Division 14. As the ministry continues to grow, so does the need for volunteers. If God has put upon your heart to find out more about what goes on behind locked gates, please contact Anne Rand at, arand@willowcreek.og.

Sheridan Prayer Request Friday February 26, 2010

Looks like Robert S has decided not to return, but of the four men attending we had a good session on ‘Repentance and Restitution’



Quincy – Hey how are you doing? Fine I hope. My name is Quincy and my request is that you continue to pray for me, my family and children and that we rest in God’s love and care. I’ll do the same for you



Sean – That God’s will be done in my life, that my mother’s salvation continues in God, that my children be protected and guided by God through the Hoy Spirit in Jesus name. That my relationship with my sister be restored and blessing in Jesus name, her name is Ebonie



James – My name is James. Whoever comes in contact with this prayer, please pray for me that I may turn away from m wicked ways. Also can you pray that I grow daily in the Lord. I’m only 20 yrs old and I don’t want to wait until I get older to change.



Michael – Please pray for my cellie that he would really seek the lord and His word. Pray that the Lord help me by making me able to show the power of God to help His faith to seek? And pray for me, I have been sick pray that the Lord will make me well.



This well we will discuss ‘Anger’



On behalf of the men thanks for your prayers


Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord;

Scott Kalas

Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries
www.soldiers-of-Christ.org

Connecting prison ministries and institutions to serve the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated for the Glory of Jesus Christ

U.S. Mail
Soldiers Of Christ Prison Ministries
P.O. Box 87663
Carol Stream IL, 60188-7663