Tuesday, February 22, 2011

OUR NEW BLOG

Stop in and see our new blog, PRISON AND JAIL MINISTRY CONNECTION.
http://prisonandjailministryconnection.blogspot.com/

Thursday, January 20, 2011

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA IL January 20, 2011

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA IL January 20, 2011


Upcoming One-Day Training Seminar
April 2nd, 9 AM - 3:30 PM
215 E. New York St., Aurora IL
Speaker: Rich Hines
Cost: FREE!
Email Chaplain Tom to reserve a place!
tbeatty@waysidecross.org


The Dads' Classes

DEFINING THE PROBLEM

GETTING STARTED
Memorize Psalm 1:1

RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY,
& CHRISTIANITY

HANDLING ANGER, DRUGS, ALCOHOL, STRESS
Memorize Psalm 1:1-2

“DISTANT DAD"
Write letter(s) to kid(s).
Memorize Psalm 1:1-3

RELATIONSHIPS
Write letter(s) to kid(s).
Memorize Psalm 1:1-4

FATHERING
Write letter(s) to kid(s).
Memorize Psalm 1:1-5

LEADERSHIP & DISCIPLINE
Write letter(s) to kid(s).
Memorize Psalm 1:1-6

Aunt Mary’s Storybook
Write letter(s) to kid(s).

“Fireproof” - the movie & COMMENCEMENT!


Homework assignments with each class and Scripture memory are required.

You can view these classes on our Downloadable Files -
http://www.waysidecross.org/newlife/files.php


Also needed in the Kane Co. Jail - volunteers for CELEBRATE RECOVERY.
For information, application:
mailto:lvinvest@comcast.net


Progress in Kendall County!
Yes, after years of praying, we're seeing God open the doors to the Kendall County Jail in Yorkville! They've been "almost closed" to volunteers for some years after some negative experiences with volunteers & contraband.


Chaplain Tom had a good meeting with Jail Commander Sabrina Jennings (she requested the meeting!), to begin plans to bring in the Dads' Classes - to start in late February? The Commander said they will also welcome Bibles, Bible Lessons, and Christian books, and make make arrangements for us to show DVDs. Now, we're not "in" yet, so please continue praying! Please pray God will raise up 4 volunteers to go with Chaplain Tom, PROBABLY on Wednesday afternoons. Interested? Contact mailto:tbeatty@waysidecross.org


Kane Co. Jail "Dads" Volunteers Needed!
The Kane County Jail is accepting volunteer applications NOW. This will be the only time this year that applications will be accepted. The Dads' Classes are held on Fridays, from 7 - 9:15 PM. You'll join existing volunteer teams, co-leading the classes. For an application: mailto:tbeatty@waysidecross.org


Illinois Youth Center in Saint Charles
For about three years now, we've conducted a weekly Bible Study for all the "newbies" at the Center.. The "Leisure Time Activities" Department at the center has requested we have a monthly, Friday evening "Video Time" for the residents (teen-aged boys). Of course, we'd like to present Bible-centered videos. Do you know of a source of videos, preferably donated? They'd need to be 30 - 60 minutes in length, DVD preferred. We also need volunteers for this. Can you please help? Please contact mailto:tbeatty@waysidecross.org. (Warning: The application process for this is tedious!) Please pray we can meet this need, and take advantage of this opportunity!


If you would please consider donating to NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS, here's a link to our website - http://www.waysidecross.org then click on the Red Heart. Thank you!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Sheridan Correctional Malachi Dads Prayer Request - Friday Janauray 14, 2011

Greeting prayer warriors;

A couple of prayer request from me for a couple of men who I had in class last year.

Sean – I heard from another former student that Sean who was paroled last fall supposedly relapsed with his drug addiction. He is also supposedly back in treatment and thus far has not violated parole. Please pray that he will seek God fully and sincerely in his trials.

Quincy – I periodically check the IDOC web site to follow-up on the status of various inmates that are not on parole. This evening I did a follow-up on Quincy and he has been classified as an absconder aka fugitive. This of course was very disappointing. I had high hopes for Quincy especially in being a solid dad towards his son. I do not know details of his current situation but please pray that he will yield to God’s will by repenting and contact his parole officer.

There will be a Malachi Dad’s class next week but Brian will be going solo. I’m attending a class sponsored by the Navigator’s that I pray will benefit SOCPM for God’s glory, thus no prayer request

As for the Malachi Dad prayer request they follow

Devery – Would you continue to pray that Father God in Jesus name continue to use me as an instrument of inspiration to other men that are in my path as long I’m here at Sheridan and I would like you to pray for my daughter Darcee who’s 11-years old and her mother Dancas – Thank You

Adam – Grace, peace and mercy ne on to you all in the name of Jesus. Could I request a prayer for my walk in Christ and the hunger I once had seems to be fading. Please keep the martyr’s suffering and persecuted for Christ name and others in the world that are sick and suffering to give them the strength to get through and come to know Christ. God bless, peace and love in Christ

Anson – For my walk with Christ Jesus to grow in a might way. To be more focused in God and His word. I’m struggling in my walk with Him. I’m weak in certain areas of my life letting people stop me from speaking God’s Good News to the world. I need to be in tune with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to control me. Thanks God Bless

Antoine – I pray that I can become more frugal with my time, to be able to read the Bible more and manage my time more usefully, to pray that I stay in an attitude of gratitude and keep a positive of mind and for my family to stay strong and healthy and to be closer to God.

Charles – My name is Charles I would like prayer for me to have a closer relationship with God. Also pray for me to do His will and for Him to watch over me and walk with me as I go on from Sheridan.

Miguel – I just ask you pray for every individual that is going through situations in their lives that they believe that there’s nothing that can get them out of the problem. The truth is if they turn it over to God things will start getting a whole lot better and it might just get resolved completely if they put their faith in Christ Jesus and God our heavenly Father. Thank you for your prayers and God Bless.

Rafael – Thank you Father God for all you have done in my life and for all of which you are going to do. Mainly Father hear me your servant clothe the poor feed the hungry. Help those who are in need, the young and the old. Comfort the broken hearted, heal the sick in Jesus most precious name I pray Amen

Randy – Please pray for my family, please pray for my ability to follow directions in detail. Please pray for all the sick and suffering. Please pray that my faith strengthens Amen
Jon – Pray for favor and God’s grace

Rodney – Please pray that God will continue to this facility, Scott and Brian Thank you and God bless
Levi – I would like you to pray that Scott, Brian and all the participants in this study group. Pray for our continuous growth in seeking to live a righteous life through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for the safety our families, loved ones and our communities.

Robert M – Please pray for my mother who is taking care of my son while I am in here at Sheridan. She is often sick and had her hip replaced. Robert Oliver M III, is my son who is 4-years old Also my soul mate is struggling with her relationship with God, as she also is in IDOC Decatur, IL. Pray for my sister Mary and her two boys, brother Naura and his family, and my friends here in IDOC; York Craig, Stephen and John

Robert F – I’m asking for prayer in my obedience in the Lord and for my family, my parents dealing with sickness and my Aunt Geraldine and her recovery from heart surgery and for the Holy Spirit’s presence over Sheridan – Thank you and God bless

John P – Please pray that the Lord continues to share His love and grace on me. Please my two little girls especially Alysha because she turned 5-years old the twelfth of January. Also bless the Governor as he makes the tough decisions when it comes to releasing inmates into the public. Also continue to bless Scott and Brian as they come to share the Word with us every Friday. Also watch over Scott’s son and lead him into God’s path. Prayfully yours

? – Please pray for peace on earth and all families to be safe for a life time and find God to be their Savior

Clarence – My prayer request is that the wisdom of God will rest upon me and I will experience God by obeying Him. Also that I will hear from my loved ones

Lidell – Just pray for the people of the world that they may find Jesus, that they may find love and happiness

DeAngelo – I would like for you to pray for me in my spiritual walk. For my reuniting with my ex-spouse Iesha. Special prayer for Derrick, my mother Michelle and Aunty Yolanda

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

SOCPM's mission is to bring the gospel to the prisons, disciple Christian prisoners and connect them with resources that will provide them with holistic discipleship during and after incarceration.

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

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

THANKSGIVING AT COOK COUNTY JAIL


12/16/2010
A Day of Thanksgiving

While most people started Thanksgiving Day in anticipation of a family gathering, Mike Calia was on his way to the Cook County Jail. Although he isn’t new to serving at Willow Creek, this was his first opportunity to serve with the prison/jail ministry. As he worked alongside 31 other volunteers, his perspective changed in a way that he didn’t see coming.

Hearts of Compassion

On Thanksgiving morning, the inmates of Cook County Jail walked single file in groups of 50-75 into the multipurpose room. Mike’s job was to serve the food and give a smile to each of the inmates as they passed through the line.

Before Jim, a co-leader in the Monday night Bible study at the jail, gave a short greeting, he asked how many of the men attended the weekly Bible study. Mike was surprised at the number of hands that went up. God is truly doing life-transformational work within the walls of the jail.

A particularly moving moment occurred after one of the inmates led the group in a very passionate prayer. "An inmate started singing 'Amazing Grace' and of course, we all joined in," says Mike. "I cannot even describe the feelings I had while singing that song 'a cappella' along with 80 or so other people, most of them male and almost three-quarters of them inmates."

"In my opinion, the most amazing thing happened when Jim mentioned that this was the third year that Willow’s prison ministry was serving a Thanksgiving meal at this prison and this would not be possible without the prison guards’ cooperation," mentioned Mike. Without a suggestion of any kind from any of the volunteers, the inmates actually started applauding. Mike left Cook County Jail that day feeling God’s grace in a new way.

Volunteer Opportunity

2010 was the third year Willow Creek has harnessed volunteer power to serve Thanksgiving dinner at the Cook County Jail. There is a tremendous need for volunteers (especially men) to serve on an ongoing basis with this vibrant, life—changing ministry. If you feel God nudging you to be a part of the prison/jail ministry, contact Gaius at gcosman@foxvalley.net.


For more blog articles regarding the Prison and Jail Ministry, http://wccc.blogs.com/compassion_and_justice/

NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA IL ,JANUARY 10, 2011

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA IL

January 10, 2011 Upcoming One-Day Training Seminar
April 2nd, 9 AM - 3:30 PM
215 E. New York St., Aurora IL
Speaker: Rich Hines
Cost: FREE!
Email Chaplain Tom to reserve a place!
tbeatty@waysidecross.org

"Malachi Dads" volunteers needed!
In the Kane County Jail, the Dads' Classes meet every Friday, 7:15 - 9:15 PM. Volunteer applications are being accepted in January only!
Email Chaplain Tom for
an application!
tbeatty@waysidecross.org

Prayer Requests
Spanish Bibles and books - We prefer Christian books, but morally-clean novels, mysteries, biographies, etc. are welcomed.
Malachi Dads co-leaders at the Kane County Jail.
Acceptance of our Dads' Classes into the Kendall County Jail.
The Gospel to be clearly presented & clearly-heard.

If you would please consider donating to NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS, here's a link to our website - http://www.waysidecross.org

BOOK NEED:

"Book Cart Ministry" at Kane Co. Jail
The Kane County Adult Justice Center in St. Charles does not have a staff Chaplain, so 10 volunteers have teamed up to provide one-on-one Pastoral Counseling, and Christian literature to the general population. On the Book Cart are Bibles, tracts, Christian Books, Bible Study materials, and devotionals.

All the Book Cart materials are donated. Currently, we have a good number of English Bibles & books, but a GREAT NEED in this vital ministry is for Spanish Bibles and books. We have many inmates who's only language is Spanish, and many more who may have some English skills, but their "heart language" is Spanish.
5th Dads' Class at Stateville Prison

We began Dads' Classes with a new group of men on Jan. 5th. Some prayer requests after their 1st class are:

Albert - for my 4 kids following my criminal footsteps (3 are incarcerated) to change!

Marcus - for grace & humility to grow spiritually; for Mom’s upcoming surgery.

Timothy - for friends, family & foes to obey God’s Word & teach their kids a better way.

Manuel - for guidance, strength & understanding that God will change me.
Anonymous - for strengthened fellowship w/ God, better relationships w/ children & loved ones.

Ray - to return to the free world as a better Dad.

Tony - to have one of my children back into my life, and not be manipulated against me.

Antoine - for Mom on her deathbed; for my “low” hope & faith to be strengthened.

Anonymous - for the health of my son, Mother, and family members.

John - for favor in Court; for better relationships with my sons & their Mothers.

Larry - to see my grandkids in person; to be a better Dad to help my kids be better parents.

Anthony - for my family, especially daughter Destiny to know Jesus as Lord & Savior.

Sheridan Correctional Malachi Dads Prayer Request - Friday Janauray 7, 2011

Greeting Prayer Warriors

We are about ¾ the way through our Experiencing God study. We did not meet for a couple of weeks, a planned night off December 24th for Christmas but an unplanned night off December 31st as the administration put Sheridan on lockdown, a common practice in prison facilities on New Years Eve.

Here are this week’s prayer request. I was moved by how many are missing loved ones for various reasons. Thanks for your prayers.

Eli – Please pray for a good outcome of my January 24th court date of a order of protection that my children’s mother Bobbi placed on me today against my three children Kourtney, Kaitlin & Eli to be removed in the name of Jesus

Rafael – I pray that the almighty One, the true living God will grant me peace, a mouthful of praise and a heart of Thanksgiving. I thank Him for 2011. Amen

Kevin – I would really like for you to pray that my wife write to me or come see me or one day that I could call and talk to my kids. Thank you for your prayers.

James – I’m trying to get back in touch with my child, his mom has written to me but when I write back my mail is returned. I pray that she figure something is wrong with the mail and not me. Please Lord help me see my child. God bless

Rodney – I ask you to pray that God will give me sustaining grace throughout this New Year. Love you and God bless.

Jacob – I want you to pray for my family, my grandma, my church family and my little brother who is in foster care. Pray that I meet my earthly father and be able to join my family on his side. Pray that I become a better musician, to my music and my ministry. Pray that I can help young brothers and sisters who are lost and don’t know which way to go. Pray that I find peace within myself, Pray that I can bless people.

? – Prayer for knowledge to pass the language and arts writing part of the GED test that I have to take over, also for me to keep God the center of my life. To walk according to His command and for my family to turn it over to Christ Jesus

Lidell – Could you please pray for my mom, my children, Gene and Carloyne. Pray for Gene’s health that God may bless him and his wife

Jesse –I been so down in my spirit I have laid my Bible. I don’t read it like I should. I’ve been so negative I need you to keep me in prayer because I am falling by the side letting the devil steal my joy.

Charles – I would like for prayer for me to have a good year. Prayer for me to choose the right recovery home to move to. Pray for me to stay sober and keep growing in the 12 step program. Pray for my relationship to keep growing closer to God. Prayer for my relationship with my mother and daughter to become closer. Prayer for a good job. Thank you

John P – I am praying that the Lord bless me with the 6 months mentorious/supplemental good time and if possible work release. I’m also asking that the Lord please help my daughter’s mom. Please help my daughter to write me because I write letters and sends cards as instructed to and I’m relying on God & faith to allow the response letters. I also would like to have my faith, peace of mind increase. Prayfully yours.

Randy – Please pray for my brother Oliver he lost his mother. Please pray that my obedience strengthen, please pray for all my family, friends and loved ones.

Adam – Grace, mercy and peace be unto you and your ministry. I pray the absolute best all & I pray for the strength and wisdom to get through and stay focused on the Lord. I’m asking for prayer on the countries of the world & the leaders. “The harvest is big but few are the workers.” Pray also for the persecutors that are persecuting the body of Christ. “He’s not willing that any should perish.” Pray for the POW & MIA’s along with their families. Praise, honor and glory be unto Christ Jesus. AMEN

Antoine – Pray for my family and myself that I can find the necessary adjustments for God in my life. That my patience level gets better. To be able not to judge my peers none of us are perfect but by us being Christians and followers of God we need to do as Christians do. To stay firm in my belief in Christ and to become more obedient.

? – I ask that you pray for the growth of us all who are attending this study course our families and communities.

Devery – I must keep it real with you all, I haven’t heard from my mother Mary since 10-7-09 and this has become very frustrating to me and for me. I have asked a lot of people to pray for me in dealing with this and I know I need to have more faith and cast all my cares on the most High. I just wish this last time that you would pray that I would hear from her this New Year. Thank you for interceding for me and with me pertaining to this matter, that’s been heavy on my mind and my heart. I’m an inmate as Sheridan and I’m grateful that you are praying for my mother and me : - )

Clarence – Lord God I would love to hear from my two sons (Justin and Brendon) and their mother. God you know where they are in Texas Pray that God would touch Finesha’s heart to communicate with me. Pray for their safety I have not heard from them in about 17 months. Lord God I ask for favor from you in Jesus name.

Miguel – Keep my wife Lizette in prayer that her work comes around so that she doesn’t go through so many difficulties at home. Also I ask that you pray for my daughter Deliah, that her faith in God continues to grow and that she stays in church and Bible study. Thank you and God bless

Robert – Pray for my friends; John P, Stephen, Vinah, Nelton, Erin, and my mother who is sick and taking care of my son. They needs God’s grace now more than ever. I have complete faith and prayer and belief that they will be taken care of. Also my sister and her two boys need blessings. Please also pray for me to maintain growth in my relationship with God and help guide others to Christ and glorify God.



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

Scott Kalas
scott@socpm.org

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

SOCPM's mission is to bring the gospel to the prisons, disciple Christian prisoners and connect them with resources that will provide them with holistic discipleship during and after incarceration.

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