Every now and then, or maybe more than that, a song will inspire a story within.
Eric Church’s LIGHTNING, is one of them.
I was actually on the way to my writing mentor’s house when this song came on. And though I’ve heard it many times, its words penetrated deep, and a sudden story idea came rushing over me. I pulled out my spiral notebook and pen and quickly jotted it down before it left me.
Prison Ministry is my passion, my calling in life, so this song has intense meaning to me. You see, I visited the very room where they lethally inject inmates. I can’t begin to tell you all the feeling that washed over me as I entered the room, and the whirlwind of thoughts that filled my head.
People so often only see the criminal, and the victim and their family…they rarely think of the silent, hidden, unspoken victims. The family member of the criminal. Yes, they too are victims. Victims of embarrassment, hurts, and losses. After all, what had they done wrong?
I’m an aspiring writer and thus far have written contemporary romance but I know without a doubt that God will use me to write about my calling in life…the Prison Ministry, whether in fictional or non-fictional form.
And I see this song inspiring one of them.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Prayer Request Men of Sheridan June 18, 2010
A news flash if you will Sean who was the only one with perfect attendance for 40 sessions missed the 41st and last teaching session. Apparently not feeling well. It will be a challenge not to razz him next week for our last class of celebration. Another news flash is Robert S joined us this evening. Robert was quit coming so the explanation goes when the previous Assistant Warden Programs removed men from attending to many classroom programs. Not sure what all the facts are but it was good to see him. In fact I told the men that if former students Nathan and Lawrence get permission to join us next week for our celebration they’re welcome.
James – My name is James whoever receives this prayer request can you please pray that I stay away from my old behavior while I’m still young
Quincy – Hey how are you guys doing? Fine I hope and pray. I’d like to thank you guys for praying for me and my children. I am about to get released from here less than two weeks and I’d rally appreciate it if you guys continue to pray for me and that I become a better father to my children. Thanks for praying for me and my children God bless
John – Request prayer for understanding to make the right decisions toward my drug and alcohol treatment and where I’ll be paroling to upon release
Robert S – I would like to thank you Scott for allowing me to come and listen to you share God’s word and give the wisdom you have and taking the time out to come here. You don’t have to but God has given you a heart to disciple us. Thank you I will continue to pray for you and your family. I will ask you to please continue to pray for my family that God will keep me on the right road once I leave here. Thank you once again
Miguel – Hello and God bless I hope that you are in good health. Once again I ask you keep Rochelle in prayer so that she recovers from her accident that put her in a coma and she pulls through any difficulties that she may have due to this. Also that you keep my wife in prayer that her job gives her more work and in good health when she goes to the doctor that there are no traces of the cancer that she had. Thank you for keeping them in prayer and I pray that God continues to bless all of you who continue to pray us that are incarcerated. God bless you and be safe.
Michael – This will be our last Bible study together so will you please pray for all of us in this class. That we will stay in good grace with God, that is to stay in His good grace. Pray also that we will be able to keep what God has given us through Scott. And ask God to bless Scott as well because we love him with godly love. Pray for all the lost souls in the world
I plan to collect prayer request next week but my heart cannot wait until next week to being to give you thanks for praying for these men. Until then though with as much words can sincerely say in an e-mail – Thank you and to Him be the glory.
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
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
James – My name is James whoever receives this prayer request can you please pray that I stay away from my old behavior while I’m still young
Quincy – Hey how are you guys doing? Fine I hope and pray. I’d like to thank you guys for praying for me and my children. I am about to get released from here less than two weeks and I’d rally appreciate it if you guys continue to pray for me and that I become a better father to my children. Thanks for praying for me and my children God bless
John – Request prayer for understanding to make the right decisions toward my drug and alcohol treatment and where I’ll be paroling to upon release
Robert S – I would like to thank you Scott for allowing me to come and listen to you share God’s word and give the wisdom you have and taking the time out to come here. You don’t have to but God has given you a heart to disciple us. Thank you I will continue to pray for you and your family. I will ask you to please continue to pray for my family that God will keep me on the right road once I leave here. Thank you once again
Miguel – Hello and God bless I hope that you are in good health. Once again I ask you keep Rochelle in prayer so that she recovers from her accident that put her in a coma and she pulls through any difficulties that she may have due to this. Also that you keep my wife in prayer that her job gives her more work and in good health when she goes to the doctor that there are no traces of the cancer that she had. Thank you for keeping them in prayer and I pray that God continues to bless all of you who continue to pray us that are incarcerated. God bless you and be safe.
Michael – This will be our last Bible study together so will you please pray for all of us in this class. That we will stay in good grace with God, that is to stay in His good grace. Pray also that we will be able to keep what God has given us through Scott. And ask God to bless Scott as well because we love him with godly love. Pray for all the lost souls in the world
I plan to collect prayer request next week but my heart cannot wait until next week to being to give you thanks for praying for these men. Until then though with as much words can sincerely say in an e-mail – Thank you and to Him be the glory.
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
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
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Men of Sheridan Prayer Requests Friday May 28, 2010
All six men were present tonight for I felt one of the most attentive classes a lesson on "Decisions".
Big or small the decisions we make can have consequences we regret, I reminded the men it was a poor decision that resulted in them being incarcerated. A strong emphasis was placed on not just making a good decision but the best decision. The best decisions come from wisdom and wisdom does not come from knowing a lot of stuff it comes from knowing God’s Word
James – My name is James can you please pray for me that I may grow in the Word of God. Also can you pray for the people who are lost in a life of sin and the believers who give into sin.
Quincy – How are you doing? Fine, I hope. I just like you for continually pray for me and my children that when I get release from here that I reunite with all my children Thank you and God bless you and your family.
Jon – Prayer for wisdom to make the right decisions
Miguel – My wife is having problems with the social security office and it is beginning to affect her because the are saying she owes more money after she paid them what they said she owes. I have been keeping her in my prayer that they find the mistake that they have made so that it doesn’t stress her out more than it already has. Thank you and God bless
Michael – Will you please pray for all the sick suffering people in this world . Again please will you pray for a wonderful, kind, beautiful hearted who has answered my request from last week to pray for another woman who doctors told that she doesn’t have long to live. Pray that God will bless both of the women and all the sick and suffering of this world.
Sean – I pray that God’s will be my will, I pray that Scott receives traveling mercies and that his family continually to walk and live in God. That my family chose God as their savior and thank you Jesus for the Holy Spirit.
A special request of prayer for Jon. Though the other men were quite attentive Jon was very distant tonight. I sensed there was a heavy burden on Jon’s heart. I talked with him for the short walk we have from the classroom to where I have to exit and he said he was OK, but Jon by his own admission finds it a challenge to share his burdens with others. Please pray that through the Holy Spirit Jon will come to know the steps he needs to take to find the peace and joy his heart desires.
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
Big or small the decisions we make can have consequences we regret, I reminded the men it was a poor decision that resulted in them being incarcerated. A strong emphasis was placed on not just making a good decision but the best decision. The best decisions come from wisdom and wisdom does not come from knowing a lot of stuff it comes from knowing God’s Word
James – My name is James can you please pray for me that I may grow in the Word of God. Also can you pray for the people who are lost in a life of sin and the believers who give into sin.
Quincy – How are you doing? Fine, I hope. I just like you for continually pray for me and my children that when I get release from here that I reunite with all my children Thank you and God bless you and your family.
Jon – Prayer for wisdom to make the right decisions
Miguel – My wife is having problems with the social security office and it is beginning to affect her because the are saying she owes more money after she paid them what they said she owes. I have been keeping her in my prayer that they find the mistake that they have made so that it doesn’t stress her out more than it already has. Thank you and God bless
Michael – Will you please pray for all the sick suffering people in this world . Again please will you pray for a wonderful, kind, beautiful hearted who has answered my request from last week to pray for another woman who doctors told that she doesn’t have long to live. Pray that God will bless both of the women and all the sick and suffering of this world.
Sean – I pray that God’s will be my will, I pray that Scott receives traveling mercies and that his family continually to walk and live in God. That my family chose God as their savior and thank you Jesus for the Holy Spirit.
A special request of prayer for Jon. Though the other men were quite attentive Jon was very distant tonight. I sensed there was a heavy burden on Jon’s heart. I talked with him for the short walk we have from the classroom to where I have to exit and he said he was OK, but Jon by his own admission finds it a challenge to share his burdens with others. Please pray that through the Holy Spirit Jon will come to know the steps he needs to take to find the peace and joy his heart desires.
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
Monday, May 17, 2010
Men of Sheridan Prayer Requests May 14, 2010
Greeting men of Sheridan prayer warriors;
Hard to believe 35 sessions are completed and only 6 more to go.
Sean – That God’s will be my will, that the salvation of my family be in Christ Jesus, that Scott have traveling mercies to and from Sheridan, home and work and that God’s grace and salvation be upon Scott’s life and his family’s life and spirit.
James - My name is James. Can you please pray that I may pray and come closer to my spiritual side every day. Please pray for me that I can grow in the word of God and be a doer of the word. Also pray for the people who less fortunate.
Miguel – That I continue to grow with the Lord and stick with my bible study. Also, everything that my wife, Lizette, gets everything that God has in store for her and she recognizes it as a blessing from the Lord and she gives Him the praises that He deserves. Thank you and God bless.
Jon – Seeking prayer to be given an open mind to Sheridan’s alcohol treatment program and to open up fully to others in the group.
Michael – Please will you just pray for my mother for she is kind of old now and also pray for the rest of my family. I have 9 sisters and I make four brothers. Please will you find it in your God given heart to pray for all of their well being.
Quincy – Hey how are you? Fine I hope. I would like you to continue to pray for me and my family that we will all remain safe in the Lord’s care. Thank you and God bless you and your family. Amen.
Next week we will have a session on ‘Expressing Your Heart’ Please pray that the Holy Spirit speaks through me and the men’s hearts are open to receive
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
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
Hard to believe 35 sessions are completed and only 6 more to go.
Sean – That God’s will be my will, that the salvation of my family be in Christ Jesus, that Scott have traveling mercies to and from Sheridan, home and work and that God’s grace and salvation be upon Scott’s life and his family’s life and spirit.
James - My name is James. Can you please pray that I may pray and come closer to my spiritual side every day. Please pray for me that I can grow in the word of God and be a doer of the word. Also pray for the people who less fortunate.
Miguel – That I continue to grow with the Lord and stick with my bible study. Also, everything that my wife, Lizette, gets everything that God has in store for her and she recognizes it as a blessing from the Lord and she gives Him the praises that He deserves. Thank you and God bless.
Jon – Seeking prayer to be given an open mind to Sheridan’s alcohol treatment program and to open up fully to others in the group.
Michael – Please will you just pray for my mother for she is kind of old now and also pray for the rest of my family. I have 9 sisters and I make four brothers. Please will you find it in your God given heart to pray for all of their well being.
Quincy – Hey how are you? Fine I hope. I would like you to continue to pray for me and my family that we will all remain safe in the Lord’s care. Thank you and God bless you and your family. Amen.
Next week we will have a session on ‘Expressing Your Heart’ Please pray that the Holy Spirit speaks through me and the men’s hearts are open to receive
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
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
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Men of Sheridan Parayer requests April 30, 2010
Greetings;
Here are this past Friday’s prayer request
Michael – In Jesus name, remember the lost, the unsaved, give them the minds to be saved, pray for the city and the streets of Chicago. Pray for Sheridan, Westcare, our families, friends and loved ones. Pray that God blesses the world
Sean – That God’s will be done in my life continually, that God’s salvation envelope my parents life and spirit and my children’s salvation be in God, thank you God, continued travel mercies for Scott, that this administration here at Sheridan continue to be blessed so that we be blesses by them and through them.
John – Seeking prayer for Manny Mill and Koinonia House to increase with open more houses
Miguel – My wife Lizette just lost her job and is seeking new employment and I pray she finds a new job that will allow her to survive and live comfortable until my release for me to help support her and our children – Thank you and God bless
James – My name is James asking that you can pray for non-believers also for the people who struggle and pray but give up once their prayers are not answered right away. Thank God for being a doctor who really cares.
Quincy was not present, am not certain why please pray he will return.
Also pray for a man named Herschel. Herschel is an individual who antagonizes James’ going to Bible studies.
As some of you may recall James at one time quit coming to the class because of being looked down upon and being called soft by some of his peers. Your prayers brought James back to the class and I affirmed to James that his not giving into Herschel’s antagonizing taunts is an indication of maturity. His maturing is also an answer to prayer. Let us praise God in answering the prayers of Jim’s return to the class and his maturing in His trust in the Lord.
Pray that Herschel will see that the maturity in James comes from a loving God, who not only loves James but loves Herschel and that the love God has for Herschel will draw Herschel not to antagonize James but to accept God’s love and become one of God’s own children himself.
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
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
Here are this past Friday’s prayer request
Michael – In Jesus name, remember the lost, the unsaved, give them the minds to be saved, pray for the city and the streets of Chicago. Pray for Sheridan, Westcare, our families, friends and loved ones. Pray that God blesses the world
Sean – That God’s will be done in my life continually, that God’s salvation envelope my parents life and spirit and my children’s salvation be in God, thank you God, continued travel mercies for Scott, that this administration here at Sheridan continue to be blessed so that we be blesses by them and through them.
John – Seeking prayer for Manny Mill and Koinonia House to increase with open more houses
Miguel – My wife Lizette just lost her job and is seeking new employment and I pray she finds a new job that will allow her to survive and live comfortable until my release for me to help support her and our children – Thank you and God bless
James – My name is James asking that you can pray for non-believers also for the people who struggle and pray but give up once their prayers are not answered right away. Thank God for being a doctor who really cares.
Quincy was not present, am not certain why please pray he will return.
Also pray for a man named Herschel. Herschel is an individual who antagonizes James’ going to Bible studies.
As some of you may recall James at one time quit coming to the class because of being looked down upon and being called soft by some of his peers. Your prayers brought James back to the class and I affirmed to James that his not giving into Herschel’s antagonizing taunts is an indication of maturity. His maturing is also an answer to prayer. Let us praise God in answering the prayers of Jim’s return to the class and his maturing in His trust in the Lord.
Pray that Herschel will see that the maturity in James comes from a loving God, who not only loves James but loves Herschel and that the love God has for Herschel will draw Herschel not to antagonize James but to accept God’s love and become one of God’s own children himself.
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
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
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sheridan Prayer Request April 23, 2010
Greetings of great joy!!
God’s glory truly shined Friday from Quincy’s glowing smile as he shared his court date on April 16 regarding custody of his son went very well. As I understand it no final ruling from the Judge but per Quincy even the States Attorney was behind Quincy as they talked to the Judge. He has another court date in May when I believe the Judge will give his ruling. Quincy gives thanks for your prayers as you’ll read but I can’t help not stand behind Quincy jumping with joy as I say thanks to you for your prayer and praises to our God for His answers to those prayers.
Quincy – Hey my name is Quincy and I would like to thank you guys for praying for me and my son’s situation with court. Things went so well for us even when I give up on myself you guys in the Lord was with me in prayer. Thank you guys God Bless you Quincy – Amen
Michael – Please pray that I will get a good job that will pay $30.00, but first pray for yourself and everybody in this world, then pray for me.
James – My names is James, please pray for me that I continue to grow mentally and spiritually. Also pray for the people who are given up during up during hard times.
Sean – That my mom receive spiritual, mental and physical peace given by God my Father and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That God’s will be done in my life forever, here in prison and the outside of prison. Thank you Jesus
John – Requesting prayer to continue with desire to successfully complete this drug and alcohol program. I’m having a very hard time with the first program in all my life and don’t like opening up to others in my group.
Miguel missed but he told the rest of the class he had other mattes to attend to but will be back next Friday.
It truly was a fun time last Friday, the guys pulled a little gag on me (I fell for it), we talked about how to celebrate in our last class come June 25, it continues to be a joyful blessing to be used by God in these men’s lives. My prayer is that I have submitted an application to the North American Mission Board of Southern Baptist Convention and will be meeting Monday with some staff members from Navigators. In both matters I and Michelle are seeking God’s will and open doors for my taking prison ministry to be a vocational one. Please pray for us to clearly see God’s will above my heart’s desire.
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord;
Scott Kalas
scott@socpm.org
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries
http://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
God’s glory truly shined Friday from Quincy’s glowing smile as he shared his court date on April 16 regarding custody of his son went very well. As I understand it no final ruling from the Judge but per Quincy even the States Attorney was behind Quincy as they talked to the Judge. He has another court date in May when I believe the Judge will give his ruling. Quincy gives thanks for your prayers as you’ll read but I can’t help not stand behind Quincy jumping with joy as I say thanks to you for your prayer and praises to our God for His answers to those prayers.
Quincy – Hey my name is Quincy and I would like to thank you guys for praying for me and my son’s situation with court. Things went so well for us even when I give up on myself you guys in the Lord was with me in prayer. Thank you guys God Bless you Quincy – Amen
Michael – Please pray that I will get a good job that will pay $30.00, but first pray for yourself and everybody in this world, then pray for me.
James – My names is James, please pray for me that I continue to grow mentally and spiritually. Also pray for the people who are given up during up during hard times.
Sean – That my mom receive spiritual, mental and physical peace given by God my Father and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That God’s will be done in my life forever, here in prison and the outside of prison. Thank you Jesus
John – Requesting prayer to continue with desire to successfully complete this drug and alcohol program. I’m having a very hard time with the first program in all my life and don’t like opening up to others in my group.
Miguel missed but he told the rest of the class he had other mattes to attend to but will be back next Friday.
It truly was a fun time last Friday, the guys pulled a little gag on me (I fell for it), we talked about how to celebrate in our last class come June 25, it continues to be a joyful blessing to be used by God in these men’s lives. My prayer is that I have submitted an application to the North American Mission Board of Southern Baptist Convention and will be meeting Monday with some staff members from Navigators. In both matters I and Michelle are seeking God’s will and open doors for my taking prison ministry to be a vocational one. Please pray for us to clearly see God’s will above my heart’s desire.
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord;
Scott Kalas
scott@socpm.org
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries
http://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
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Prayer Request Sheridan April 16, 2010
Greetings All;
A short list this week as one of the men, Paul, was transferred Stateville Farm and Quincy was absent do his court appearance for custody of his son. Quincy arrived back from court shortly before class started but according to the other men he didn’t say anything and just went to his cell. I do not know if it was because he was tired or his day in court did not go well and wanted to be by himself. Nonetheless remember Quincy in your prayers
Sean – please pray for me to be reunited with my children
Michael – I will always be last on my prayer request list, so please pray for yourself and others in the carnal world that we live in. Then pray for me that I remain strong in the faith to keep going.
John – Requesting that God will reveal His purpose and plans for my life.
James – My name is James. I need whoever comes in contact with this prayer request to pray that I be more drawn to the Lord Jesus Christ. Also pray that I may continue to let go of my childish behavior.
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 671
Cortland, IL 60112-0671
A short list this week as one of the men, Paul, was transferred Stateville Farm and Quincy was absent do his court appearance for custody of his son. Quincy arrived back from court shortly before class started but according to the other men he didn’t say anything and just went to his cell. I do not know if it was because he was tired or his day in court did not go well and wanted to be by himself. Nonetheless remember Quincy in your prayers
Sean – please pray for me to be reunited with my children
Michael – I will always be last on my prayer request list, so please pray for yourself and others in the carnal world that we live in. Then pray for me that I remain strong in the faith to keep going.
John – Requesting that God will reveal His purpose and plans for my life.
James – My name is James. I need whoever comes in contact with this prayer request to pray that I be more drawn to the Lord Jesus Christ. Also pray that I may continue to let go of my childish behavior.
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 671
Cortland, IL 60112-0671
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
LETTERS MAKE THERE WAY THROUGH STONE WALLS
“Gifts make their way through stone walls.”
Proverb
I’ve been involved with the prison ministry since 2004. Since then I’ve written countless letters to inmates, visited jails and prisons for adults and youth, as well as answered many letters that have come into my church, Willow Creek.
Every time I’ve stepped through the gates of a prison or jail grounds I feel the presence of God. It’s hard to describe but at that moment I know I’m exactly where I’m suppose to be. When I see the many faces of the men or youth, it only reconfirms my feelings.
Those that are behind bars are lost, lonely, depressed, feel hopeless, and unloved. But as I stand in their presence and worship with them, or share in their celebrations and life the hope, and love of Jesus is tangible. I can feel it.
I could write a book about all the amazing experiences I’ve had through the prison ministry, there’s that many. That’s not to say there is never any heartache because with everything in life there is bound to be. But the good is always outshining the bad for me. That is what I focus on. I’m not about to let satan win at taking away the gift God has blessed me with, and the calling He has for my life.
This picture is one I had the privilege of receiving through Willow Creeks Community Church’s mail from a gentleman that is incarcerated. It nearly brought me to my knees.
“You can’t help everybody, but you can help a few. It’s that few that God will hold us accountable for.”
Bob Pierce
Hebrew 13:3 “Don’t forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, as though you feel their pain in your own bodies.”
“ Eachof our acts makes a statement as to our purpose.”
Leo Buscaglia
“No man is so poor as to have nothing worth giving. Give what you have. To someone it may be better than you dare to think.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Sheridan Prayer Request April 16, 2010
Sheridan Prayer Request
John – Seeking prayer for strength to humble myself in humility of trials
Quincy – How are you doing? My name is Quincy and I like for you pray for me that things go in the Lord’s favor as my rights with my son when I go to court Friday April 16
Miguel – I would like everyone to pray for Robert Culp he is a good person and is on his deathbed do to lack of medical assistance Thank you and God bless
Paul – I will be getting work release soon I’m easily influenced. Please pray for me that I may have strength to maintain focus. Also my brother was killed by a gang member and he wasn’t saved. However I need you to pray for me that have enough strength to let God’s will in this prevail and not my own
Sean – That God’s will be done in my life, that I continue to live in God’s grace and under His mercy, that my salvation would be in God and my family’s salvation would be in God.
James – My name is James. Please pray for me that I may grow up and stop acting childish. I feel like I have wasted my youth by being in jail. I’m also scared to go home after being in jail since age 15 – 21. I don’t want to make those same mistakes.
Michael – Please pray for the world’s well being and then pray for me. I have always let both little and big things get to me, really get to me bad.
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
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
John – Seeking prayer for strength to humble myself in humility of trials
Quincy – How are you doing? My name is Quincy and I like for you pray for me that things go in the Lord’s favor as my rights with my son when I go to court Friday April 16
Miguel – I would like everyone to pray for Robert Culp he is a good person and is on his deathbed do to lack of medical assistance Thank you and God bless
Paul – I will be getting work release soon I’m easily influenced. Please pray for me that I may have strength to maintain focus. Also my brother was killed by a gang member and he wasn’t saved. However I need you to pray for me that have enough strength to let God’s will in this prevail and not my own
Sean – That God’s will be done in my life, that I continue to live in God’s grace and under His mercy, that my salvation would be in God and my family’s salvation would be in God.
James – My name is James. Please pray for me that I may grow up and stop acting childish. I feel like I have wasted my youth by being in jail. I’m also scared to go home after being in jail since age 15 – 21. I don’t want to make those same mistakes.
Michael – Please pray for the world’s well being and then pray for me. I have always let both little and big things get to me, really get to me bad.
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
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
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