SOCPM Newsletter | May 2023

Greetings,

SOCPM Inside the Prison Gate: The longest term ends.

SOCPM Outside the Prison Gate: Curriculum on a stick

On the Home Front: A Road Trip to Re-Calibrate.

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

Typically a SOCPM class of one curriculum last 14 weeks or one term, then there is a three-week break before starting a new 14-week term with a new curriculum. However, the term completed yesterday was anything but typical.

Truthfully, it was the most frustrating in the 14 years I've taught prison classes in many ways. There were lockdowns (when no volunteers are permitted beyond the front gate), primarily because of staff shortages, low attendance because of passes not being issued to many random students, a whole class being canceled because class passes were not being issued for the entire class, or a facility was holding another event and of course, the passing of my bride Michelle. Some of the cancellations or lockdowns would occur after my arrival but before the start of the next class. One happened while a class was in session. The typical 14-week term this go around was 30 weeks.

If your a not a numbers person, you can yawn if you wish, but the term began at Dixon on October 19th. But, it was not to be; Dixon went on lockdown the first scheduled week of the term and would have four for the term. On a fitting note, Dixon's last week of the term? You guessed it, lockdown.

Sheridan had four lockdowns too, but to ensure making it challenging, neither facility would have lockdowns the same week. Then there were the cancellations. Eight weeks of cancellations after Michelle's passing added to the length. However, other sporadic cancellations resulted from passes not being issued or SOCPM being bumped for another event.

Despite all the cancellations, I was humbled by the many students who persevered. Of course, a lockdown cancellation to me had personal frustrations. Still, they were minimal when my guys reminded me how much SOCPM classes were a highlight of their week.

Despite the UGHs, there were humbling moments. The most humbling was the compassion expressed by almost every student on my return after Michelle's passing. A couple shared they were surprised I returned and were grateful for the dedication.

There were many expressions of thankfulness for SOCPM's dedication through the chaotic last term. Volunteer classes are a highlight of the men's week. But unfortunately, one popular class taught by volunteers quit coming because of the small size of the classes over the past months. I can't boast about SOCPM being anything better than any other group; God put it in my heart several years ago; it's not about the numbers. Sure, I'm disappointed when the class sizes are smaller than I had hoped, but I can recall when one of my Dixon dad's classes dwindled to one student. After a couple of weeks, he asked, 'Are you going to quit coming?' I replied, 'Nope, as long as God brings me one, I'm here for that one.'

It's recalling his joy and the joy of all my guys when we gather; whether it is a big class or a small class, it is a time for fellowship and sharing Christ.

 Outside the Gate

One of the headaches of classroom teaching when the curriculum is n past on a DVD is the audio-video equipment in both Dixon and Sheridan is ancient in age and technology.

The TV at Sheridan is an old box TV and is on a TV stand made of compressed wood, and both TV and cart must weigh over two-hundred pounds, and despite being on wheels, it is a task to move. There are two DVD players, but both probably cost under $50 when new and are close, if not 10 years or older.

The TV at Dixon is a flat screen, but it is attached to a much lighter cart and wobbles when being moved. The two DVD players are a hit and miss if they'll on any given Wednesday. Sometimes a class teaching is halted when the DVD keeps freezing.

Well, things are looking up at Dixon. Chaplain Thomas has acquired a new larger-size flat-screen TV on a flat-screen TV stand with USB memory stick inputs.

We used this method for the last message of What Does REvelatin Teach Part 2, and boy, it felt like we were in a home theater; well, not precisely, the seat was still old school room desks, but for a prison teaching, it was the best I've ever had.

One of my tasks before the next term starting on June 21st, is to copy the 13 messages of What Does Revelation Tech Part 3 to a USB memory stick.

I wish I could say the same for Sheridan. I mentioned the plan for Dixon and inquired about doing the same at Sheridan. SOCPM would be willing to investigate donating the TV and stand. However, unless there is a change in Sheridan's policy, it won't happen. The policy is USB memory sticks are not allowed in Sheridan.

Chaplain McClimans does not know why, but rumor has it a Sheridan may soon have a new head warden, who may be a believer. Pray and stay tuned.

On the Home Fron

CI've heard the folklore of Old Route 66 and thought it might be fun to do someday, but I never gave it much thought until recently.

I'm not sure how it became a topic of conversation; nonetheless, Kevin, the leader of my community group, was sharing what he knew about Route 66, but he knew a lot more than I did, and it perked some interest, But; I wasn't sold; it was for me, until more recently.

Scott (another Scott) from my church, Redeemer Fellowship, gave a message at the most recent Men's Breakfast on Psalm 90; the theme in paraphrase was that there are times and events in life when we need to step back and re-calibrate our lives.

His message was taking root in my thoughts. My life changed in the most unimaginable way when Michelle went home to the Lord. I was doing okay through my faith, church, family, and friends. Still, when I heard the word re-calibrate, I heard God through the Holy Spirit telling me I needed to re-calibrate and that I could do it best by making the Old Route 66 road trip.

I've given it serious thought and prayer, sought the counsel of others, and all agreed, go!

To prepare for my adventure, I took on another suggestion from Kevin by listening to the Route 66 podcast, where the host interviews owners of various iconic Route 66 spots. I also visited websites, bought some books, and watched a series of YouTube videos.

The Old Route 66 Road Trip begins May 16th from the being point on East Adam near Millennium Park. The stops from then on are pretty much day-by-day. The route westward will end at the Santa Monica Pier on an undetermined date.

The road trip and route back east are not thoroughly planned. But John, a friend from my church, has convinced me to drive through southern Utah. He loaned me his road atlas, yes, they still exist, and he has highlighted some routes through the national parks in Utah. At the suggestion of an elderly couple John and I met by, I believe God's providence suggested I purchase a Sr. Citizens Life Time Pass to the US National Parks, which I did. The rough draft of my route home is California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, and back home in Illinois.

The Road Trip is not just one of seeing the sights. It is also to re-calibrate. I plan to do this through 'Let's Study Philippians' by Sinclair Ferguson, prayer, and reflection on my past life with Michelle and my future life without Michelle through journaling.

I ask for your prayers for safety, being drawn close to God, and all to His glory.

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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