SOCPM Newsletter | October 2023

A Joy and blessing to be back in the prisons

2 Timothy 4:1-5 reads, I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. Doctrine 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.  

Those verses are a great reminder of my stewardship of Soldiers of Christ. Especially the last three words, 'fulfill your ministry.' As I shared in my previous newsletter, the past several months were very challenging, resulting in my passion for fulfilling my ministry almost withering away. But my all-knowing God knew it was not the end; he brought the right people to encourage and speak the truth to me, and He used other circumstances for me to return on August 30th. 

I wish I could say everything went well and it was amazing, but it was not to be my very first class, Discipleship, was canceled because of low staff. I was told there were no guarantees, but by the start time of the second class, Malachi Dads, they would have someone to staff the 118 building. They did, but only five guys showed up. I did not teach any of the Malachi Dad's curriculum. They were concerned about my health. All know about my heart attack, but I also shared with them, in honesty, how a few weeks prior, I didn't have a true desire to return. I was humbled when they embraced my honesty. We shared various stories of deep depression, health concerns, and more. The day didn't go as I had planned, but God God had a better one already planned - The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 ESV

On September 1st, I returned to Sheridan. I had concerns about cancellations because before my vacation and leave, Sheridan was the facility with many cancellations due to staff shortages. There were no cancellations, but attendance was low and was somewhat discouraging. However, I remember the first week of classes at Sheridan are often low in attendance. Though many inmates sign up, many forget or are unaware the class has started. The first class is an orientation for new students and a refresher for returning students. A short introduction of myself, what to expect, and how I WILL NOT violate any IDOC policies, etc. A good portion of class time, as in Dixon, my guys were more concerned about my health and how is my son Cameron doing. As in Dixon, I shared my challenges with depression and lack of enthusiasm for returning. 

One of the first things I was told to expect about inmates, if they are, is very selfish. Yes, I've met some who are. Still, I've encountered many more who are living out Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 

There have been five scheduled classes for each class, but as expected and, one of the reasons I felt my return wasn't worth it was cancellations. At Dixon, 8 out of 10 classes have been canceled, but I wouldn't know until I arrived at the gate. Despite my calling one week at a midway point to see if the 118 building was going to be open, the decision to open or close 118 is made at roughly 7 AM, only to be told in the phone call to call back when the chaplain is in a t 8:00. When I shared this with the chaplain in an e-mail later in the day, he was not pleased and passed it on to the Warden of Operations, Who in return was more than not pleased. He told the chaplain that he talked to proper personnel and that shouldn't happen again. This past week, when I called, I was immediately informed the building was open. Great and happy; I was also bummed because I would have to cancel the afternoon Malachi Dads class because of an urgent dental appointment. Yes, the cancellations are a frustration, but one thing I learned when I started doing prison ministry about 20 years ago was, 'Don't plan anything and expect it to happen.

Not to end on a sour note, attendance at Sheridan the second week was at levels close to pre-Covid. The fifty books I ordered were not enough. I have ordered 20 more. I have several new students who I'm really looking forward to building relationships with. They are attentive, ask good questions, and share solid contributions. One student, Kyle, already asked me to connect him to a church. I encourage the guys to communicate with the pastor now (90 days before parole or longer)  so that he knows a little about you before you arrive. I was disappointed because he is one I was looking forward to getting to know. I figured he was being paroled in a few months. When I looked up his info, his parole date is 2047.

My passion for prison ministry has definitely returned. Rob, a member and supporter of SOCPM, called me shortly after I left Sheridan on September 22nd. I wore his ear out, talking almost nonstop about my day at Sheridan and the joy of returning to the prisons.

Time With Family and Friends

As joyful as I am to be back, I will take a break to go on vacation after the September 22 classes at Sheridan. I will be in Las Vegas, NV. No, not to do the slots or play blackjack. For all the years my mom lived in Henderson, the next city over from Vegas, I only gambled once on my first trip and lost a whopping $20 as I planned to lose. It was more for the experience, I guess.

Anyway, I'll visit my sister, with whom I've not spent more than two consecutive days in probably 20+ years. Her daughter, Sydney, my niece, it will be so weird to have someone call me Uncle Scott 🤪. Her husband, Bobby, I hope protocol doesn't call for him to call me Uncle Scott 🤪🤪, their little boy, Hart, does that make me his Great Uncle Scott 🤪🤪🤪. Well, one thing I have to make sure I do is bring the right hat. The last time I saw him, I had two hats: one he didn't like but was okay with the other hat. He's a tough little guy. He also didn't like what I ordered for dinner one night. But I love him nonetheless and will do my best not to be a curmudgeon.

After I visit my sister, I'll see Ray Ray and Lulu; I'm surprised they haven't put a sign saying, Gone fishing on their door yet. The three of us will be joined by another dear couple, Randy and Pam, who live in North Carolina. There is a great God story behind the relationship, but it is too long to share. We visited Garden of the gods, Manitou Springs, The United States Air Force Academy, The Broadmoor Hotel, and ate at my favorite restaurant when visiting Front Range BBQ. Definitely a cheat day on the diet, and with take-home, probably two or three more meals.

Bobby, Sydney, Martina
Hart and Murphy

LuLu, Ray, Scottie Bear, Randy, Pam

Prayer Requests

Praise God! Cameron is doing well. As of October 3rd, when I last talked to him, he had 64 days of sobriety. While with my sister, we did a Facetime with my sister and her daughter's family. This past Wednesday, we did another Facetime with all five of us here in Colorado. In both calls, everyone remarked how good he looked, and his attitude was upbeat and positive. He's working at an Italian restaurant, living in a transition house where he thus far has no significant complaints, and attending AA meetings. I found him a church, and after listening to a message online, he attended in person a couple of weeks ago and said he liked it. He missed two weeks because of work and a meeting with his sponsor who changed the meeting time the same day. Thank you for all your prayers. I ask you to continue praying for Cameron's salvation, sobriety, positive attitude and attending church when he can.

Please pray for me health-wise. I'm walking 30 minutes a day, and my weight is down from about 190 to 172 pounds. My target is 165, and I might try to go for 160. Though down in weight, my diet is still a challenge. I'm struggling with less sugar and more veggies. 😝

A final prayer for my prison ministry friend in Uganda, David and his family. His wife went home to be with the Lord last month.

David and his family

To Him be the glory in ALL things and Him alone,

Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries

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