February 27, 2011

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA IL, February 27, 2011

Upcoming
One-Day
Jail Ministry Training Seminar
CORRECTIONAL CHAPLAINCY
FROM A
BIBLICAL POINT OF VIEW

April 2, 9 AM - 3:30 PM
215 E. New York St., Aurora IL 60505

SESSION 1
The Chaplain's Role & Model in Personal Evangelism

SESSION 2
Basic Best Practices in Jail Ministry

SESSION 3
Chaplains Need To Show Unity In Biblical Theology

SESSION 4
Spiritual Fatherhood

ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATES AWARDED
COST: FREE!
Even lunch is provided!
Freewill offerings will be accepted gratefully.
FREE MINISTRY MATERIALS
RESERVATIONS DEADLINE - MARCH 26th
Email Chaplain Tom at
tbeatty@waysidecross.org

This Seminar is not on Jail Security. This training is not required in order to volunteer in the Jails, but is aimed at helping us be better-equipped to MINISTER as ambassadors for Christ.

KENDALL COUNTY JAIL
TAKES A GIANT STEP!


After some years of having very little volunteer activity (resulting from having some "bad apple" volunteers abusing their privileges), this month, the Kendall County Jail is accepting volunteer applications for a number of new programs.

Kendall County Public Safety Center
1102 Cornell Lane, Yorkville IL 60560

WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICES are planned for all inmates to be able to attend every week, to be held on Saturdays & Sundays. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

VOLUNTEER CHAPLAINS to take a Book Cart to all inmates, every week, providing Bibles, Christian books, Bible Lessons, literature, & prayer. These Volunteer Chaplains can also provide Pastoral Counseling upon request. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

WEEKLY CHRISTIAN PARENTING CLASSES for men ("Malachi Dads") & women ("Heart's Song"). VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

CHRISTIANS! This is a fantastic opportunity! And with opportunity comes responsibility. God is giving an opportunity and the responsibility to make a huge difference in the lives of our neighbors!

"A different world cannot be built by indifferent people." (Nelson Mandela)

If you are interested, please step up to be involved! If you cannot be personally involved, please be praying! "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would send out laborers into His harvest."

Volunteer Applications will be accepted this month, and all who's applications are approved will be required to attend Jail Volunteer Security Training to be scheduled in April. For a volunteer application, please email Chaplain Tom at
tbeatty@waysidecross.org.

PLEASE HELP us get the word out! Please forward this to all who may possibly be interested in volunteering in the Kendall County Jail! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NOW!

YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE about the NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at www.waysidecross.org/newlife. CHAPLAIN TOM is available to come to churches, Sunday School Classes, Bible Studies, and civic groups to speak about the Jail Ministry. The best way to reach Chaplain Tom is by email at tbeatty@waysidecross.org.

February 21, 2011

YOUR CRY HAS BEEN HEARD



YOUR CRY HAS BEEN HEARD is a wonderful collection of letters, and poems. A must read for those serving in the prison and jail ministry, as well as those incarcerated, or have a loved one that is. The stories will bring tears of sadness as well as tears of joy to your eyes. What some of these men and woman have gone through, and how God captured their hearts and transformed their lives, is nothing short of a miracle.

For those of you that serve in the pen pal ministry, you’ll find God’s reassuring words that your work is not in vain. Many of the stories tugged at my heart in a way I was lead to write some of the “authors” to let them know how much their words inspired me. And oh how profound many were.

I’ve enjoyed reading YOUR CRY HAS BEEN HEARD so much I’ve purchased several copies as gifts to those I write to in prison, as well as leaders in the prison and jail ministry. One woman has already used one of the stories as a teaching lesson at one of the jails she volunteers at. I’ve copied a story or two to send to someone I knew would be touched by the insightful words.

Within the pages of YOUR CRY HAS BEEN HEARD, there’s a little something for everyone. Thanks Ms. Michael for putting this wonderful book, together.

If you’d like to get involved in the pen pal program, please contact Christian Pen Pals, http://christian-penpals.com/

February 19, 2011

A SONG THAT TEARS AT THE HEART


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.

February 17, 2011

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA IL February 17, 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!

Kane County Jail
Classes meet every Friday, 7:15 - 9:15 PM. Volunteer applications are being accepted now - the only time in 2011. Deadline: February 25, 2011.

Kendall County Jail
We're collecting a list of Kendall County male residents interested in this opportunity. Classes are NOT scheduled yet.

Email Chaplain Tom for
an application!
tbeatty@waysidecross.org

Celebrate Recovery
volunteers needed
Kane County Jail
Tuesdays, 7 - 9:15 PM
Email Vicki for an application. Deadline: February 25, 2011.
lvinvest@comcast.net

Upcoming Jail & Prison Ministry Training Seminar

And please don't forget! If you're going to register for the One-Day Ministry Training Seminar, the deadline is March 26th.

Free ministry supplies!

Certificates of Completion awarded!

9 AM - 3:30 PM
at Wayside Cross Ministries
215 E. New York St.
Aurora Il 60505

Email Chaplain Tom
to register tbeatty@waysidecross.org

STATEVILLE PRISON MINISTRY

The Literature Distribution Ministry is in the "Intake Unit," where the newly-sentenced inmates are received into the Illinois Prison System. This ministry has indeed proven fruitful! On the 3rd Saturday of the month, a group of us visit 600 - 800 inmates, cell-to-cell, bringing the Gospel in word, action & literature. Rarely does an inmate turn down the opportunity for us to pray for them.

We've made some recent changes in the requirements for participants. We're now limited to 60 volunteers total, so we have a Waiting List of those wishing to join us. We're now requiring all Literature Distributors to actually enter the Prison at least twice per year, or your failure to actively participate will make room for someone on the waiting list.

The Feb. 5th Literature Distributors visited about 600 inmates!

If you'd like more information on this exciting ministry,
visit http://www.waysidecross.org/newlife/index.php, then click on MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES in the left-hand (blue) column.

Now in their 11th year, a group of Aurora Christians are working to bring the "biker crowd" to Jesus! May their tribe increase!

Are they "typical" Christians? What do you think? Of course they're not typical! But they are Bible-believing lovers of Jesus!

I encourage you to visit & watch their video at -
http://www.motorcyclesunday.com/Please pray about giving these folks some help. They need some cash to buy Bibles, and just to pay the expenses of offering this free rally. Please pray that many bikers come to know Jesus Christ.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Male volunteers interested in Dads' Classes at the Kendall County Jail.
• Kane County Jail volunteers for the Dads' Classes & for Celebrate Recovery.
• A minivan for Chaplain Tom (many miles between jails has his old one requiring frequent & expensive repair).
• The One-Day Seminar to be well-attended & beneficial to us ambassadors for Christ and the inmates & staff we serve.
• A job for recentlly-released Bill. A new Christian, he's living in St. Charles IL, and is experienced in construction, specifically as an ironworker.

AND FROM THE STATEVILLE DADS' CLASS -

Greg - I pray that my kids come to love me & forgive me for hurting them.

Marcus - I need prayer for God to continue to keep me strong & on the right path; that He keep my Mom under His wings as she prepares for surgery for a tumor in her head; that He will keep my family safe.

John - God has just blessed me with a breakthrough in my case, and I ask for prayer that my "one foot out the door" will be joined by my other foot so I can go home to my family.

Terence - That I can walk with God, and have victory over my temper & frustration. That God will watch over my family, and help with my case.

Anonymous - Please pray for my kids, my wife & myself, as well as my extended family.

Larry - Please pray that I can focus more on the Bible, that I can get correspondence with my grown children started, that my relationship with them can be repaired, and our hearts open to one another.

And, just for entertainment, watch the video at http://www.garynorth.com/public/6791.cfm

February 14, 2011

Sheridan Correctional Malachi Dads Prayer Request - Friday February 11, 2011

Greetings prayer warriors;

Because of the blizzard February 1st & 2nd Sheridan was on lockdown. Because of staff not being able to make it in many correctional officers worked straight for almost 40 hours. Please remember them and their families in your prayers

We finished the “Experiencing God” study and this coming Friday the 18th begin “Lead Like Jesus” by Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges. We ask for prayer that the Holy Spirit will use Brian and I in a powerful way in glorifying His Kingdom

Adam – Grace, peace, and mercy to you from God and our Lord Jesus Christ. May the peace of God abide in you all, Amen. I’d like to continue prayer for the lost & the ones that haven’t had the life changing of hearing about Christ crucified. Please pray that the workers (children of God) go out with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Please continue the prayer for the sick& suffering & the families of them and prayer for the country of Egypt & its leaders. Praise honor and glory to God in the name of Jesus Christ.

Rafael – Make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred let me sow love, war to sow peace and forgive me of my sins lest I burn for my transgressions. I love you God I am weak without you. Keep me strong Father for you are my strength. Without you I am nothing, may your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

Robert M – My son and mother are still struggling, but blessed be God is still providing as promise, thank you Jesus. She is still a little unhealthy but is trying hard. Please pray for brothers around me some still struggle.

Charles – My name is Charles, I would like prayer for God to walk with me in my daily duties. I would also like prayer for me to let Him make decisions in my life or guide me on the right path so I can make good decisions today

Raamon – I pray for the guys I fellowship with here in this place where evil is all around. The people I pray and talk to pray and bless their family especially their children

Liddell – Pray for my mom and my children that they might get their heat back on. The heat went out Thank you.

DeAngelo – I want a special prayer request out for me and my family. I ask that God continue to bless me, spiritually, mentally physically, financially. Help me to understand His plan for my life. I ask that He help me walk right up in front of Him as well as my family and friend. I have a special prayer for my relationship with my child’s mother, that things will get better and reunite and that 6 months good comes back so I can go home in April.

Clarence – Lord that I would grow more and more godly in wisdom and understanding of your will. In Jesus name

Robert F – I am asking for prayer for my son Shawntrel and his mother Charlene, my mother and father and for myself to build me up in my walk and obedience to the Lord and for Sheridan C.C. as a whole. Thank you and God bless you

Randy – Please pray for all the sick and suffering people, please pray for my patience and understanding, please pray for the success of my re-entry. Please pray that my family stays healthy. Bless and Joyful Amen

Kevin – This will be my last time with the Malachi Dads Meeting So can you please pray for me that I can get my life together for me and my family and for me to find a good job when I get out. Thank you for all your help with the Malachi Dads

Miguel – First and foremost I thank you for your prayers and I keep you in my own. I ask that you pray for my wife because the devil is putting negativity in her mind about and I want her to see that it Satan just playing his games with her to try and separate her from God’s love and guidance. I also ask that you pray for me that I keep my faith in the Lord and continue to keep growing and loving the Father and Jesus. Thank you and God bless you all

Jacob – I would like for you to pray for the brothers here who talk down on me. I would like you to pray for my family/. I would like you to pray for my little brother Alex who I have never seen before. I would like you to pray for me to be allowed by God to be a volunteer fireman in the future/ I want you to pray for all those who are locked up in institutions and correctional centers young and old

Levi – I would like you to pray for God’s trusted servants (Brian & Scott) that they may continue to share God’s word with others and remain rooted in the Spirit. Also pray for the guys that attend the study that we may continue to grow in Christ and for the safety and protection of our families, loved ones and communities.

John B – Request for prayer for God’s favor, grace and mercy toward me and request for prayer for the award of good time off my sentence resulting in an early release. The officials suspended the good time good time law and are in the process of lifting it.

John P – I would like you to pray for strength and salvation of the prisoners and myself. I would like you to continue to ask for you wonderful prayer warriors that my relationship has an opening with my daughters. I still have not been able to get a reply from my letters I have been sending but I know that Jesus will make away for this to happen in His timing and not my own. Please continue to keep me in your prayers and I will do the same. God bless

Antoine – Pray for my family and me to continue grow in the Lord sand that we at Sheridan can also continue to bear good fruit in His name. Pray for my mother to continue to be strong in the Lord, and my home church to be in the new property soon.

Rodney – Thank you for your prayers. God has really been blessing my life. I finally got to see my children after 19 months (PRAISE GOD) Please pray that He will continue to will and act according to His good purpose in my life. Love, peace and blessings.

James – I still need prayer to be released next month. I also pray that my children respond God’s calling and to their purpose in God’s eyes and I pray for the church of God in Joliet and brother Kevin and the W_____ family and my Christian loved brothers here at Sheridan. Love and brother in Christ

Devery - Blessed brothers Oh what a joy it has been in Jesus name to have spent such a wonderful season with you all. It has been very rich I pray that God continue to grant you traveling mercy to and fro in the ministry in Jesus name. I will continue to life you both up in prayer and your families. Would you continue to intercede for me with prayer as I take the necessary steps while I’m here getting prepared. Please continue to pray for my mother Mary, I still have not heard from her.

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

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

February 1, 2011

GOD AT WORK


I was blessed to be there the night of December 13th, 2010. Each time I walk into Cook County Jail, I feel the Lords presence and that day was no exception. What a blessing to read of how God touched the lives of those we visited behind bars.

12-17-2010

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Gregory. I’m currently incarcerated in Cook County Dept of Corrections for retail theft. I was stealing to support a 200.00 a day crack cocaine drug habit. I’m also a journey man Tool and Die maker of 31 years. I don’t feel I was arrested, I truly believe that I was rescued by the Lord because I was on a suicide mission. I’ve been using drugs and alcohol for 43 long and hard years. I’m 56 years old now. They have caused me loss, grief, pain, trouble and emotional misery for my entire life.

Well, your church came into division 14 Monday night, December 13th. I came to your service that night and I can honestly say that I have never experienced anything so awesome in my life. The words that your Pastor brought to us about brokenness pierced my heart. I can’t begin to tell you all the emotions I felt that night. I can’t even identify them all. I can tell you this, I felt the Holy Spirits presence and He literally touched my heart so very deeply.

The music was so, so joyful and rich and pure, a true blessing. Halfway through the songs I started crying and couldn’t stop and didn’t want to. I know I’m a broken man and I know now that there is a God and He wants to heal me, teach me, love me, and guide me to a better Holy life. It took you to come out and bring this message to me. I know that it was by no accident that I was in that room Monday night. The Lord brought each and every one of you to me to deliver His message. I received it loud and clear and I’m usually hard headed and stubborn but somehow my heart was touched like never before. It was fantastic.

I’m on fire. I received the Lord into my heart and my life. I finally surrendered. I know I can’t do this alone and the way I’ve been doing this so far. I’m just so excited in the Lord and to think that He loves so much that He sent you guys to reach out to me. As a result of Monday night, December 13th, 2010 I was saved and now I need more guidance and help than ever. But I’m not worried because the Lord will provide it. He will see to it that everything I need will be provided somehow, someway for sure. Praise the Lord for saving me from myself.

I will be released from division 14, drug rehab unit, in May of 2011and then will be on intensive probation for two years. I was living under a bride at Belmont and Kedzie for ten years. That’s ten long Chicago winters and Chicago winters are brutal. I tell you this to show you that all that had to happen to bring me to jail to be in that room Monday night, divine intervention no less!

When released from here I’ll have to find some kind of halfway house or after care. I’ll need housing and other thing but I know the Lord will provide. I want to thank you so much for coming out and volunteering to do the Lords work. All the inmates really enjoyed themselves. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. We were all balling like babies but afterwards, once we got up into our rooms, it felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted off of my head, heart and soul. What a physical release. Truly amazing!

Anyway, I was praying about this and God put this on my heart to come join Willow Creek when I’m released and worship with you, and be Baptized, and then to serve the Lord and the church. In the meantime, I’m praying that someone from willow would either visit me or write me or send me some spiritual books, Bible dictionary, concordance or spiritual Bible studies, literature, anything. I love to read and can’t get enough of the word and spiritual literature that supports the truth of the Bible. I can receive books as long as they’re soft cover. I’m praying that Willow Creek will bless me with this.

I’m also looking for a sponsor or a spiritual mentor to guide me in Christ as I grow. I’m new at this and I have a hard time asking for help because I don’t trust anyone, however the Bible tells me to ask and I shall receive. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me and I’m very persistent, but I’m just asking for some encouragement and guidance from a brother in Christ. Someone I know I can trust. Please take my request into consideration and find the compassion within your heart to bless me, an eager brother in Christ!

Anyway I pray that I here from someone soon. The Lord is the one who led me to you and I praise Him for that. I’m on fire and can’t sit still. I want to be a part of the Willow Creek family. You have a blessed house together. I saw with my own eyes the passion in your heart, and the convictions of your beliefs I heard with my own ears, and I felt your desire on my heart to help your fellow Christians. I would like to be a part of that. I must be a part of that.



Thank you and God bless you,
Your brother in Christ, Gregory