April 30, 2011

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA IL, April 30, 2011

6 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

TRANSFORMING INCARCERATED DADS

CLASS 1
An Historical Perspective of Fathering
God's Plan to Solve the Problem Pride,
Humility & Grac Re-building Trust

CLASS 2
What is a Real Man?
Self-Worth Setting Goals

CLASS 3
Spirituality,
Religion & Christianity
Christianity & Change

CLASS 4
Handling Anger
Conflict
Resolution
Self-Control
Alcohol & Drugs

CLASS 5
Empathy
Providing
Treasure
More "Distant Dad" Activities

CLASS 6
Relationships
Marriage,Love & Lust

CLASS 7
The Perfect Father
How did I Learn to be a Dad?
Being a Good Example

CLASS 8
Dad is a Leader,
A Servant-Leader
Discipline

CLASS 9
Fireproof, the Movie
Awarding of Certificates of Completion

As a member of the "Road Team," you'll be expected to facilitate a small group between the classes, and if you want to, you may also lead one of the 8 classes. Class material is provided, and you'll have the freedom, under the Headship of the Holy Spirit, to not stick strictly just to the prepared material.

We also pay our own expenses - motel, some meals, & gas.

SEEKING ADDITIONAL "ROAD TEAM" MEMBERS

On our Dads' Classes "Road Teams," we present the same Dads' Classes we have weekly in many local County Jails, but we present them in a 2-Day Seminar. We visit Prisons, where weekly classes simply are not an option for us.

Our purpose is to:
• Bring the Gospel to the inmates in the context of fatherhood,
• Hopefully spark an interest in the men to become better Dads, break the generational cycle of crime, reduce recidivism, and
• Hopefully spark an interest in the Prison Staff to welcome the year-long Malachi Dads' Program.

Our first "Road Team" adventure consisted of four of us going to the Robinson Correctional Center (prison) in Robinson, Illinois, on April 4th & 5th, 2011.

There we presented our "Dads' Classes" in a 2-Day Seminar format to 60 eager inmates. I asked the inmates up front if they were aware that the teaching would be "Bible-based & Christ-centered." They enthusiastically assured me that's what they expected.

George King:
"I found that the time we spent together was very enjoyable and rewarding. What was accomplished more than achieved all of our expectations. It was the perfect way to reach out and I felt we really touched the lives of the men. In fact they asked if we are coming back and said they would spread the word how helpful we were to them." Well, not only did the inmates like the material, the staff enthusiastically invited us to come back in 6 months! They plan to move us to a bigger room, anticipating a crowd of 80-100 inmates! We have scheduled the next 2-Day Seminar at Robinson for October 17th & 18th.

Dave Haidle:
"The majority of men in prison are fathers and contrary to what many might think, these men are eager to be good fathers to their children. Our communities can only benefit from these men becoming better fathers. I can’t think of a better investment of time than to be teaching eager men about God’s perspective on fathering. It is challenging, humbling and rewarding; plus you get to know other brothers in Christ on a deeper level as you soldier together." Between the classes, we had small-group discussions of the material, and with just 4 leaders, the small groups weren't so small. So, you can understand our need for more leaders! We're praying for 6 more men to join us!

Brian Polencheck:
"I think I believed that most of the inmates would be there as a way to have this look good on their record. What I found was that the majority really wanted to learn how to be a good fathers and men. I could see the hurt in many of their eyes and voices because of not having those relationships with their children and wives. I believe many really had no idea how to fix the hurt and pain they had or inflicted on those they cared about. I also discovered, after experiencing the small group sessions, how many of these men had no father or male role models and the ones they had were quite the opposite of good role models. I wondered how I would have turned out if I would have experienced the same as them. I realized I could be in their place."

We need 6 additional men for our "Road Team" to Robinson Prison on October 17-18.

PLEASE PRAY that more prisons will welcome us to do our Dads' Classes as a 2-Day Seminar.

PLEASE PRAY that God works in the hearts of the inmates & staff, that the Gospel is clearly heard & that many men receive Jesus Christ as their Savior & Lord.

PLEASE PRAY for more volunteers to join our "Road Team." I've already heard "unofficially" from counselors in two more prisons - Pontiac & Dixon - that they're seeking approval for the 2-Day Seminar. If you want to be a volunteer on our "Road Team," please contact Chaplain Tom at tbeatty@waysidecross.org.

PLEASE PRAY about supporting the New Life Corrections Ministry financially. We're really in need of monthly contributors. If you could make a donation, perhaps the easiest way is to visit our website www.waysidecross.org, then click on the Red Heart. Please designate for New Life Corrections. THANK YOU!

April 23, 2011

Sheridan Correctional Malachi Dads Prayer Request - Friday April 22, 2011

The class is enjoying our study of ‘God’s Grand Vision for the Home.’ We are having a lot of interaction as the men share particularly how things were when they were growing up in their homes. I do sense though they are looking forward with much enthusiasm to our last study “Inside Out Dad, Christian”

John B closed us off in heartfelt prayer and the reciting of the Malachi Dads pledge is starting to have the tone of sincere commitment.

There are still about 14 weeks left but I’m already starting to miss these guys. God has placed in my heart an empathy towards these men as we learn that all of us have experienced the same afflictions and sadness no matter if we are from. I can’t say all of the remaining fourteen guy will be awesome men of God once they are released it’s just part of the ministry to see or hear of them falling away, but I do have sincere hopes for a few of these guys in they will have lives that will glorify God and will enjoy His unending love for them.

Thanks for your prayers and encouraging e-mail replies. To Him be the Glory - Amen

Miguel – I first and foremost thank you for your time and prayers. I ask that you pray for my daughter, her name is Delilah, that she finds it in her heart to talk to her mother about the things she can openly to me about. I also ask that you pray for me to continue dealing with the trials and tribulations that I go through on a day to day basis here in prison and stay strong and planted in the Word. I thank you and may God bless.

Rodney – I have found myself getting real irritated lately, with the things going on around here. I think it is due to my prayer and study life. I have not been
dedicating as much time as I should be. Being in this setting takes its toll on me every now and then. I am determined to continue moving forward. I ask that you pray God will give me strength and grace. Thank you and God bless you.

Levi – I ask that you would take the time to pray for God’s trusted servants (such as Scott) they continue their ministries and leading people to Christ. Secondly pray for this church that we may continue are weekly meetings and continue learning and growing through are experiences and relationships. Finally, pray for our families, wives, children and loved ones for their safety and well-being and strength while we as men are apart from them.

Antoine – I ask that you pray for my son Antoine Jr. to come into good habits in the Lord. To have him to have a faith in the Lord and to let him know that I haven’t left him and for my family that they continue to stay in the Lord and believe.

Lidell – Would you please pray for my child, her name is Tonya, and please keep my family in your prayers and pray for the men of Sheridan, and all the prisoners over the world.

John B. – Request for prayer God would provide me with favor with Dr. D here at Sheridan Correctional Center to provide me with medical treatment. Thank you

Jacob – I would like you to pray for my family. I would like you to pray for my Pastor. I would like you to pray for my sister. I would like you to bless and pray for my God and Savior Jesus Christ. I would like for ou to pray for all the people who are in need and homeless.

Charles – My name is Charles W. I would like prayer for me to remain vigilant and for me to love thy brother also for me not to judge anyone. I would also like prayer for me to stick to my diet plan.Thank you and God bless you.

Clarence – I’ve been experiencing some loneliness. I have not received any letters from any of my loved ones. It’s kind of painful, God please intervene and I need prayer to find favor with God. In Jesus name Amen.

Robert F. – I would like prayer for my family in walking in obedience with God and for me. I’ve been tempted by Satan this week, just give me strength to overcome him and I’m asking for prayer over Sheridan C. C. and also for Scott and his mother and all the guys in the Malachi Dads program.

John P. – I would like to go stronger in the works of the Lord. My spirit is being tested because my faith is being tested by me thinking that I would have my six months merit time in time for me to go home in May. Please help me to keep the faith and not doubt because God will deliver in due time. I would also like prayer for my family because they are not doing too well with all the stress of today’s world. I also would like a prayer for peace of mind. I can’t turn my thinking off. I constantly think of what I want to do when released. Thank you

Robert M. – Pray for Robert M Jr. and my mother she is raising my son while I’m incarcerated. She is actually 56 today on Good Friday. I would like to pray for all the brothers I am here with at Sheridan. Please pray too, that I keep God first and I may help other know Christ. Thank you

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

April 18, 2011

Sheridan Correctional Malachi Dads Prayer Request - Friday April 8, 2011

Other then my forgetting to pass out the sheets of paper for prayer request at the beginning of the session, resulting in the request be written in hurried state manner as the class was dismissing and some choosing to wait until next week, all went well.

We discussed God’s purpose for the family and four God filled moments from our study “God’s Grand Vision for the Home” emphasizing the importance of writing letters and to keep writing even if their children do not write back, to persevere towards God’s purpose of teaching your children God’s love for them .

A couple of personal prayer requests for me; My mom is going through a transition in her life as she leaves her home of many years and moves into assisted living. Please pray that God will help her get through the transition and that she will take refuge in Him. Also lift up praises as I’m blessed with the opportunity to visit Louisiana State Penitentiary, aka Angola, with a group from Awana Lifeline Sunday through Tuesday, please pray for traveling mercies and that God will open the doors for future visits.

Levi – I ask that you pray for this study group as a whole including that we all may continue to grow spiritually ?? (God knows who he is.)

– I pray for God to humble me and give me patience – God bless

Jacob – I’d like for you to pray for my family and pray for me also

Rodney – Please pray that God will continue to strengthen my relationship with my children and watch over them. Thank you

Robert M – Please pray for my children and my family. We all could use prayer in building C13 at Sheridan. His loving servant John P.

– Thanks for keeping me in your prayers as you are in mine. Please keep me in prayer that my daughter will write me. Also please pray that the acting IDOC Director will hand out the six months as my day is approaching with 6 months.

Adam – Grace, peace and mercy to you all, all in the name of Jesus, please pray for all them that are lost, tired and without the Lord in their life. Let’s give Jesus all the praise, honor and glory. God bless, peace and love

Clarence – That I would continue to love others the way God would have me to love them.

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

April 16, 2011

I HAVE A JOB...I MEAN BEAN

This is an amazing story by an amazing man, Pete. Luis is an amwazing man as well. He's a wonderful person that love the Lord nad lives his live for him.

April 10, 2011

Sheridan Correctional Malachi Dads Prayer Request - Friday April 1, 2011

Greetings All

We are now in the 3rd of our 4 studies “God’s Grand Vision for the Home.” It is the smallest of our studies in reading, but the consensus last evening was “good things do come in small packages” one of the pluses is we’re able to read the whole chapter out loud as a class.

Congrats to Rodney who recited his memorization of Psalm 1 but the Kingdom story shared by James was the joy of the evening.

James has recently started getting visits from his less than 2 yr old son Brandon. Prior to these visits James hadn’t had any contact with Brandon since early infancy. However, Ashley, Brandon’s mom of late felt it would be to Brandon’s benefit to know his dad, thus the beginning of visitation about a month ago. The visitations our going really well, Brandon gets excited as the day of visitation comes near and does not want to leave at the end of visitation. James further shared that he and Ashley are developing a relationship that wasn’t there before. He gives God the glory saying “Now being a man of God I see the importance of being a dad and through Malachi Dads I’m learning what was never modeled to me growing up” Praises to our glorious and loving God, please keep James, Ashley and Brandon in your prayers.

Another special note; I had an opportunity to talk with Ed, one of the correctional officers before class, (I don’t believe he is a believer). After some short discussion on things in general he shared that his wife Kim is going under medical test to identify the reasons behind her having seizures of late. Without getting long I ask that you pray for Ed, Kim and their whole family and for the doctors to identify then be able to give the medical attention Kim needs.

As always with a humbled heart THANK YOU for your prayers and acknowledgments of praying they are being answered and encouraging

Robert M. – Please pray for my son and mother who are still struggling together, as well as my sister and her kids, my brother and his wife and kids, my family in C13, my unit at Sheridan C. C. We are struggling and I need strength and wisdom. Please pray for my strength and wisdom to help other. Also pray for Raymond G. and his 16-month old son and his mother who are struggling – Thank you His servant.

Lidell – Would you all pray for my friend that when she ges out of prison she will stay off drugs and pray for my mom and my children.

Antoine – I ask to pray for my family and to continue to to grow in the Lord and for me to grow in Christ also. Pray for my son Antoine Jr. to continue to stay healthy and trust in the Lord. Thank you and God bless you.

Adam – Grace, peace and mercy to you all. I hope and pray for the best for all. My biggest prayer is that them that are loss can come into the knowledge of the cross and Christ crucified and come into a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. May God’s power come into this world like it never has, to gather all His children and to put all powers of darkness in their place of everlasting fire and weeping and gnashing of teeth. Remind Satan of his future and give Jesus all the praise, honor and glory. Amen, Amen, peace and love to you all God bless

Charles W. - My name is Charles I would like prayer for patience, non-complacent and vigilance. Thank you and God bless

Clarence – Lord I’m looking to you for guidance, to open these doors that no man can close. My God, Jesus Christ Lord and Savior, favor from on high, from your heavenly throne, touch the heart of my son Justin, keep him, his mother and brother safe and close to You in Jesus name. I would love to hear from them make a way Lord according to you will, in Jesus name, Amen

Robert F. – I am asking for prayer for my family and myself, especially for my kids and their safety to keep His spirit and presence over Sheridan C. C. just to touch the hearts and minds of all the men in Malachi Dads, just thank God for Scott and all his teaching. Thank you and God bless you and your family.

John B. – Seeking prayer for reconciliation with my family of love who also are at my church.

Miguel – I first and foremost thank you for all your prayers and pray that you stay in good health and spirit. I ask that you pray that I continue to keep my faith in the Lord, continue praying and meditating daily. I also ask that you keep my wife in prayer that she finds another job that will benefit her and our children. I also ask that you pray that I stay focused on my recovery and health so when I get out I stay clean and sober so that I can stay with my family. Thank you and God bless

Levi – I ask that you pray for Scott and our entire group study, that we continue to meet regularly to discuss God’s word and continue to enlighten each other. Pray for our families, loved ones, and whatever difficulties we may be going through, that God would strengthen us to continue to be steadfast and continue to focus on Him and His purpose. Finally, pray for the families that would be affected by the budget cut and the suspension of the government.

John P – Thanks for keeping me in your prayers. Please pray that I am led by the spirit to continue in my works for the Lord. Also pray that my faith increases because I still am looking for the six month good time. I will pray that the Lord continues to keep you all merciful as well. Also, please let me continue to love everyone even my enemies. Also pray that one day my daughter will write. Humbly yours.

James – My requests is that God keeps His hands on me and grant me the desires of my heart, that His will be done and that my family will stay in His hands even my friends. Thank you, God bless.


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

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA,IL, April, 10, 2011

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA,IL, April, 10, 2011

TRANSFORMING INCARCERATED DADS
CLASS 1
An Historical Perspective of Fathering
God's Plan to
Solve the Problem Pride, Humility & Grace Re-building Trust

CLASS 2
What is a Real Man? Self-Worth
Setting Goals

CLASS 3
Spirituality, Religion & Christianity
Christianity & Change

CLASS 4
Handling Anger
Conflict Resolution
Self-Control
Alcohol & Drugs

CLASS 5
Empathy
Providing Treasure
More "Distant Dad" Activities

CLASS 6
Relationships
Sex, Marriage,
Love & Lust

CLASS 7
The Perfect Father
How did I Learn
to be a Dad?
Being a Good Example
CLASS 8
Dad is a Leader,
A Servant-Leader
Discipline

CLASS 9
Fireproof, the Movie

April 2nd - MINISTRY TRAINING SEMINAR

There's just nothing like a bunch of "Jail People" getting together! Chaplain Tom is convinced it's the closest thing to Heaven! our friend Rich Hines from ChaplainHelp.org, a division of Aurora Ministries (Bradenton, Florida) visited us again. This is Rich's 3rd Seminar here, and as usual, God was glorified, and He was enthusiastically received, by a record crowd of 76 Jail & Prison Ministry devotees!

And, thanks to the men on the Master's Touch Program at Wayside Cross, and their leaders George Bavas & Mike Cipely, we were all treated like royalty. They provided us with a well-furnished venue, coffee, snacks, and a great lunch! Many of the Master's Touch men who served us were just recently doing time in some of our jails & prisons, and are now involved in our Bible-based, Christ-centered aftercare.

April 4-5 - DADS' SEMINAR

Robinson, Illinois
Most of the Illinois Prisons are just a bit far for us to drive for weekly Dads' Classes. So, our "Road Team" went to Robinson, Illinois - about five hours south of Chicagoland - to present the classes in a 2-Day Seminar. There, thanks to our friend Dr. Dee Dee Brookhart, the Clinical Services Supervisor at the Robinson Prison, we were able to spend two days in prison with 60 respectful & grateful inmates.

ROAD TEAM - Brian Polencheck, Dave Haidle, Chaplain Tom, George King
The photo was taken at an Italian restaurant in Robinson, a welcome relief to Brian after his first "prison food."

It was an honor & a privilege to follow in the footsteps of John the Baptist and introduce the Robiinson prison inmates to "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

Please pray that more prisons will welcome us to do our Dads' Classes as a 2-Day Seminar. And, if you want to be a volunteer on our "Road Team" to other prisons, please contact Chaplain Tom at tbeatty@waysidecross.org.

And from our Stateville Dads' Class:

Gregory
I pray for the love of my kids and their family as well as mine. My Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother and their kids. In Jesus name we ask God and give thanks for. I ask in the name of the Father and Son. God is good. Thank you.

Terrence
Family, Case, Faith, and School

Marcus
I ask that you pray for me as well as for my family. My sister is dealing with a heart condition while pregnant with her third child. I ask God to continue to keep her healthy and allow her to persevere through it all. Continue to give me strength to overcome each obstacle that I may face each day. Deliver me from this place and allow me to do Your will. Amen. Thank you.

Larry
Please pray for me to continue in my walk towards the righteous and my heart to be open and compassionate towards others. Also pray for my children and I do want to have healthy relationships with them. Pray for my brothers and sisters, my lady and her children, my cousin, aunts and uncles, my friends, my teachers, my classmates and the corrections staff. Please pray that God helps me keep my sanity up in here. and that I continue to be humble. Amen. And please pray for my cell mate. He really needs it.

One last item: Please pray about supporting the New Life Corrections Ministry financially. We're really in need of monthly contributors. If you could make a donation, perhaps the easiest way is to visit our website www.waysidecross.org, then click on the Red Heart. THANK YOU!

April 2, 2011

Sheridan Correctional Malachi Dads Prayer Request - Friday April 1, 2011

Greetings with blessings and an abundance of joy to all of you prayer warriors who are truly a blessing to SOPCM and the men of Sheridan

This week was an open week as we transition from our study of “Lead Like Jesus” to “God’s Grand Vision for the Home”. We use the open week to have a teaching of spiritual gifts. The men were given a spiritual gifts test at the end of last week’s class to complete and learn about their gifts. I, having the gift of exhortation, found it uplifting to the men and myself as a short explanation of the gifts, encouragement for them to develop their gifts for His glory was taught.

We had a good diversity of gifts the most common being the gift of mercy. They were told that God will use their gift of mercy and time at Sheridan to minister to others someday all for His glory. Four of the men never heard anything about spiritual gifts, for them it was an encouraging session to see how they ‘DO’ have a purpose and means to glorify God.

Miguel – I first and foremost want to thank you for all your prayers. I pray that all your families are well in health and spirit. I ask that you pray for me to continue to tolerate the challenges that are put in my path so that I may continue to grow and to help them see that they need help. I also ask that you pray for me to lean more on God and Jesus when I’m faced with a situation that is hard for me to face. Thank you again for your prayers and wish you well. God bless you and keep the faith.

John P. – I want you all to know that I’m praying for you all also. The Lord moves in wonderful ways and I would love to be part of the ways. Will you keep me in your prayers throughout the week? I recently took the spiritual gift inventory and found out that I scored high in the spiritual gifts of mercy, serving and evangelism. Please help me to find my spot in ministry once released. Also please pray that my daughters will write me eventually if it’s God’s will. Prayerfully yours

Robert M. – Thank you so much and please pray for my son and mother’s well being and health, my brother, sister, sister-in-law, and their kids. Also please pray for Navic my cellie. He is struggling w/things and taking it out on me, also the other 40 guys in the wing with me. Please pray that I have the ability to be a walking testimony for Christ. Thank you, His loving servant.

John B. – Seeking prayer for God to provide me with favor and grace from prison officials and bless me with a “Work Release Program” {Note: John met his requirement of memorizing Psalm 1 and April 4 is his birthday)

Antoine – To pray for Laticha that the Lord will touch her heart and my sister Latotya that she will seek His comfort in the time of struggle. I would like you to pray for my mom, Bobbie, that she may continue to be smoke free. Pray for my dad that he may seek the Lord and find Him. Last pray for me that I may continue to grow stronger in my faith and depend on the Lord more and more.

Rodney J – Please pray for Pastor H----. He pastors a church in Joliet. He has been very sick. Thank you

Levi – I would like to ask you to pray for Scott, his strength, that he may persevere during troubling times and difficult situations also that he continue to share God’s Word. Pray for this study that we may grow and develop the specific gifts that God has equipped us with to fulfill His mighty purpose, Lastly pray for our families that may remain strong during our absence. Sincerely

Charles W. – My name is Charles W. I would like prayer for me to do the next right thing. Pray also for me to be vigilant and non-complacent. Pray for a closer relationship with my daughter Serena and for me to continue my walk with the Lord. Thank you.

Lidell – Just pray for the people at Sheridan and my family .

Adam – Grace, peace and mercy to you all from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. By the will of God we are counted worthy to serve Him, Amen! Please pray for all the brothers and sisters of Christ and their walk. Please pray for them that are lost and of the world and not of Christ. Please pray for the middle east of the world and whatever God’s stirring that He will get all the praise and glory! Amen! One more would be for my dad and his sickness. God bless, peace and love in Christ.

Jacob – I would like you to pray for my pastor and our church it was broken into last week. I also want you to pray for my family that God hears them continually. I would like you to pray for me that use me with the gift of music that He blessed me with. I ask that you pray for God blesses my little brothers Hasson and Alex back into my life.

Robert F. – I am asking prayer for my family to come to a complete intimate love relationship with God and for me to be in obedience with the Lord’s will. Keep His spirit and presence over Sheridan C. C. Thank you for your prayers and God bless you and your family.

Clarence – Lord I would love to hear from my son’s and their mother. Lord God I pray to find favor with you concerning this issue. I pray and trust You for their health and protection. In Jesus name Amen.

Please touch and agree with as we petition God and may the Lord continue to strengthen us in the power of His might.

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

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

April 1, 2011

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA, IL, March 30, 2011

JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA, IL, March 30, 2011

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED DuPage Youth Home (Wheaton) This is a small facility, housing about 30 or so boys & girls, usually about 12 - 16 years old. We have a weekly Bible Study on Sundays from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. For more information, and for an application, please visit http://dyhbiblestudy.com/

MINISTRY PRAYER REQUESTS We have a VERY BUSY week coming up, with 70+ people registered for our Ministry Training Seminar on Saturday (2nd), then another 60+ men registered for our 2-Day Dads' Classes Seminar in Robinson Prison on Monday & Tuesday, then 40+ teen boys expected at our Movie Night at the IL Youth Center on Thursday (7th). This is in addition fo our regular classes. Please pray that the Gospel is clearly presented & the hearers are drawn closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. Also, please pray that God will replace Chaplain Tom's minivan before it gets too expensive to repair, and that God will raise up His leaders to volunteer in the DuPage Youth Home (above).

INMATES REACHING INMATES FOR CHRIST! "Purpose Driven Life" in Jail "The day I wrote you I found this amazing book, 'The Purpose Driven Life' by Rick Warren. That said, it has really given me the faith to trust God, I mean really trust Him... P.S. 'A Purpose Driven Life' is an amazing book. I've read it 2 times now. And for some reason our jail has an amazing amount of these books. So, me and 5 others on my block are deep in discussion. Definitely a good read." I received this in a letter from a DeKalb County Jail inmate. The reason the jail has "an amazing amount of these books" is that we supplied them with a case of the books - a case that was one of many cases supplied to us by the Pace family in Oklahoma. I've watched God use this book to spark many inmates to interest in the things of God. It's been my honor to help these inmates build on their interest through one-on-one counseling, classes, and Bible Lessons. And what a blessing that many inmate-driven Bible Studies have begun after their group discussions of Purpose Driven Life. It sure beats having them just watching TV, playing cards and conjuring ways to annoy the Correctional Officers all day!

"Bear" is changing!

I am a 35-year old man who has been through a lot, living in sin and keeping company with the wicked. I used drugs and alcohol to "blur out" pain from being abused and abandoned as a kid. I fueled myself with anger, ego, and self-centeredness. I joined a gang at a young age and have been shot three times and stabbed, almost losing my life in fights, overdosing on drugs, and in driving accidents. I was always on the move, looking to make more money, because I made money my "god." Oh, how wrong I was! The only clarity I had came from people who told me to "find Jesus and walk in His light." But I ignored them and chose to keep on sinning. As a result, I lost my belongs, my family, and now, my freedom. I am very ashamed as I've not been much of a role model for my four children. I am currently in the DuPage County Jail. I was ashamed to pick up a Bible and ask for help - I felt like a hypocrite. But, my Heavenly Father sent inmates in my path, who encouraged me with a book called Purpose Driven Life. I currently attend four Bible classes every week and a Christian Dads Class, that help me be a better follower of Jesus Christ and to teach my children to walk in the right path. I'm headed for Prison, but I've learned a lot here. When I'm faced with adversity, I pick up my Bible and read Ephesians 6 - the Armor of God. I trust Jesus and will walk in His ways the rest of my life. - Bear

Sateville Dads' Prayer Requests

Gregory - I pray for the love of my kids, for them to let me back in their lives please. Thank you Jesus.

Larry - Just pray that I can get through this turbulent time in my life. Pray for my family. Pray for my enemies if I have any. Please pray that I stand fast in continuing to read the Word, so my life will continue to change for the better for my grandchildren's sake. I love them even though I have never met them. I long to see them and if it's the will of God, then it will be done. Amen. Pray for me!

Albert - I need you to pray for 4 of my kids that are in jail, and ask God to look over them, and bless them, and let them know that I love them.

Terrance - Please pray for my family, my case, my faith, & righteousness.