SUGGESTED READING

This is a wonderful book for those that are incarcerated and getting out in the upcoming years. Or for those recently released and need a job.

Title: START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS
Author: BLAKE MYCOSKIE
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau (September 6, 2011)
Pages: 208



I have to be honest, I’d never heard of TOMS shoes until Blake Mycoskie spoke at my church, WILLOW CREEK COMMUNITY CHURCH. I was instantly intrigued by his story, as well as admired his morals. I’ve been serving, mainly in the prison and Jail ministers, since 2004. I know firsthand what it means for God to place in your heart a passion that blesses you as well as others.

After the service they were selling TOMS shoes, along with Blake’s book out in the lobby. I was tempted, but low on funds and needing to pick my kids up from their classes, had me opting out. I went home not purchasing anything, something I often don’t do when it comes to books, yet the story of TOMS and the book START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS was never far from my mind.

Within days I received my Amazon Vine Program picks. To my utter amazement, START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS was one of the choices I could choose from! Clearly a God thing. I didn’t hesitate. I immediately ordered the book.

Right from the first pages I was captivated. START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS is a quick and easy read. I wasn’t even twenty pages in and I was itching to write and post a review. But I held off. I wanted to make sure I captured every essence of the book from start to finish.

In my copy, that I will forever keep, it’s marked with many highlights and dog-eared pages. Before I was even finished with the book I was emailing TOMS, telling others about it, and started a new blog to START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS.
I certainly could have reservations on starting this endeavor, but as Blake’s book clearly states, don’t over think it. Don’t let worry and fear cancel out what you know in your heart to be true. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes. http://jackscardsofhope.blogspot.com/

I’m NOT letting this opportunity to serve the least of theses for the Lord, slip away due to fear, doubt, and lack of. I will push on and carry out what Jesus has placed in my heart to do.

I WILL START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS!

What about you?

START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS by BLAKE MYCOSKIE, is a must read for EVERYONE!

It will change your life.

A few key things I learned from START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS:

-Trust
-Simplicity
-Faith
-Give

Jail-Mail - BANQUET INFO & volunteer opportunities posted 10/20/2011

 

JAIL-MAIL    from Chaplain Tom                                              New Life Corrections Ministry October 20, 2011                       - a division of Wayside Cross Ministries ANNUAL BANQUET! Saturday, November 5th 6:30 - 9 PM   Tickets are free! Reservations Required! Village Bible Church 847 N. State Route 47 Sugar Grove IL 60554   For reservations, email tbeatty@waysidecross.org       6:30 PM - Dinner is served! State of the Mission Report from Chaplain Tom Testimonies! (from ex-offenders & volunteers) Keynote Speaker Pastor Tim Badal An offering will be received.   Reservations Deadline: October 31 We are praying for individuals & churches to support both with volunteers & finances, so New Life Corrections can continue to accept the prisons' invitations to bring the life-changing Gospel to inmates!   WE'VE RECEIVED A $10,000 MATCHING CHALLANGE!   A local businessman has offered to match all banquet-related donations up to $10,000 total!   This would be a GREAT time to ask your church if they have any "missions' funds" available.   Please help us claim the entire $10,000 challenge!   Please forward this to your friends, your Pastors, to your church's Missions' Committee!   The deadline for reservations is October 31.  Please make your reservation today, by emailing Chaplain Tom at     tbeatty@waysidecross.org  VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES! Bible Study Co-Leaders - Kendall County Jail - males & females - hopefully can be scheduled to fit your schedule.  Also in DuPage & Kane Counties.  Must have your Pastor's recommendation.   Literature Distributors - Visit inmates cell-to-cell at Stateville NRC, four times per year on 3rd Saturdays, evangelizing & praying.  Must be 18, no felony convictions.   "ROAD TEAM" volunteers to take the Gospel to prisons all over the state, via our "DADS' CLASSES," presented in 2-Day Seminars.  Must have your Pastor's recommendation.   "Dads' Classes" co-leaders in the Kendall County Jail (Tues. 1:30 - 3:30 PM), & Kane County Jail  (Fri. 7:15 - 9:15 PM).  Must have your Pastor's recommendation.   "Book Cart Chaplains" - in the Kendall Co. Jail & in the Kane County Jail.  Take a Book Cart with Bibles, Christian books and literature to the inmates.  Also provide one-on-one counseling.  Must have your Pastor's recommendation.  Males & Females.   Bible Lesson Graders, meeting Tuesday evenings at Redeemer Fellowship Church, 1125 Oak Street, St. Charles IL, 7 - 9  PM.   "Movie Night" helpers in the Illinois Youth Center (St. Charles), 1st Thursdays, 5-8 PM. Please email Chaplain Tom for applications and/or information.  tbeatty@waysidecross.org   Of course, the BEST way to receive more informaiton is to COME TO THE BANQUET!     PLEASE PRAY FOR US!

 

Preparing Prisoners for Re-Entry

Here’s a great article titled, Preparing Prisoners for Re-Entry, put out by Prison Fellowship. Lot of great information.

http://www.pfi.org/cjr/downloads/preparingprisoners

Jail-Mail - BANQUET INFO and volunteer opportunities, October 2011

ANNUAL BANQUET!
Saturday, November 5th
6:30 - 9 PM
Tickets are free!
Reservations Required!
Village Bible Church
847 N. State Route 47
Sugar Grove IL 60554

For reservations, email
tbeatty@waysidecross.org


6:30 PM - Dinner is served!
State of the Mission Report from Chaplain Tom
Testimonies!
(from ex-offenders & volunteers)
Keynote Speaker
Pastor Tim Badal
An offering will be received.

Reservations Deadline:
October 31
We are praying for individuals & churches to support both with volunteers & finances, so New Life Corrections can continue to accept the prisons' invitations to bring the life-changing Gospel to inmates!


WE'RE GROWING LOCALLY & STATEWIDE!
Five "Collar County "Jails
Fox Valley A.T.C. (Aurora)
IL Youth Center (St. Charles)
Stateville Prison
AND NOW INVITED INTO ALL 25 ILLINOIS MEN'S PRISONS!!!

100 DADS NEEDED

We've been invited to bring the Gospel, in the context of our "Dads' Classes," into all the Illinois Prisons. We need Dads - Christian Dads - to go with us to lead Small Group Discussions in our 2-Day Seminars. Overnight travel required. We pay our own expenses ($135 per prison?)

Please forward this to your friends, your Pastors,
to Christian Dads!

MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
Bible Study Co-Leaders - Kendall County Jail - males & females - hopefully can be scheduled to fit your schedule. Also in DuPage & Kane Counties. Must have your Pastor's recommendation.

Literature Distributors - Visit inmates cell-to-cell at Stateville NRC, four times per year on 3rd Saturdays, evangelizing & praying. Must be 18, no felony convictions.

"ROAD TEAM" volunteers to take the Gospel to prisons all over the state, via our "DADS' CLASSES," presented in 2-Day Seminars. Must have your Pastor's recommendation.

"Dads' Classes" co-leaders in the Kendall County Jail (Tues. 1:30 - 3:30 PM), & Kane County Jail (Fri. 7:15 - 9:15 PM). Must have your Pastor's recommendation.

"Book Cart Chaplains" - in the Kendall Co. Jail & in the Kane County Jail. Take a Book Cart with Bibles, Christian books and literature to the inmates. Also provide one-on-one counseling. Must have your Pastor's recommendation. Males & Females.

Bible Lesson Graders, meeting Tuesday evenings at Redeemer Fellowship Church, 1125 Oak Street, St. Charles IL, 7 - 9 PM.

"Movie Night" helpers in the Illinois Youth Center (St. Charles), 1st Thursdays, 5-8 PM.
Please email Chaplain Tom for applications and/or information. tbeatty@waysidecross.org

Of course, the BEST way to receive more informaiton is to
COME TO THE BANQUET!

PLEASE PRAY FOR US!

New Life Corrections Ministry October 2011

New Life Corrections Ministry
Annual Celebration & Outreach Banquet

November 5th, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM

at Village Bible Church,
847 North State Route 47, Sugar Grove, IL 60554
Banquet Agenda below.

Thanks to our Table Sponsors,
TICKETS ARE FREE!

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!
Please email tbeatty@waysidecross.org

(More on the Banquet below.)

Volunteer Opportunities Available
Bible Study Leaders - Kendall County Jail - males & females - hopefully can be scheduled to fit your schedule. Must have your Pastor's recommendation.

Literature Distributors - Visit inmates cell-to-cell at Stateville NRC, four times per year on 3rd Saturdays, evangelizing & praying. Must be 18, no felony convictions.

"ROAD TEAM" volunteers to take the Gospel to prisons all over the state, via our "DADS' CLASSES," presented in 2-Day Seminars. Must have your Pastor's recommendation.

"Dads' Classes" co-leaders in the Kendall County Jail (Tues. 1:30 - 3:30 PM), & Kane County Jail (Fri. 7:15 - 9:15 PM). Must have your Pastor's recommendation.

"Book Cart Chaplains" - in the Kendall Co. Jail & in the Kane County Jail. Take a Book Cart with Bibles, Christian books and literature to the inmates. Also provide one-on-one counseling. Must have your Pastor's recommendation. Males & Females.

Bible Lesson Graders, meeting Tuesday evenings at Redeemer Fellowship Church, 1125 Oak Street, St. Charles IL, 7 - 9 PM.

"Movie Night" helpers in the Illinois Youth Center (St. Charles), 1st Thursdays, 5-8 PM.
For additional information on any Volunteer Opportunities,
please email Chaplain Tom at tbeatty@waysidecross.org.

BANQUET AGENDA
6:30 - Dinner is served! Pork Chops, catered by 5 B's
State of the Ministry, Chaplain Tom
Testimonies! from Volunteers, from Ex-Offenders
Keynote Speaker, Pastor Tim Badal
An offering will be received.
9:00 - We're dismissed!

Please, email Chaplain Tom for banquet reservations! tbeatty@waysidecross.org

Wayside Cross Ministries
215 E. New York St.
Aurora IL 60505

Tel. 630-723-3406
www.waysidecross.org/newlife

Please pray about who you could invite to the banquet! Thank you!

AN INSPIRATIONAL READ

The MENTOR: The Kid & The CEO, is a must read for all. It's well written and reads like a great novel. Positivity, optimistic, perseverance. This is the attitude and way of life everyone one should be striving for. This book will bring hope and encouragement to those down on their luck, thinking life has nothing to offer them. It really cements the idea that our own thinking and actions can either make or break us. In the end it is up to you. To have mentors throughout your life is vital, and having God as the center of your life is a must.

I found myself continually saying, "Yes, yes." I loved how Malcolm made it a point to teach both Tony and Gary what is needed to be a good person as well as successful in life...in all areas of their life. We can all learn something from this book whether it be from Tony's perspective, that with the right attitude, good morals and hard work, you can do anything. Or from Malcolm whom we witness the importance of looking beyond ourselves and doing for others. After all, isn't that what God has called us to do, and in doing so we end up being a winner as well.

You reap what you sow, so sow well.

NECKLACES MADE IN PRISON

These necklaces don’t only look neat; the way they were made is pretty cool as well. They’re made with vegetable and garbage bags. They can be made in a variety of colors. Kids love them.

PRISON ART WITH A STORY

Sheridan Correctional Malachi Dads Prayer Request - Friday August 26, 2011

Greetings all;

It was a very special evening this past Friday. SOCPM recognized 12 men who completed the Malachi Dads program!! I was joined by my wife and special guest George “Modavador g” Salter the Discipleship and Resident Director (DRDs) for the Koinonia House® of Wheaton (KHW). George and I both spoke on the the Soldier of Christ's call and character prior to the distribution of personalized certificates to the men signed by Assistant Warden of Programs Mary J. Johnson and myself.

It was an evening of good-byes for some as Miguel, Charles and John P will parole prior to the start or shortly after SOCPM's new classes begin at Sheridan this fall.

I'd like to thank you all for being prayer warriors this past class and hope you will continue to be prayer warriors this fall. SOCPM has been blessed to return with an orientation for fall classes schedule for September 30th. SOCPM will be teaching two separate classes this fall 'Discipleship 101' which will include a series of four books covering basic Christian teachings and "Inside Out Dad" a book from Malachi Dads will return in a separate class taught consecutively in four 10 week sessions with a schedule to be determined.

There is also the possibility SOCPM will be teaching "Inside Out Dad" at Dixon Correctional Center beginning this Fall. SOCPM has a meeting with Dixon this Wednesday hopefully to finalize. God is blessing SOCPM with these new opportunities and covets your prayers for ministry partners for volunteering to assist in teaching, financial support and most of all prayer warriors o lift up the weekly prayer request. If you are interested in receiving the SOCPM quarterly newsletter The Barbed Wire™ please reply to this e-mail

Again thanks for all your prayers

Jon B – I just give thanks for your prayers and good news on my CT scan results. My cancer is still in remission.

Miguel – I ask that you pray for my wife Lizette that God shows her the way that He wants her to, also that God shows her again that the only true happiness that she can receive is from and through Him and Him alone

Jacob – I would like you to pray for my family that God protects them. I want you to pray for my church. I want you to pray for yourselves. I want you to pray for my brothers and sisters.

John P – Dear prayer warriors I am sure you were all continuing to pray for me during my absence (John missed her first and only class). I would like you to pray for my family. We are all struggling to stay connected due to finances and being in different states, but I know God somehow make a way. Also please keep Scott’s son in your prayers as he will heed to God’s word in due time. Please pray that my name is on the list to continue receiving God’s word. Scott’s upcoming class is approaching and I would like to attend. Also pray that my relationships with my daughters are restored.

Robert F. – I am asking prayer for my family and friends and for the men of Sheridan

C.C. and I really need prayer and I just turn my life in every aspect over to God not to worry but only to depend in God and prayer in my relationship with my girlfriend, also prayer for Scott, his wife and mother that the Lord provides all their needs. God bless you all and your families. Amen

Robert M. – I would like prayer for you Scott that the Lord can use you to continue to share His glory w/me and others. Also please pray for me so that I may be guided by God. Still pray for my children and my mother.

Clarence – Pray for me that peace of God that surpasses all understanding will rest upon my heart, that I first will be faithful obedient man of God, also a nurturing father. In Jesus name Amen

Charles – My name is Charles W. I would like prayer for my journey to walk with the Lord, prayer for my transition from prison to a spiritual re-entry program on 09-09-11, prayer for my daughter Serena and her mother Angel, prayer for my journey through sobriety, prayer for me to provide for Serena. Thank you and God bless.

Adam – Grace, peace and mercy to all of you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ; I would like to tell all of you guys that my prayer is for al of you and your walk with Christ. Could we pray for the brethren and all that need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here we are laborers in His field for His work & His glory. Amen. Praise, honor and glory to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen. Peace and love.

Rodney – Please pray for those effected by the earthquake on the east coast. Pray for the brother leaving here. Thank you and God bless

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord;

Scott Kalas
Soldiers of Christ Prison Ministries™

Sheridan Correctional Malachi Dads Prayer Request - Friday August 5, 2011

Greetings;

The actual teaching of Malachi Dads is over. The last teaching class was August 5. We will take two weeks off then on August 26 will have a recognition ceremony for twelve dads. Please pray that all will go well and God will be glorified. Also please pray that the final pieces will fall into place for SOCPM to return to Sheridan in the Fall with plans to teach two programs.

Adam – Grace, peace and mercy to you all from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. Could we keep our nation and our leaders in our prayers, the persecuted church and underground believers all around the world. Could we pray for the lost, sick, suffering and the children of God and their walk. I will be careful to give Him all the honor, praise and glory. Forever and ever Amen & Amen God bless.

Antoine – I ask that you will pray for us all that we remain strong and in the Lord. For my sister to stay strong in fighting her addiction I ask for a special prayer for a friend, Jalen, that he may recover from is ailment. Thank you and Godbless you.

Rodney – Please pray that God will continue to mold us all into the men that He would have us become. Also please keep in mind the brothers who already have been released. Thank you and God bless.

John B – Requesting prayer for good health news in relation to a CT scan test resultthat are not in yet.

Robert – Scott thank you for all of your time and wisdom. First I would like to pray for your ministry so others can benefit from your effort or Christ’s effort in you. Thank you1 Please pray for my children and my relationship with them. I want to do God’s will and teach them God’s Word. Please pray for my strength and courage to always walk with God and be a vessel for his reflection. Please pray for all the brothers here with me every day God bless you Thank you. His loving servant.

Miguel – I first and foremost thank you for your prayers and for you taking time to out of your day to red our prayer requests. I ask that you pray for my wife, that she continue in her faith and that she continue to reach for God and ask him to relieve her from some of the stress that she has been going through. I also ask that you pray for me that I stay strong through these last days of my incarceration without losing my mind. Thank you and God bless you all.

Jacob – I would like you to pray for my family. I would like you to pray for my church family. I would like you to pray that I get closer to God. I would like for you to pray for my brother who is leaving Chicago to go to Wisconsin to go to high school. Pray that God uses me in my ability
Clarence – Just a closer walk with Thee. Family is reunited. Bless me with my own business upon release. For the furtherance of His kingdom in Jesus name Amen

Robert F. – I would like prayer for my kids and mother and father also for my girlfriend Loletha as she goes through trials and tribulations of life and raising theboys herself, also for Scott and his family and for every man in Sheridan and just that God would keep me and mold me to do His will not mine and to stand on my faith in Him to guide me in every aspect of my life. Thank you and God bless you, Amen.

Charles – My name is Charles. I would like prayer for me to stay willing to follow the Lord and stay sober. For a better relationship with Angel my ex-wife and mydaughter Serena, for the knowledge to understand and know God’s will for me. Thank you

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord;


Scott Kalas
scott@socpm.org
Cell: 630-863-4260

http://socpm.org/

Sheridan Correctional Malachi Dads Prayer Request - Friday July 29, 2011

Plans are in the final preparation for SOCPM to return to Sheridan in the Fall to present a new series of classes (details will be in a forth coming newsletter, all prayer recipients will be receiving it via e-mail).

Praises to God for an AWESOME and blessed Malachi Dads class and for an opportunity to return in the fall.

Miguel – I thank you for taking the time out of your day to pray for those of us incarcerated and will pray for you all. I also ask that you pray for my wife Lizette that when she goes through moments of trials & tribulations that she continues to look for God’s guidance and continues to walk the righteous path. I also ask that you pray for me that I continue to seek God’s guidance in my everyday life and continue to strive for better. Thank you again and God bless you all and your families.

Lidell – Pray for my family, I have a little child her name is Jasmine and she has lost both of her kidneys and is very sick. She is only 15 years old. Also pray for all the men of the prison system.

Antoine – I ask that you pray for my family and me. I’m particularly my mom and my sister. I also pray that you pray for patience. I have been going up and down in the way of patience and for strength for me to stay positive and courage to keep up to the road to glory.

Clarence – Pray for obedience and spiritual discernment and reconciliation with my kids. Amen

Robert F. – I would like you to pray for my kids and their mothers to bond better and come to full obedience with God and to touch me as I go through trials and tribulation with my life and family just keep me growing in the Lord, praising Him through it all. Thank you for your prayers and God bless you. Amen

Charles – Hello, my name is Charles, I would like prayer for me to have knowledge of God’s will for me. Pray for me to stay in the Word and to do God’s will. Thank you and God bless.

Jacob – I would like for you to pray for my family. Pray for me that God continues to use me that my church family is all right. Pray that God continue bless the lost souls out in society.

Jon – Today I want to thank Dave and Shari for their prayers for me to be given medical treatment today I was sent out for a CT scan. However can I ask for prayer for the doctor who reads the CT scan films with wisdom and knowledge and understanding to read the films. Thank you

Robert M – I would like to pray for all my children. My mother has got some more financial assistance. God has provided! She still needs some physically healing. Also my cellie/friend was hurt yesterday and got a concussion playing basketball. Also have a lot of brothers that have families who need Christ and healing to get them through hard times. Please pray that Christ may allow me as a vessel to help them cope with these trials. Also I have some pain and health issues. Thank you His loving servant.

Rodney – Please pray for the brothers who are coming home to a messed up economy. That God will make their crooked paths straight. God Bless you.

John P. – Thank the Lord for having Scott and Michelle back. I am very grateful to be back attending Malachi Dads. Please pray for my daughters that they are safe and know that I love them and I am working hard to be a better Christian dad. Also please pray for me to choose the right transitional house, as I am about three months short of transitioning into society. Please keep my family in your prayers that they understand I am trying hard to beat alcohol addiction and to be patient with me. Humbly yours

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord;

Scott Kalas
scott@socpm.org
http://www.soldiers-of-christ.org/

RETURNING HEARTS CELEBRATION 2011

July 9th, 2011



A total of 1,462 people attended Returning Hearts Celebration!
621 kids
262 dads
160 guardians
419 volunteers

The temperature was 97 with a heat index of 103! This was the hottest RHC at Angola!

We ate 2,000 hamburgers and 1,700 hot dogs! All the food was cooked by a volunteer ministry, Cooking For Christ, from Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge. Our thanks to them for their ministry year after year at Angola!

Please pray for the dads, kids and guardians of Angola. Pray that reconciliation will continue between the dads and their kids. Also, pray that the dads, kids and guardians that don’t know the Lord will come to know Him as their Savior.

Mark your calendars for next year’s Returning Hearts Celebration: Saturday, May 19, 2012!
http://awanalifeline.org/#/programs/returning-hearts

God is sure to bless you.

You'll leave a changed person.

PRISON ART POST #1

The Prison Pen Pal Program has blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined or put into words. This is just one of the many blessings I’ve received from two remarkable inmates in Texas, Clifford and Bill.

Thanks guys!

May God bless you in all you do.

Kym

A SPECIAL LETTER FROM AN INMATE TO A SUNDAY CLASS

I’ve been involved in the Prison Pen Pal Program since 2004. I write to several guys that are incarcerated. Through this amazing ministry, God has blessed me in countless ways. I also handled the miscellaneous mail that comes into Willow Creek Community Church from the prisons and jails. One of the letters I received had a heart shaped necklace with a cross in the middle of it, along with a request for a faith based non-fiction book.

One letter lead to another and this particular one to a group of girls in a Sunday class at Willow, by an inmate in Texas named, Clifford. He made each of them necklaces which lead to many questions from the girls. They wanted to know his story, and he was gracious enough to write them this letter. It touched my soul and brought tears to my eyes.

Later each of the girls in the group wrote him a thank you, many accompanied by a hand drawn picture. Each heartfelt, filled with compassion. God truly blessed several lives in what started out as a simple request for a book to grow ones faith.



3/27/2011

To my young friends at Willow Creek Community Church. Hi from Clifford the cross maker in Liberty Texas. First let me say that I am very happy to hear that you like your crosses so much. I had fun making them for each of you. Let me know if you would like another one, okay.

I hear that you are about eight-years old, maybe nine. I guess you know that I’m in jail. The reason I’m in jail now at the age of fifty-two is because of decisions, mistakes, and wrong choices that I made when I was nine-years old, your age. Hard to believe that the choices we make at such a young age can have consequences that last a lifetime.

Are you working what I could have done at your age that could cause me to be in jail? I was warned by my mother and father not to do it. They had some special classes and films at school too. You are all very smart and I know that your parents and your teachers have told you the very same thing that mine told me when I was your exact age. Now you will all have to make a decision and a choice just like I did. I’m taking about drugs. I wish I could find just the right words to tell you how bad they are and not to ever try them. It’s even worse today than it was when I was your age. They are everywhere. I let an older friend of mine talk me into smoking marijuana. He said it wouldn’t hurt me. I wish I would have said no. I did at first but I was curious and it didn’t seem to be hurting him so I tried it. That was the biggest mistake of my entire life, a mistake I made when I was nine-years old. A mistake that has cost me everything, broke my mother’s heart and put me in prison.

It doesn’t happen all at once. At first it was fun. It didn’t seem as bad as they say. I lived in California back then and had a real nice family. I started playing guitar on Christmas day when I was seven-years old. I loved my guitar and still do. It was so much fun. I loved it. I hung around with older guys that played guitar and they would teach me. They were all using drugs so I did too so I would fit in. Little did I know. As I grew older I started playing in bands at different places and everywhere we went there were drugs and beer and alcohol. It took some time before all the bad stuff started happening. It tricked me. Before I made it to college to be a guitar major, several of my friends had died from drugs in car accidents, but that still didn’t stop me. In college there was even more drugs.

Suddenly I realized that I was addicted to different drugs and couldn’t quit. If I didn’t have them I would feel really bad. They made me do things I knew I shouldn’t do but I wanted the drugs so bad. That was a terrible feeling and I got scared and didn’t know what to do. I was afraid to tell anybody the truth. Afraid to stop and afraid to not stop. Before I knew it, drugs took control of my life. I had to quit school because I couldn’t think and do all my homework. I was failing. I quite school and joined the Navy. Thought if I moved and quit playing my guitar that would fix things but it didn’t.

I started playing guitar in the Navy band and made two trips to Europe, France, and Italy, all the while in the band. Everywhere I went there were still drugs. I got worse and worse. It was horrible.

I had two bad car wrecks and by a miracle, didn’t die. Then I woke up in a hospital and didn’t know what happened. They said I almost died from too many drugs. For some reason God had saved me. But He didn’t keep me from jail. I have to pay for my mistakes. He kept me alive though. Maybe it was just so I could write this letter and tell you about a bad choices I made when I was nine-years-old.

“God, I pray that you will let these special young people learn from my mistakes so none of them will ever go to jail or prison or die from using drugs.”

Thanks for letting me share a little of my story. I don’t want to leave you feeling bad or sad though. I’m doing really well here. I’m not on drugs anymore, have a job here and lots of friends. My mother is still alive and lives in Oklahoma. We write a lot and talk on the phone. We have been through a lot together. I told her all about ya’ll and that I got to make you some cross necklaces.

Thanks again. I would love to hear from you. I will be here for awhile so let me know if you want more Heart Crosses. Oh, I learned how to make them in jail.

God Bless all of you,

Clifford.

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

Greeting all;

Though it was a joy to spend the past couple of weeks with my mom in Henderson, NV it is also a joy to be home and back with the men of Sheridan on Friday nights.

A special request, as you will read in Antoine's prayer request, Antoine is enduring one of imprisonments toughest challenges, the death of a loved one, for Antoine, it was the passing of his father. For most of us we can only imagine what it must be like to grieve not only the death of a loved one but to grieve without other loved ones grieving the same loss. He will not be with them when they gather to share the memories of his dad, whether they be ones of laughter or tears. To grieve in unity is a great healer, to grieve in solitude from family and loved ones is hard, please be certain to life Antoine during this time of being apart from family

Jon B – Seeking prayer for the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to make he right decisions in my daily life and J for God’s favor and grace. Thank you

Charles W – Hello, I would like prayer for the understanding of God’s Word, for a good relationship with my daughter Serena and ex-wife Angie and for me to have faith in my decisions.

Robert F. – I’m asking for prayer for my family just to seek to seek the Lord and to walk in obedience and for myself to walk in the light and to be on fire for the Lord, just not read and talk in obedience but to live it everyday in my life and to keep His loving arms around every inmate in Sheridan and if it’s the Lord’s will for me to receive work release. Thank you God bless you and your family.

Clarence – Hello God bless you, pray my strength in the Lord that I will steadfast and persevere in faithfulness. Pray that I would seen receive a letter from my son and his mother Finesha, Justin, Brendon and Derrius.

Jacob – I would like you to pray that God protect me from all my enemies including my cell mate he tries to intimidate me and make me feel down. But I refuse to let him do that because God is on my side. I pray that God give me inner peace so I can make it through this time.

Robert M – I would like to start by thanking you. Then please pray for the brothers who have asked me to their families, the Lord knows who is in my heart. They may not know the Lord well, but please help them and their families. Also please continue to pray for my family and myself so that I can grow to be the man He made me to be. Thank you His loving servant.

John P. – Thanks for continuing to keep us ‘Malachi Dads’ in your prayers. Scott thanks for continuing to keep all of us in your prayers. Please pray for my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I am trying to rely on my faith ‘faith’ but I am getting a little anxious as I have four months left now. Please pray that I get a response from my daughters one day. Humbly yours.

Antoine – I ask that you pray for me and my brothers and sisters. My father passed on June 26, and I am having a tough time. Also for my son and nieces and nephews, that the Lord may strengthen us in our time of grief.
???? – Please pray for Tyrell, he is going through some things with his family.

A final request, the Malachi Dads class is drawing to a close in a few weeks, please pray that those in position at Sheridan will show favor to the Malachi Dads and agree to a Malachi Dads graduation celebration where these men 'the Malachi Dads' can experience the affirmation they deserve for their pursuit to be godly fathers to their children.

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