The mission of Kairos Prison Ministry is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, women, and youth, as well as their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities. Kairos is an international ministry, and our church supports two units in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system: the men’s Allred Unit in Iowa Park and the women’s Mountain View Unit in Gatesville. The team of Kairos volunteers receives special training prior to entering the unit. The Kairos weekend is a 3 ½ day short course on Christianity. It is an opportunity to make disciples and to help disciples grow in their knowledge of Jesus Christ and the redemption that he offers.
HOW CAN YOU BE A PART OF THIS MINISTRY? 1. Financial contributions are made by our church’s budgeted funds and by our Amazing Grace Class. Additional contributions from individuals or classes are also appreciated. 2. Signing prayer chains and promising to pray for the participants during the weekend. The chains are put together to show the participants how many people are praying for them. 3. Children make placemats to share Christ’s love in Sunday school and at Kids in Mission. 4. Baking homemade cookies—a special treat for the incarcerated. 5. Volunteering to serve on a Kairos Ministry Team. 6 • Winter 2019
BY: REV. KAY LANCASTER Associate Pastor of Discipleship
There are opportunities to serve on either the support team or the inside team. The support team prepares meals and other items for the participants during the weekend. The inside team goes into the prison to share the love and grace of Christ. (women in the women’s unit and men in the men’s unit).
KAIROS WEEKENDS During a weekend on the inside of the unit, the gym is converted into 3 spaces—a dining area, a conference room and a chapel. There are 42 participants seated six to a table with three volunteers at each table. The participants hear ten talks given by volunteers, they discuss the talks and then make posters which illustrate the main idea of the talks. They also sing, worship, and eat specially prepared food which includes lots of cookies and fresh fruit between the meals. The program is nondenominational and focuses on the love of Christ. The motto of the volunteers is to Listen, Listen, Love, Love. At the end of the Kairos Weekend, on Sunday afternoon, there is a Closing Ceremony in the gym during which participants receive a cross. Then they go for a final worship during which visitors are welcome to attend if they have completed paperwork arlingtonmethodist.org
