- “ In 1996 I was assigned to be the Warden at the Marion Correctional Institution. It was a dark place and Kairos brought the light of love and hope. Over the next ten years the miracles mounted, peace replaced violence, hope replaced despair, broken relationships were restored and incarcerated men lived their faith unapologetically. The culture of the prison changed dramatically.”~ Christine Money, Former warden at Marion Correctional Institution in Ohio
Kairos believes that true rehabilitation starts with the “heart”. With this in mind our ministry to incarcerated men and women begins with the Kairos weekend where volunteers model and communicate God’s unconditional love, grace and mercy. It is here that God begins changing hearts. A key outcome of the Kairos weekend is for participants to find hope and a new vision for their life through a relationship with God.
The prison environment fosters isolation. During the weekend many participants take their first steps in learning to become vulnerable with one another. Following the weekend, they are encouraged to be involved in small groups focusing on accountability, encouragement and prayer. Those groups meet weekly and Kairos volunteers continue to return and provide discipleship and mentoring. God continues His work of changing hearts and transforming lives as the participants strengthen their relationship with Christ and with each other. They grow in their understanding that, with God’s help, a changed way of life is possible. As transformation continues, new attitudes are expressed in changed behavior. Soon they are impacting the world in which they live—inside the prison walls or outside upon their release.
We have permission to start in Snake River CI. This is of course a long ride :) We will need to develop some home churches to catch the vision and supply most of the team with some guidance from Portland. Keep praying
- ”Stories of heartwrenching, risky change abounds at Kairos. The cost and risk of being Christian is high (and) at times involve beatings and persecution. It is not an easy way but brings more true joy and freedom (even in jail!) than anything else offers. We in the free-world have much to learn from the courageous faith of the brothers-in-white. “
Resident Bishop of the Central Texas Conference
The United Methodist Church
- “Research proves the most effective ministries to offenders combine evangelism, discipleship and mentoring. Kairos has figured out these interventions are important not only inside but outside the prison walls.”
Author of More God, Less Crime
Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences
Director, Institute for Studies of Religion
Director, Program on Prosocial Behavior, Baylor University