KAIROS

Kairos is an interdenominational prison ministry, similar to the Walk to Emmaus but conducted inside a prison unit.  36 residents and an equal number of team members spend the weekend listening to talks and discussing their responses in table family groups.  The team showers the residents with unconditional love in many forms, including home cooked food prepared by a team of outside workers, and thousands of dozens of cookies.  Steve has worked on 10 such weekends and experienced the amazing grace of God in remarkable ways.  Below are some of the comments made by residents at the closing of Kairos #7 at the Montford Unit in Lubbock, April 2, 2000.  Residents are identified only by first name initials.

H - Thank God for showing me a family I didn't know I had.  I lost my brother, but God has now doubled my family.

 S - I've been looking for something meaningful my whole life. I found it here. I have never experienced this kind of love. Total selflessness. I want to spread the fire I now have in me as far as God will let me.

 R.- It's been 30 years since I had the Lord in my life. It feels really good to have him back.

A - I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you Jesus for showing me the love of people I don't even know. Even if I hate myself, I know you people love me.

A - I lost my family out there, but I gained a family here. I know now that when I get out, I will have a family waiting for me.

A  - was unable to speak, he was so overwhelmed. He was weeping all through open mike, and nodding his head in agreement with what the other residents were saying.

 J.- I am overwhelmed. I had a good time and really enjoyed it. Thank you for everything.

 V.- I thought God had forgotten me. I found out he had never left me. And one last thing. Look at the gang we've joined!

K- I'm amazed by the people on the outside doing all this stuff for us. Now WE (the residents) need to pick up the ball and run with it.

 J - I got a lot more than I anticipated. I almost forgot I was wearing white (prison uniform). I'm going to pass this on.

J.- I've released a lot of pain. I lost my family, but God gave me a new one. I've felt more love than I've ever felt in my whole life.

 J -  I've been trying to find out about God. This really touched my heart.

W -  I didn't think I belonged in prison, but I know now I'm right where God wanted me. I thank God for everything!

R -  I came here looking for Jesus. I found him. I can see Jesus in your eyes.

M -  When I came here, I was wondering "What island did these guys come from?" I decided there is a paradise of people out there who care. I feel like I'm not even locked up.

C -   I came looking for peace. (He began crying). I thank God for opening my heart. (to the other residents:) I apologize for the way I've acted. I'm sorry for hurting y'all.

L -  I've been locked up for 7 years. I thank God for Kairos. It's the best blessing EVER.

Dale R. I got my life back with the Lord. I thank God for touching me and getting me back on track.

D -  I was so selfish. I came here, and didn't know what I was looking for. I found Jesus!

A -  I came in here with a lot of anger. I lost my mom and dad while I was in here.

S -  If I could have spent my life giving and not taking, my life could have been full and not empty. I've experienced Jesus. I've walked with Him, and talked with Him, ate with Him, and drank with Him. Watch out world, here I come!

O -  I thought I had to die to meet Jesus. But I met him here in this room. I'm taking him out of here, and not in a pine box. I had given up on Jesus. Jesus is so powerful. He has worked a miracle in my life.  I've seen more love in the last three days than in my whole life, the light and love of the Lord. These little green monsters (The Kairos team was all wearing green shirts) have taken over and captured our lives. It is a beautiful feeling to have love for my fellow inmates, instead of hate. The fire has been lit. We are all taking the fire with us. I want to get out and tell my children what I have found here today. I want to tell them so they can stay out of jail. If I had had a father to tell me this, I wouldn't have been here.

V -  When I came in here, I was angry, and depressed. I blamed everyone but myself. Now I see the truth. Now, I have been so blessed, I don't know how to describe it. But don't tell the cops outside!

B -  When I came in here I was nervous, scared, and confused. I found more love than I've ever seen in my whole life. I didn't know that people like this existed. The Lord started something in my heart, and I'm going to > finish it. Devil, pack your bags, there's no room for you here!

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