Blog – Page 6 – Kairos Prison Ministry

Christ Is Counting On You

Christ Is Counting On You

Testimony from a Women’s Kairos Inside Weekend in South Africa. I hope it will encourage us all, and remind us of the power of this ministry, and God’s great love for each of us. Christ Is Counting On You We had a Weekend of wonders and experiencing the Lord’s love as is only possible on a Kairos Inside Weekend. The participants were 30 long-term prisoners, with ages ranging between 23 to 60 years old. On Thursday and Friday, the main issues were deep dark depression and a spirit of hopelessness. Many had attempted suicide whilst in prison. They had given up on life itself and improving themselves by studying or participating in the multitude of programs offered by the Correctional services. As the Weekend progressed the lifeless eyes started to live again, and closed, defensive faces opened up. By Friday afternoon there was lively participation in family discussions and Saturday after the forgiveness ceremony, the Lord’s miracle working love had changed hopelessness to hope and joy. Sunday was powerful and their reply to “Christ is counting on you” was heartfelt and intentional. One of the Participants did not attend on the Thursday since she swallowed an overdose of medication on the Wednesday evening and was rushed to the hospital to have the contents of her stomach pumped out. However, she did arrive on Friday, depressed, distrusting and with a closed face. She neither participated nor looked at the speakers. She enjoyed the good food and started opening up towards the end of Friday. On Saturday we heard that she has been in prison now for 3 years and has not had a single visitor during this time, she also said that she has no family (because they have deserted her). Saturday during the Agape session, she received a note that

By Jaime Ramirez|December 13th, 2018|Inspiration, Kairos Programs, Prison Ministry, Testimonials|0 Comments

Kairos Participating in 2018 #GivingTuesday to Raise Funds for Prison Ministry Growth

Kairos Participating in 2018 #GivingTuesday to Raise Funds for Prison Ministry Growth

Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. has joined the #GivingTuesday movement to help raise funds to expand operations. Kairos is a Christian faith based ministry which addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women, youth, and their families. To continue operations and address the needs of the many requests they receive for new growth, they are hoping to raise a minimum of $10,000 for #GivingTuesday. Occurring this year on November 27, #GivingTuesday encourages philanthropy and celebrates generosity by inspiring people to give back in impactful ways to causes they support. Kairos has created a webpage specifically for #GivingTuesday at kairosprisonministry.org/giving-tuesday which is live and now accepting contributions. “Kairos is blessed with more than 30,000 volunteers worldwide serving in more than 500 locations. However, we still have requests, more than 100 prisons worldwide, which want the Kairos program but we either don’t have the volunteers or resources to accommodate them at this time,” said Evelyn Lemly, CEO. Studies have shown a significantly reduced recidivism rate for Kairos participants versus non-Kairos participants which reduces the cost of further imprisonment. Additionally, Kairos programs improve the prison environment, reconcile families, and make communities safer as participants learn to live and walk in the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.

By Jaime Ramirez|November 9th, 2018|Events|0 Comments

Inside Out: Transforming Lives Through Love

Inside Out: Transforming Lives Through Love

Third of a three-part series written by Glenda Meekins for the Florida Catholic “When someone goes to jail, most people don’t tell anybody. They don’t really talk about it,” says Gina Brockmeyer, program coordinator of Women’s Ministries at Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc., DeBary. Laura Roll was one of those people. Working in law enforcement when her son was first incarcerated, there was no one to talk to about what she was going through. It was lonely and stressful. When she registered at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Winter Park, she checked the box under interests that listed “Prison Ministry”. The next thing she knew, she had been invited to a Kairos Outside weekend. “I was trying to figure out if I really wanted to do this,” she recalled. After driving to check out the location, she drove around, trying to put off actually attending. Although nervous, she finally parked and went inside. “Well, it was the best decision I made,” she says as she looks back at that day more than 15 years ago. “They showed me that it was nothing that I did. I didn’t put my son in jail or in prison. It was his choices.” Roll’s story is played out over and over with thousands of Kairos Outside “Guests”, women with incarcerated loved ones who attend retreats designed to help them find peace, mend relationships and support their loved ones on the inside. The retreat weekends are different than those for Kairos Inside (incarcerated men and women) or Torch (incarcerated youth) because they meet outside of the prison setting, in hotels, camps and retreat centers. Plus, former women inmates are also welcome. “Kairos Outside teams really have to work to get guests – they don’t have the ‘captive’ audience that Kairos Inside and Kairos

By Jaime Ramirez|October 24th, 2018|Kairos Programs, Testimonials, Volunteering|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry To Hold First Kairos Inside Program At Lawrenceville Correctional Center In Lawrenceville, Virginia

Kairos Prison Ministry To Hold First Kairos Inside Program At Lawrenceville Correctional Center In Lawrenceville, Virginia

NEWS RELEASE For information contact: Bill McVay Marketing and Communications marketing@kpmi.org (407) 629-4948 Studies have shown program reduces inmate recidivism and improves the prison environment DeBary, FL., – Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announces the start of a Kairos Inside Program at the Lawrenceville Correctional Center located in Lawrenceville, Virginia beginning Thursday, November 1st. The Weekend event will be the first Kairos Inside Weekend at this facility and is another step forward in helping inmates transform their lives. Kairos Inside is a ministry program whose mission is to develop a Christian community inside the prison. The program results in an improved prison living environment, reduced recidivism after leaving prison, safer communities, and healed families based on personal transformations. Recent studies have shown that recidivism rates can be reduced by more than 50%. Up to 42 inmates participate in the 3.5 day Weekend program which includes a series of talks, discussions, prayer, and chapel meditations with the aim of creating or continuing a desire for spiritual growth. The Weekend will then be followed up with Continuing Ministry of monthly Reunions and weekly Prayer and Share groups which provides an authentic and vital Christian community for accountability and encouragement. The Lawrenceville Correctional Center is a privately operated, medium-security state prison for men located in Lawrenceville, Brunswick County, Virginia. Since 2003, GEO Group has operated the prison under contract with the Virginia Department of Corrections. It houses 1536 inmates. Kairos is in need of volunteers for future Weekends. Opportunities include making cookies, creating artwork, prayer, team support, financial support, and participating in a team. For more, please visit kairosprisonministry.org/volunteer-opportunities. About Kairos Prison Ministry Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. is a lay-led, interdenominational Christian ministry in which men and women volunteers bring Christ’s love and forgiveness to prisoners

By Jaime Ramirez|October 16th, 2018|#1 Weekend, Kairos Inside, Newsroom, Prison Ministry|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry Announces Start Of Kairos Outside Program In Forth Worth, Texas

Kairos Prison Ministry Announces Start Of Kairos Outside Program In Forth Worth, Texas

NEWS RELEASE For information contact: Diane Harris Marketing and Communications diane@kpmi.org (407) 629-4948 “Kairos Outside Fort Worth” program will help women who have been impacted by incarceration to heal Debary, Fla.– Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announces the start of the Kairos Outside program in Fort Worth, Texas, scheduled for October 26-28. The Weekend event will be the first Kairos Outside Weekend in this part of Texas and is another step forward in helping women impacted by incarceration to transform their lives. Often, families of the incarcerated “do time” right along with their loved ones. Kairos Outside offers a comfortable, non-judging retreat for women to support each other as they journey through the incarceration of a friend or relative. The Kairos Outside Weekend is a 2 ½ day program based on a series of talks by volunteers designed to address the pain of enduring separation from the one inside and the judgment of others from their community. In a safe environment with loving people, women interact with other women who are in similar situations and learn to form small support groups to give them strength for the challenges they face. The program is interspersed with music, prayer, and fun activities. Kairos Prison Ministry is a Christian program, although no religious affiliation is necessary to be a Guest. Any female, 20 years or older, whose life has been impacted by the incarceration of a loved one, or a woman who was unable to attend Kairos Inside while in prison, is eligible to attend Kairos Outside. “Women who have been impacted by incarceration are dealing with issues of isolation, rejection, financial hardship and loneliness,” said Gina Brockmeyer, Kairos Outside Ministry Coordinator. “Kairos Outside provides a safe place where the women are exposed to God’s grace, acceptance,

By Jaime Ramirez|September 20th, 2018|#1 Weekend, Kairos Outside, Newsroom, Prison Ministry|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry Named “2018 Top-Rated Nonprofit” BY GreatNonprofits

Kairos Prison Ministry Named “2018 Top-Rated Nonprofit” BY GreatNonprofits

NEWS RELEASE For information contact: Diane Harris Marketing and Communications diane@kpmi.org (407) 629-4948 Award based on Outstanding Online Reviews Debary, Fla. – Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announced today it has been named a “2018 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits. Kairos Prison Ministry is a ministry whose mission is to share the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to prisoners and their families through three programs: Kairos Inside, for incarcerated men and women; Kairos Outside, for female relatives/friends of the incarcerated; and Kairos Torch, for incarcerated youth. The programs result in an improved prison living environment, reduced recidivism after leaving prison, safer communities, and healed families based on personal transformations. Recent studies have shown that recidivism rates can be reduced by more than 50%. “We are honored to be named a 2018 Top-Rated Nonprofit,” says Evelyn Lemly, CEO. We are grateful for our accomplishments this year, including touching the lives of more than 28,000 persons impacted by incarceration.” The Top-Rated Nonprofit Award is the based on the rating and number of reviews that Kairos Prison Ministry received from volunteers, donors and aid recipients. “Kairos Prison Ministry is a great example of a nonprofit making a real difference in their community,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits, “Their award is well-deserved recognition not only of their work, but the tremendous support they receive, as shown by the many outstanding reviews they have received from people who have direct experience working with them.” About GreatNonprofits GreatNonprofits is the leading website where people share stories about their personal experiences on more than 1.6 million charities and nonprofits. The GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Awards are the only awards for nonprofits determined by those who have direct experience with the charities –

By Jaime Ramirez|September 13th, 2018|Awards, Newsroom, Prison Ministry|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry To Hold First Kairos Outside Program In Lewes, Delaware

Kairos Prison Ministry To Hold First Kairos Outside Program In Lewes, Delaware

NEWS RELEASE For information contact: Diane Harris Marketing and Communications diane@kpmi.org (407) 629-4948 “Kairos Outside Delmarva” program will help women who have been impacted by incarceration to heal Debary, Fla. – Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announces the start of a Kairos Outside Program located in Lewes, Delaware beginning Friday, October 19th. The Weekend event will be the first Kairos Outside Weekend in Delaware and is another step forward in helping women impacted by incarceration to transform their lives. Often, families of the incarcerated “do time” right along with their loved ones. Kairos Outside offers a comfortable, non-judging retreat for women to support each other as they journey through the incarceration of a friend or relative. The Kairos Outside Weekend is a 2 ½ day program based on a series of talks by volunteers designed to address the pain of enduring separation from the one inside and the judgment of others from their community. In a safe environment with loving people, women interact with other women who are in similar situations and learn to form small support groups to give them strength for the challenges they face. The program is interspersed with music, prayer, and fun activities. Kairos Prison Ministry is a Christian program, although no religious affiliation is necessary to be a Guest. Any female, 20 years or older, whose life has been impacted by the incarceration of a loved one, or a woman who was unable to attend Kairos Inside while in prison, is eligible to attend Kairos Outside. “Women who have been impacted by incarceration are dealing with issues of isolation, rejection, financial hardship and loneliness,” said Gina Brockmeyer, Kairos Outside Ministry Coordinator. “Kairos Outside provides a safe place where the women are exposed to God’s grace, acceptance, and unconditional love

By Jaime Ramirez|September 11th, 2018|#1 Weekend, Events, Kairos Outside, Kairos Programs, Newsroom, Volunteering|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry to Hold First Kairos Torch Program at Atlanta Youth Development Center

Kairos Prison Ministry to Hold First Kairos Torch Program at Atlanta Youth Development Center

NEWS RELEASE For information contact: Bill McVay Marketing and Communications marketing@kpmi.org (407) 629-4948 “Atlanta Torch” program will help break the cycle of recidivism with incarcerated youth DeBary, FL. – Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announces the Kairos Torch Weekend for incarcerated youth to be held at the Atlanta Youth Development Center in Atlanta, Georgia, beginning September 21st. The Weekend will be the first Kairos Torch Weekend at this facility and is just one step forward in the expansion of the Kairos Torch program to mentor youth in prison so they can begin to make better life choices. Kairos Torch is a ministry program which begins with a Weekend retreat for youth 25 and under. The Weekend creates a safe place for the youthful offender to realize their God-given potential through mentoring with a mature, Christian volunteer. The mission is to engage their reasoning skills in seeking balance for their lives. Kairos Torch team volunteers commit to a weekly mentoring process for six months after the Weekend, which include prayer, discussions, and goal setting. The result is an improvement in the prison living environment, reduced recidivism after leaving correctional facilities, safer communities, and healed families based on personal transformations. “First Weekends are especially exciting because they bring a new energy to the institution which then continues to build and grow,” said Kevin Resnover, Kairos Torch Youth Ministry Coordinator. Kairos is in need of volunteers for future Weekends. Opportunities include making cookies, creating artwork, prayer, team support, financial support, and participating in a team. For more, please visit kairosprisonministry.org/volunteer-opportunities About Kairos Prison Ministry Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. is a lay-led, interdenominational Christian ministry in which men and women volunteers bring Christ’s love and forgiveness to prisoners and their families through three programs: Kairos Inside, for

By Jaime Ramirez|September 10th, 2018|#1 Weekend, Kairos Torch, Newsroom, Prison Ministry|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry To Hold First Kairos Inside Program At Joseph Harp Correction Center In Lexington, Oklahoma

Kairos Prison Ministry To Hold First Kairos Inside Program At Joseph Harp Correction Center In Lexington, Oklahoma

NEWS RELEASE For information contact: Bill McVay Marketing and Communications marketing@kpmi.org (407) 629-4948 Studies have shown program reduces inmate recidivism and improves the prison environment DeBary, FL. – Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announces the start of a Kairos Inside Program at Joseph Harp Correctional Center located in Lexington, Oklahoma beginning Thursday, October 11th. The Weekend event will be the first Kairos Inside Weekend at this facility and is another step forward in helping inmates transform their lives. Kairos Inside is a ministry program whose mission is to develop a Christian community inside the prison. The program results in an improved prison living environment, reduced recidivism after leaving prison, safer communities, and healed families based on personal transformations. Recent studies have shown that recidivism rates can be reduced by more than 50%. First Baptist Church of Purcell will serve as host for the Weekend team. “We are blessed to be able to partner with Kairos Prison Ministry and provide meeting space for training as well as a "headquarters" for this year’s fall Weekend at Joseph Harp Correctional facility,” said Dr. James S. Wilder, Pastor. “Our community is greatly impacted by both the inmates and their families throughout McClain counties and the surrounding areas. We are thankful for the opportunity to help provide forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ to inmates, their families, and those that work with them. This helps us, as God's church, in our role in fulfilling the Great Commission. We are grateful to Kairos Prison Ministry and their volunteers for all that they do for the Kingdom!” Up to 42 inmates participate in the 3.5 day Weekend program which includes a series of talks, discussions, prayer, and chapel meditations with the aim of creating or continuing a desire for spiritual growth.

By Jaime Ramirez|September 7th, 2018|#1 Weekend, Events, Kairos Inside, Kairos Programs, Newsroom|0 Comments

Kairos Prison Ministry To Hold First Kairos Inside Program At Southeastern Correctional Institution In Lancaster, Ohio

Kairos Prison Ministry To Hold First Kairos Inside Program At Southeastern Correctional Institution In Lancaster, Ohio

NEWS RELEASE For information contact: Bill McVay Marketing and Communications marketing@kpmi.org (407) 629-4948 Studies have shown program reduces inmate recidivism and improves the prison environment DeBary, FL. – Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announces the start of a Kairos Inside Program at the Southeastern Correctional Institution located in Lancaster, Ohio beginning Thursday, October 4th. The Weekend event will be the first Kairos Inside Weekend at this facility and is another step forward in helping inmates transform their lives. Kairos Inside is a ministry program whose mission is to develop a Christian community inside the prison. The program results in an improved prison living environment, reduced recidivism after leaving prison, safer communities, and healed families based on personal transformations. Recent studies have shown that recidivism rates can be reduced by more than 50%. Up to 42 inmates participate in the 3.5 day Weekend program which includes a series of talks, discussions, prayer, and chapel meditations with the aim of creating or continuing a desire for spiritual growth. The Weekend will then be followed up with Continuing Ministry of monthly Reunions and weekly Prayer and Share groups which provides an authentic and vital Christian community for accountability and encouragement. Southeastern Correctional Institution (SCI) is a medium security male facility, housing Level 1 (minimum) and Level 2 (medium) security inmates. SCI opened in 1980 and sits on 1,377 acres in Lancaster, Ohio. As of 8/21/18, it had 472 staff and a population of 1,573 inmates. Kairos is in need of volunteers for future Weekends. Opportunities include making cookies, creating artwork, prayer, team support, financial support, and participating in a team. For more, please visit kairosprisonministry.org/volunteer-opportunities. About Kairos Prison Ministry Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. is a lay-led, interdenominational Christian ministry in which men and women volunteers bring

By Jaime Ramirez|September 5th, 2018|#1 Weekend, Kairos Inside, Newsroom, Prison Ministry|0 Comments