1 Mission, 3 Programs
MISSION
The mission of the 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.
The Kairos Mission is implemented in these three programs:
Kairos Inside is composed of well-organized and well-trained volunteer teams of men and women from the communities surrounding an institution that present an introductory 3-day weekend, described as a short course in Christianity.
This inter-denominational team of volunteers – both clergy and laypersons – works in cooperation with the Chaplain who carefully selects up to 42 inmate leaders to attend. Well organized follow-up is part of this program.
Kairos Outside is a special weekend retreat designed to support the female loved ones of men and women who are or have been incarcerated. Families of the incarcerated “do time” right along with their loved ones.
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.
Crime among youthful offenders is the most rapidly growing segment of corrections. The number of institutions for youthful offenders has doubled since 1995.
This presents a unique opportunity for the Church to be physically present in ministry to this segment of the incarcerated community. Kairos has developed Kairos Torch to facilitate ministry to youthful offenders.
Kairos Inside
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE KAIROS INSIDE
Kairos Inside programme is to impact the correctional environment through the building of a Christian community, in all areas of human activity in the prison.
PROGRAMME FOR INCARCERATED MEN AND WOMEN:
Well-organized and well-trained volunteer teams of men and women from the communities surrounding an institution present an introductory 3-day weekend,described as a short course in Christianity.
This inter-denominational team of volunteers – both clergy and laypersons – works in cooperation with the Chaplain and Institution management who carefully selects up to 42 inmate leaders to attend.
These leaders are selected from long-term influential prisoners.When they change behaviour after accepting the grace and forgiveness of Christ, their change in behaviour serves as a witness and inspiration for those that know them and live with them.
The weekend is followed by monthly reunion meetings to encourage participants to support each other by participating in weekly share and prayer groups.
Kairos Torch
PROGRAMME FOR YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS:
Kairos Torch offers unconditional love and acceptance, encouraging young men and women to share their life journey through participation in a long term mentoring process.
The program begins with a weekend retreat inside the prison.
Torch team members commit to a weekly mentoring process with the youthful offenders for six months after the weekend.
Kairos Outside
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE KAIROS OUTSIDE
The Kairos Outside programme is to demonstrate God’s Grace and Love through Christian support for women who have relatives/friends who are or who have been incarcerated.
PROGRAMME FOR FEMALE FAMILY AND FRIENDS:
Kairos Outside is a special weekend retreat designed to support the female loved ones of men and women who are or have been incarcerated.
Families of the incarcerated “do time” right along with their loved ones. In a safe environment with loving people, women interact with other women who are in similar situations and learn to form small groups to support and give them strength for the challenges they face.
How to Participate…
Be a Team Member.
Kairos volunteers come from all walks and strata of life. They all share a desire to follow Christ’s admonition of Matthew 25:36, “I was in prison and you visited me.”If you feel God’s call to minister to the incarcerated as a part of a Kairos team, contact the State Chapter Chairperson to inquire about how you can get involved, or contact the Kairos national office to find out about qualification and training and to be put in touch with the local Kairos community.
Be a Prayer Partner.
All Kairos activities are covered with prayer.
You can be a part of that prayer effort. Go to Agape/Prayer support!
Be a Support Volunteer.
Each Kairos weekend has opportunities for outside support, such as baking cookies, writing letters of support, or preparing meals. Contact the State Chapter chairperson.
Be a Ministry Financial Booster.
Be a Ministry Financial Booster
All Kairos activities are funded by donations. If you would like to support this ministry by your donation via EFT, please contact the Kairos South Africa Treasurer on [email protected] and we will gladly provide you with our banking details.
Be a Cookie Baker.
We may need a huge amount of cookies for a typical Kairos weekend.Homemade cookies are a tangible expression of Christian love and an indication of God’s concern for a group of people who seldom encounter either in the course of their daily lives. Your loving sacrifice will provide “bread” that shines the Light of God’s Grace into the darkest corners of a prison unit. May God bless you for the gift of baking!