The Southwest Virginia Emmaus Community

Kairos - A Ministry for Prisons

Coming Up!
Sixth Kairos Weekend October 19 - 23, 2005 at the Greensville Correctional Center.  We need teamers for this weekend, both clergy and laity.  You do NOT have to have done an Emmaus weekend to serve on the Kairos ministry.  If you are interested, please e-mail Paul Beighley at pmdbeigh2@msn.com

The mission of Kairos, Inc. is to bring Christ's love and forgiveness to all incarcerated individuals, their families, and those who work with them, and to assist in the transition of becoming a productive citizen.

KAIROS ("God's Special Time"), is a continuous interdenominational ministry devoted to building strong Christian communities in state and federal maximum security correctional institutions.

KAIROS is a continuing prison ministry launched with the presentation of a three-day "Short Course in Christianity" derived from the Cursillo/Emmaus and similar movements.  Beginning with an introduction on Thursday evening, the course runs from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The term "Kairos" is derived from two Greek words for time.  One of them, is "kronos," meaning linear time (hours, days, weeks, etc.).  The other is "kairos," used in the sense of a time set by God for a particular occurrence.  The use of "kairos" in correctional institutions carries special significance because in this environment, the word "time" carries many special connotations.

I have not come to call respectable people, but the outcasts.  (Mark 2:17b)

The course is attended by 42 residents.  Strong leaders (including "negative leaders") who have the greatest impact in their environment within the prison are encouraged to attend.  Many of the residents attending a Short Course will have a major conversion experience during the weekend.  For some, its effect will last only a day or two; for some, a month or more; for some, however, it will be a powerful and permanent life change.

A new commandment I give you; love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  (John 13:34)

The purpose of Kairos is to establish strong Christian communities among the populations of correctional institutions.  This is done through the impact of small  share-and-prayer groups of three to five persons who are leaders resident in the institutions.  These groups meet weekly to share their lives on a deep spiritual level and to pray for one another, for other residents, and for staff in the institutions.

Kairos is a ministry of the church . . . a ministry of the apostles whom Jesus, the Christ, has called into community and sent forth into the environment of the correctional institution.  Kairos has been called the best example of the early church in existence today.

Semi-annual two-day retreats for all residents in the institution's Kairos community further encourage these groups.

To reinforce the resident Kairos community and the share-and-prayer groups, each team member makes a commitment to return to the prison monthly for one year following their weekend service for a reunion gathering that is open to all residents who have attended a Short Course.  Personal growth witnessed by individuals in this program has been phenomenal.  The continuing ministry of Kairos is having a significant impact on the environments of the correctional institutions where it is active.

Kairos Outside provides a related experience for the spouses or other close relatives of an incarcerated family member.  Also, a related Short Course for youth called Epiphany is held for young offenders.

The first Virginia Short Course was presented in 1990 at the Buckingham Correctional Center for men near Dillwyn.  Short courses are currently being conducted at Buckingham, Nottoway, and Augusta Correctional Centers for men and Fluvana, Goochland, and Pocahontas Correctional Centers for women.

. . . I tell you, indeed, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.  (Matthew 25:40)

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

PRAYER - Ongoing prayer is vital as the outside team and KAIROS residents spread the Good News within what has been a stronghold for the Enemy.

EXPRESSIONS OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE - Prayers, cookies, posters, and banners are powerful influences upon the lives of those residents attending a Short course..

The power of the "unlimited" supply of cookies, as a metaphor for God's infinite grace and love, is great.  "Cookie stories tell of reconciliation, forgiveness, and discovery of the joy of sharing.  Cookie recipes and instructions can be obtained from links on the "Cool Stuff" page of this site.

Simple posters expressing Christian love and concern from a "street" group such as a Sunday School class, youth group, or prayer group can be significant.

Your service is needed and it is welcome!  You should have attended a two-day or three-day "Short Course in Christianity" (Cursillo, Walk to Emmaus, or similar experience), should be worshipping regularly, and should be part of a small share-and-prayer group.  The teaming commitment includes five to eight team formation meetings, an overnight retreat the evening before the course, the Short Course itself, and the next twelve monthly reunions.