The word KAIROS refers to “God’s Special Time.”

Kairos of Texas operates as a State Chapter of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. and addresses the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women, and youth, their families and those who work in the prison environment. The purpose of KAIROS is to build up strong Christian communities within prison walls. This is done through inter-denominational teams of both lay people and clergy who meet with 42 women or men for an intensive love-filled 3-day weekend. For many it will prove to be a life-changing experience of permanent impact. At their separate units the men and women will be formed into small prayer and share groups that will continue to meet weekly. Many of the team members will return to meet with them. Going back week-after-week shows God’s love as nothing else does. Persons in prison can be positive they have been abandoned by God and humanity. The talks and activities of the weekend itself show God’s love to these people as they have never seen it before. Some have forgotten that they know God, some have never met Christ, and some do not believe that God loves them. The team that goes inside the prison lives out God’s message of love in a very vulnerable yet forceful way.

Thank you from Bartlett #9

How can you help with Kairos weekends?

• Team members are needed for both outside and inside teams. Barlett is a men’s prison so inside team members are male and they work with the participants by leading discussions, helping serve meals, giving talks, but mostly by showing God’s love for these men. Outside team members, female and male, cook and provide all the meals, pray, count and deliver cookies, write letters, decorate posters, and pray, pray, pray.
• Prayer is needed to cover the weekend. Sheets of prayer vigil spots will be or are circulating in the church. These brightly colored sheets will be cut up and fashioned into a prayer chain to encircle the conference room and show the participants that many people who do not even know them care about them and are lifting them up to God.
• Cookies are needed by the thousand dozen. A small prison like Barlett uses 3500 dozens cookies a weekend. Larger prisons can use 5000 dozen per weekend. These homemade cookies show love in a very positive way. Homemade cookies are a rarity in prison and are frankly one of the attractions of the weekend. God uses the cookies to draw men to His loving ways. If you would like to make cookies for the weekend, you can make oatmeal, peanut butter, molasses, chocolate chip, but not sugar or other thin, easily breakable cookies. Cookies can have no sugar or any kind of sprinkles or M&M’s on them, bur nuts and raisins are ok. Cookies must be 2 1/2 to 3 inches. They need to be packed a dozen to a quart size plastic bag (zip lock but no slide). Lucy has information sheets, if you would like one.
• Of course, financial contributions are always needed. The cost of a weekend is $125 per participant. Each team member pays the same and often sponsors one or more participants. Make any size donation with a check to the church and Kairos Bartlett #7 in the memo line. A new idea this weekend is meal tickets. For $5 you can purchase a small ticket that will have your first name and church or town and says “I am praying for you and have been since I chose to provide food for you during your Kairos Weekend. I pray that it reminds you how very much Jesus loves you and how much He’ll always be there for you.” What an easy but effective way to demonstrate God’s love!

Thank you for all the many ways you support this effort to bring others to Christ. If you have any questions or want to learn more about Kairos, talk to John or Lucy Aymond, or call at 512-864-7324.