Kairos Prison Ministry International - Texas Chapter Kairos of Texas 1st EDITION February 2009 From the State Chair, Ed Keefer Special points of inter- I, like many of you, have prison environment..” Kai- receiving requests for new est: been reflecting back over ros sprang from the 4th day Kairos programs as is this past year and contem- movements and “..is a min- KPMI, which receives re- Greetings from the plating what this new year istry of the church…a min- quests from new states Texas State Officers will bring. Who would have istry of the apostles whom and new countries. In Announcements predicted record fuel Jesus, the Christ, has each instance the request From the Units prices, a booming West called into community and has to be considered and Texas economy and stag- sent forth into the environ- balanced with the availabil- nant in other places. Hurri- ment of the correctional ity of resources, money canes, cell phones, and a institution. Kairos has and even more importantly gathering of the Kairos been called the best exam- volunteers who have a community the first week of ple of the early church in heart for ministering in our November. existence today..” chosen field, the prison environment. I had the privilege of at- The Texas Chapter of tending a number of ACOP KPMI is active in 37 men’s Who among us, when training sessions across units, 4 women’s units, 7 we’ve been asked “Why the state as well as several Kairos Outside locations are you here, why do you of the regional chaplain’s across the state and one do this,” hasn’t replied, be- meetings that we held youth facility. KPMI is ac- cause we’re told to by Je- Inside this issue: around the state. The tive in 350+ prisons in 31 sus. We then cite Matt common thread throughout states and 8 other coun- 25:35 “..I was in prison and the year, which could be tries. Kairos Outside is you came to visit me..” No 2009 Texas State 3 described as “..the good, active in 19 states and 6 strings, expecting nothing Officers the bad and the ugly..,” other countries while Kai- in return, we only ask for was the love that was ros Torch is active in 10 the opportunity to Listen, AKT Training 4 voiced and exhibited for locations across the coun- Listen, Love, Love and by Information those men, women and try. But, as we know in our being there with him/her FUNDRAISER 5 youth that we in Kairos own state, this only repre- exhibit the life changing OPPORTUNITY have the privilege of bring- sents a portion of the cor- reality of Jesus Christ. And ing the life changing reality rectional institutions that in Acts 1:7 we are also told Remember in 6 of Jesus Christ to on an we have sent forth to min- “..you will be my witnesses Prayer ongoing, continuing basis. ister to in an ongoing fash- in Jerusalem, and in all ion. Just as it is true in Judea and Samaria, and to Meditation 24 As we state on our web Texas, it is true in the rest the ends of the earth..” site home page, we ad- of the United States and in This sounds very much like dress “..the spiritual needs the world. Our new starts in the prison environment of incarcerated men, committee is evaluating surrounding our communi- women and children, and requests for Kairos pro- ties, our state, our country to their families and to grams on a continuing ba- and the rest of the coun- those who work in the sis. Other states are also tries of the (cont. p. 2) From the State Chair, Ed Keefer (continued from p. 1) world. We hear the cry, we leading us into the ministry opportunities that we will ex- see the need, we can and field we are in today. perience that will bring us the will share our time, talent and Just like you, I’m excited to to joy and completeness in Je- resources to send others into see what this year has to sus Christ as we’ve been our chosen ministry field, bring. I know there will be Be still, commanded to follow Him. because others shared their many challenges, but those time, talent and resources and know are just that, it is the many that I am God; From the Kairos Outside State Chair, Willa Bellard I will be exalted among the nations, Hello everyone; I am very things going on in KO. Our We had a great meeting in excited to have been elected summer international confer- Orlando February 5th -7th I will be exalted your KO Chairperson for ence will be held in Ontario even with the temperature in in the earth." 2009. I am totally committed Canada and everyone is in- the 30-s and 40s. You will to serving in the position I vited; the information is on get all the updates at our 2nd ~ Psalm 46:10 have been elected to. We the KPMI Website at quarterly state meeting in have some very exciting www.kairosprisonministry.org April. From the Kairos Of Texas International Rep. John Kennell John Kennell has bee asked to community and the Kairos He is one of those rare people take over as the Texas State Prison Ministry through contin- who know how to build a Team, Chapter International Rep with ued Unit service, Advisory Coun- get the paperwork straight, and the leaving of Bob Bunch. cil Chair, Financial Secretary for has the natural charisma that the Torres Unit and writing a people want to work with to In considering who to select to continuity book of Lessons move the mission of Kairos for- fill the vacancy, the Executive Learned that should be a tool for ward. He is the first to call when Council looked at the qualifica- all of KPMI. He has also served a task needs to be accomplished. tions of each candidate and ap- with the Briscoe Unit. pointed Mr. Kennell. John Kennell is retired from the He was noted as smart, articulate, US Air Force. He is an obedient, Among the qualifications submit- and having developed the con- dedicated servant of God. ted with his nomination were his tacts within the community to dedication to his church, Alamo We look forward to his report know who to call when a prob- Heights UMC, the Emmaus from the Conference in Florida lem requires a solution. Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. ~ Hebrews 13:1-3 SPECIAL THANKS A special note of appreciation to the Brothers and Sisters of the Hutchins State Jail Kairos Inside Team for Weekend #7 and Pastor Victor Jackson and members of the congregation of Building the Kingdom Community Church for providing scripture passages for the first edition of the Texas Chapter of Kairos Prison Ministry International State Newsletter. - Cyndi Page 2 Kairos of Texas KOT — New International Concerns Committee There is a need for someone to there are here in Texas. end in Nicaragua this past June. He be the spokesperson and organ- will be our go between with Wayne izer for the International Kairos Ken Sellers has been asked to Park and communicating the needs communities. The Texas Chapter head this committee and he to our Chapter. has been a strong supporter of has graciously accepted. He If you are interested in serving on this new ministry and there are has been a very active Kairos this committee, make your desire many marvelous stories about the volunteer, going back to Fer- known to Ken: Holy Spirit working in the pris- guson days. He and his wife [email protected] ons around the world, just as Judith participated in a week- A new command I give you: Love one another. As I Reflection from the International Conference have loved you, so you must love From Ed Keefer, State Chair the banquet Friday night. While getting totally bogged down in talking to him, Clarence, I the small details that seem to rise one another. By this all men The Winter Conference went thanked him for all he has done , that the efforts of these men well. One of the highlights for and is continuing to do. He said and women that have come after will know that me was getting to spend a few he appreciated the thanks, but he them must continue on, not for you are my minutes with Clarence Hodges, really wanted to thank all of us personal recognition or pride but, disciples, if you one of the original 9 ―old men‖. for our continuing what had been rather, to carry out the mission of started 33 years or so ago. Cla- love one another. One of his sons, who is a Catho- making disciples, just as they did. ~ John 13:34-35 lic priest, spoke about communi- rence is truly a humble man with an aura of peace and understand- If we all will ―just keep on keep- cations and led the devotional ing on‖ then the legacy will con- service on Thursday evening and ing that envelops him. I came tinue. another son accompanied him to away knowing that regardless of the frustrations and, sometimes, Kairos of Texas 2009 State Officers Chair - Ed Keefer Committee Chairs Program and Conference - Joe Nance Agape - Jaime Gonzales Vice Chair - Louis Esquivel Observer Program Coordinator - Secretary - Audrey Rivera Advisory Council - Louis Stephen Searcy Esquivel Outreach - Financial Secretary - Bob Cole Compliance and Excellence - Records and Archives - Kate Tom Venhaus Treasurer - Becky Fisher Allred Communication - Audrey Rivera Registrar - Julie Cole International Rep.