The KAIROS prison ministry at White Plains focuses on Central Prison here in Raleigh. Two times a year, Christian services are conducted over a weekend to reach out to inmates at this local facility. For more information see the KAIROS website, or contact Derryl Walden at (919)467-5933 or Paul Lewis at (919)395-5501.
WPUMC Support for Kairos Prison Ministry
Kairos Prison Ministry has been active in Central Prison in Raleigh for 25 years. Throughout this entire time, WPUMC has had participation in this ministry—participation both inside the prison walls and in support outside of the walls. Kairos is a non-denominational Christian ministry in response to Christ’s charge to share His love in the prisons. Kairos is not about social issues in prisons- it is about advocacy for Christ. The motto for Kairos is Listen, Listen, Love, Love. The focus is to share with the inmates that God’s love and forgiveness are still available to them no matter what they have done. The goal is to help build and maintain a Christian community of believers within the prison so the residents can support and minister to each other on a daily basis. Inmates of all backgrounds and faiths are eligible to participate.
Many very strong Christians have been, and are now, housed inside Central Prison. Some of them will tell you that going to prison is one of the best things that has happened to them because that is where they found a relationship with Christ that has changed their lives. Almost 2000 inmates have participated in Kairos so far at Central Prison. It involves 3 ½ days with a Kairos team of about 35 men from numerous churches and 42 Central residents. Time together is spent in small groups of 6 residents and 3 volunteers with talks and discussions, chapel time, prayer, singing, and enjoying meals prepared by outside volunteers. Afterward, there is an ongoing follow-up by team members weekly and monthly, but much of the continuing spiritual growth that occurs is through interaction between the inmates themselves following their Kairos experience.
One of the highest operational priorities of the Kairos Ministry is to continually bring in new volunteers to participate as team members. All interested men are encouraged to consider participating.