Volunteers in Prison
Bring Hope to Inmates
The mission of Kairos is to “pray, share the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, share meals and fellowship with the incarcerated on a one-to-one basis.” Members of the Point Washington United Methodist Church have taken the idea several steps further.
The small group of dedicated volunteers teach Bible study classes, basic reading and math skills, and reach out to the men’s families. The ministry is non-denominational, since the inmates come from many religious backgrounds.
Prisoners Respond to Cards
The group got permission to write notes to the inmates. The chaplain gave the group guidelines for writing to the prisoners.
Kairos members began sending cards, but had no idea whether the notes would be laughed at, tossed out without being read, or if they would be answered. They were overwhelmed with the prisoners’ response. The men were grateful for the cards, and began answering them.
Some had never received even one letter while they were in prison, and many didn’t have access to writing materials. Kairos began enclosing stamps, paper, and envelopes in the notes to the inmates.
Even the children of Point Washington United Methodist Church send cards to the inmates. One man stood before the group after a meeting and tearfully explained that he had never received one from anybody for the past four years. That day, he said, he had received a card from a four-year-old child who told him she loved him. He was convinced that the child did love him.
Prison Basic Skills and Bible Study Classes
Two of the male volunteers started a prayer group. Soon they discovered that some of the men couldn’t read. That fact prompted the two volunteers’ wives to start reading classes. The two women taught six men the alphabet and the sounds of the letters. The class grew, and soon prison inmates who could read began working as teacher aides helping their fellow inmates. “It helps them to know that they are doing something worthwhile for someone else,” offered one volunteer.
The weekly classes begin with a devotional and the men receive certificates after they participate in 10 weeks of instruction. The certificates are prized both by inmates and their families because they show the effort the men have put forth in earning it and improving themselves. Some of the men have earned their General Educational Development (GED).
Point Washington associate pastor Kathy Fisher teaches a basic Bible course each week. “The men are so happy to see us and so eager to learn. They have to be tough when they're in the yard, but when they come to chapel they humble themselves in front of one another. They let their guard down and share with the rest of the guys and with me. Some of their stories are really touching,”
Volunteer Ralph Rickly believes people in prison aren’t any different than the people outside. The only differences are in their life circumstances. “Most have never known love, and have dropped through the cracks. Many of them were on the streets as early as 6 or 7 because their parents weren’t there for them. They had to depend on the wrong people to help them and got into prison as a result of the poor choices they made.”
Kairos member Anne Edwards said most of the men who take part in the Kairos programs do not return to prison. “Think of the crimes prevented and victims saved." The love that the prison volunteers express through the cards from adults and children, the Bible studies, and the chance to learn basic skills offer the men hope. It seems clear that the Kairos group is making a positive difference in the lives of the prison inmates and their families and is helping the men prepare for life on the outside.
Bible Study in Prison
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