Have I Underestimated Posters, Placemats, and the Prayer Chain?

The many times I have been inside a prison I have been struck by the bland, boring, colorless environment.  When we cover the walls with posters, string up a multi-colored prayer chain, and placemats, the stage is set for radical change.  We know that it isn't so much what we have to say that counts (listen-listen).  Perhaps these decorations speak louder than words as well.

Watch the TED talk.  I am encouraged that so much new attention is being paid to the incarcerated.

Report: Connally Kairos Family Reunion

Ever wonder what it is like inside a maximum security prison?  If every day was like today in the chapel at the Connally Unit, you would have to have a reservation to get in.  The music was fantastic, with a praise band of drums, base guitar, lead guitar, keyboard, and violin.  Daryl, who will lead Kairos 24 (November 6-9), stepped in to play with the band and performed a few of his compositions.  The leadership was artfully provided by a brother in white.  Prayer and share time followed the proscription. The free world team ate lunch in the Officers Dining Room while the participants ate johnnies in the chapel. The two servers in the ODR were both Kairos graduates, unable to attend because of their work schedules.  There was testimony, a few words from the chaplain, count and re-count.  The officer with us has been assigned to Kairos events for some years, and took good care of the 15 of us and 65 brothers in white.

I was able to do some coordinating with the chaplain and his assistants about plans for Kairos 24.  I found out just how much the prayer and share community inside cares about Kairos, and how passionate they are about facilitating the growth of the Christian community inside.

I am humbled to be among such people. I saw a lot of old friends from past Kairos weekends.  I can't show you pictures, or tell you names, or stories; I can say it was an awesome day.  I heard, over and over again, from the brothers in white, how lucky they are to be incarcerated in the Connally Unit.

First team meeting for K 24 is September 13th at University UMC, San Antonio.

"Help us to love each other, as you have loved us, so that the kingdom of God might be made present to all."

Family Reunion

There are 15 guys signed up to go in Connally on Saturday, August 16th, from 10-3 for a family reunion.  Our reunion activity has been limited by staff shortages, but it looks like we will be able to expand our program to include reunions and retreats in addition to weekly prayer and share and bi-annual Kairos weekends.

Of course we aren't family in the blood relative sense of the word; we are family in the Word.  Our role is to facilitate the growth of the Christian community in prisons.  Most of what happens with the Christian community inside Connally is in the hands of the chaplains and the brothers in white, and they are dedicated in this mission. 

This is our prayer:

Jesus, come join us
 in our journey
 as we seek your will
 for this community
 in this environment

Teach us to love each other
 as you love us
 to give ourselves
 as you give yourself
 that the kingdom of God
 might be made present to all.

Amen

Connally Kairos Schedule for 2014

This is our schedule at present:

August 16th - Reunion 10 AM to 3 PM at Connally

September 13 - Team Meeting at University UMC San Antonio

September 27 - Team Meeting at University UMC San Antonio

October 11 - Team Meeting at University UMC San Antonio

October 25 - Team Meeting at University UMC San Antonio

November 1 - Team Meeting at Karnes City UMC Karnes City

November 6-9  Kairos 24.  Daryl Watson, Leader, Connally Unit

November 15 - Instructional Reunion for Kairos 24 graduates, Connally Unit

Plan to come to all team meetings - team spiritual formation is important.