Bible Verse of the Day

Monday, March 31, 2008

"...I was in prison and you came to visit me"

The title is from the Bible, Matthew 25:36. My weekend was spent with a group of ladies whose lives have been interrupted by a loved one in prison.

Kairos Outside is a ministry aimed at women who have a relative or friend in prison. Or they may have been in prison themselves. It is sponsored by women and attended by women. The only men serving were in the kitchen cooking and serving meals. I've been involved in the Walk to Emmaus for a number of years and Kairos is an outgrowth of the Cursillo program, of which the Walk to Emmaus is also based on. Kairos is a Greek word meaning "God's time." This was a very special weekend for me because I have not served in this type of ministry before.

Two of my friends from church asked me to join their music team because they wanted a high harmony voice. They're both altos. I've always wanted to be on a music team with Sue, so I said yes. Musically it was everything I expected it to be. As for the weekend itself, I didn't know what to expect. I have to say that I was moved by the women I met. There were some whose husband was in prison and had been for some time. I was impressed by their love for those men and their willingness to wait for them, no matter how painful their lives are. Then there were women with sons in prison. They were the ones who struggle with uncertainty and fear.

I spent most of the weekend in a fog of catching up because I didn't keep the schedule and it wasn't as organized as I'm used to with the Walk to Emmaus, but that didn't keep me from feeling right along with these ladies. It was an emotional roller coaster all weekend, from laughing so hard I almost wet myself to crying so hard I couldn't sing when I needed to. There are so many things that I want to talk about, but can't because the motto for Kairos Outside is "What you hear here, what you share here, when you leave here, let it stay here." So, suffice it to say that this is one of the most powerful ministry retreats I've ever been involved in and learned once again that I am more blessed by serving than those I bless with my service. Praise be to God for all His blessings and goodness.

Oh, yes, if you happen to have a few spare dollars to donate somewhere, please consider Kairos Outside because guests and team members don't pay to attend, but food and supplies must be purchased and the facilities rented. You can find out more by seeking them out at many local churches or clicking on the Kairos Outside link. Thank you and God bless you!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I know you will be richly blessed for your service and I know you have already been blessed by just being there. Sounds like a glorious weekend. I will check into this ministry ;)Thank you for sharing