Kairos Prison Ministry

We of Kairos are preparing for Walk 40, our next four day visit to Pine Bluff Prison, to train 24 Men in White in the ways of Jesus. These "Walks" occur twice each year. It will be during the last full week in February. My next post will describe Walk 38, which I will post in four days.
This post is a message I gave last week, at the weekly church service led by graduates of past Kairos walks. The service begins with several hymns. Then a short talk, such as this, the only speaking role Kairos normally plays at these services, is given. Afterwards, the men break into small groups to discuss the question posed in the talk, followed by an "open mike" period so all who wish to may be heard. They tell it like it is, speaking clearly and frankly. No "put on" here. We then get in one very large circle, prayer requests are given, and we "Pray out."  Kairos men are always there, to support these Men in White as they conduct their own church services every Thursday night. Last night, 50 Men in white were present. On their way out, almost all of these men shake our hand or hug us, sincerely thanking us for coming. As many have said, "You could be anywhere in the world you want to be tonight. Yet you chose to come here." What a blessing such words are to us Kairos men!
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When Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount, which probably covered several days of preaching, he was followed by very large crowds. His disciples, the closest associates of this popular man, were probably tempted to feel important, proud, and possessive. Being with Jesus, they could get prestige – offered money and power.

Jesus took them aside and warned of these temptations. He told them, be willing to give where others take, love where others hate, help where others abuse. He told them, by giving up your own rights, you will be rewarded. Maybe not in this life, but in everything God has in store for you in Heaven.

For those who grieve, bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. A garment of gladness instead of mourning. A garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

When one is torn apart by sorrow, take comfort in this promise of complete protection and relief. All who are God’s children receive a seal to protect us through tribulation and suffering; all who have been faithful, when given that which God has promised us, will have no tears for suffering, because suffering is over. No more tears for sin, because we have all been forgiven of our sins; No more tears for death, for all those who are believers have been resurrected to die no more.

What Jesus, and we believers say contrasts sharply with the words of the people who are proud and prideful, thinking they have already, in this world, attained a righteous state.

When we reach the rewards Jesus has promised believers,  

Jesus says: Happy will be the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven

Happy will be those that mourn, for they will be comforted.

Happy will be the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Happy will be those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Happy will be the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Happy will be the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Happy will be the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Happy will be those who are persecuted because of Righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and give light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds, and praise your Father in Heaven.

How can you let your light shine, as Christians, in this place you live in? If you talk the talk, and proclaim yourself to be a Christian, do you walk the walk when you leave this place we meet in on Thursday nights? Do the unsaved masses look at you, and think, “He’s a Christian. I want to be like him.” Or do they think, “If that’s what a Christian is, I want no part of that.”

There is no more fertile mission field, anywhere, than right here at Pine Bluff Prison. You can help God’s light shine, right here where you live, or you can help to put it out, by your example. It’s up to you. Question: How can I be a good example for Jesus Christ, once I leave this room, and go back to my dormitory in this prison?