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Kairos Outside is designed to support families of men and women who are or have been incarcerated. This is done by providing a safe environment to interact with other women who are in similar situations. We believe that women who have someone incarcerated often ‘do time’ right along with their loved ones. We want to show the guests they are not alone and that there is a Christian community that cares. The weekend will provide an opportunity to not only explore one’s relationship with God, but to experience a time for fun, music, great food, and community.

Kairos Outside #8 Report
November 12, 2007

Kairos Prison Ministries Canada National Board
Kairos Outside Niagara Advisory Council

Greetings:

Kairos Outside #8 was held on October 26-28, 2007 at Great Lakes Christian College in Beamsville ON. The theme of the weekend was “New Day Dawning” based on the scripture of Lamentations 2:22b-23a.

We faced many challenges during the months of preparation including several changes to the team due to extenuating circumstances that had people unable to continue.  This added some stress and responsibilities on the remaining team especially to cover the duties of the Observing Leader 1.  Thankfully, there was a positive response to this need and the guest contacts were made and necessary arrangements finalized.

Approximately 40 women were contacted. On Friday evening we were prepared to meet 18 guests and 2 observers. In reality 12 guests and 1 observer attended.

7 women who were contacted could not attend this particular weekend, for various reasons, but were very interested in attending a future weekend and a wait list has been started.

It did not take long for a comfortable feeling to be present within the table families and also the group as a whole.  The guests were open to listening to the talks and meditations and the witness presented to them was powerful, challenging and encouraging.

Each team member served well in their desire to share God’s love be it as Kitchen support, Agape team, Servers, Musicians or Table Leaders. The guests and team were blessed by the experience and compassion of the Spirituals Directors.

Announcing our KO#8 weekend on the National Website resulted in a generous amount of Agape from other KO Communities.

A new initiative called  “Walking in Love” was introduced on Saturday evening. Approximately 35 people from the Outside Community gathered in another part of the facility to sing, pray and hear a witness from a former guest while the Forgiveness Service was taking place. As guests and team moved from the chapel to the gym they walked through this group who were now lining the hallway holding candles and singing “You are Loved”.  This was a very moving experience and should also be considered in future weekends to replace the Outside Community’s involvement in Flowers at Dawn.

The small group from the Outside Community that attended the closing on Sunday heard each guest speak about the impact this experience had on her life and the new or renewed hope in God. One guest blessed us by publicly proclaiming that she had become a Christian! Several women also expressed interest in a continued connection with the ministry.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in this capacity and ask for your continued prayer and support for the ministry of Kairos Outside.

Yours in Christ,
Joanne Guetter
KO#8 Leader

If you know anyone who might be blessed by this weekend or would just like more information write:

Kairos Outside
PO Box 20212
St. Catharines ON
L2M 7W7