KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY AUSTRALIA INC.
Cessnock Correctional Centre

"I was in prison and you visited me" MATTHEW 25:36

NEWSLETTER

May 1998                                                                 Issue 3

On 21st April 1998, 37 enthusiastic Christian apostles and 24 nervous and apprehensive residents of Cessnock Correctional Centre, came together for Kairos Cessnock #2 (an ecumenical short course in Christian family and community).

The team was made up of 7 different Christian denominations that formed a very closely bonded group to be used by the Lord to minister to those wounded and mainly unchurched men.

The atmosphere in the visitors centre where the programme was held, was of love and peace that most of the residents hadn't believed possible. Lovingly and sesitivity we shared with them the word of the Lord through visits to the chapel and we showed them the options and choices they had available to them on their walk ahead. Through talks by the team, we showed them that anger and violence, hate and greed, and to be unforgiving are very destructive emotions that can only lead to more unhappiness in their lives. Their faces when they came to us, showed the pain of distrust and woundedness, and the walls they had built around themselves. As the course unfolded so did they unfold as they shared with us and each other and as they bonded into table communities, evidence of the Holy Spirit at work.

We were especially blessed this time to have 3 of the graduates from Kairos #1 helping out on the team. This proved to be very successful and gave these men much spiritual growth as they shared the companionship, the chores and fun with the team.

This Kairos was the second for Cessnock and it is expected to run 2 Kairos short courses each year along with our ongoing weekly group meetings with the residents and about a dozen of the team. Goulburn did their first Kairos at the same time as Cessnock, and Grafton starts in November this year.

The support we had for Kairos #2 was marvellous and we take this opportunity of thanking all of those who contributed to the many biscuits, slices and cakes which were a great hit with the residents. We were able to send one dozen each to every resident of the prison as well as a few treats for the officers, without whose co-operation our ministry would not be possible.

Also thank you to all those who took the time to write letters or send messages of support. The emotion of each of the men receiving 110 letters each is indescribable.

To all those who support us with cash and prayer, a great big thanks, all of these things are needed to carry out this ministry on a continual basis. We thank the Lord for your caring and the way you extend the fruits of the Spirit. Witness of the value of the Kairos course is now evident with several of our graduates being released with a totally new purpose and attitude to life.

This is where it counts. Please keep up your valued support.

SUPPORT CAN BE IN MANY AND VARIED WAYS

CASH DONATIONS for food for inmates during the short course, stationary (journey program manuals and information literature) and disposable items, and teaching aids.        

AGAPE (Palanca) Letters of encouragement, posters from Sunday school pupils, or anyone or group that feels they would like to contribute with some encouraging message to the residents.

BANNERS Cloth with Scriptural messages or verses. Size doesn't matter they can be big or small.

BISCUITS/SLICES These items are very important to the inmates as they don't get them normally.

The Lord has chosen Richard Turnbull to be Lay Director (Rector) of Kairos Cessnock #3. Our team is complete at this date but applications for Kairos #4 in April 1999 are most welcome.

Up And Coming Kairos Dates In Australia

CESSNOCK #3 - October 20th - 23rd 1998 - Director - Richard Turnbull
CESSNOCK #4 - April 20th - 23rd 1999 - Director - Peter Walsh
CESSNOCK #5 - October 19th - 22nd 1999 - Director - T.B.A.
GOULBURN #2 - October 6th - 9th 1998 - Director - T.B.A.
GRAFTON #1 - November 10th - 13th 1998 - Director - Chris Sparkes
LONG BAY #5 - October 6th - 9th 1998 - Director - George Drew
MUSWELLBROOK #1 - May 4th - 7th 1999 - Director - Geoff Parsons
SILVERWATER #1 - September 15th - 18th 1998 - Director - Stuart Kelly

Contacts:         North NSW Director - John Anderson
                         Lay Director Cessnock #3 - Richard Turnbull
  Agape - Jill Hembrey
  Secretary - Ben Olsen

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This page was last updated 8th September 1998

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