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Studies have shown program reduces inmate recidivism and improves the prison environment

DeBary, FL. – Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. (“Kairos”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announces the start of a Kairos Inside Program at Joseph Harp Correctional Center located in Lexington, Oklahoma beginning Thursday, October 11th. The Weekend event will be the first Kairos Inside Weekend at this facility and is another step forward in helping inmates transform their lives.

Kairos Inside is a ministry program whose mission is to develop a Christian community inside the prison. The program results in an improved prison living environment, reduced recidivism after leaving prison, safer communities, and healed families based on personal transformations. Recent studies have shown that recidivism rates can be reduced by more than 50%.

First Baptist Church of Purcell will serve as host for the Weekend team. “We are blessed to be able to partner with Kairos Prison Ministry and provide meeting space for training as well as a “headquarters” for this year’s fall Weekend at Joseph Harp Correctional facility,” said Dr. James S. Wilder, Pastor. “Our community is greatly impacted by both the inmates and their families throughout McClain counties and the surrounding areas. We are thankful for the opportunity to help provide forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ to inmates, their families, and those that work with them. This helps us, as God’s church, in our role in fulfilling the Great Commission. We are grateful to Kairos Prison Ministry and their volunteers for all that they do for the Kingdom!”

Up to 42 inmates participate in the 3.5 day Weekend program which includes a series of talks, discussions, prayer, and chapel meditations with the aim of creating or continuing a desire for spiritual growth. The Weekend will then be followed up with Continuing Ministry of monthly Reunions and weekly Prayer and Share groups which provides an authentic and vital Christian community for accountability and encouragement.

Joseph Harp Correctional Center is a medium security institution that houses approximately 1,405 male offenders, making it the largest medium security prison in the state. 84% of the inmate’s housed at Joseph Harp Correctional Center are incarcerated for a violent crime, and over 10% of the inmates here are incarcerated for murder in the first degree. It opened in September of 1978 and as of April 2017, the prison population was 1,372.

Kairos is in need of volunteers for future Weekends. Opportunities include making cookies, creating artwork, prayer, team support, financial support, and participating in a team. For more, please visit kairosprisonministry.org/volunteer-opportunities or visit Oklahoma’s local site at kairosoklahoma.org

About Kairos Prison Ministry
Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. is a lay-led, interdenominational Christian ministry in which men and women volunteers bring Christ’s love and forgiveness to prisoners and their families through three programs: Kairos Inside, for incarcerated men and women; Kairos Outside, for female relatives/friends of the incarcerated; and Kairos Torch, for incarcerated youth. From simple beginnings as a short course in Christianity inside a Florida prison in 1976, Kairos has grown to serve more than 500 prisons and communities in 10 countries and 37 states. Each year, more than 30,000 volunteers donate 3 million hours of service with an estimated dollar value of $36 million. To learn more, visit kairosprisonministry.org.