VISION
A community spiritually freed from the effects of imprisonment reaching all impacted by incarceration, through the love, hope and faith found in Jesus Christ. MISSION
The mission of Kairos Prison Ministry is to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, women and youth, as well as their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities. |
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Grace and Peace from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Friend The National Conference was held in Adelaide on the weekend of 28th – 30th August, with a theme of "Called to Serve". While there were 117 people registered, there were additional faces appearing at different times through the weekend. From my perspective, it was a special time. (See the report on the conference later in this newsletter.)
I have an extract of the meditation I delivered on Sunday morning as part of worship that I would like to share with you. Matthew 20:25-28
Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus completely redefines the concept of "greatness". The world says: "be noticed", "be important" and "be recognised". Jesus says: "serve", "humble yourself" and "put others before self". Serving is not about power but purpose, not about status but sacrifice, not about being first but being last.
Effective Kairos ministry or any Chrisitan ministry, begins with the Right Heart, one that is rooted in Christ, shaped in humility and commitment to serve others with His love and grace. Take another look at the logo from conference at the bottom of this newsletter.
There is a difference between being involved and being committed. When you eat bacon and eggs for breakfast, think, the chicken was involved but the pig was committed! Mother Teresa said, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love."
Jesus washed His disciples' feet – He picked up a towel not His title. John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Our service must be planted and continue to grow in and as a result our relationship with Christ, not our involvement with Kairos, our work, our family or church. There are hidden dangers when we serve. Do we desire lots of appreciation and recognition? Matthew 6:1 "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Would I serve if nobody knew I did? When we are welcomed into heaven, Jesus says to us: "Welcome my good and faithful servant", not leader, chair or treasurer. Serving with the character of Humility is paramount. Finally, don't miss on the "JOY" of serving.
J - Jesus first O - Others next Y - Yourself last God Bless you all. |
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International Conference - KPMI
In July 2026, Chief Operating Officer Deborah Poulton, Deputy Chair Tony Hoban and I were guests at Kairos Prison Ministry International Conference in Orlando, Florida celebrating 50 years of ministry! The theme of the conference was "The Journey". It was a great time, reflecting on the first steps of Kairos (although the first three programs were called Cursillo for Prison) of how Kairos became what it is today. Sessions for learning, space for networking and fellowship with Kairos volunteers were the main features of the conference. The highlights however were testimonies from people who have been transformed by the Holy Spirit.
One of the 6 founders of Kairos Prison Ministry International was Cleve Bell. He was a key speaker at the conference on the Saturday night. While we celebrated the past 50 years, we also looked forward to the next 50 years and what God may have in store for us. KPMI CEO, Evelyn Lemly took us through the challenges that are confronting the ministry, not only in the USA, but across the world. One word sums up what we need to be doing. RECRUITING. If the ministry is to grow further, we need more Christian volunteers.
Thank you for letting us represent Kairos Prison Ministry Australia. | |
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5 Year Plan
While we have been successfully operating for 31 years to date, it is important while looking back at what we have achieved, to look forward as to where God is taking us. To that end, the Board spent much time in prayerful consideration and discussion on a 5 Year Strategic Plan to take the ministry of Kairos into the next decade.
The whole document outlines some of the history but focuses primarily on 8 Vision Priorities and the direction we would like to take. Each year, the Board will monitor and assess our progress to keep the Ministry on track. It would be great if each Regional Committee could devote 10 minutes of each meeting time to discuss just one of the Vision Priorities and endeavour to discover what role they might play in achieving the Vision. There are three words that are at the fore of where our focus should lie: Recruit, recruit and recruit. You can read the full plan on the Kairos website by clicking here. |
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Projects Website
The website continues to grow with latest news and information about the Ministry. Check back each month to see the updates on our news page - kairos.org.au/news/ Online Forms
Our team has been hard at work developing a range of online forms for use in the Ministry. The aim is to support Volunteers and Leaders in the ministry, making it easier to do what is required in Team Formation, Training and other aspects of the Ministry. Online Learning Modules
One of the goals in the 5 Year Plan is to develop a series of Online Learning Modules that may be accessed to supplement training and upskilling our Volunteers. This will not interfere with face to face Team Formation, but should be of assistance to many roles in the ministry. The project is in its infancy at this stage, but will progress into 2027.
Your continued prayer and support will help us to continue to serve and be good stewards of what has been entrusted to us. |
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There are some wonderful articles below that will update you on all that has happened in the last quarter including our National Conference. I am excited to let you know about our first time entering Clarence Correctional Centre for Kairos Inside - we need your prayer support. I am also pleased to share with you an Impact Story from a long time Kairos Outside volunteer and an invitation for any women who have been impacted by the incarceration of a family member or close friend, to attend an upcoming wekeend.
God Bless you all and thank you for being part of the Kairos family. |
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| Col Stiller Chair Kairos Prison Ministry Australia
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Kairos Prison Ministry Australia National Conference - Adelaide
As mentioned above, on the 28th - 30th August 2026, volunteers from across Australia gathered in Adelaide for our biannual National Conference. The theme was "Called to Serve" - a call every Kairos volunteer has answered.
Over 100 delegates experienced a unique time of fellowship under one common purpose and to learn and grow and give thanks to God for this ministry. Many made new connections with fellow volunteers from other Regions that they wouldn't normally meet. We heard testimonies from those who have been directly impacted by Kairos which touched the hearts and encouraged everyone. We were privileged to have special guest speakers who gave insight into the impact of Kairos in their church community, a guide to volunteer safety and finding volunteers.
The conference attendees had the opportunity to learn about vital updates on where we are heading in the ministry, how the ministry works and updates on our procedures for best practice in Kairos Inside and Kairos Outside. There were also wonderful times of praise and fun with opportunities to meet and greet new faces in the ministry.
My final message to all gathered was the importance to recruit others to the ministry. One session was devoted to ideas on how this may be accomplished. Click the button below to have a read of a short report of the conference and some of the feedback received. |
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Photos credit: Geoff Smith |
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Decades of listening and loving like Jesus: Gill's ministry with Kairos Outside
Twenty-seven years ago, Gill first got involved with Kairos Prison Ministry Australia after a close friend asked her to bring her musical skills as a singer and guitarist to the newly emerging Kairos programs for women. Despite initial uncertainties about her own readiness to serve in this way, when Gill learned that 'Kairos' means 'appointed time' or in ministry terms, 'God's appointed time', she felt the pressure on her lift and the focus on God increase. Today, in 2026, she's still involved and remains passionate about the ministry, having held a variety of volunteer roles over the years.
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Gill's primary focus is on Kairos Outside, a program for women impacted by having had a family member or friend in prison at some time in their lives. The introductory event of the ministry is a weekend away. These Kairos Outside weekends are designed to create a safe and understanding environment in which participants can share with other women who have been through similar experiences. It's a ministry born out of sharing God's love with women who 'share the time' that their friend or relative serves in prison.
These women carry a heavy load, one that involves caring not just for the incarcerated person, but also taking on additional family, financial, emotional or work responsibilities. For most of them, there is no safe or supportive environment they can turn to, and it's challenging to find anyone who understands. Through Kairos Outside, they are offered support and encouragement from volunteers whose role is to show them God's love in action and listen without judgement. From early volunteer to ministry leader
Knowing God and being known by Him drew Gill into service with Kairos. She describes her upbringing as "being steeped in the Christian faith", but she only came to her own faith decision in early adulthood. Keep reading by clicking the button below. |
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Kairos Outside - You are Invited
There are women across Australia who, through no fault of their own, have experienced the heartache of having someone close to them in prison. Kairos Outside exists to support those women in a safe and confidential environment where at a long weekend, they will be with other women who have been where they are and understand the struggle. There is no cost to our guests to attend the weekend - we arrange transport, accommodation and meals. There are weekends coming up in 3 different locations across Australia - North QLD, Adelaide and Sydney. Is there a woman you know who would benefit from a Kairos Outside Weekend? Go to our website to find out more about Kairos Outside and make contact. |
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Clarence #1 - Kairos Inside Each program we run is numbered and when we have a "number 1" it is cause for celebration!!
We are excited to be entering Clarence Correctional Centre in New South Wales on the 19th October 2026 for the first time. Volunteers are gathering for training and team formation for this milestone event but we need your help.
Will you pray for the team and for the inmates who will be coming to the 4 day course? Every day and hour of the program is covered in prayer and we need more of you to join in. Click the link below to sign up and you will be part of this inaugural team. |
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Pray with us Have you downloaded the current Kairos Prayer Calendar? It provides you with guided prayer points for Kairos. We also put prayer requests on our Facebook page.
Kairos only runs thanks to God at work through our volunteers and programs. We rely on people like you to partner with us in prayer. Remember, every Kairos Inside and Kairos Outside program has a prayer roster that you can sign up to. Every hour of the program is covered in prayer. You can sign up by going to the Prayer Page and following the links, go direct to our Sign Up page or follow us on Facebook to see when the next program is on.
This quarter please pray for: - Participants and guests as they hear the Gospel.
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Our volunteers as they give their time and energy in service to God through Kairos.
- For our Regions to find and recruit new volunteers.
- The Chaplains for the work required to enable Kairos to operate within the Correctional Facility.
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For the team as they serve as 'one body in Christ' and exhibit humility and love to each other, the participants and guests.
- For our October Board meeting as they make decisions about Kairos.
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Our 3 part time Kairos Support Office staff who support the work of our front line.
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Financial Support - Would you consider making a gift today?
Thank you for being part of the Kairos family Friend. By reading this newsletter and showing your support for us, we know that this community is strong across Australia. We know our supporters are generous and we value any amount you can donate to the work of Kairos in Australia. Thank you for helping us to spread the love of Jesus in our community. Could you give a financial gift to support the work of Kairos? Please click on the button below to give via our secure donate page or to find other ways to give. |
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