Thank you, All Saints’ family, for accompanying me to prison: I am undone by the immensity of your support of Kairos #48.
Some baked 107 dozen cookies, All Saints’ children colored placemats, others donated $910 toward the expenses of the weekend, and many, many from here and around the world prayed.
I estimated that the prayer chain was 158 feet long — the length of the prison basement and back again. I’ve never seen one that long. I/we couldn’t have done it without you.
To God be the Glory!
Carol Updike
Kairos Inside Weekend #48 Closing Ceremony Comments
The voices included are the real stories of women whose lives were touched by Kairos. These words are shared with gratitude to all who made Kairos possible, so you may see the lasting impact of your prayers, cookies, placemats, donations, support, and presence.
Spiritual Condition Upon Arrival at Kairos When participants arrived at Kairos on Thursday evening, many described themselves as broken, lost, and weighed down by pain. They carried feelings of hopelessness, anger, confusion, guilt, shame, and bitterness. Some felt stuck, scared, indifferent, or alone, believing they were worthless or not themselves. In short, most came into the weekend feeling anxious, burdened, and spiritually searching, unsure of where to turn.
What Was Found at Kairos At Kairos, participants discovered forgiveness, love, and a sense of true family. They spoke of building new and lasting friendships, experiencing unity, and finding peace, healing, and joy. Many felt freedom from anger, shame, or fear and grew in trust, confidence, and self-love. Above all, they experienced God’s unconditional (Agape) love through the community that surrounded them.
Takeaways from Kairos Participants expressed leaving Kairos with a renewed sense of love, fulfillment, and family in Christ. They carry with them new friendships, unity, and the assurance that they are no longer alone. Many spoke of receiving compassion, patience, courage, and the tools to grow in faith, developing deeper listening to both God and others. They described healing, new beginnings, spiritual rebirth, and a stronger relationship with Jesus. Above all, they leave strengthened by God’s love, connected as sisters in Christ, and equipped with a spiritual foundation to continue their journey.
Individual Testimonies “I didn’t know why the Lord brought me here, but now I understand—it was for Kairos. I thank Him for allowing this program to be here. Kairos is a beautiful gift.”
“This isn’t the end at all. Believe in Him, trust in God, and ask Him for strength.”
“I came on a journey of peace and healing, never thinking I was worth anything. But through Agape love, I know I am worth something now. God loves me no matter what, and I thank Him for choosing me to be part of this.”
“This experience has been freeing. I was angry and hurt, carrying so much resentment toward myself and toward God. How do you even face that? Only with God. I said, ‘I forgive You,’ and He said, ‘It’s about time, kid.’ Yesterday, I would have been bawling. Today, I am free. The door was always open—He’s just been patiently waiting.”
“I walked into Kairos with a lot of hatred, unsure if I could ever forgive. I am walking out with that weight lifted. I have God and my Kairos sisters to thank for that.”
“This has been a life-changing experience. It’s time to let go, to dissolve all the hatred. I feel so free.”
“When I was locked up, my family abandoned me. But now, I am part of a huge family. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I truly belong.”
“I didn’t realize until this weekend how much God truly loves me, and how much love there is in this community around the world. I belong here. I had been so angry with God, but He never let go. Now, I’m holding on to Him—with a shield of love for my sisters, not a shield of hatred.”
“Prayer is so powerful, it can move mountains. Twenty years of un-forgiveness is gone. I can finally be free. “