“I feel like I have a heart again.”
These were the words an inmate spoke to Kairos volunteer Justin Rimondi during a recent weekend of ministry at Columbia Correctional Institution.
Twice a year, men from Memorial participate in this impactful ministry, reaching into a place not many people want to go: prison. Kairos is a lay-led, interdenominational Christian ministry in which men—and women through Kairos Outside—volunteer to bring Christ’s love and forgiveness to prisoners and their families.
The program begins with a structured weekend experience and continues afterward through regular gatherings that provide accountability, support, and prayer. In Florida, there is a Kairos group serving every prison facility.
“The purpose of these weekends is to show the men in prison that they are still cared for and not forgotten,” said volunteer Lamar Wildes. “So many feel forgotten.”
Preparing for a Kairos weekend takes time and commitment, and the work is not always easy.
“It’s not for everyone,” Lamar said about volunteering.
Last month, a group of 24 men—including five from Memorial—participated in a Kairos weekend at the Columbia Correctional Annex near Lake City. The volunteers completed several weeks of training to prepare for the experience and to ensure they worked within established guidelines and expectations.
“We tell the volunteers: ‘Listen, listen. Love, love.’ If you are capable of doing that, you can make a difference,” Lamar explained. Emphasizing the non-denominational nature of the ministry, he added, “We are not going in there to save them or preach denominational beliefs. This is about offering care, compassion, and love—things many of them do not receive. Some people are simply forgotten once they are inside. For some, we are the only connection they have.”
Before entering the prison, volunteers are given the names of the inmates they will serve. However, they are specifically encouraged not to look up their offenses.
“You have the ability to find out what they’ve done, but we don’t do that,” Lamar said. “You don’t want to prejudice yourself. I don’t know what you’ve done while I’m working with you—and I’m okay with that. Why the prisoner is there is not why I am there.”
During the weekend, volunteers write letters to the inmates—one from each man—and read them aloud together. The moment can be deeply emotional.
“Leadership sits with the men as they read the letters, and it can get very emotional,” Lamar said. “Some of them don’t receive many letters while they are in prison, and certainly not like this.”
Local churches also play a vital role in supporting these weekends. St. Peter’s in the Glen Anglican Church, located near the prison, houses and feeds the volunteers.
“That small church—maybe 20 people—fundraises all year to support these weekends,” Lamar said.
The recent Kairos weekend was the first for volunteer Justin Rimondi. He was drawn to the ministry because it helps prisoners find Christian community in one of the most isolating environments a person can experience.
“The weekend can deepen your own relationship with Christ and give you a better understanding of what life in prison is like,” he said. “As the weekend continues, you see the men slowly recovering their humanity. You begin to see their unique personalities and talents—parts of themselves that have been buried. One inmate told me, ‘I feel like I have a heart again.’”
Volunteers hope to leave the prisoners with lasting hope, the assurance that they are loved by Christ, and practical tools to support one another after the weekend ends.
“We work to develop ‘prayer and share’ communities within the prison,” Lamar said. “We train them to lead their own weekly groups. Our goal is to build a community of believers inside the prison.”
Memorial supports the Kairos ministry through financial contributions, providing cookies for the weekends when requested, and by sending volunteers to participate. The next Kairos weekend will take place this fall.
To learn more or to get involved through Memorial, contact Rick Smither at rjsmit937@gmail.com.
