Hope Behind the Walls: How a Kairos Prison Ministry Weekend Works at the Montford Unit
Each fall and spring, something powerful and deeply moving happens behind the walls of the Montford Unit in Lubbock, Texas. A group of volunteers from all walks of life come together to bring a message of hope, redemption, and unconditional love to incarcerated men. This experience is called Kairos—a Greek word meaning “God’s special time”—and it’s far more than just a weekend event. It’s a life-changing encounter with grace.
This year, the Kairos Weekend at Montford Unit will take place November 6 – 9, 2025, and we’re inviting you to pray with us, support us, and even consider serving.
What is a Kairos Weekend?
A Kairos weekend is a 3.5-day Christian retreat held inside prison walls. It is modeled after the Cursillo movement and adapted for the unique environment and challenges of prison life. The goal is simple yet profound: to share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ with those who often feel forgotten by the world.
How Does It Work?
The weekend begins on Thursday afternoon, as the team enters the unit and begins to set the stage. Over the next few days, up to 42 inmate participants will gather in the chapel, forming small groups and engaging in talks, discussions, and deeply personal reflections.
Each day is filled with:
- Short talks presented by team members about foundational Christian themes like forgiveness, grace, choices, and community.
- Table discussions, where participants are free to express their thoughts, doubts, and hopes in a safe, judgment-free environment.
- Prayer and music, bringing a spiritual and emotional depth that many inside have never experienced before.
- Donated meals, which are rare inside the unit, serve as tangible symbols of God’s love and the community’s care.
On Saturday evening, the men receive letters of encouragement written by total strangers, and on Sunday, many share powerful testimonies about how the weekend has affected them—often for the first time acknowledging that they are loved and not beyond redemption.
Why Montford Unit?
The Montford Unit is a unique facility in Lubbock that houses inmates with serious medical and psychiatric needs. The need for hope, healing, and human connection here is great. Volunteers who have served at Montford often speak of the profound brokenness—and astonishing breakthroughs—they witness. Many describe it as one of the most rewarding spiritual experiences of their lives.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support the upcoming November 6–9, 2025 Kairos Weekend at Montford:
- Serve on the inside team (if you’ve completed Kairos training – we can help!)
- Join the prayer chain
- Write agape letters
- Pack cookies or prepare other agape gifts
- Support financially to help cover the costs of meals, materials, and supplies
Whether you step into the unit or support from the outside, you become part of something extraordinary—a movement of grace that brings light to one of the darkest places.
If you’re interested in joining or supporting the November Kairos Weekend at Montford, reach out to us!
Cale Cameron – cdcameron77@gmail.com
Help us be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need Him most!
Kairos Inside Prison Ministry is a lay-led Christian ministry which conducts a highly-structured program for use in the medium-to-maximum security correctional institutions. Our mission is simple: Share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, to become loving productive citizens.
Kairos Inside Prison Ministry is a lay-led Christian ministry which conducts a highly-structured program for use in the medium-to-maximum security correctional institutions. Kairos starts with a 3 1/2 Day event, usually conducted on a weekend, which allows Participants to witness Christ’s Love through the servitude of Christian Kairos volunteers.
Kairos Inside Prison Ministry is a lay-led Christian ministry which conducts a highly-structured program for use in medium-to-maximum security correctional institutions. Kairos starts with a 3 ½- Day event, usually conducted on a weekend which allows Participants to witness Christ’s Love through the servitude of Christian Kairos volunteers. During this event Participants are given the opportunity to experience a religious renewal accepting God’s call to a life of Christian witness and service to one another during their stay in the institution, and beyond. After the weekend, Participants are encouraged to establish strong Christian communities within their institution to continue their spiritual formation.