August 16, 2002

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

God’s blessings have been with the Kairos Hughes 11 team, and the team is developing and growing in preparation for a great Kairos Weekend in early October! The third team meeting is set for Saturday, August 24, at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church, on Ranch Road 12 in Dripping Springs, one mile north of the intersection with US 290. This time we will gather in the Fellowship Hall, located at the north end of the church, rather than the Family Life Center where the first two meetings were held. We will again begin gathering at 9am. The meeting will begin at 9:30am and end by 3:30pm.

As before, coffee and tea will be provided. Please bring a snack and cold drinks to share with your team members. Lunch will be served at about 12 noon. Lunch is being provided by the Dripping Springs United Methodist Women. The UMW are asking for a donation of $5 (or whatever your budget can afford), to cover the cost of the meal and to help support UMW ministries and projects.

We will again begin the meeting with singing, prayer, and introductions of team members, especially folks who weren’t able to attend the first 2 meetings. The theme of the morning session is Humility. The scripture for the session is John 15:16. The theme for the afternoon session is Gratitude. The scripture for this session is Ephesians 5:20. Please write both scriptures on a 3X5 card and read and meditate on them each day before the meeting.

By now you should have started writing your 42 letters, getting commitments for your 75 dozen cookies and other agape, arranging for your Sponsorship, and sent in your TDCJ Volunteer Training application (for new volunteers). I have been in touch with the TDCJ Chaplaincy Department in Huntsville, and have learned that most new volunteers have sent in applications and most have already been approved. You should also be encouraging folks to apply to attend the closing service on Sunday, October 6. The deadline is September 17, but that date will be here before you know it!

Please remember to send your team application or corrected information sheet to me or bring it to the meeting, if you haven’t already done so.

Finally, I ask that you continue to be in prayer for Hughes 11, including the candidates, team, and prison staff. As many of you already know, the Unit has been on Lockdown status since late July, and indications are this will last at last through the month of August. I also ask you to continue praying for me as I will be praying for you.

Your Brother in Christ,

Dave Sutherland