Dear sponsor,

Is not hyperbole to say that the Hughes No. 3, Kairos would not have taken place with your support. I have included in your package, a picture of the team, candidates and stewards who made up Hughes No. 3. A week after the weekend, we asked the men to each write a letter to their financial sponsor. It was my intention to simply pass on one letter from each candidate to each sponsor. While I was reading these letters, I was moved by what several of the men said. I could not decide who should receive which letter. Every single letter said that the Kairos experience had been an important event in their life. They also indicated that each individual intended to continue working with Kairos small groups and the fourth day program. Several of the men either said something special, or were able to put in words better than others. I felt all sponsors would like to hear what these men had to say. So rather than send the individual letters, I have decided pull out excerpts from some, and send them to all the sponsors. I have added a word here and there to give the quote the context of their letters, I have left their words and grammar alone, although I did correct some spelling.

Victor "Piano" said Hernandez wrote:

Kairos uses a very unique and special technique. The talks touched me deeply and the feelings and emotions behind the agape letters is just unexplainable. . . . I found out who I really was where I stood with Jesus Christ. My plan for the future is to continue my journey with God and for Him to use me to show others that God loves us and that he is alive!---Amen.

Kenneth Johnson wrote:

In Kairos I discovered that the life of Christ is of infinite significance to every human being. There is none other like it.

Jim Romans wrote:

Each time a prisoner is reached hope is given: to a father and mother - to a son - to daughter. To each person who loves and cares about that prisoner. Because of Kairos I have become a better husband to my wife. A better father to my child and conduct myself in a manner which honors my father and mother. It is amazing what God's kind of love can do.

Ronald Dunlop wrote:

. . . Answering the introduction questions I stated that my hope for the weekend was to be able to find a way to deal with the anger and rage that lay within my heart. . . The terrible sense of hopelessness that having received a 221 year sentence as a first-time offender had left me filled with despair and rage. . . Over the last 4 1/2 years Kairos has been a positive part of my life. . . the most important factor in the success of Kairos for me on two units, is the success of the weekly gatherings, prayer and share groups. Here in prison there is very little opportunity to share in an environment truthfulness and caring, Kairos groups provide this . . . Daily prison life is a constant drain on the spirit and a have a place to go and recharge is a real blessing.

Alfred Zurita wrote:

I'm remember when they told me Alfred you are one of the candidates for Kairos. Wow here I am 58 years old and I feel nervous my stomach feelings funny . . . Well the day came. I got up early that morning and pray for strength to help me through that day. Boy was I in for a surprises as soon as I walked in and I could feel the love. . . Once I got to the table. . . The songs, the memories of free world church, testimonies, I started to cry but not out loud tears were coming out of my eyes I feel His spirit His love His forgiveness His touch. Oh what a feeling. I had that feeling I been free inside and outside.

Scotty Dellinger wrote:

After about three years of acting stupid in prison a guy told me about Kairos and sign me up for the walk. . . When the time of the walk arrive I was real skeptical but I said what the heck and went anyway. . The first day I was ready to just walk out and say forget it But by Sunday night closing I didn't ever wanted it to end. I signed up to be a Stewart on Kairos # 3 and man if I thought the walk was a blessing being a part of giving your love to help people come closer to Christ was so wonderful that I want to continue forever. . . When life gets you down keep looking up!

Sylvester Dixon wrote:

I remember my first experience in Kairos March 1998. God came to me and give me a new life. Kairos gives me strength, support, love, and understanding the people are so great and loving it is one big family I just enjoyed it very much. It really have helped me in got my life on the right track. God is still with me in my life and showing me The Light. I have really learn a whole lots and become a new and better person thinks to God.

Robert Ewing wrote:

I remember being asked what condition was my spiritual condition in and the answer I gave--what is a spiritual condition? During the walk I found myself doing something the I have not done a long time and that was praying and not just praying because that was part of the walk but because it was something that I wanted to do very badly and something that I look forward to doing. I found myself contributing in ways that shocked me, not only during the walk but I have found myself telling others about Kairos and trying my best to get them to attend. I find myself with a peace of mind something I really didn't have since I've been locked up.

David S. Sisk (who was moved to a new unit the Monday after the weekend wrote:

When it's all over and I'm in heaven with all my brothers and sisters in Christ, I will look back to October 22nd through the 25th as the greatest for days of my life!!. . . I've already attended the first and second church services of my life on November 1st and 2nd. And this Thursday I start a Bible study for discipleship! ! By the time you get this letter I will have been baptized in our Lord's name! I'm going to witness here, at our Chapel on Sunday, at services!! Hopefully in the next few weeks, please pray for me to be strong and say the right things to glorify Jesus!!

I hope these excerpts let you know how your support has touched the lives of these men, and through them many, many others. We asked the men not to thank you in their letters, but most did anyway. Let me assure you that the team and the men also thank God for your support.