Hope Behind the Walls: Building Connections with Kairos Prison Ministry

Director Brian Bobek recently had the opportunity to share lunch and conversation with Leo Brown, Oklahoma Department of Corrections Chaplain; Evelyn Lemly, CEO of Kairos Prison Ministry International; Benjy Cook, Chair of the Oklahoma State Kairos Chapter; and Kairos volunteers Doug and Jennifer Eckert.

The gathering provided an opportunity to learn more about the meaningful work Kairos Prison Ministry is already doing inside Oklahoma's correctional facilities and to share more about the mission of the Oklahoma Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives (OFBCI).

Kairos Prison Ministry brings volunteers alongside incarcerated men, women, and youthful offenders, offering encouragement, faith, community, and hope. Through the dedication of volunteers who generously give their time and energy, lives are impacted by people willing to walk alongside others with compassion and support.

OFBCI recognizes the important role faith-based and community organizations play in strengthening Oklahoma communities. By building relationships and learning more about organizations already making an impact, OFBCI can help recognize their work and explore opportunities to strengthen connections across government, faith, and community partners.

We are grateful for the work Kairos Prison Ministry has done—and continues to do—in the lives of incarcerated Oklahomans. We look forward to continuing conversations and building on the good work already happening across our state.

There is so much more we can accomplish when we come together.