Evelyn Lemly to Orchestrate 30,000 Volunteers in 10 Countries
WINTER PARK, Fla., Jan. 14, 2013 /
Christian Newswire/ -- The board of directors of Kairos Prison Ministry International (
www.kpmi.org) has announced the appointment of new executive director Evelyn Lemly (photo) to oversee its work in 34 states in the United States and nine international countries.
Lemly brings a diverse background in corporate business and nonprofits to her role in leading the 30,000 volunteers of Kairos. She assumed new responsibilities January 1, 2013.
"The mission and focus of Kairos Prison Ministry International resonate with God's call on my life to serve," said Lemly. "I embrace the holistic approach of Kairos that has proven successful in bringing this important segment of our society to the knowledge of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ."
Kairos Prison Ministry International focuses on three strategic approaches. Kairos Inside brings the transformational grace of Christ within prisons through initial weekend meetings and, ultimately, accountability groups and mentoring. Volunteers with Kairos Outside minister predominantly to female family members of the incarcerated and facilitate participants' re-entry into the outside world. Kairos Torch focuses on redirecting the values and life direction of youth offenders.
"We are thankful for the direction of God in sending Evelyn Lemly to join His work at Kairos," said Ed Keefer, chairperson of the Kairos board of directors. "As a proven business leader, financial manager, thinker and strategic planner, she is uniquely gifted to build upon the strengths of Kairos and to lead its wide-sweeping programs to accomplish our mission."
The board of directors, international council, subcommittees, staff and volunteers from the 10 countries served will gather in Orlando Feb. 6-9 for their semiannual meeting. In addition to business sessions, the face-to-face dialogue of partners will unify the ministry and celebrate what God has done, according to Lemly.
Lemly will be installed as new executive director of Kairos Prison Ministry International at a special dinner Feb. 8.
"I am eager to build on the success of the work God has accomplished through His servants at Kairos," said Lemly. "With His help, as we go forward, we will make an even greater impact on people for Christ."
Kairos Prison Ministry International is "Changing Hearts, Transforming Lives, Impacting the World" by taking the love, grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to incarcerated adults and youth and their families. From simple beginnings as a short course in Christianity inside a Florida prison in 1976, Kairos has grown into an international ministry serving more than 430 facilities in 10 countries. More than 30,000 volunteers give over three million hours of service each year. To learn more about Kairos or to donate to its ministries, visit www.kpmi.org or call 800-298-2730.
