Wilderness Lake Church (WLC) is deeply committed to ministry to “even these, the least of My brothers”. Many of our adult members are involved in ministry to the incarcerated, both men and women. Our primary involvement is at Zephyrhills State Prison (ZCI) for men, and Lowell State Prison for women. Our prison ministry includes:
1) Kairos – an international prison outreach designed to build vibrant Christian communities inside prison walls. Kairos conducts two 4-day weekends a year introducing inmates to the Gospel involving teaching, testimonies, praise and worship, and small group discussion and prayer. Kairos also conducts monthly 1 day reunions, and special retreats for special needs and to reinforce the impact of the 4 day programs. WLC members are deeply involved in all of these.
2) WLC members conduct weekly Monday Night Fellowship programs at ZCI. These include praise and worship, Christian videos and small group discussions.
3) For the past 12 years WLC has provided Christmas bags to all 600+ inmates at ZCI. These include toiletries and a Christmas card. Many WLC members are involved in the purchase of these items and in the on-site distribution to the inmates. This is a program started in response to God’s leading and putting trust in Him as we knew He had to open the door and provide the resources.
4) We also provide some toiletries on a quarterly basis to those inmates who are indigent.
5) We have several members who are involved as volunteer chaplains, teachers and counselors.
6) Our WLC praise team conducts a quarterly praise and worship program at ZCI, followed by Communion.
Each of these events are held in the chapel at the Zephyrhills Correctional Facility (ZCI). All Kairos event participation requires a current Florida Dept of Corrections background clearance and valid facility access authorization (PIN). Participation in the 4 day weekend retreat requires being selected to be part of the team conducting the weekend and participation in 4 Saturday team formation and training sessions (Dates and place determined before each weekend). The pastor or deacons/elders can provide guidance and assistance in gaining the required DOC clearances and selection to serve on a Kairos team.
