Impact to Date

On Thursday, December 19th, a team of six dedicated volunteers ventured to Wilkes Correctional Facility, passing through the imposing gates and into the chapel area under the welcoming guidance of Chaplain Larry Ford. Inside, a gathering of nearly 40 incarcerated men eagerly awaited a message of hope. The focus of the evening was the compelling testimony of Reggie Long, a man whose life story spoke of profound transformation. Once facing a staggering 99-plus-year prison sentence, Reggie served 12 years before a pivotal moment of commitment to Jesus Christ altered the course of his life.

Reggie shared a raw and powerful account of how Jesus had radically changed his circumstances and his heart. Now a free man, Reggie dedicates his life to returning to the very places he once inhabited, sharing the liberating freedom that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can provide. His words resonated deeply with the men present, offering a tangible example of redemption and second chances.

The event culminated in a heartfelt altar call, where many responded to the message of hope, followed by a time of worship. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, as the volunteers and inmates alike experienced a profound sense of connection and spiritual renewal. The evening left a lasting impact, serving as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the enduring hope that exists even within the walls of a correctional facility.

On Wednesday, December 18th, a team of nearly a dozen volunteers embarked on a mission of compassion to Caldwell Correctional Facility in Hudson, North Carolina. Their arrival was marked by the delivery of a warm, comforting meal—meatballs, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cookies, accompanied by Scripture Cookies—to all 265 residents, a tangible expression of care and connection. The evening's program commenced with a powerful worship session, led by a music team comprised of residents, who delivered two heartfelt songs, setting a tone of reflection and spiritual engagement.

Chuck Neely, representing Grace It Up Prison Ministry, then took the stage to articulate the ministry's unique approach: using the shared experience of food as a means to forge bonds with incarcerated individuals, often feeling marginalized and forgotten. He emphasized the power of a shared meal to create a sense of community and humanity.

The highlight of the evening was the compelling testimony of George Sowersby. George recounted his tumultuous youth, marked by involvement in a motorcycle gang and the acquisition of his "colors" at the young age of 17. He candidly shared the details of a life lived in accordance with the stereotypical image of a motorcycle gang member. However, a transformative realization led him to walk away from that life, giving his life to Christ. This pivotal decision paved the way for him to establish a successful business in Gastonia, North Carolina, from which he is now retired.

George's testimony was not merely a recounting of success, but a raw and honest portrayal of his past mistakes and the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. He revealed how God had used those very mistakes for a greater purpose, offering a message of hope and second chances to the approximately 50 inmates in attendance. The service was warmly received, with a palpable sense of connection and shared humanity.

The volunteers expressed their sincere gratitude to Chaplain Green and his wife Mitzi for their tremendous hospitality and energy, recognizing their crucial role in facilitating the event and creating a welcoming environment. The evening served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of faith and the importance of extending compassion and support to those within the correctional system.

On Sunday, July 21, eight dedicated volunteers entered the Wadesboro correctional facility to engage with approximately 450 residents at Anson Men’s Facility. Grace It Up was honored to conduct two 45-minute services featuring both contemporary and traditional worship music, moving testimonials from volunteers whose lives have been transformed by Jesus, and a compelling message on finding peace with God.  At the end of each service, around five residents came forward to either accept Christ as their savior or rededicate their lives to Him. Hallelujah and all glory to God!

As part of our protocol and thanks to your generous donations in both product and cash, Grace It Up brought food!! GIU provided a range of food items and each resident received a Grace Bag, which included a brand-new pair of white athletic socks and several prepackaged food items: Little Debbie oatmeal cakes, Nutty Buddy bars, Pop-Tarts, Lorna Doone cookies, and two types of Lance crackers. The bags also contained paper inserts with encouraging scripture verses and local reentry resources to support residents in their transition plans. All totaled, GIU handed out over 530 Grace Bags to the Anson Mens Correctional residents and staff!! WOW!! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!

We are hopeful to return to the Anson Men's Correctional Facility again in 2025. Special thanks to Chaplain Capps, Chaplain Lisenby, Ms. Lish, and the entire team at Anson Correctional Facility for their exceptional cooperation and support to allow GIU to come inside the gates! It is truly appreciated by the entire Grace It Up team!! 

Volunteers began arriving at Gaston Correctional just after 9 AM on Tuesday, July 2. Within 90 minutes, over 31 volunteers—25 from our esteemed partner, City Church of Gastonia—had gathered, completed the necessary training, and were ready to make a difference over the next five hours within the prison gates.

Following the training, the volunteers jumped into action to prepare for a memorable outdoor event. Some were stationed just outside the facility, grilling fresh all-beef hamburgers and hotdogs, while others inside the fences set up games such as cornhole, a putting contest, and basketball shooting. Meanwhile, refreshments including lemonade and Gatorade were prepared and served, and additional volunteers engaged with approximately 280 residents in the Gaston Correctional yard.

After serving over 350 men and staff, Grace It Up (GIU) conducted a worship service featuring the City Church worship team and powerful testimonials about the transformative power of Jesus. A poignant moment occurred when Rob Robbs, who once faced a sentence of 99+ years, shared his story of redemption and success as a manager for a local industrial company. The service concluded with Lead Pastor Dickie Spargo inviting those who wished to rededicate their lives or accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. We finished the day by handing out Grace Bags, filed with numerous Little Debbie cakes, snack chips, cookies and crackers along with paper inserts with encouraging scripture verses and local reentry resources to support residents in their transition plan.

The entire day was a tremendous blessing and privilege, marked by heartfelt fellowship and impactful ministry.

Special thanks to Assistant Warden Mr. Poteat, Program Director Mr. Cook, Religious Services Liason Ms. Wimbush. And none of this was possible without City Church Gastonia for their generous contribution of food, time and resources,- from the pastors, to the worship team, to the grillers, to the servers- all the enthusiastic volunteers who served with dedication. The positive response from the residents has sparked discussions about future events at Gaston Correctional. All glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!