Past Events & Activities

Join us and we share the Good News of Jesus Christ to our brothers & sisters incarcerated!

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!

Grace It Up (GIU), a local Charlotte, NC prison ministry, recently donated over 1,500 pairs of socks to correctional facilities staff & inmates in western North Carolina. The donation was coordinated with Gaston Correctional Facility in Dallas, NC & with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) in response to the recent flooding events in the region.

The socks were dropped off at the administration building at GCF and then transported to the designated drop-off site in Valdese, NC. This donation was made possible thanks to the TREMENDOUS GENEROSITY of individuals and organizations who contributed to the effort!!! THANK YOU!!!!