prisoner testimonials
The Fruit of Your Generosity
When you give to Word of Grace Ministry, you aren't just buying paper and ink. You are sending a light into the darkest corners of our community. You are providing a lifeline of hope to men and women who thought their story was over.
The testimonies below are the direct result of your support. These are not just words on a page; they are the voices of hardened lives that have been softened and renewed by the Holy Spirit. They are evidence that no one is too far gone for the Grace of God.
Because you cared enough to send the Gospel to the "highways and hedges," hearts are being changed. Despair is turning into joy. Confusion is turning into clarity. This is what it looks like when the Word of God takes root.
hear from those we work with
Voices of Renewal
Every testimony represents a soul impacted by the truth. These students have engaged with the Basic Bible Course and our weekly worship services, and the Holy Spirit has done the rest.
“Mr. Stephens, I’m writing you to say thank you for sending me these Bible studies. They have brought me so close to the Lord. While I was doing the first of the advanced series, I accepted the Lord and gave my life to Him. I am from Waynesville and I know where the church is located. When I do get released I am planning on coming by so I can thank you in person, if God is willing. Again, thank you and may the Lord bless you.”
D. S. | 2023
“Last year I was running wide open, living for Satan. I was raised up in church, had good parents, professing to know God but actually I was living for the flesh. God Himself let me put myself in a horrible situation in Haywood County, NC. I was incarcerated for 107 days. I had a decision to make, so I confessed all my sins to the Lord and I begged for forgiveness. I wanted to acquire a Bible. I had heard about a preacher by the name of Wesley Stephens and his Bible study course. He gave me the opportunity to start his Bible courses. I am proud to say that through these courses, I learned that you cannot serve God and Satan. These studies are backed by the Word of God.
Getting to the point, Word of Grace Ministry has enlightened me to consider the true meaning of serving the Lord. Thank you, God, for being immutable. Thank you, God, for Jesus Christ. Thank you, God, for Your mercy, because I realize I’m not immutable. Your grace is sufficient for my salvation, through the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!”
T. B. | 2023
“I have learned about God because of the Bible study courses and the studies Pastor Wesley does on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have learned that God can be angry, but He is also loving, kind, and He always has to be righteous. He will not send anyone to hell that He loves. I have learned that I cannot do the Christian life alone. I need the brethren, we need the church, and most of all we need the Word of God.
Our Savior Jesus Christ gave His life for our sins so we can one day go to heaven and we, as men, can thank Him, our God, as often as we can. One of the favorite things that Pastor Wesley sometimes asks is, ‘How big is your God today?’ That gets me every time.”
J. R. | 2023
“As an inmate of 16 months, I have steadily been involved with Barberville Baptist Church Outreach ministry. I have been involved in the Bible courses that have been brought in by Chaplain Wesley Stephens. Pastor Wesley has been coming in on a regular basis teaching the infallible Word of God and has been bringing a supply of study material that has taught us, as God has been revealing Himself through His Word. I now see the difference in world religion and true Christianity. I am being taught as God has unveiled His face to me and has changed my life and my walk as He guides me.
Some might say it’s a ‘jailhouse religion,’ but I knew of the Holy Trinity prior to my detainment, yet I was overwhelmed by my sin. Through the Bible and the studies from Barberville Baptist Church, I have been shown the Lord Jesus Christ, His mercy, grace, forgiveness, salvation, and repentance. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).”
B. T. | 2023
“Hallelujah, praise God Almighty for the Bible studies He allowed to enter into the jail. These studies helped the true understanding of God to be taught to me and made it easy to understand. The way I viewed God was wrong, and these studies helped me understand that concept. I had too much of a view of me and too little of a view of God, with each study getting deeper and more seasoned with the intense taste of the Lord.
With these studies, I had a spiritual awakening. I truly believe that the confession I made earlier in life would have landed me in the middle of hell’s flames. Confession is nothing without possession. My love for Jesus Christ has heightened so intensely and my hunger for the Word has grown. I thank the great God Almighty for this ministry and these studies. They have helped this soul become a deliverer of the Word of God, teaching others that God isn't the God of our imagination; He's the God of eternity.
One question I have for the reader of this statement is: Have you been found by the God who formed us from the dust? The God who died on the cross? Have you been saved and baptized with the Holy Ghost? If not, I invite you to confess with your mouth and believe with your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that He was born the begotten Son of God, healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, was hated by the world, crucified on the cross, buried in a tomb, after three days raised from the dead, and is the sinless Lamb sacrificed to cover the sins of the world. Would you believe?"
J. M. | 2023
“Mr. Stephens, I’m writing you to say thank you for sending me these Bible studies. They have brought me so close to the Lord. While I was doing the first of the advanced series, I accepted the Lord and gave my life to Him. I am from Waynesville and I know where the church is located. When I do get released I am planning on coming by so I can thank you in person, if God is willing. Again, thank you and may the Lord bless you.”
D. S. | 2023
“As an inmate of 16 months, I have steadily been involved with Barberville Baptist Church Outreach ministry. I have been involved in the Bible courses that have been brought in by Chaplain Wesley Stephens. Pastor Wesley has been coming in on a regular basis teaching the infallible Word of God and has been bringing a supply of study material that has taught us, as God has been revealing Himself through His Word. I now see the difference in world religion and true Christianity. I am being taught as God has unveiled His face to me and has changed my life and my walk as He guides me.
Some might say it’s a ‘jailhouse religion,’ but I knew of the Holy Trinity prior to my detainment, yet I was overwhelmed by my sin. Through the Bible and the studies from Barberville Baptist Church, I have been shown the Lord Jesus Christ, His mercy, grace, forgiveness, salvation, and repentance. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).”
B. T. | 2023
“Last year I was running wide open, living for Satan. I was raised up in church, had good parents, professing to know God but actually I was living for the flesh. God Himself let me put myself in a horrible situation in Haywood County, NC. I was incarcerated for 107 days. I had a decision to make, so I confessed all my sins to the Lord and I begged for forgiveness. I wanted to acquire a Bible. I had heard about a preacher by the name of Wesley Stephens and his Bible study course. He gave me the opportunity to start his Bible courses. I am proud to say that through these courses, I learned that you cannot serve God and Satan. These studies are backed by the Word of God.
Getting to the point, Word of Grace Ministry has enlightened me to consider the true meaning of serving the Lord. Thank you, God, for being immutable. Thank you, God, for Jesus Christ. Thank you, God, for Your mercy, because I realize I’m not immutable. Your grace is sufficient for my salvation, through the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!”
T. B. | 2023
“Hallelujah, praise God Almighty for the Bible studies He allowed to enter into the jail. These studies helped the true understanding of God to be taught to me and made it easy to understand. The way I viewed God was wrong, and these studies helped me understand that concept. I had too much of a view of me and too little of a view of God, with each study getting deeper and more seasoned with the intense taste of the Lord.
With these studies, I had a spiritual awakening. I truly believe that the confession I made earlier in life would have landed me in the middle of hell’s flames. Confession is nothing without possession. My love for Jesus Christ has heightened so intensely and my hunger for the Word has grown. I thank the great God Almighty for this ministry and these studies. They have helped this soul become a deliverer of the Word of God, teaching others that God isn't the God of our imagination; He's the God of eternity.
One question I have for the reader of this statement is: Have you been found by the God who formed us from the dust? The God who died on the cross? Have you been saved and baptized with the Holy Ghost? If not, I invite you to confess with your mouth and believe with your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that He was born the begotten Son of God, healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, was hated by the world, crucified on the cross, buried in a tomb, after three days raised from the dead, and is the sinless Lamb sacrificed to cover the sins of the world. Would you believe?"
J. M. | 2023
“I have learned about God because of the Bible study courses and the studies Pastor Wesley does on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have learned that God can be angry, but He is also loving, kind, and He always has to be righteous. He will not send anyone to hell that He loves. I have learned that I cannot do the Christian life alone. I need the brethren, we need the church, and most of all we need the Word of God.
Our Savior Jesus Christ gave His life for our sins so we can one day go to heaven and we, as men, can thank Him, our God, as often as we can. One of the favorite things that Pastor Wesley sometimes asks is, ‘How big is your God today?’ That gets me every time.”
J. R. | 2023
“Mr. Stephens, I’m writing you to say thank you for sending me these Bible studies. They have brought me so close to the Lord. While I was doing the first of the advanced series, I accepted the Lord and gave my life to Him. I am from Waynesville and I know where the church is located. When I do get released I am planning on coming by so I can thank you in person, if God is willing. Again, thank you and may the Lord bless you.”
D. S. | 2023
“Last year I was running wide open, living for Satan. I was raised up in church, had good parents, professing to know God but actually I was living for the flesh. God Himself let me put myself in a horrible situation in Haywood County, NC. I was incarcerated for 107 days. I had a decision to make, so I confessed all my sins to the Lord and I begged for forgiveness. I wanted to acquire a Bible. I had heard about a preacher by the name of Wesley Stephens and his Bible study course. He gave me the opportunity to start his Bible courses. I am proud to say that through these courses, I learned that you cannot serve God and Satan. These studies are backed by the Word of God.
Getting to the point, Word of Grace Ministry has enlightened me to consider the true meaning of serving the Lord. Thank you, God, for being immutable. Thank you, God, for Jesus Christ. Thank you, God, for Your mercy, because I realize I’m not immutable. Your grace is sufficient for my salvation, through the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!”
T. B. | 2023
“I have learned about God because of the Bible study courses and the studies Pastor Wesley does on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have learned that God can be angry, but He is also loving, kind, and He always has to be righteous. He will not send anyone to hell that He loves. I have learned that I cannot do the Christian life alone. I need the brethren, we need the church, and most of all we need the Word of God.
Our Savior Jesus Christ gave His life for our sins so we can one day go to heaven and we, as men, can thank Him, our God, as often as we can. One of the favorite things that Pastor Wesley sometimes asks is, ‘How big is your God today?’ That gets me every time.”
J. R. | 2023
“As an inmate of 16 months, I have steadily been involved with Barberville Baptist Church Outreach ministry. I have been involved in the Bible courses that have been brought in by Chaplain Wesley Stephens. Pastor Wesley has been coming in on a regular basis teaching the infallible Word of God and has been bringing a supply of study material that has taught us, as God has been revealing Himself through His Word. I now see the difference in world religion and true Christianity. I am being taught as God has unveiled His face to me and has changed my life and my walk as He guides me.
Some might say it’s a ‘jailhouse religion,’ but I knew of the Holy Trinity prior to my detainment, yet I was overwhelmed by my sin. Through the Bible and the studies from Barberville Baptist Church, I have been shown the Lord Jesus Christ, His mercy, grace, forgiveness, salvation, and repentance. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).”
B. T. | 2023
“Hallelujah, praise God Almighty for the Bible studies He allowed to enter into the jail. These studies helped the true understanding of God to be taught to me and made it easy to understand. The way I viewed God was wrong, and these studies helped me understand that concept. I had too much of a view of me and too little of a view of God, with each study getting deeper and more seasoned with the intense taste of the Lord.
With these studies, I had a spiritual awakening. I truly believe that the confession I made earlier in life would have landed me in the middle of hell’s flames. Confession is nothing without possession. My love for Jesus Christ has heightened so intensely and my hunger for the Word has grown. I thank the great God Almighty for this ministry and these studies. They have helped this soul become a deliverer of the Word of God, teaching others that God isn't the God of our imagination; He's the God of eternity.
One question I have for the reader of this statement is: Have you been found by the God who formed us from the dust? The God who died on the cross? Have you been saved and baptized with the Holy Ghost? If not, I invite you to confess with your mouth and believe with your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that He was born the begotten Son of God, healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, was hated by the world, crucified on the cross, buried in a tomb, after three days raised from the dead, and is the sinless Lamb sacrificed to cover the sins of the world. Would you believe?"
J. M. | 2023
what your giving does
The Cycle of Ministry
Every dollar you contribute helps print another workbook, fuels the vehicle for another jail visit, and ensures that the message of the Cross continues to reach those who need it most. We are seeing a harvest of righteousness in Western North Carolina, but the fields are still vast.
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We work
god gets the glory
Help us reach the next soul waiting for hope.
Help us reach the next soul waiting for hope.
Help us reach the next soul waiting for hope.
please consider Holding The Rope
Since 2010, we have been committed to the strict stewardship of the resources provided by people like you. Consider the mechanics of a rescue: It takes one person to go down the well, but it takes another to hold the rope.
Word of Grace Ministry is committed to going down—into the jails, nursing homes, and margins of our community. But we cannot descend without you. Your partnership supplies the rope. You may not physically enter a prison cell, but through your giving, you are holding the line that allows us to be there.
We are looking for faithful partners and local churches willing to stand at the top of the well and fund this work. We invite you to hold the rope and be part of the mission.
please consider Holding The Rope
Since 2010, we have been committed to the strict stewardship of the resources provided by people like you. Consider the mechanics of a rescue: It takes one person to go down the well, but it takes another to hold the rope.
Word of Grace Ministry is committed to going down—into the jails, nursing homes, and margins of our community. But we cannot descend without you. Your partnership supplies the rope. You may not physically enter a prison cell, but through your giving, you are holding the line that allows us to be there.
We are looking for faithful partners and local churches willing to stand at the top of the well and fund this work. We invite you to hold the rope and be part of the mission.
please consider Holding The Rope
Since 2010, we have been committed to the strict stewardship of the resources provided by people like you. Consider the mechanics of a rescue: It takes one person to go down the well, but it takes another to hold the rope.
Word of Grace Ministry is committed to going down—into the jails, nursing homes, and margins of our community. But we cannot descend without you. Your partnership supplies the rope. You may not physically enter a prison cell, but through your giving, you are holding the line that allows us to be there.
We are looking for faithful partners and local churches willing to stand at the top of the well and fund this work. We invite you to hold the rope and be part of the mission.
Word of Grace Ministry is a non-profit, Christian organization and prison ministry, providing biblical resources and fellowship to people throughout Western North Carolina. Our mission is to go to those who cannot come to us.
Site Links
Affiliations & Endorsements
ECCLESIASTICAL
Elder, Barberville Baptist Church
Ordained 2009, Beacon of Hope Baptist Church
PROFESSIONAL
NC Sheriff's Office Chaplains Assoc.
SBC/NAMB Endorsed Chaplain
Website crafted by Innovation Digital Marketing
Affiliations & Endorsements
ECCLESIASTICAL
Elder, Barberville Baptist Church
Ordained 2009, Beacon of Hope Baptist Church
PROFESSIONAL
NC Sheriff's Office Chaplains Assoc.
SBC/NAMB Endorsed Chaplain
Website crafted by Innovation Digital Marketing
Word of Grace Ministry is a non-profit, Christian organization and prison ministry, providing biblical resources and fellowship to people throughout Western North Carolina. Our mission is to go to those who cannot come to us.
Site Links
Affiliations & Endorsements
ECCLESIASTICAL
Elder, Barberville Baptist Church
Ordained 2009, Beacon of Hope Baptist Church
PROFESSIONAL
NC Sheriff's Office Chaplains Assoc.
SBC/NAMB Endorsed Chaplain
Website crafted by Innovation Digital Marketing