Fellowship with Ministry Partners
Hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, and soft drinks. I would say it’s a picnic! On July 16, 2022, Kairos Prison Ministry had a statewide picnic for their Team Leaders/Members. They had two keynote speakers. One was Rev. Bernie Morris, Religious Advisor/DOC Liaison, and the other was Cameron Manuel, a former inmate of VADOC (and a gifted […]
Prison Baptisms are Back!
It has been over two years since COVID-19 hit the world. The death toll was in the hundreds of thousands in the U.S. and in the millions worldwide. There were so many unknowns when this hit, and none of us was sure what to do at the time. Everything seemed to come to a standstill. […]
A Fond Farewell to BGAV Executive Director John Upton
On July 19th, there were TWO bittersweet meetings/events held at Lakewood Manor in Henrico. First, during the day there was Dr. John Upton’s final annual meeting with all of the BGAV Agency Executives (including our President, Rev. J. Randy Myers). Then in the evening there was a two-part dinner celebration honoring John and promoting Ascent, […]
“Summer of Passion” Campaign Drawing to a Close
Summer is time to energize the soul by taking a summer vacation, a brisk walk, and sitting quietly on the beach. These last few years have been very hard for most of us (in so many ways, including financially). GraceInside wants to thank every one of our supporters for their generous donations over the years […]
GraceInside Staff Changes & Updates as of Fall 2022
They say that all good things must come to an end! Chaplain Michael Blythe (who served at Greensville Corr. Ctr. – S-1 Cluster to a number of years and more recently at Halifax Corr. Unit and at Baskerville Corr. Ctr.) left our ministry as of July 31st, 2022. Chaplain Blythe has been called to shepherd […]
Road Trip: A Former Inmate and Two Prison Chaplains
Imagine being incarcerated for over 30 years. You served your time, but your church may not see it that way. That’s what happened to Lee. His church pushed him away, but Lee has friends that only see his “New Creation” heart, rather than judging him by his past. (“Are you my neighbor?”) Yes, Lee is […]
GraceInside Attends Events Presented by the Virginia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Roanoke College – Salem, VA On July 13th – 15th, 2022, Rev. J. Randy Myers & Rev. Lois Carter headed to the beautiful campus of Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia for the Virginia Synod’s combined events (“Power In the Spirit” and “Worship & Service Celebration”). This was the first in-person gathering in two years for […]
Little-Known Facts about Chaplain Hasan Zarif
We would like to introduce to you our brand new Chaplain for Greensville Correctional Center (S-1): Chaplain Hasan Zarif! Did You Know… Chaplain Hasan Zarif was a licensed DJ at the radio station WANT 990 AM at age 16. He was chosen to attend the 1970 White House Conference on Youth by then President Richard Nixon. […]
Thoughts from the President: September 2022
The Power of Partnership “It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” – Philippians 1:7 (NIV) YOU are my PARTNER. You are […]
“The Amazing Praise” 48-hour giving celebration begins September 20
The Amazing Praise is getting ready to launch this year’s 48-hour giving celebration (online from September 20th through September 22nd from 12 noon to 12 noon). This year’s lineup of participating faith-based Richmond area non-profit organizations will be: Assisting Families of Inmates, Belmont Community Resources Service, Bethany Project, Boaz & Ruth, Christian Counseling & Training […]
