Visitation 2.0

Locked Down But Not Locked Out

Visitation 2.0 is a free digital series of hope-filled, uplifting, Christ-centered content delivering messages of love and encouragement to individuals and families impacted by incarceration, as well as correctional staff. See our 5 completed episodes, and stay tuned for more related content.

A Place at the Table

A healthy chunk of life happens for us at tables; visits often happen around a table. On the last day of his flesh and blood earthly life, Jesus chose to share a table and break bread with his closest disciples. In episode 2, we’ve reserved a place for you at the Visitation 2.0 table. There you will find our host, Sam Acho; a message from Pastor Albert Tate; and music from Molly Stevens, Propaganda, We Are Messengers and Zach Williams. Andre Norman spent 14 years in prison, now an Ambassador of Hope, he brings an encouraging word from inside the visitation room at Lee Correctional Institution in South Carolina. At the table too are our favorite guests, families sending shout outs to their loved ones.

Time on Your Hands

The best advice for how to ‘serve time’ well comes from those who have experienced incarceration themselves. Episode 3 of Visitation 2.0 features testimonies from the formerly incarcerated, sharing practical advice for proactively doing time, overcoming challenging circumstances, and developing personal potential. In addition to their inspiring testimonies, these formerly incarcerated guests give practical advice on how to serve the time one-day-at-a-time and not lose hope. Also included in this episode is Civil Rights icon and activist, Ambassador Andrew Young, who reminds us of one man’s power to change the world from his jail cell in Birmingham, Alabama- his friend Martin Luther King, Jr. Actor David Arquette, along with his wife and film producer, Christina Arquette host the show, and are joined by some special guests, Actors Danny Trejo and Patricia Arquette, as well as author Shaka Senghor, who wanted to share their own messages of hope. A Grammy Award winner, and someone who chooses to spend personal time performing for people in prison, kicks off the episode by singing one of her top hits. Also included is a performance by James Paek and friends. The episode closes with a performance from Elevation Worship, along with shout-outs from a host of volunteers who serve faithfully in corrections facilities around the country. As a result of COVID-19, you might find yourself with more or less time on your hands than normal, but one thing that hasn’t changed is how much time there is in a day. What we choose to do with this time; however, is up to us. The talented men and women you see here, including the faithful prison volunteers, chose to spend their time sharing heartfelt messages of encouragement with those behind bars! How will you choose to use yours?

Higher Love

As the pandemic continues and the weariness wears on across the entire globe, we all need the reminder Pastor Ray Johnston (Bayside Church) gives us in this episode: “The game ain’t over; get back up!” A brighter day is coming, but we must play our part in ushering it in by offering love to one another during these uncertain and frustrating times. True North Foundation depicts this perfectly in their rousing rendition of Steve Winwood’s song, “Higher Love,” which features a powerful spoken word by Jamila Millette. Inspiring words continue as Olivia Ojeda shares her personal story of finding a higher love after years of heartache and stints in juvenile lockup. As with the other episodes in the Visitation 2.0 series, encouragement comes from the most surprising places. In this episode, it comes all the way from the Duck Commander Headquarters (from several cast members of Duck Dynasty) all the way to Nashville, Tennessee (with Drew and Ellie Holcomb and Michael W. Smith). Be sure to watch until the end…you may catch a few bloopers by host, Willie Robertson!

You Are Not Alone

This final episode opens up with 4th Purpose Founder, Josh Smith, explaining the true purpose behind the creation of this series – to let those behind bars know they’re not alone and that they are thought of by so many on the outside. You will enjoy the jokes and humor coming from our host, Comedian Michael Jr., who only gets funnier as the episode goes on. Hip Hop Artist Lecrae wanted to come back (after hosting Episode 1) with an encouraging message that the Lord will ALWAYS find you, no matter where you are or what circumstance you’re facing. Lecrae’s message coincides with our guest speaker, Bishop TD Jakes’ message, which explains that angels slip through the prison bars to help you rest in the midst of uncertainty. Bishop Jakes repeatedly and powerfully explains, “you have angels on your side!” We also brought back a fan favorite from an earlier episode, a Zoom call with two formerly incarcerated friends of Josh Smith’s, who are now dedicated to bringing about necessary reform for those still on the inside. They chat about a wide variety of topics – from homemade prison foods, to the importance of powerful inmate leaders, to discussing what they would’ve done differently if they were given the chance. Episode 5 wraps up with a special song from a VERY popular worship team and an exciting announcement from Josh about the future of Visitation 2.0…you’ll just have to watch to find out!