Our Mission

July 2025 Grace Prison Fellowship Attn. Timothy Picquelle - Executive Director Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In 2008, a group of Christian inmates in one of California’s level three prisons formed a local church called Grace Prison Fellowship (GPF). After being educated by a seasoned Pastor in Leadership Training, (an inmate who we believe is innocent), the Lord transferred us one by one to the various level two prisons throughout the State of California. I was the first to transfer in God’s great providential dispersion, and the rest is History (His Story). Prior to GPF scattering, the leadership of GPF got together and drew up a Statement of Faith, By-Laws and a Mission Statement which emphasized the preaching and teaching of the Bible (Expositing the Word of God), proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promotion of prayer, missions, evangelism and discipleship. Christ’s church was then formed. Our Statement of Faith is our distinction from the thousands of other prison bible studies, groups, fellowships, etc. We have true fellowship only around Christ and His truth. Trying to preach Christ and obeying Him with error or false doctrine is a sham. It is truth that unifies us. We are not a self-help organization and we won’t pander to all kinds of doctrine just to include or appease everyone. Our Mission Statement explains how we convey God’s truth. Our By-Laws work well for the incarcerated to “line-out” acceptable and unacceptable behavior. This is the core of why GPF formulated itself. Many inmate-ran groups and prison Chapels turn the other way when their Participants engage in gross sin. They refuse to hold anyone accountable (Matthew 18), and, as a result, the Name of Christ is defamed. Since 2008, GPF, and its leadership, has spread to more than twelve prisons throughout the state and faithful inmates are regularly teaching the Word as they minister to their peers behind bars. Some GPF members who have paroled into the free community are helping facilitate the ministry back to those inside. This includes supplying Bibles, theology and spiritual books, workbooks, newsletters and parole information to GPF inmates. Since GPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit, we invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with us through prayer. We are deeply humbled by your one-time gifts, your monthly sustaining gifts, and your transformative bequests. GPF is being used by God to transform lives. "Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you yourselves also are in the body." (Hebrews 13:3) In a letter from Pastor John MacArthur to me before my release from prison (March 14, 2023), he said, “It would make a lot of sense for you to be a part of prison ministry in the future. Prison ministry is a critical issue, and no one knows that better than you." I whole heartedly agree with Pastor MacArthur and believe I am called to this ministry so I may redeem and give of my experience. Thank you for standing with us faithfully and sacrificially. We look forward to your partnership with Grace Prison Fellowship.