SONGS OF REDEMPTION
VOICES OF RESTORATION
A Hand Up Ministries, Inc. Worship Ministry Project
Music Born from Brokenness, Lifted to God
​Songs of Redemption is a powerful music ministry created by residents of Hand Up Ministries, Inc-men who once carried heavy pasts but now lift their voices in worship. Through gospel-inspired music, heartfelt lyrics, and authentic testimony, these former inmates are transforming pain into praise and brokenness into beauty.
Each song is written by residents who are walking the journey of restoration. Their music is not polished by perfection-but by truth. These songs rise from lived experience, faith rekindled, and hope restored. What once echoed with regret now resonates with worship.
Today, these beautiful, original songs are shared during Hand Up Ministries Chapel Services, filling the space with healing, humility, and the presence of God.
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Songs of Redemption is a worship ministry of Hand Up Ministries, Inc., created by residents rebuilding their lives after incarceration. Through gospel-centered music, these men transform their personal journeys into songs of faith, hope, and restoration.
This program provides residents with a powerful outlet for healing and spiritual growth. Writing and creating music helps participants process their past, strengthen their faith, and rediscover their God-given purpose.
The original songs crated through Songs of Redemption are now a meaningful part of Hand Up Ministries Chapel Services-bringing authentic worship into the heart of the ministry.
But supporting this program, donors are not only investing in music-but in lives being restore, faith being strengthened, and hope being renewed.
Every song stands as proof that redemption is real-and that God truly gives His people a new song.
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​​​​​How the Music Touches the Residents
The music of Songs of Redemption reaches far beyond melody-it ministers to the heart.
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Healing Through Expression
Writing music allows residents to process trauma, regret, forgiveness, and grace in a healthy, God-honoring way
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Faith Strengthened
As residents worship through their own words and music, Scripture becomes personal, and faith is no longer theoretical-it is lived
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Identity Restored
The men are no longer defined by their past mistakes but by their God-given gifts and calling
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Unity and Brotherhood
Music creates connection-residents support one another, pray together, and worship as one body
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Hope for the Future
These songs remind residents that their stories are still being written-and that God redeems every chapter
Through Songs of Redemption, Hand Up Ministries, Inc. witnesses daily how God turns ashes into beauty and gives His children a new song.What was once silence is now praise.What was once broken is now redeemed.
Legacy Worship Sponsor
Supporting Worship, Restoring Lives, Honoring God
Supports:
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Long-term sustainability of Songs of Redemption
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Instruments, recording, and future residents
Recognition:
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Prominent plaque placement in chapel
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Recognition on website and select materials
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Framed Legacy Sponsor Certificate
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$500- New Song Sponsor
Supports:
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Songwriting materials
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* Worship resources and chapel supplies
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Recognition:
Donor name listed in chapel program or annual report
Digital thank-you Certificate
$ 1,500- Testimony Sponsor
Supports:
*Recording equipment and instruments
*Worship training and mentorship
*Recognition:
Name displayed on Songs of Redemption Donor Wall
Printed thank-you certificate
Special prayer dedication during chapel service
$3,500-Redemption Sponsor
Supports:
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Full worship ministry operations
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Chapel service music development
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Recognition:
Engraved donor plaque in chapel
Recognition during a chapel service
Personalized letter from Hand Up Ministries leadership
$7,500-Legacy Worship Sponsor
Supports:
Long-term sustainability of Songs of Redemption
Instruments, recording, and future residents
Recognition:
Prominent plaque placement in chapel
Recognition on website and select materials
Framed Legacy Sponsor Certificate
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Where Broken Stories Become Worship
"Welcome to Songs of Redemption worship at Hand Up Ministries, Inc.
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What you are about to hear is more than music. These are Songs of Redemption-written by men whose lives are being restored by God's grace. Each lyric carries a testimony. Each melody reflects a journey from brokenness to hope, from chains to freedom.
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This music was born inside these walls, shaped by faith, prayer, and second chances. As we worship together, may these songs remind us that God is still writing new stories...and He gives His people a new song.
WELCOME TO SONGS OF REDEMPTION!
Meet the Music/Lyric Artist
Mike Lower/HUM resident artist
​Started writing lyrics to music when I was pretty young. Have been involved in music for quite a while. Mom was in a church Choir then I joined years later.
Have always been fascinated in how people put words to music! I would listen to the radio and just make up poems to go with the music. Found out that it was easier than I thought, so began jotting down my feelings to different songs.
I have found over the years it is easier to express my feelings in songs than to just say it.
I would like to help others here at Hand Up Ministries in the same way. I have noticed that others seem to have a similar problem. It is hard for them to express their thoughts to others directly.
I am in hopes that others will open their hearts, and share their story to me so I can ask God to direct my paths into conveying their thoughts in song.
All I need is them to convey to me what they feel, type of muisic they like, and I will do my best to put their story to song. That is what I do when I write lyrics to music.
Sometimes it works, some times it doesn't, but I let God lead the way every time. To Him goes the glory and credit..
Bless My Friends at Hand Up, Oh Lord
Lyrics/Music by Mike Lower
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds"
Joyful Worship
Lyrics/Music by Danny H.
"This song is dedicated to hope-to the future God is still unfolding
Lyrics/Music Mike Lower
Sent by God
"This song is dedicated to the new beginnings God gives us-proof that our past does not define our future"
Hand Up Saved Me
Lyrics/Music Mike Lower
This song is offered in gratitude for the freedom found in Christ-a freedom no chain can hold
Hand Up Gave Me Shelter
Lyrics/Music by Mike Lower
"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."-John 8:36
All My Heart, My God
Lyrics/Music by Mike Lower
Dedicated to the glory of God and the restoration of His people
Give Me Peace
Lyrics/Music Mike Lower
"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to God." Psalm 40.3
The Bible Wrap
Music/Lyrics Mike Lower
Dedication to David Nichols/ Founder/Hand Up Ministries, Inc.
She Was Always There, My Biggest Fan
​Music/Lyrics Billy Landry
My Religion (James 1:27)
​Music/Lyrics Billy Landry
I was the chapel orderly for 6 years, and yard pastor for 3 years at James Crabtree. I found this verse while studying the bible, and it really spoke to me. I did a sermon on it. "Pure and Undefiled religion before God and the father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble and keep one self-unspotted from the world." Traditionally, when you went to visit someone, you brought a gift, an offering. Not just, "kind words and prayers. You talk to a hungry unsaved person and say, "I will pray for you." but when you leave, they are still hungry. Where is the love? Where is the sacrifice? We don't say..."you are a sinner, and that's why you are in this position." We lead them to Christ through love and action. We let them know that they are seen, and they are loved. We leave behind our judgements, our biases, and our prejudices, and we simply reflect Christ. That is the philosophy that birthed "Coats and Caring." And it's how I try to live my life
From the Ruins
​Music/Lyrics Ray Riddle
"I wrote this song from the perspective of a man who was previously incarcerated and he is sharing his struggles and his victory as he finds his way" Ray Riddle
Man in the Mirror
​Music/Lyrics Gary Buday
Music has a unique ability to communicate emotions and experiences that words alone often cannot. For many residents, songwriting becomes a powerful outlet for reflection, healing, and personal growth. Each song represents a chapter in a life being rebuild and a testimony of hope for others facing similar challenges. The Songs of Redemption program provides residents with an opportunity to transform their life experiences into meaningful music that inspires, encourages, and uplifts others. Through songwriting, residents can share their struggles, victories, lessons learned, and renewed faith while developing confidence and discovering new purpose.
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Once such song, "Man in the Mirror", written by resident Gary Buday, captures the heart of the Hand Up Ministries mission. The song reminds us that the person we see today does not have to be the person we become tomorrow.
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The mirror serves as a powerful symbol of self-examination, accountability, and change. It reflects the reality of where we have been while revealing the possibility of where we can go. Through faith, determination, and the support of a caring community, lives can be transformed and futures can be restored.
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The message behind Man in the Mirror mirrors the very foundation of Hand Up Ministries: looking honestly at the past while embracing God's promise of redemption, restoration, and a new beginning.
Through Songs of Redemption, Hand Up Ministries, Inc. witnesses daily how God turns ashes into beauty and gives His children a new song. What was once silence is now praise. What was once broken is now redeemed.
​
How the Music Touches the Residents
The music of Songs of Redemption reaches far beyond melody-it ministers to the heart.
* Healing Through Expression
Writing music allows residents to process trauma, regret, forgiveness and grace in a
healthy, God-honoring way
* Faith Strengthened
As residents worship through their own words and music, Scripture becomes personal,
and faith is no longer theoretical-it is lived.
* Identity Restored
The men are no longer defined by their past mistakes but by their God-given gifts and calling
* Unity and Brotherhood
Music creates connection-residents support one another, pray together, and worship as
one body.
* Hope for the Future
These songs remind residents that their stories are still being written-and that God redeems every chapter
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