'Redemption Inside the Walls' event brings hope to Jefferson City community

JEFFERSON CITY — Hundreds of people packed the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds Saturday evening for a night of hope, music and fellowship.

The Redemption Inside the Walls event had been planned before the May 22 tornado, but it took on a whole new meaning after the storm. The event was created to bring people together, which organizers said meant more after the tornado.

The concert was to take place in the Missouri State Penitentiary, but was relocated due to damage.

A local worship band called LifeWork Worship opened the event and they were followed by speakers from two local ministries.

Before the night's headliner, Mayor Carrie Tergin and KRCG 13's Rod Smith took the stage to honor some of the people who went above and beyond after the tornado, opening their spaces and giving their time to help those in need.

More than a dozen people were recognized including KRCG 13's Zach Paul. Each awardee got a plaque made out of wood from trees damaged in the storm.

The main event was Newsboys, a well-known Christian band with hits such as "God's Not Dead" and "We Believe." Lead singer Michael Tait and Drummer Duncan Phillips said the band's goal in every show is to inspire hope, but they especially wanted people at Saturday's concert to enjoy a break from day to day life.

"With all the negative and all the hurt and all the pain, I think it’s a really nice moment if they can just come and take their minds off their lives, relax and enjoy some good music," Phillips said. "That’s what we’re here to do tonight."

The event also gave back to the Hargrove family of Centertown. One-year-old Leah has faced several health challenges in her short life and funds were raised to help her family with medical expenses.