A Changed Life, Patrick
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I give honor to God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for saving me and for Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry which helped me and played a major part in the change that has been done in my life.
I once was an alcoholic, a drug addict, a thief, a liar, and a gang member. I have been in and out of jail and prison numerous times. I have spent thirteen years of my life in prison; which is where I first made my decision to give my life to Jesus. I would study the Bible but when I got out of prison I would sooner or later find myself back on that destructive path.
I met John Henderson a prison minister at Jesus is the Way (currently serving as Interim Director) who came to the prison to have Bible Studies and that is how I learned of Jesus is the Way. John also made it possible for me to parole to JITWPM. While I was in the program there I received discipleship and many other teachings and lessons on living life in Christ on the outside of prison, something I thought I could only do in prison where there are fewer temptations.
Since graduating from the New Beginnings Aftercare Center, I have been sober for five (5) years. I have had a job at the public library for eighteen (18) months. I have also held a second job at a local fast food restaurant for one (1) year, the longest I have ever held any jobs I have ever had. I have my own apartment, a car, a savings account; I attend Christian Life Church where I worship and am a member of small groups, which are accountability partners. I continue to attend Bible studies at Jesus is the Way Prison Ministry on Tuesday and Thursday nights. I am also a grateful member of Alcoholic Anonymous. I go inside treatment centers and hold meetings with addicts that are still suffering from a horrible life of addiction at the Prairie Center every Sunday night. I still face many trials and tribulations from time to time, but from the teachings at Jesus is the Way, Christian Life Church and Alcoholics Anonymous, I am learning how to live life on life’s terms without running to drugs and alcohol. I am learning how to make better choices and decisions in the situations and circumstances that won’t result in undesirable results. I am learning to help and give and not be a taker.
Sincerely,
P. Henderson
This video truly is an inspiration. There are times when I quteoisn God’s mercy- quteoisn whether or not forgiveness will be granted for the up tenth time. Larry’s story shows that no crime, act of hatred or any deed is unforgivable. Once you go to God in prayer with an open heart and a willingness to do right, all else becomes “water under the bridge” (so to speak). It is a constant battle, one that God guarantees we will not fight alone.Thank you for sharing Larry’s story with Godsy Girl!