Discovering what it is to be Christian outside of prison..

I was released from prison Sept 21, 2015 and I have started a new life in Christ outside the fences. I found Christ in prison Aug 2007. Before Christ, I was the worst society had to offer. I blamed God for all my troubles, I actually believed He hated me so I decided to hate Him back. I was addicted to a lifestyle of self-gratification; if it felt good I was probably into it. On top of all of that I was a pagan. I knew who I was serving deep inside, I just didn'the care.
But God who is gracious and merciful was trying to stop me from hurting myself and all those who loved me. I would have liked to say that I turned from my madness but I LOVED me more.
So I lost it all, family, children, girlfriend... I say this to my shame but to His glory. Because when I burned all bridges, when I was abandoned by all my family, when I had no one and failed at suicide and even escape, that's when Jesus called me. He removed from me all the rage that I had been living with since my father died. He showed me what true love really is and I was hooked. He loved me when I was unlovable. He wanted me when no one else did. Jesus did not reject me even after I had been so cruel to Him. Even thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. Jesus I love you.
He lead me through my time in prison and taught me to love in a place where there is very little to no love at all. He taught me to fight spiritually in a place bombarded daily by the enemy. He showed me what it is to be a man who simply loves Christ.
So here I am, free to be who God created me to be. I appreciate life, the fresh air, the beautiful colors and the freedom to express my love for Christ openly. I talk to everyone I come across about Jesus, sober or not. I can't help it, there is so much to say. It was a battle to be Christian at times behind the fences. Out here there is so much freedom to minister to those in need.
I am grateful for the life I now live in Him. I praise God for the freedom He has given me through His sacrifice on the cross. I look forward to sharing with all my past failures and all that I have overcome in Christ Jesus our Lord. God bless you all indeed!

Amen brother. Jesus forgives all. God bless, and enjoy your new life.

Amen, brother! Testimonies like yours are why I've been advocating, together with "Right on Crime," and "Peace Alliance," two groups of people who are working for justice reform. My prison was depression. I got involved when Sandra Bland, the graduate student, took her life (allegedly) in Waller County, Texas after only three days in that rat-hole of a racist cell, after she was arrested, and assaulted, by a rogue officer, when she was stopped for a turn-signal violation. She got the death penalty for failing to use a turn signal. This is why justice reform is sweeping the nation. America has 25 percent of the world's prisoners, and only a small percentage of population. Sandra's three days in the tomb is symbolic of the three days of Christ in the tomb. The first words of Jesus in public were: "I have come to announce freedom to those imprisoned on the earth." (paraphrase). (all people). People don't realize that back then even adultery received the death penalty. Jesus said that even those who hate their enemy have committed murder and are felons. Many of these people are judges and politicians. Many of these people were politicians who sentenced people to long prison terms for minor offenses. The obsession to "punish" people like animals is still alive and well, unfortunately, which is sickening and barbaric for a civilized society. There are exceptions, and some people remain dangerous. You are obviously not one of those people. According to "Right on Crime," archaic prisons make most people more dangerous.
Brother Sanchez, you are an example of why Jesus came-- to set captives free; All captives. Mentally, spiritually and emotionaly, and physically. Two condemned criminals had received the death penalty alongside Jesus. One a revolutionary did not repent. The other one did. Jesus said, "today, you will be with me in paradise."

So, proclaim the good news! We are the first wave of people announcing freedom to all who are imprisoned by the fallen world powers, and fallen angels in the spiritual realm, as Paul described, and to:
"Prepare ye the way of the LORD!"
When people try to condemn you, remember that probably two-thirds of them have committed crimes deserving of death, according to the Bible. But, don't be eager to tell them. As you may know, King David, the greatest warrior man of God and King in the Bible (Jesus is Son of David, as well as Son of God), and writer of many of the Psalms (Old Testament poems of praise and prayers) committed offenses worthy of death. So did the Apostle Paul. Like the Apostle Paul, I also "killed" people with words in the name of religion. I didn't know Jesus. I knew religion.
This led to King David writing Psalm 51 and others about turning to God. A pastor said once, "preach the word! if necessary, use words..."
I can write with more authority at times because things have been revealed to me over the years, as often happens with Christians, but not always, when we as James says, "draw near to God, and He wil draw near to us." Some people are called to believe without even seeing. That's the greatest faith, as the LOrd said to Thomas-- "Thomas, you have believed because you have seen; blessed are those who believe without seeing." But, faith I think almost always is before revelations. IT has to be this way because God's power is do dangerous. Like the sun. We are 93 million miles away and it's still dangerous.
but, The greatest testimony is of the power of God's love and mercy...
I'm glad you survived the flawed justice of man. And found the perfect justice of God...

Herald

Thank you, brother, so much, for sharing!!! I can only imagine how filled it is with joy to walk as a free man, both in flesh and in Spirit. Thank God for your testimony!

Best thing I've heard all day. Thank you for sharing. Keep up the good fight bro.

God bless you brother, may God guide your steps in a comfortable transition back into society and that the Spirit will be a breathe of fresh air to those who surround you.