From a very young age, I got involved in gangs and started hanging out on the streets with the wrong crowd. Eventually, I got into drug dealing. It didn’t happen overnight—it was a process. At first, the guys on the block “embraced” me. They made me feel secure, like I had a family out there on the streets. Over time, I started learning how the game worked—how to deal drugs. And not long after, I started using too. The first time I smoked, I was probably around 12 years old. By 15, I was already selling marijuana. As I got older, I moved on to selling heavier drugs like crack and cocaine, and I became addicted to alcohol. I drank every single day. The truth is, I never really wanted the street life—I just felt like it chose me. It was all I saw, and all I knew. I didn’t have any other example to follow, so I surrendered to what was in front of me. The lowest point of my life happened during an argument with someone from a rival gang. My gang and his gang had serious beef. That day, things escalated fast. One word led to another, then came the punches. “I hit him, and he retaliated—he pulled a gun on me. He pushed me to the ground, held the gun over my head, and tried to kill me. He fired the first shot… but the gun jammed. In that split second, I got up and ran for my life. That moment made me realize God was giving me a chance He was saving me.
My life had been on the line so many times before because of the way I was living, but this time felt different. Honestly, God has completely changed my life. The young boy I used to be the one growing up on the streets never thought he’d become anything. I never imagined I could feel the kind of happiness I feel today. When I gave that old life to God, He revealed the good life He had been holding for me all along.
Back then, I thought I was living the “good life,” but I was fooling myself. Now, something as simple as going to sleep in peace—laying my head on the pillow without fear or anxiety—is a blessing I don’t take for granted. That’s something I never had before. I’m not in a gang anymore. I’m no longer addicted to drugs or alcohol. Today, I walk the streets without fear. I used to always be looking over my shoulder, constantly watching my back because I knew someone might be coming for me. But now, I have peace. And I wouldn’t trade where I am today for anything in the world. If you’re reading this and you’re caught up in that life, let me tell you something: if you take the first step toward God, He will meet you where you are and help you turn your life around.
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I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me. In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. (Psalms 77:1-2)
Send your E-Message or letter to Bishop Bira Joshua. You don’t need to feel alone; help is at hand. Please include First and Last Name, Inmate ID#, Facility, Address, City, State, and Zip code. Mail your letter to 7075 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074.
