I was always a good kid at heart, but everything changed because of the friendships I made. I’ll never forget the day my mother followed me. I told her I was going to school, but instead, I ended up hanging out with my friends. I was smoking, I had guns and weed on me. Then I looked up—and there she was. Her eyes met mine, and I remember the look on her face. My heart dropped. I asked her, “What are you doing here?”
I sank deeper. It reached a point where I was involved in many assaults and robberies. Eventually, I started trafficking drugs—armed drug trafficking. That’s when I found myself in the middle of constant fights and turf wars within my own community. We would meet up to organize criminal activities. My mindset was completely lost—I had no focus, no purpose. I wasn’t just bad. I became much worse.
Eventually, I ended up in prison. It happened when my gang and I were planning a large drug sale. We had weapons ready. The night before, I went home to rest a bit. But early around seven the next morning, the police showed up at my door. I panicked. I had pistols, a rifle, and drugs with me. That day, I was arrested in my own home and taken to prison.
I never thought I would go through something like that. Honestly, everyone around me thought I was a lost cause. But my mother, despite all the pain, began to use her faith. At The Universal Church, she participated in a special challenge of faith, in which she surrendered my life to God on the Altar.
While I was in prison, something changed. I decided, for the first time, to truly give my life to God. I surrendered everything—my weapons, drugs, responsibilities. It wasn’t easy, especially after my release. I was known in my community. They would say a lot of things, a mixture of good and negative comments, spreading throughout.
I remained focused; I didn’t allow the opinions of others to change my direction. I avoided certain areas just to stay away from old friends who were still involved in crime, especially on my way home from church. I had decided to change. Therefore, I avoided walking my old route home and would “inconvenience” myself and take a longer way, so I wouldn’t get drawn back in with the old company.
I got baptized in water—a symbolic step to show God I was serious. At The Universal Church, I attended prayer services faithfully, especially the spiritual deliverance services. Each day, I became a better person, a real friend, someone people could enjoy being around. My presence had changed. However, I wanted my faith to increase.
My mom had taught me about the power of surrendering to God my all on the Altar, and I remembered that. I sold whatever I had left pertaining to my old lifestyle. This time, I made my own challenge of faith. I was sure that God would rewrite my story.
Not long after, I had a real encounter with God. Within me, I had the assurance. It was like God said, “I am with you.” That moment changed everything. I began to evangelize and became active in the youth group.
Just as I had once been on the front lines of crime, now I was on the front lines for God. I never looked back. Even my wife, who didn’t believe in me at first, saw the change in my life. She started coming to church and eventually became strong in her faith. My life continued to transform.
I had once been completely addicted to drugs—but no longer. Each day was a sacrifice, from faith to faith, but my life was becoming whole. I started earning a living in a legitimate way. My family—once broken—was restored. My marriage healed. My children now see me as a man of God. My story is a different kind of story. It’s a testimony of a living, powerful God.
The Holy Spirit became everything I was looking for in the world but never found. He gave me peace, joy, and purpose. Everything I have today is because of the Holy Spirit. I bring happiness to my mom and family. I’m a good husband and father. People in the community now respect me. They greet me with a hug. They enjoy being around me. Today, I can say with certainty that I am truly happy.
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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.
