nor something that I
look back on except
with gratitude for
God's saving grace. I
and intermittent periods of debilitat-
ing addictions. Millions of people suffer
with addictions, and millions more are
in need of salvation. The difference be-
tween my life and so many others is
this: Christian parents instructed me
in the way of the Scriptures. Like many others, I
strayed and ended up lost and broken. It wasn't until
1989, after being released from prison, that there was
a reprieve from this self-destructive lifestyle. I suc-
cessfully completed my time as a model parolee and
began to build a new life.
the worldly trappings. However, an essential element
was missing��a personal relationship with Christ
did not exist in any measure. Raised as a Christian,
I flaunted Jesus, tithed, and was generous with oth-
ers to no fault. I was all about what one could see on
the outside, but I had absolutely nothing inside. My
house was built not on sand but quicksand!
agnosis. Our entire family was devastated. The ago-
nizing reality of losing my mother stabbed at the
very core of my soul. Words can not possibly express
this dreadful time in my life.
relationship, and any hope of peace or happiness van-
ished. In my sickened mind, there was nothing to
live for. The thought of using a gun to end it all was
too frightening, so I chose death by addiction and
plunged into the darkest nightmare imaginable.
my release, I chose to return to what I knew best.
prison gate. It would be two more ex-
cruciating years before change came.
In September 2006, while waiting
with more than 200 men to enter a
shelter in Dallas, Texas, it began to
rain. The rain continued for almost
two hours while the line of angry,
homeless men grew restless. The only
positive aspect of this rain was that it
concealed the tears running down my
face. My life was being replayed in my
out of this misery, a strange sense of peace filled my
heart. There is no doubt that God had heard me and
designed a plan to get me to safety very soon.
headed for the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation
Center (ARC). They reserved a bed in my name while
I waited at another Army facility until the bed was
available. On September 26, 2006, a bed opened up.
I immediately felt I was where God wanted me to be.
Major Michael Vincent of the Dallas ARC became
my spiritual mentor. Other men of God at the ARC,
including Major Carl Earp and Sylvester Morillos,
held me accountable, but showed grace when I made
mistakes. I became an employee of the ARC and a
soldier at the Dallas Temple Corps.
calling on my life. He sent me to Future Officer Fel-
lowship weekend and I felt a strong calling from God
to enter officer training. I was accepted and began
training in August, 2010. The previous two years
have been a challenge on various levels. Yet what is
victory without a challenge! I serve a risen Savior
and a merciful God, and I find comfort in the Holy
Spirit. These are now my addictions. I am a new cre-
ation in Christ, and old things have passed away!