A Reflective Testimony... From Prison to the Pulpit...

As we have crossed over the threshold into a New Year, it’s good to reflect back over your life.....where God brought you from. I have never been ashamed of my testimony. Many of you know and some don’t know..... I was born and bred in the church. Received the call to ministry at the tender age of 16. Ran from my calling and wound up brushing elbows with the law. Thirty plus years ago I found myself down and out in San Quentin State Prison in California for ten (10) years. Knew I would die in prison. Was wanted all across this country. Tried to commit suicide.....but God had other plans. Fell down on my knees in that cold prison cell and rededicated my life to the Lord and accepted my calling into the ministry. I was locked up but not locked out. Ran to the prison chaplain, Earl Smith, and told him of my experience. He took me under his wing and got me enrolled into Patten University to study the Bible. I became his assistant. I was then blessed to start a prison choir by auditioning the inmates on the prison yard. That next Sunday the choir stand was full. The church services were standing room only. Packed. Mickey Hart of the Rock Group Grateful Dead came to the prison to hear this choir. He was so impressed that he thought we should cut an album. With the help of the Lord we did. The choir was not only comprised of inmates but also men and women prison guards, counselors, staff..... The San Quentin Mass Choir. Sold over 2 million copies worldwide. Received three Grammy nominations. First such project in the country. Had not happened before. I then became the first inmate in prison history to be ordained to preach the Gospel. Now I am a manager in the car business for over 20 years and have pastored the greatest church this side of Zion for 18 years..... Grace Chapel Ministries. Look at what God can do. And He can use anybody. Even me. So never say what you can’t do. With the Lord on your side you can accomplish ANYTHING! So look back over your life. How far you’ve come. Get those old testimonies out and dust them off. And tell somebody! Someone needs to hear your story. #happynewyear #testify