Before coming to jail, I considered myself a faux-liever. Someone who only prayed or needed God when it would benefit me, or when I needed something. I found Jesus Christ on a personal and spiritual level since being incarcerated. I have let him come into my life, into my mind, and my heart. I pray now with purpose and faith, not deceit.
I attend church regularly here and have learned the lyrics. My favourite hymn is “The Old Rugged Cross” — such a beautiful song. In one of my first services, one of the ladies said “You never know that God is all you need until God is all you got.” That was really powerful to me and I have never forgotten it.
Now everywhere I go I see things in a different light — God’s light — and all his wonderful miracles. Every day is a day to sing the Gospels. Every day is a new day to preach the Word of Jesus Christ.
Tier 1 and Crossroads helped me significantly in getting to this point. It helped open my eyes to the stages of Jesus Christ and to the influences and big part of history he played. Most importantly, it let me know that even though I’ll always be a sinner, I have been forgiven!
Barbara’s name has been changed to respect her privacy. Photo by Yaoqi LAI.