I thought it was the greatest day of my life when I was released from prison after doing 6.5 years with one year of parole. I was dropped off at a bus stop in Holbrook, Az, where I bought a ticket to Tucson. Before boarding I went to buy a soda. When I returned I found my bag with all my valuables had been taken. This is where my journey to Church on the Street began, although I couldn't have imagined that this was part of God's plan. I had 3 days to report to the parole officer in Tucson so I changed my plans and decided to get a bottle and a motel room and fix my anger. The next morning I fixed my anger with another bottle and headed for Tucson. Then I hitch-hiked to Prescott for no particular reason, knowing I was going to end up with a warrant. I got a one day job that earned me $90.00 so I used it wisely for a motel room and more booze. When I came out everything I owned was gone. I had my fix-all liquid though and went to the auto parts store to get anti-freeze. I thought by taking my life it would be a permanent fix-all. I found a wooded area and went in seeking a comfortable place where I could enjoy the fix-all liquid and chase it down with a perma-fix liquid. It was freezing the next morning when I woke up. I picked up the anti-freeze and brought it close to my lips but instead, I found that I had been translated to the doorstep at Church on the Street so I ended up walking through the door into the service already going on. This was definitely not my plan! It was Sunday and the church was full but I found a chair and started to listen. I had been an atheist and wondered why I was there. After the service I was compelled to ask for help but I never expected to get what I got!

     Pastor Jim called me to the front and laid his hands on my head. I ended up on the floor; not knowing what I was feeling, I suddenly felt like a new person! I felt freer than I have ever felt in my life. More than when I left prison! They told me this was a gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

     The next day I resigned myself to the fact that I had to take care of my parole, knowing I would be sent back to prison. It was very difficult. I went in with a brother from Church on the Street. I told the parole officer I never reported in after getting out two weeks prior. Immediately he told me I would be going back to prison. Sitting in his office, he gave me a strange look, then said he was going to parole me here in Prescott at Church on the Street! There is only one explaination for what happened. The Lord intervened, causing the officer to change his mind and give me a chance. What a demonstration of Jesus's power and love!

     I am alive today with joy in my heart, a smile on my face and I want to help others in need. Praise God! I see what Jesus is doing in my life and in others who have been saved. It is an awesome thing to have faith, hope and love today. I love Him with all of my heart. I thank God for Church on the Street and my new family of brothers.

Thank you and God bless!