From Survival to Salvation: My Journey of Faith and Transformation

From Survival to Salvation: My Journey of Faith and Transformation

(This testimonial was written by one of our incarcerated students, sharing their faith and study of God’s Word.)

My name is Alix B. I am submitting my testimony of how International Christian College and Seminary have impacted and transformed my life. First, let me give you a brief history of my childhood. My ethnic background originates from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The life I lived in Haiti was not average. Just striving to survive alone was hard. My life as a young boy leading to adulthood was very hectic, filled with ongoing struggles and hardships, ups and downs like a roller-coaster ride.

Intercession: To the heart of those whom God will touch with His words through my testimony. Please allow yourselves this time to reflect on how God can use us for His purpose, and when, where, and who does He choose to do so? (Ephesians 1:11 NLT; Proverbs 19:21 NLT)

My father came to America years prior to my siblings and me to seek better opportunities for the family. I came to America in 1989, and my father passed away shortly afterward. My sister Tabitha and I were put into foster care, which was not a good experience.

Intercession: In your reflection, I pray that you lean on seeking God’s understanding. (Proverbs 3:5) Lean not unto thine own understanding (Philippians 4:6). Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. (Philippians 4:7) Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your heart and mind as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

My mother was still in Haiti, and I was separated from my other siblings. In foster care, Tabitha and I faced physical and verbal abuse. When my oldest sister was twenty-three, she gained guardianship of Tabitha and me. As the years passed, all my siblings grew up and began their own lives. (Matthew 19:26 – In this verse, Jesus spoke about the impossible becoming possible. NIV) The impossible was when we were separated from our siblings, and the possible came true when we were reunited.

I struggled in school, feeling emotionally like a failure and rejected in life. I had low self-esteem but hid my emotions from my family. When I was nineteen, I was still in the eleventh grade, and the school said I could no longer attend due to my age. This added to my anxiety and feelings of failure. I began going to the public library to read books, but they were at a much younger level. The librarian took an interest in me and said she’d help me if I was committed. (Luke 10:30-35 – Jesus describes in a parable the Samaritan who helped the injured man when two others passed him by. NIV) I continued attending the library, and she helped me. A month later, I discovered Oxford Academy in Florida, where I could earn my diploma, and they accepted my credits from the other high school. I earned my high school diploma and then a Home Health Aide certification. I was feeling more positive and self-sufficient. (Proverbs 1:5 speaks of the wise listening and adding to their learning. NIV)

I married Peggy, and we had a son, Alix Jr. I earned a certification in security. Peggy had Lupus, and her illness caused our son to be born premature. Peggy’s illness grew worse. I earned a certification as a Nurse’s Aide to care for her, but she soon passed away.

I moved with my son into the home of Marjory, a family friend who had two children. Two years after Peggy’s death, Marjory and I fell in love and married. I attended McCann School of Business and Technology, studied business, and obtained a license in Massage Therapy. For some time, our lives seemed perfect, but then everything took a wrong turn. Due to my disobedience, misguided mindset, and stubbornness, I was arrested and sentenced to prison for thirteen to twenty-seven years. Before my incarceration, I rededicated my life to Christ and was baptized. My sins had led me down a path of disobedience, and I was now separated from those I loved. (Ephesians 4:18-19 speaks of being separated from the life of God, hardening our hearts, and giving ourselves over to impurities.)

During my first two years in prison, I reflected on my actions, behaviors, and the pain I’d caused. I began listening to my inner self, not realizing it was God speaking to me. God had not been a priority in my life. I decided to return to what worked for me before prison: education. The prison provided trades training, mentoring programs, and self-improvement programs. God was revealing Himself to me. I completed independent Bible studies before learning about ICCS. I earned an Associate degree in Pastoral Ministry and a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. These studies through ICCS have been instrumental in surrendering my life to God and living for Christ. As Jeremiah says: “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” When God wasn’t my priority, I was my own provider in this earthly life. Now, He is my provider, protector, comforter, and Father—the One I listen to and obey, for He guarantees my salvation and eternal life. (Romans 12:1-2 speaks of offering your body as a living sacrifice, pleasing to God. Do not conform to the world but be transformed for His perfect will. Ephesians 1:11 speaks of being chosen in Him, predestined according to His will.)

I am active in the prison church as a prayer team member, attend group Bible studies, and write Scripture lessons titled Words of Encouragement, sharing how the Lord has saved me. Outside church, I guide others toward the Lord and help those preparing to reenter society.

While incarcerated, I’ve remained close to my wife and children, who support me. My cellmate has also influenced me; I’ve helped him reunite with his faith in God. (Luke 9:48 – Jesus says the least among you is the greatest.) All glory and honor to God.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my transformation and for the education supporting my journey toward God’s will.

Alix B.