Breaking the Silence: A Life Redeemed for His Glory

Breaking the Silence: A Life Redeemed for His Glory

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

My journey with Jesus has been little steps in growth, along with many traumatic events seemingly in the way. I had no real earthly father—he gave no love, affection, attention, or guidance. The least I can say is that I saw him arrested as I returned home from school. A Jehovah’s Witness going to state prison, and myself and three siblings witnessing our mom being raised (?)—when we moved to another town, me and my sisters and brother were molested by our teenage female babysitter.

All of these events, as well as others added because of what happened to me, were never addressed. There was no victim specialist. My mom and grandmother felt it better not to talk about it with anyone. Because of my unpredictable behavior—such as jumping from a two-story balcony to another—they decided it was better for me to stay with my grandmother, even though I wasn’t old.

I had Tourette’s syndrome, and as a result of medication I was put on, I had a bad reaction and went to a hospital. There, a nurse became like a mother figure to me, and I wanted her to be my mom. I wasn’t able to understand why she couldn’t be, and as a result, I punched out windows in the front door and threw furniture. Because of this, I was sent to reform school, where I was sodomized by another kid. I cried out to God and asked Him to get me back with my mother. I told people there what happened, but nothing was done.

Then, I was sent to a boys’ home where I tried to take a car, and I took a knife and all my medication. Because of that, they sent me to an adolescent facility at a state hospital. As a result of what was done to me, I ended up doing the same things to others.

In the early ’80s, I connected with a Christian woman whom I may have briefly known—her mother babysat me once while at the prison. I specifically prayed for a woman like her, who would accept me and help me concerning Jesus. I married her upon my release from prison. We had two beautiful sons, but for 20 years, I drank alcohol, was in and out of jail, and put them through hell.

Since coming back to prison, I’ve found out that there are a few men and women who were abused and violated and are now suing the state of New Hampshire, represented by law firms. After some procrastination, I saw your ad and decided to go down this path with you, allowing myself to be more involved in learning about Jesus. I strive to let Him work in me, getting out of the way to learn to hear the Holy Spirit and listen to what He wants me to do in this life.

I very much want and desire His free gift of salvation, as I do acknowledge Him in belief and want the help to get there. My only treasure is to be with Him, as well as my former wife, sons, mom, etc. The Lord only knows if I have enough faith in me—as my human self has insecurities, along with Satan whispering lies. I despise evil and sin, and there is so much of it going on. Love from others is difficult to find, but my mom has told me that I have a lot of love in my heart.

I came down here to Berlin, New Hampshire, from Concord Prison to a mental health unit. I must say that being involved in many mental health groups, along with your college and my studies, the good I’ve done is because of Jesus. My family and others here have acknowledged the change in me. Receiving good support from you, my studies, and all the encouragement—along with my unexpected and unbelievable grades from your college—has brought me joy and awesome remarks of praise for what Jesus has helped me accomplish.

My sons and former wife are also impressed. This is, I think, a saving in a big way. From early childhood to adulthood, in my marriage and here, there was an unbelievable vengeance that—along with Satan—could have led to horrific events. Thankfully, I let it all go and gave it to Jesus.

Please pray for us.

Michael C.