Testimonials: Garrett Gauthier

Testimonials: Garrett Gauthier

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

When I first found out about ICCS, I never put a lot of serious thought into it. I had lost my faith at that point. Before I get too ahead of myself, I’ll give a bit of backstory of why I had lost my faith.

I know everyone faces difficulties while growing up, but by the time I was 12 years old, I had already been stabbed, was selling weed to kids in my middle school, I was smoking close to a pack of cigarettes a day and drinking, as well as walked in on my mom trying to kill herself. By this time also I was convinced I had the world figured out.

So now falls fast forward a bit, in April 2013, I was arrested and getting sentenced to 20-80 years in state prison. At just 21 years old, I couldn’t believe I spent first few years in here getting high and just being immature. I really didn’t have a care in the world!

My buddy gave me a packet while I was in SHU 23-hr a day lockdown. I was lonely, angry, sad, and in a very dark place mentally. It began with signing up for my Associates degree in Pastor Ministry, and now I just got my confirmation that credit-wise, I have enough to complete my Bachelors in Christian Leadership. Thank you Lord Jesus! By opening my heart and accepting Jesus, I am currently at a point in life where I have something to live for. I like who I am and can actually bear to look at myself in the mirror.

My goal now is to begin working towards my master’s degree! I want to start a rescue farm upon my release and help the youth by giving them a place to spend time and learn about God and the animals. I want to give back as much as I can I am positive if I hadn’t begun my studies, I would be dead. I, for once in my life, am proud of myself when I get my grades back in the mail. I’m so blessed and fortunate for everything I have in life and truly believe the Lord has me alive today because I’m meant to do something bigger than myself.

Thank you Lord Jesus for a great day! Thank you for keeping a shield of protection over me and guiding me in the ways of life you’d like me to live Also thank you so much Dr. McCorkle and everyone at ICCS for all you do for us! You quite literally saved my life. Thank you so much.

God bless.

Garret G.