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It’s easy to blame someone else for the choices one makes in life. My father was an active gang member and perhaps if he had been a law-abiding citizen I would not have had such an easy time following in his steps. But I did! My name is Abran and I was once a devoted member of The Latin Kings, a notorious street gang known world-wide. My gang name was “King Ace,” and I was quite pleased to belong. I was a leader, I was recognized and respected by gang members, and I was feared…I was a leader! I had responsibilities and decision-making power that elevated my popularity.

CURRENTLY

I am currently serving a prison term at a Federal Institution. Just like many others I was raised in a tough neighborhood infested with drugs, gangs, and violence. I came from a single-parent home. My mother was on welfare, food stamps, and all types of government assistance. A single mother of three, trying very hard to raise us to be good. It was not easy for her as she could not read or write and she didn’t speak English. She did a great job with what she had, but the streets grabbed hold of me and would not let go. At least that’s what I would tell myself. Actually, Satan was the one who had hold of me.

GANG LIFE

Doing the gang, selling drugs, and being part of violent activities came easy to me. It was what I was accustomed to growing up. It felt right and normal to be part of that lifestyle. I wanted to be accepted by someone and by the local “tough guys.” I wanted to prove I was also able to be like them. I grew up too fast trying to do things that were not really part of my nature. I put on this image that was false. I was becoming what the gang (or Satan) wanted me to be. So I was glad to be part of this street family; hurting people, being evil, and watching others suffer was OK because it gave me the acceptance I desired. It made me cold-hearted, ruthless, and not caring about the feelings of others.

Eventually, people would get hurt, lives were ruined, and families torn apart. I didn’t care. I was a big deal and enjoyed the spotlight of being famous. I never cut anyone, but I was part of the decision; I never beat anyone with a pipe, but I was part of the order; I never put someone down, but if an individual was in the way I wouldn’t stop eliminating them. It was wrong and it all bothered me, but I was (I thought) on top and I loved it!

CAUGHT!

It wasn’t until I found myself behind bars that I realized who I really was. And now, because of my selfish acts, my family is hurting. I have two sons who are growing up without their father. It’s not fair to my children. My job is to teach them and to raise them right. I thank God every day for the opportunity He has given me to be able to repent of my sins and make things right with God, my children and my family.

A CHANGED LIFE

Since coming to prison I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and I also totally dropped out of the gang life. My mother is also a strong Christian lady and is so pleased that I am walking with Jesus.

I accepted Christ as my Savior in 2010 and shortly after my salvation I found out about Purpose Ministry. It is a great motivation to know that there is a group of people in society praying for me and supporting my spiritual journey in my new life with Christ, which is walking the righteous path as a believer. Purpose Ministry has been a great support and help to me.

LOOKING BACK

Every time I look back at my life it reminds me of the time in the Bible in the Book of Exodus, when Moses was given the mission of freeing the Israelites out from Egypt. All God wanted to do was free His people from the hardship they were living under in Egypt, and bless them in many ways so that they would realize how good God is and how wonderful it is to praise Him. God has a purpose for us all. It’s our responsibility to find our purpose and live for it. God will bless us in many ways.

What was supposed to be a three-year travel for the Israelites to be free and receive God’s blessing, turned out to be a forty-year journey. Many suffered and died on the way. And all because they wouldn’t listen and obey the Word of God and His calling. The Israelites finally made it, but not until experiencing the hardship of life without God.

The same is true for me today. God had been calling me and reaching out to me. He has a purpose for me and I knew it, but I was being hard-headed and stubborn, and not trying to listen to His voice. But praises be to God, I finally took the time to hear Him. And now I patiently wait for God to work His will with me, whatever purpose God has for me. God is great and keeps His promises. If I would have only listened to Him sooner I would never have gone through all the things that have happened to me. Just like the Israelites, I too made my journey in life longer and harder than what God had planned for me.

MY PRAYER FOR YOU

I pray that my testimony will help someone who might be going through similar situations in life right now. Take the time to listen to what God is trying to tell you. It will make a huge difference in your life as you meet the King and make Him first in your life.

If your life has been out of control because you have let Satan run your choices and decisions and you know in your heart that this is the time to turn your life over to God, please get hold of a Bible and read John 3:16-21. The Bible explains very thoroughly that you can receive forgiveness of your sins by repenting (turning from your way to God’s way), and trusting that Jesus took your sins upon Himself as He died on the cross. When you do this, you become part of God’s family and know that you will one day have eternal life with Him.

I urge you to turn to God and put your trust in Jesus Christ without delay. Here are some words you might choose to express your heart to God: “Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and have made bad choices. I want to ask forgiveness from my sins and am repenting with a sincere heart, that I want to be saved from my bad life and become a Christian and love and serve You. Thank You for saving me and making me part of Your family, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

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