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My name is Brian and I was born and raised in Eastern Pennsylvania. From the time I entered school I was bullied. If you have never been bullied, it’s one of the most horrible feelings a person can have. A whole list of insulting feelings fill your mind: humiliation, intimidation, embarrassment, inward pain, and so forth. The bullying got so bad I felt no one cared, not even my family. I ran away from home a few times, but “something or someone” made me return each time.

THE BULLYING CONTINUED

Yet, the bullying continued. Then in 2003, when I was a senior in high school, a teacher took up the bullying and made a remark that pushed me over the edge. As I left the school that day, I was angry at this and in my mind I would show the world. I was wrong with this attitude and I ended up with a life sentence for murder.

Most people would think that their life would be over after having been sentenced to prison for life. But one day a letter came to me and made my “life” start over; a letter that was written by someone who cared. They said, “Most people will never forgive you, but there is One person who can forgive you, and will.” The letter went on to say that I should ask the Chaplain if I had any questions. As I spoke to the Chaplain, he did ask me if I had questions, and he told me about Jesus. I said, “Who, the guy they tell kids about so that they behave?” The Chaplain then told me that Jesus is real and that I was loved and cared about. The only thing I had to do was to accept this “gift” of salvation and become part of God’s family.

I WANTED THIS LOVE

Well, I wanted this love, so I accepted Jesus by repenting of my sins and asking Him to come into my life. Then, as I accepted Jesus into my heart, something strange happened to me … I cried. I had not been able to cry for a long time, holding everything inside. I did not care if people said stuff, or if I looked “soft.” I just cried because I knew it was alright. There was this sense of peace, for the first time in my life. When I got back to my cell I started to read the Bible the Chaplain gave me.

God then worked another miracle when my mom visited and I knew then that I was wrong about my family not loving me. Within a year of my going to prison, two uncles, my aunt, and also my grandmother visited. I knew I had hurt them when I treated them bad. So I asked God what He wanted to do with my life.

I HAD GOALS

My first goal was to get my high school diploma. God helped me achieve this in 2006. Then I was chosen to be the Class Speaker at graduation, and within the last year I was chosen to be a Peer Support Specialist. My responsibility is to help younger inmates when they come into prison. Most recently I have joined into the pet program which helps inmates give back. We help save and rescue dogs that have been abused and neglected.

HOW ABOUT YOU?

If you feel that you are not loved or cared about, or if you feel alone, please pick up a Bible and begin to read through the New Testament. Jesus is not just for kids. He is real and He will make a difference in your life. I wish I could have known Him before I came to prison because I know I would not be here today. Violence is NOT the way. Jesus is the way. Jesus said it, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). But you must be willing to accept Him … the choice is yours! John 3:16-18 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

GOD IS NOT A BULLY

God will not blame you or laugh at you. You do not have to be afraid of Him. All you have to do is confess/repent of your sins and ask Him to forgive you through His Son, Jesus Christ who died on the cross for your sins, so you could be forgiven. He doesn’t care if you are popular or the class nerd, God loves you regardless. I love Jesus more each day as I follow and obey Him through His Word (Matthew 28:16-20).

TEN YEARS LATER

After ten years behind bars I still have the letter that changed my life. May this testimony be an opening to you that will help you open the door of your heart that Jesus is knocking on to help you change your life, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:19-20).

Purpose Ministry can help you with your walk with God as they have helped me. You will not be judged or have a finger pointed at you for what you have done. Purpose Ministry will always help by answering your questions and giving you Scriptural answers from the Bible.

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