The purpose of this testimony is to let all who read it; know that "with God all things are possible." I went to military school and was the top student; my IQ was higher than which was considered genius. I was an excellent athlete; there was talk of great things in store for me, possibly a career in professional sports, who knew what could have been accomplished. I was soon to make a mess of this! As a teenager I became a gang member in a Barrio in the downtown area of Los Angeles, I was soon dealing heroin and then using as well. At the age of 17 I was arrested for the execution style murder of a drug dealer, the charges didn't stick but they charged me with a bunch of armed robberies of jewellery stores and I ended up with a sentence of five to life in State Prison at the age of 18. During my time in prison I became a Sureno, a prison gang member, a soldado (soldier) to go on missions for the Mexican Mafia. Due to changes in the law in 1977 I was released. However nothing had changed, I was still doing the same thing on the streets, guns, robberies, drugs, intimidation and everything else that goes. Of course with this behaviour it wasn't long before I was arrested again! They had me for 29 robberies, 100 counts of armed robbery with the State & possession of a fully automatic Uzi; I was looking at over 200 years of prison time. I ended up with 15 years in Federal and 19 years & 4 months in State prison to be served consecutively! I of course continued along the same path, prison gang involvement & drug dealing in prison. I went to the SHU program, (the hole) for assault on officers! I was beaten severely on several occasions by the guards; I suffered a broken back, arm & ribs along with many other injuries, it's hard to convey the gravity of it. What it feels like to be tossed in the hole all broken up and just left there to lick your wounds, then to have them come back in on you and tell you "ready for round two, tough guy?" this was all brought on by my own stupidity; given my actions the guards were forced to act in this manner! I went even beyond the SHU program for trying to kill my cell mate to what they call the VCU, (The Violence Control Unit). You spend 23½ hours a day in a cell by yourself, you have no personal possessions. When they provide you with mandated exercise, you are taken to the yard alone, handcuffed, chained & ankle irons & they are not removed for your half hour in the yard, an 8' x 10' box with only the sky visible. When you have no human contact at all it begins to play tricks on your mind. I saw many strong men who broke under these conditions and many who are just not right mentally any more! They moved me from one prison to another, one night they were transferring me, I remember arriving at a military airfield in Oklahoma in the wee hours of the morning. They had 12 U.S. Marshals armed with riot pump shotguns to guard me; the temperature was 45 degrees below zero!! They had me standing there in a paper-thin jump suit for over 45 minutes!! For the first time in my life I felt that I would die there! All these things take their toll on you - it can be endured, and I did, for what? and at what cost? If you are going to endure tribulations and sacrifices it should be for the blood stained banner of JESUS CHRIST & NONE OTHER! After serving a total of 11 years in Federal Custody, I was in the L.A. County Jail awaiting transfer to State Prison to start serving my State sentence. It was at this time that I met Myrna, the woman who was to become my wife. My wife fought and fought so that I would not be sent to Pelican Bay. I was sent to Tehachapi Max on a hardship. Our Lord is awesome and works in mysterious ways, there was no way on earth that I should have been sent to Tehachapi, but the Lord said yes, and so did CDC. Prayers were sustaining me, but in my own stupidity I couldn't realise it. Jesus brought me to the realisation that none of this garbage that had become my life was cool! I was realising that there was a very real possibility that I might never get out! God made it apparent to me, just as if he had slapped me, how much my loved ones had suffered for my wrongs! I felt what a selfish punk I had been to make my loved ones endure all of that! My father got killed when I was in Folsom, no chance to set things right there! God was working in me, I prayed some, but I wasn't serving him. I had no relationship with him yet. After 11 more years in State prison, a total of 22 years straight at that time, I thought I was to be released, they transferred me to MDC in downtown L.A. and then to Oklahoma City to see the Parole board. The board member told me that he was considering 180 more months! I had already served 22 years & thought I was going home! Then God intervened, & softened his heart; he gave me credit for 118 months that I served in State custody, so that left me with just 1 year to serve! They sent me to a Federal Half-way house. You would think that after 23 years straight in prison that I would be overjoyed at being out but the Devil still had his hand on me. Inside the walls, I was important, respected, I was somebody, but on the streets I was nobody! I still wanted to go inside!

During my time in Half-way house I wanted to see & spend time with my wife, so I took a pass for religious services on Sunday. I figured I would spend a little time in Church & the rest with my wife. What faith my wife had, she had waited for over 10 years since we had met. She was a big instrument in my salvation, for without her having faith & praying, I don't believe that I would come to the body of Christ! The second Sunday they had the altar call, I went & gave my life to Christ! To this day I don't know why only that it was God! It was nothing of me, I hadn't called out to God during the worst of my afflictions & tribulations & now when I was out & not in trouble, not calling out for help, not caring about God, GOD CHOSE ME!! After this everything started to change in my life, I stopped shooting heroin after 31 years of addiction, stopped smoking, drinking & all the vices! My speech changed, in short everything changed. 2 Corinthians 5 v.17 "Therefore if a man be in Christ. he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." I've been blessed with excellent employment, the "Carpenters Union" look at me now with full benefits, pension plan, and vacation pay. You too can be blessed, just believe & apply for work. God will bless you but you have to put your foot forward. I have to thank my wife who through prayer & supplication brought me to a place to have a personal relationship with JESUS CHRIST. It is not easy to walk the narrow path, I have taken steps to the left, but then I get back on that path and immediately ask God for his merciful forgiveness. I have been blessed with 3 children Richard and Denise, and a beautiful daughter named Letty, whom I have not seen in 22 years; 3 beautiful grandchildren Ahmanise, Anahita & Ricky who love me very much, and needless to say, I love them too. I know full well that it was only through CHRIST that I was able to accomplish any of this; he forgives us & elevates our lives. We have new decisions every day; we have to make the right ones! The Bible says that Today is the day of Salvation! I thank God every day for my Salvation, for I recognise it as a gift and a very undeserved one! I will lay down my life for Jesus!

Being married to Ronnie was like opening Pandora's Box, surprise after surprise, one let-down after another. We met April 24 1990, while he was in L.A. County Jail; he was en route to Chino Prison to start a 20 year sentence, Of course I didn't know the term or reason he was in prison. Due to my fast life I needed a favour from someone in the county jail. Little did I know that our Lord Jesus had a plan for us: Jeremiah 29 v.11. I called my cousin and told her what I needed; she said Huero is there - I'll have him call you... God was working overtime, Ronnie called and it was "Love at first call". Life was everything that I was against, dope fiend, pachuco, tattoos, career criminal and permanent prison resident. He took me places I had never seen, almost every prison in California! For 10 years we had the most perfect marriage, we were so in love, THEN RONNIE CAME HOME! The second week we give our lives to Jesus, Alleluia! But away from the church our lives were pure hell, it was like a see-saw, we did not live up to each other's expectations. We actually wanted to kill each other, and tried. It was then I learned the power of PRAYER! Psalm 34 v.6. On my knees weeping, I prayed for Ronnie to change, God revealed to me that "I had to change". With love and kind words, Sisters, remember to be doers of the word and not hearers only. You will come across huge mountains: stand strong in our Lord with faith larger than a mustard seed; don't give up on them for then they will give up on themselves.

A mother keeps harmony, but a father represents security, a complete family for us as well as our children, a circle of love. I sincerely hope this is an encouragement for those of you who are waiting for loved ones incarcerated; also Ronnie is no longer a Pandora's Box but a strong humble soldier in the Lord's Army. But remember one thing; whether low in the valley or high on the mountain top "JESUS" will be there, you just have to call on him.

In 1985 I was arrested for first degree murder and sentenced to serve 30 years with no parole eligibility at the Edna Correctional Facility for women in Clinton, New Jersey. When I first arrived at the County Jail I began attending Bible Studies & services. There was a deep conviction upon me, and I was aware of all my sins I had committed. I asked God to forgive me and cleanse me of all of my wrongdoing. I met a chaplain there, Reverend Freeman & his wife, who encouraged me. I started attending prayer group and studying God's Word. Life hasn't been the same since I accepted Christ into my heart and life. Drugs were my downfall, but God revealed to me that he had a purpose, a plan for my new life, and a call for me. He rescued me - I was messed up - but the Lord picked me up and cleaned me off. Now, as a servant of God, I desire to reach as many as possible, to tell them about God's gift. It is written, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, Salvation that comes through faith in Him.

In Matthew 11 v.28-30 "For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Jesus is calling us to come to Him - John 14:6 Jesus answered "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to tile Father except through me." The call is for all who are willing to come.
 

Hello Everyone, what I am about to tell you is true and what happened to me can happen to you. My name is Laurence Edgar. I want to warn you against two friends I met when I was 14 years old - their names are BEER and VODKA. I met Beer first. I would meet with him every Saturday when we would go for a game of darts or play pool. He seemed to make me happy, he never had any objections if I wanted to meet him, he would always be there. One day this other so-called good friend introduced himself to me - his name was Vodka. He was a small guy, but he was much stronger than beer, and he could deliver a big punch. Not too long after meeting Vodka my life began being controlled by them, which I didn't notice at first. My one day a week with Beer extended to every night in the week with both of them. Life then seemed to be one big party, with Beer and Vodka as the main attraction. Everybody seemed to welcome them; they were a very popular couple at everyone's table. My mother knew more about their deceiving ways than I did - she tried to warn me against them, I wish now I had taken my mother's advice.

At 15 years of age I met this beautiful girl - her name is Jean. Jean was to become my wife. Soon Children came along. I had a good job with a good future; life should have been my oyster. A beautiful wife and four lovely children, a good job, a nice wee house. Unfortunately I brought Beer and Vodka home to live with us; they interfered between Jean and me. Many a row started over Beer and Vodka. Instead of taking my wife's part I always sided with Beer and Vodka. I would storm out of the house in a bad temper, find a pub or a club, and that was me contented. It didn't really matter where I went as long as Beer and Vodka were with me. Beer and Vodka were not always faithful, as a matter of fact they were never faithful. But Jean stayed faithful even though Beer and Vodka were making life very difficult for her. To be second fiddle to Beer and Vodka was not very easy for her to live with, but she stayed faithful. Beer and Vodka were also troublemakers. Many a fight they got me into, I ended up with split lips, black eyes, busted noses, cuts, bruises and stitches, and they always started the trouble. Even so, the next day I would always go looking for them. I would never place any blame on Beer or Vodka - everyone was at fault except them. I also found out they were the type of friends you had to buy. They were expensive friends. To enjoy their company cost a lot of money. Many a time I had to borrow large sums of money just to be with them. I accumulated large debts, I sold all sorts of things to get money, and I lost a fortune trying to keep living with these two. I also noticed that they were thieves. They stole my respect, my sanity of mind, my jobs, my money, and my true friends. They even tried to steal Jean and my children. They stole my driving licence twice, they got me into trouble with the law. Everything that started out good for me they tried to steal. They even stole my health, damaged my liver and made me a thief as well. They reminded me of Judas Iscariot. One day Jesus said to his disciples, "I have chosen you twelve, yet one of you is a devil." Jesus had one bad apple who sold him out for thirty pieces of silver. Here I was with two bad apples. Two demons from hell and I couldn't let go of them. Another thing I noticed was: Jesus as we know is everywhere at the same time, so was Beer and Vodka. They could be with me at. my table and the same time be at somebody else's table. They would slip into your life pretending to be good fun to be with. In fact you begin to wonder how anyone could enjoy themselves without them. All the time they are destroying everything you have. My nerves got so bad my doctor prescribed nerve stimulants - Vallium, Diazepam, and Roche. I suffered hangovers, shakes, withdrawals, headaches, DTs and nightmares. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, I was even afraid to travel on buses. I had a terrible fear within me. I was suffering all this, yet I thought I could not live without Beer and Vodka. I even took them to bed with me. They consumed my whole life. The years were passing me by rapidly. I certainly blew my youth, the whole of my young life was wasted, I realised I should have dumped Beer and Vodka a long time ago. I kept on good terms with Beer and Vodka until I was 43 years of age. Now from 14 to 43 is 29 years - that is a long time to chum around with two demons from hell. At 43, Beer and Vodka put me in hospital for the last time. It was an alcoholic unit, I had an enlarged liver, and my internal organs were all damaged. I was told in the hospital that I didn't have much time to live. It was in this alcoholic unit I met a true friend, a friend who proved himself to me time and time again, He loves me and I love Him, He loves Jean and Jean loves Him. He is so easy to love. His name is Jesus Christ and he never leaves me, he protects me. He never does me any harm; He restored unto me all the things Beer and Vodka had stolen from me. I lost all my young years, they are in the past, and they are lost for good. But he give me back my health, He made me well again, my liver is healed, my mind is alert, my energy level is as if I was eighteen. I meet with Him every day and night. We have much to talk about, I talk and He just listens. He does an awful lot for me and Jean. The children are all grown up now and have children of their own, what I didn't give to my children I am now able to give to my grandchildren. They love their granddad. Beer and Vodka never bother me now, I have no further use for nerve stimulants. My new friend has a book - it is called the Holy Bible - you must have heard of it. It is a brilliant book; the Bible is a true story just like my own, only His is more powerful. My new friend is not a thief. He is not a liar, He will not rob you or get you into debt. He will not harm you in any way, He is the complete opposite of Beer and Vodka. They are destroying the world, but He is looking for those they have destroyed so that He can become their friend also. He wants to help you recover from all the hurt you may have endured. I am 58 years old now and I can honestly say that I am a much fitter man today, than I was when I was 43. Why have I written this story? I wrote this story to make people aware of those two demons from hell. Be warned, they are dangerous. They may seem like your friend now, but they will rob you of all your possessions. They will cost you everything, even your home and marriage. Get rid of them before it's too late, don't wait until the damage is done. I wish I had taken my mother's advice, please don't ignore mine. Don't think what happened to me won't happen to you, don't think you can control Beer and Vodka - you can't. They have a lot of other demon friends such as Gin, Rum, and Whisky. Don't have anything to do with them. If you need help, call upon my Friend. He is only too willing to help, and He is always there for you. His name is Jesus Christ, talk to him, He is a good listener. Tell Him your problems; don't be afraid to call upon Him, for He cares about you. I asked Him to help me and He did. If you find life hard for you at the moment, call upon my Friend. He comes well recommended. What He has done for me He has done for millions of people like me the world over. He has been doing it for many years. That is his work, and believe me, He is dedicated to His work. Go on - call on Him now. He's waiting.

My name is Sanghi Saewang, I am 34 years old, I am originally from Fujian Province in China. My Chinese name is Huang Ru Yang. When I lived in my home town I was raised among people who worshipped idols; all my family & relatives were worshippers of idols and demons. Their idols are made out of nothing but wood cut from the forest with human hands. They were fixed and nailed down so they wouldn't fall down. People covered their idols with silver & gold. One day the Temple of Idols caught fire from an incense burner. The idols all burned and turned to ash. The idols could not help themselves, they were powerless, they could not hear, see or speak, and they cannot hurt you. I stayed in Thailand for more than ten years. Thailand is a Buddhist country, and I was a Buddhist. As far as I know most people worshipped idols and went to mediums or fortune tellers for predictions & advice. Then my mind was blind and full of false beliefs. On January 3rd 2000 I was arrested on drugs charges (amphetamine) in the capital city of Bangkok in Thailand. I am now serving a life sentence imprisonment. After coming into prison, someone gave me a Holy Bible. I began to read eagerly and study Bible correspondence courses by mailbox Bible club. I also heard the Gospel preached by a missionary who came to visit regularly. If I think of my past life I now regret that I had many sins. I did sexual sins, deceit, envy, alcohol, idolatry etc. Now I am not afraid of idols & demons that I once worshipped, for Christ lives in me. I asked Jesus to change me & give me a new start, I now have changed my bad attitude and bad temper, and become a new person, I invited Jesus to come into my life and set me free from the power of sin and become my Lord & Saviour. My body suffers from loss of freedom and the rigors of prison life, but my spirit is no longer captive in prison, as it is free to rejoice & praise God through Jesus Christ. I usually get up at 6:30 a.m. each day, and must leave my cell as it is the prison rules. At 4 p.m. we must all return to our cells, and the gates are locked up until the next day. Our cells are very crowded; we sleep on the floor with only two feet between each person. At night I have a lot of spare time to read my Bible and work on Bible study lessons by correspondence. This is my golden time to know our Lord more precisely. My body may live on poor food, but my soul lives on spiritual food which is God's precious word! "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)

I have always appreciated God's wonderful Grace which has provided my salvation, through my trouble I got to know God turning bad into good. I was baptised in water on 18th August 2003. Our prison allowed a missionary to offer baptism to those who wished it. If God had not intervened in my life, my sins would have taken me to hell. God has forgiven me and I rejoice in my dear Lord Jesus. I will stay more and more in His presence. He is my Lord and truest Friend & Saviour. Hallelujah!
 

Note from the Editor

If you want to accept Christ into your own life then pray this following prayer. God Bless.

"Dear Father, I know that I am a sinner and that I need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died for my sins. I am willing to turn away from my sin and I now invite Jesus to come into my heart and life as my personal Saviour. I am willing by God's Grace to follow and obey Christ as Lord of my life."

If you have prayed this prayer and have accepted Christ into your heart and life, please let us know, so we can pray and help you in your new life in Christ.