Terry’s Testimony

I was a meth addict for over seventeen years. I was heavily involved in distribution, which led to five trips to prison. I have been out of prison for over nine years; been clean over twelve. Yes, I count my last prison trip as clean time, because we know it's easier to get high in there than out here. 

When I was waiting to go to prison in 2013 for the last time, I remember telling God, “This is all I am and all I ever will be.” 

He said, “No son, this is who you choose to be. Not who I created you to be.” 

I told Him, “Well, I had said a prayer when I was a kid asking You into my heart.” 

He said, “Show me that verse.”

I said, “Well, I believe in you.”

He said, “By that definition the devil would be a Christian.”

He said I have to follow Him.

Let me back up. When Mom passed in 2008, I got angry with God. After surviving two open heart surgeries and three strokes, I hated Him for letting me live, and her dying. But in 2013, I decided to follow Jesus. I got to prison, entered a faith based program in there, and man my life has changed. 

Since my release in 2016, I have been involved in recovery ministry. I am now our outreach pastor at my church, the chaplain at our recovery center, on the board of Brother’s Keeper ministry, and one of the chaplains at our county jail. I strive every day to be the man God created me to be, to love those who feel unlovable, and to give hope to the hopeless!!! 

I want my past to have a purpose! Is ministry easy? Well of course not. But I have a purpose and peace that passes all understanding.