Meet Mike…

“I opened my eyes and relieved myself of the burdens, drugs and alcohol that was literally killing me. Now I have a natural high from love and forgiveness from above.”

Incarcerated: 33 years
Housed: Jefferson City Correctional Center, Missouri.

They give poor people of all colors a public defender, who barely graduated law school. Rarely does anyone convicted or who has plead guilty get a case overturned. Many innocents have fallen victim to the state of Missouri. Some life sentences get out in 20 years. Others, like mine at 33 years are still waiting on a date to go home. I’m an Army vet. I have been incarcerated for 33 years for second degree murder, a life sentence. Yet more hypocrites work for the state of Missouri, the “Buckle of the Bible Belt,” where a detective, judge or prosecutor will pound the Bible on Sunday and then lie or exaggerate evidence at work. Life has no cap here at the mercy of the board. Fortunately, I found Residents Encounter Christ who showed me I was still human and able to see the light. I help others turn their lives around. To be of service inside prison, wow, what a way to shine in a real dark space. Joe, a REC volunteer, told me I inspire those around me by being of service – even in prison. Betty, another volunteer said, “I wish I could have gotten to know you better, your great smile and enthusiasm is a gift the Lord will use over and over.” Sister Debbie said, “You have the peace of God within you. May you continue to use it to bless others as you live like Jesus commanded.” Prison has reformed me with Christ’s love. I opened my eyes and relieved myself of the burdens, drugs and alcohol that was literally killing me. Now I have a natural high from love and forgiveness from above. I want to share the feelings through my words. So I can be paroled next year and make amends.
Mike, 61