Joseph’s life was shaped from a young age by loss. He grew up attending a Catholic church, but after his father’s sudden death, everything changed. “At that age, I didn’t understand the loss,” Joseph said. His mother renounced her faith, declared herself an atheist, and stopped him from attending mass. For seven years, God and church were never mentioned at home.
When Joseph was 14, his best friend was killed by a train while they were crossing the tracks. The trauma sent Joseph into a downward spiral. “I started drinking, using drugs, shoplifting, and ignoring my family. I was angry at everyone, especially God.”
After being arrested for burglary, Joseph had a choice: juvenile detention or relocation. His family moved to Texas, where he met a neighbor boy who kept inviting him to church. “I wasn’t interested in making new friends, but he didn’t give up on me,” Joseph said. He finally gave in.
On his 15th birthday, during a Bible study led by the neighbor’s father, Joseph had a life-changing moment. “He asked if I was ready to receive Jesus. I knew I was,” Joseph said. “For the first time in a long time, I felt loved.”
Joseph’s newfound faith gave him strength for the challenges ahead. In 2008, his mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. “She had been keeping it from us for almost a year,” Joseph said. “When I found out, I was furious. But I also felt helpless.” His mother’s death in early 2009 shook Joseph’s faith. “I lashed out at God. How could He take her after I had already lost my dad and my best friend?”
Joseph’s anger led him back down a dark path. “I spent years cycling through prison sentences and bad decisions.” By 2018, Joseph was serving an 11-year sentence and had lost hope. “I was angry and bitter. I kept up my drug habits in prison, causing problems any chance I got.”
In June 2019, Joseph’s new cellmate began talking to him about God. “He was a true Christian,” Joseph recalled. “At first, I ignored him. But when he shared about his mom’s death, I was struck by his peace. He said Christ gave him strength.”
Joseph wanted that peace. “One night, I woke up with this unexplainable desire to pray,” Joseph shared. “I asked God for forgiveness and gave my life back to Him.” In the fall of 2020, Joseph enrolled in the Crossroads program, and by the following spring, he had rededicated his life to Christ. “Since then, the anger and fear are gone. I’m at peace. I know God’s plan for me includes ministering to others, even in prison.”
Crossroads has continued to strengthen Joseph’s faith. In 2022, he was paired with a one-to-one mentor who has seen his growth over the last few years. “His enthusiasm is truly inspiring,” his mentor shared.
“Joseph continues to do excellent work,” his mentor added. “He has learned to handle disappointment with grace, working through problems biblically and with God’s help. His faith is no longer just about finding peace—it’s about helping others find it too.”
Joseph now sees his incarceration as part of God’s plan. “I’m able to view my time in prison not as punishment but as preparation,” Joseph said. “God is using me to minister to others. I’ve found my purpose—and it’s in Him.”
Through the faithful persistence of others and the transforming power of Christ, Joseph has discovered peace, hope, and purpose. You can make a difference by becoming a Crossroads mentor. Your letters and prayers could be the turning point in someone’s faith journey.