In 2003, Michael sat on his bunk in a prison cell, filled with questions and doubts about his purpose. Reflecting on that time, he shared, “At 30, I had no idea what I was doing with my life. I felt like I’d never been good at anything and couldn’t see a future that didn’t include more pain and failure.”
One day, while reading about the two men crucified alongside Christ in Luke 23:39-43, he had a breakthrough that changed his life. “Tears were streaming down my cheeks as the truth of the second criminal’s words sunk in. I deserve my punishment, but Jesus took it for me. Sure, I may have been heading to prison for my first 13-year sentence, but I realized—really realized—that the first criminal missed something huge. By being there, dying for me, Jesus did save me. I felt close to God for the first time ever, yet those doubts about myself still lingered.”
A few days later, Michael felt a clear call from God: “I want you to start a Bible study.” Overwhelmed and unsure of his abilities, Michael admitted, “I politely declined at first, telling God He had the wrong guy.”
“Looking back, I can see how Noah, Moses, Jonah, and several others must have felt when God called them for something,” he reflects. Even as doubts persisted, God provided. “Every question I had was answered, every doubt was overcome,” he recalls, and soon, he was leading his first Bible study.
Years passed, and Michael grew in faith and leadership, becoming involved in various ministries inside the prison. “I was comfortable,” he admits, “but comfort bred stagnation.” Then, God called him again, this time to bridge the gap between Protestant and Messianic communities. Michael humbly joined the Messianic congregation’s leadership team, and under their guidance, attendance grew from 35 to over 300 men. He learned valuable lessons on humility and mentorship from his fellow leaders, skills that shaped him as a teacher and mentor.
Though Michael found purpose, his journey wasn’t without setbacks. After his release, he relapsed into addiction and returned to prison—this time for a 20-year sentence. “These past five years have been difficult, and I’m still struggling to forgive myself. But I know God hasn’t left me, and I’m not turning my back on the gift He gave me.”
A significant part of Michael’s ongoing recovery has been his involvement with Crossroads. Initially skeptical, he confesses, “I judged the book by its cover. I assumed your studies would be like all the rest, and I’d get bored.” But the deeper engagement with the essay questions and the thoughtful responses from Crossroads mentors changed his perspective. “The mentors’ encouragement and thanks have meant so much to me.”
Reflecting on his journey, Michael says, “One area I failed in before is what makes Crossroads so great. It’s not about being the greatest teacher or pastor; it’s about staying humble and seeking mentorship, just as others seek to learn from you.” Crossroads’ mentorship has kept Michael grounded, giving him the support and community he needs. “Your mentors have helped me grow, and I always look closely at their feedback to find the new truth God is trying to show me.”
Michael’s story is one of redemption, growth, and ongoing transformation, thanks in part to the support provided by his Crossroads mentors. “Thank you for the interest in what God is doing in my life,” he writes, hoping his story will inspire others. “It’s been my pleasure to share a little bit of my life with those of you at Crossroads. May God bless you and keep you.”
Michael’s journey isn’t over, and there are many more men like him who need the hope and guidance that Crossroads provides. Will you help others find the support they need by becoming a mentor or making a gift to continue this life-changing work? Together, we can bring the hope of Christ to those behind bars.