Marcus spent most of his life running with gangs. “I lived a life of crime,” he said. By the time he surrendered to Jesus Christ, he was in prison for the fifth time—serving a 35-year sentence for aggravated robbery.
The turning point came in 2018 while he was in solitary confinement, going through the G.R.A.D. program (Gang Renouncement and Disassociation). “I got out of the gang,” Marcus said, “and I’m now representing Jesus Christ. He is all that I need.”
Looking back, Marcus sees God’s hand protecting him—even in his darkest moments. “Even in my sin, God never took His hands off me, no matter what I did,” he said. At just 16 years old, Marcus was shot five times by a rival gang member. He nearly lost his life, but God healed him. “Time after time, God has helped me overcome each setback tactic from the Devil.”
A decade later, Marcus found himself being airlifted to the hospital in a coma for four days after a fight with a rival gang member. “I can say thank you, Jesus, for saving me. This long prison term has got me in the right place with God. This prison term is the best thing next to Jesus that’s happened in my life. It’s put me in a relationship with God, and I’m filled with joy 20 years later.”
Crossroads has been a part of Marcus’ journey since 2021. For the last four years, he has received encouragement from Bible studies and from letters from caring mentors. “To God be the glory,” Marcus says. “I belong to our Father in heaven.”
Right now, there are thousands of men and women like Marcus in prison, searching for hope. You can help them encounter the truth of God’s Word. Give today to help provide Christ-centered mentorship to men and women in prison. Together, we can bring the light of Jesus into the darkest places.