I was a prisoner of my own mind long before I received my 17 month jail sentence. Trapped by self-loathing and a sense of worthlessness.
The hardest part was saying goodbye to my three children and explaining to them why I had to go away. I lost custody of them and they weren’t allowed to stay in prison with me but they did visit. Every time we said goodbye, it broke my heart.
I was lonely, depressed and afraid.
Then I met the Prison Chaplains and everything changed. They hosted an Alpha Course and Sunday Chapel Services and they introduced me to Jesus. I realised my identity wasn’t based on what I’d done but on what he’s done for me.
Sitting in my prison cell, I’d never felt so free! I had a joy and peace I’d never experienced before.
I’ve been out of jail for six years now and I’ve finally regained custody of my children. I’ve started University studies and I regularly attend my local church, where I was baptised a couple of years ago.
My life would be so very different right now, if I hadn’t met Jesus in prison.