02/18/2026
Good morning, ATO family. ☀️
Yesterday, I had the honor of going into Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee to share Hope to the Hopeless with the women inside those prison walls. Carrying the message!
I was able to go in and give them the same hope that was given to me when I was locked up. I let them know that no matter what they’ve done, if they still have breath in their lungs, they still have hope — and I am living proof of that.
What a blessing and beautiful opportunity by God’s grace and mercy!
I remember sitting in those cells, wondering why I couldn’t stay out of those places. I had the best intentions at first, but eventually ended up in darkness, pain, and misery. I felt lost and confused, even though I acted like I had it all figured out.
I know God spoke through me yesterday to plant His seeds in the hearts of those women. I encouraged them to seek God first. To practice integrity by doing the right thing when no one is looking. To surrender to the program they’re in. God has them right where they need to be. To have patience and take it one day at a time, because recovery is a process and it doesn’t happen overnight. To do the work it takes to change. To get out of their comfort zones and drop the “convict code.”
Doing the right thing takes strength and courage. I pray they realize just how big God is. If He could restore my life, I know He can restore theirs too.
There were a couple of women who recognized me from my time in there. They remembered the old me — but they could see that the old me is dead, and I’m a brand new man. That’s God, my brothers and sisters!
“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
God has set me free from those walls and from the chains of addiction. Such a blessing to share this experience with y’all.
Have a wonderful and blessed day — it’s always Hope to the Hopeless. ☀️😌✝️💙💪🔥