Intertribal Life Newspaper -

I'm a Native from the Navaho Tribe. I have been incarcerated since 1999. When I came to prison, I was a religious person who only believed in God when I was in trouble. I was a backslider and read the Bible but had no understanding of it. About 2005, I wept in tears and asked God to forgive me of my sins. I felt ashamed because I was the only Native at the altar weeping in tears, but something happened there at the altar. I felt an arm around me and heard a voice that said, "It's okay, brother; I've been there too."

We prayed together and talked more about Jesus. When I got back to the dorm, I asked God for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in His Word to help me with my GED class. About a month later, I got my GED diploma. Just like Solomon-he asked God for wisdom, and God granted him with wisdom and knowledge (2 Chron. 1:7–12).

Today, I'm doing Christian theology seminary study. I do studies and research into the Word of God. I believe God has forgiven me of all my sins because my life is different. He delivered me, healed me, gave me a new life, and He is a compassionate God. I believe in His Son, my Savior Jesus Christ, who took all my sins to the cross . . . I have a new life.

I communicate with my family and tell them about Jesus. He has blessed, healed, and provided for them, too. I believe there's a purpose for why I'm in prison. It reminds me of Joseph in Genesis, where he said, "but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Gen. 50:20). I believe and claim that God has a better plan for me and to be His servant to bring the gospel to my people on the reservation.

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; it's the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16). Today and each day, I stand for God and Jesus Christ because He is the truth, the way, and the life-and gave me a new life. Thank you, Jesus.