My name is Trevor. I’m serving 29 months for impaired driving from 4 years ago.
I became a Christian in the month of October, before I came to jail. I gave my life to Jesus Christ, and promised myself that I would learn as much as I can about Jesus. I’ll use my story so other people can see how the Holy Spirit is working in my life, even though I’m locked up.
I was crushed when the cops came to see me and told me I had an old warrant for my arrest. Going back to the Pen (Penitentiary) was something that I promised both myself and my dear mother that I would never do again.
Throughout my whole life, I never felt like I belonged. I was physically abused by my stepfather and watched him beat my mother. I used to have problems peeing my pants when I was little, so my stepfather made fun of me and made me sit on the toilet for hours. He told his friends that “Piss Pot” was my name. I didn’t understand at the time, but I knew it wasn’t good.
Because of that name, other kids teased me and beat me up. I was sexually assaulted when I was around 12 years old. My stepfather gave me to his sister, who lived in Toronto. I lost my language and my identity.
People teased me when my mom finally got me back after three years. They said I was an apple: red on the outside, and white on the inside. I grew up in institutions, from young offenders to correctional centres to the Pen.
I was in and out of the Pen for 13 years. When I finally got out, I stayed out, and I found a good paying job. From everybody else’s point of view, I was doing good, because I was known as a jail bird. I had everyone fooled.
I was holding down a job, helping my elderly mother with her bills. But I was drinking a lot. All of a sudden, everything was gone. Nobody wanted to be around, because I was broke and at times didn’t even have a place to sleep. I went for a few days without changing my clothes, and drank anything that came my way.
I served 13 years in and out of the Pen. Now, I’m back in.
Since I’ve been incarcerated, I’ve completed a Bible study, and received my very own Bible with my name on it. I truly want to get to know the Lord better, and was thinking about going to a Bible school whenever I’m released.
I have no support in the community I came from. I don’t feel alone, because of my faith, but I’m looking for guidance and support when I leave this place.I truly believe the Holy Spirit wants me to share my story.
I am 52 years old. For the first time in my life, I felt peace when I became a believer. Please pray for me, that one day I might help other people by sharing how the Lord has helped me.
Trevor’s name has been changed to protect his identity.