Growing up I had little exposure to religion. I can remember around the age of eight my grandfather trying to explain Jesus Christ to me but I really didn't understand at that point. I even attended church a few times in my younger years, enough time to memorize John 3:16 but lost interest.

I was considered a good 'ole' boy growing up. I graduated from high school with honors, attended Purdue University achieving a degree in pharmacy and graduating top male in my pharmacy class. However, there was a God-sized hole inside of me that I was always trying to fill. I had an empty, lonely feeling that I tried to remedy with tobacco, alcohol, immoral sex, and eventually illicit drugs.

When I was 26 years old I started experimenting with drugs. I tried ecstasy for the first time. I turned into a weekend warrior - getting pretty heavily involved in the club scene. Over time I had tried GHB, anabolic steroids, and crystal meth. Crystal meth consumed me. The addiction began to affect my life to the point where I had to stop working and seek psychiatric treatment. I isolated myself from my family and 'friends' and began to live solely for the drug. I was a dead man walking and completely out of control. Life as I knew it came to a screeching halt at the age of 30.

I had been living in Arizona and tried to get back home to Indiana to get some badly needed help. I was so paranoid during the drive that I thought people were after me the entire time. The police attempted to pull me over in Oklahoma for a routine traffic stop, but I led them on a car chase instead. They had to force me out of my vehicle and placed me under arrest.

Next thing I was sitting in a jail cell still in Oklahoma. I felt like a castaway in a far off land. I knew no one and was around some very seemingly hostile law enforcement for the crimes I had committed. I felt the lowest I had ever felt, feeling my life was ruined.

Feeling hopeless and helpless I finally picked up a Gideon bible in my jail cell. I was on my knees and had nowhere to look, but up. Jesus Christ finally made sense! He gave me hope!! I saw the light, realizing I was in God's care the entire time. The accomplishments in my life were due to God's blessing, not my own doing. There was a reason why I was in the belt buckle of the Bible belt of the nation, Oklahoma. I was baptized shortly after, right there in the county jail and have been a faithful Christian ever since. With God's help I have been able to turn an otherwise devastating life experience into the best thing that could have ever happened. I am so grateful to be sober for almost two years, tobacco free for a year, and free from any psychiatric meds for a year. Praise God.

I'm still serving the rest of my prison term. My incarceration has been an eye opening experience, something I could have never gotten through without God's protection. I expect to be released the end of 2005. Unfortunately, I will have a felony drug conviction on my record. It is unlikely I will be able to return to my chosen profession, but one thing is for sure, God will be watching over me as long as I continue to live for Him.

I have realized that life isn't about me and my achievements; it's all about God and the saving of souls. Through all of this I know that I will spend eternity in heaven. My hope is that my testimony will inspire you to seek a relationship with Jesus as well. Then you will be assured more abundant living for the short life here and now, and everlasting life in heaven. TJ _____________ Back to Testimonies Menu