Faith Helps Ex-con turn his Life Around
January, 2003
Paul Craig

(Eileen's Note) I was reading a story in the ChronicleHerald.ca written by Peter Duffy and was so taken by it that I contacted Paul Craig whose story you are about to read. I wanted to include his email message back to me to give you an idea of what kind of man he is - a very kind man.

Hi there Eileen and thank you for the kind words. Don't know what to say. I was expecting an article about my gratitude for The Salvation Army and its help in my life and this happened. Well it's not my plan and I'm not the driver, I'm merely gratefully going along for the ride.

My story is laid out a little more in detail on my site, under Dean's Message. Feel free to use whatever you like. I'm still not sure where my FU project (Faith University) may lead me or others, but I am hoping it will help those who read it. (faithuniversity.ca)

Here is Paul's Story

"True prosperity is the means to use God's ability and power to meet the needs of mankind, regardless of what those needs may be." How do we learn to live a good life? Who teaches us? Where did they learn? How do we believe in these teachings? What if we stray or fail? What can I truly have faith in? These are questions that I, like so many others, have asked myself and struggled with. Some of us struggle more than others. I thought I knew the ways of the world, and not only had the answers I needed but could pass those answers along to my children. I was so wrong. "To teach, we must be teachable." I was not.

This led me to a long history of trouble in my life and problems with the law. I moved my family over twenty-five times in a span of eighteen years mainly due to my own instability in life. I changed jobs just as often also. It appeared as if I was running to catch something when in reality I was running away from something, my own turmoil. I was unhappy inside and no way to repair it since I had never known how to. What do you do when you reach this point in your life? Learn. How to learn is a choice, the easy way or the hard way...and I chose the hard way.

I had been imprisoned for crimes I did not commit. I was held, tried, convicted and sentenced not because of what I had done but because of who I was. I lived on a range with other inmates...murderers, rapists, child molesters, drug dealers, weapons dealers...these were my neighbors that I dined with and played cards with. On one occasion a man who had murdered and raped a young boy, and who knew I had issue with those around me came up to me. He asked "Who are you to judge me?" Was he right? Such a stressful situation and so many questions on my new life in jail. Was I any better? I went to my cell and began to think things over when a thought occurred to me. How can I be upset for this when I got away with so much over the years that should have put me in here? While trying to understand what was happening inside me, I began to work on the physical me, working out three times a day and running to stay in shape.

Midway through a workout in my cell one afternoon, while meditating on what I may do to those who imprisoned me upon my release, something happened. While jogging on the spot I found myself repeating the phrase over and over....I forgive, I forgive. Suddenly, as if from a movie, a strong ray of light came shining through my small cell window and I became sweaty and weak. I fell to my knees. Thinking this was from merely overdoing my exercises in the heat I sat on my bed to relax. Shortly after lockup ended, a fellow inmate tossed me a book I had asked him for in my cell. Funny thing is I have no memory of ever asking. The book was a compilation of short stories about prisoners who were born again. I hadn't read a book since high school (many, many years before). I found myself reading it intensely. Upon completing it later that day, I needed to read more so I went to the bin on our range that holds several books...usually. This day there was only one, The Bible. So I picked up this book that I previously had never read and began to look through it. I haven't stopped yet.

Upon my release from prison, I had nowhere to go, no clothes, no money, no job, no family, no place to live (I did however have all that I needed to survive...faith). The Bible said not to worry about these material things, and that He would provide if I believed. And I did. Later that day I found myself at the Salvation Army with clothing, a place to sleep, and food to eat. Those at the Halifax Booth Centre and Halifax Citadel Church have given me knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to continue on this road of discovery. They were there for me while in prison, and continue to be there for anyone...anywhere who needs there help. Amazing huh?

I then began to look to get back on my feet when out of nowhere I came into contact with an old friend and co-worker. Through faith and prayer I found that I now had a job, an apartment, new clothing, and friends. This all happened within thirty days of my release. A new vehicle followed the next month. One of the toughest moments in my life soon followed when I saw one of my sons in the mall. I hadn't spoken to him in a year and was not allowed contact with any of my children...I had to walk away. I felt crushed. I chose to listen to my new teachings and pray for help...and soon access to my children, that I hadn't been allowed to see in almost a year, was granted. They now come with me to the Salvation Army whenever they can to show their gratitude for the help given to me. (We are now closer than ever.)

A promotion soon followed through work, with a great deal of respect and authority. My children had no choice but to move to sub standard housing while I was in prison. Now after my release they have moved into their new townhouse near the lake, new clothes, new beds, and a new life also. Not bad for an ex-con out of prison a very short time . After successfully repairing the damage done to my family, I have now heard and answered my calling to spread His message and share my testimony with others....hence faithuniversity.ca.

Those that live by man's law still to this day try their best to destroy what I have built, but continue to fail in their efforts. My success is a miracle of God and has happened solely because I finally chose to listen...to be taught. I am a very analytical person and need answers. I need understanding as to why things are the way they are. Except in one area of my life, my faith.

If I need to learn how to live my life, then it makes sense to study from the most proven source of knowledge in existence. I live in God's world, not man's world. I live by God's laws, not man's laws. I am God's son, not man's son. This is my walk, and if it brings peace or understanding to you, then the world is a better place. It has already done so to my world.

My Creed

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven,
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my father;
I am his child, and I am not afraid.
So greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother,
The law of love I gladly will obey.
I then shall live as one who's learned compassion;
I've been so loved that I'll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges,
I'll dare to see another's point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I'll be there to care and follow through.
Your Kingdom come around and through and in me,
Your power and glory, let them shine through me!
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me!
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungering world through me!
Amen.
-Gloria Gaither

Click here to submit your own story of forgiveness.

Providing Individual Counseling & Therapy, Marriage Counseling and Counseling in Forgiveness
Serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa Arizona