“Convicted to Change Lives” Ministry

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phil 4:13

   What an amazing thing God has asked me to do! I have been excited, blessed and yet sometimes so overwhelmed and frightened of this great journey that my Father has set me on. It started as a dream on my heart so many years ago – a way to heal, a way to reach out to others. He sent me into the jails, into the women’s shelters, into the schools to reach “at-risk” teenage girls. He told me to tell my story, and He told me to write. But honestly, I was often afraid to come forward and tell the truth.

However, I also knew full well that whatever God places before you, He will provide the time, the wisdom, the words, the way. I have known for several years that I would someday come forward and tell my story ~ a story of hope and promise . . . and truth. That’s the hard part. When you finally know it is the time to proceed with the work that God has asked you to do, you have to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Sometimes that hurts – a lot. But this is a ministry of hope, of healing, of reaching out to anyone and everywhere: to provide the courage to others for them to truly seek, understand and accept Jesus Christ into their heart, into their soul, and into their life!

I knew there would be those who would criticize, critique and possibly condemn me. But I would have to look past that. It is far more important to reach out to the literally millions of people who are hurting in this vastly divided country, and around the world; and offer what possible hope, encouragement and love that I possibly can. And if that means coming forward to say “I know what you’re going through. I’ve been there,” then that is what I will do.

And yet, actually this isn’t my story. It’s God story. It’s the true story of all the things He has so graciously provided to me, taught me, strengthened and empowered me. It’s the amazing true story of how God literally reached down and touched my brokenness and shame. It is how He healed me, restored me, and brought me from the depths of hell to make me a new creature in His almighty name.

Please understand that everyone struggles with being “imprisoned” in some form at different times in their life. Sometimes our “literal” prison can result from our own poor choices, or the effects of bad choices made by others. “Personal” prisons can also stem from bondage to something (or someone), serious illness, lifelong disabilities, severe depression or fear, or financial burdens.

With 2.3 million people suffering behind bars in America today, and that figure doubled or even tripled when one includes those who love them, I want to share my story of finding truth and promise of a life everlasting through the many miracles and visions God granted me while serving time in a women’s state penitentiary. Convicted of Felony III charges and sentenced to a mandatory prison term of one year, I found myself facing yet the biggest challenge of my life. A single mother of four children, as well as a grandmother to four young boys at that time, I was completely unprepared for what I was about to encounter. Filled with fear of the unknown, yet determined to seek change of my disconcerted and broken life, my true story is one of great reflection and humble redemption.

I have volunteered within the walls of the local jail for over 14 years now: advising, mentoring and teaching a bible study for the women there. I have listened of their broken hearts, lives and relationships. Most people think of these people as the lost, rejected and the hopeless. But all of them are our friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors. They go to our churches, our synagogues, our places of worship. They work within our community, and their children go to school with our children. Many are actually “normal” people who have often lived a horrific life, and therefore made poor choices. Many are those who have suffered from health or stress related issues and often self-medicate to overcome the constant pain and abuse. And many more have never had the opportunity to truly know and understand the love of Jesus. We all know there will be those who will never be able to change their ability to comprehend, nor have the desire to change their hearts – but there are so many more that will prove to be an exception to the rule. They are hungry for answers of a better life.

Anyone who has ever worked with inmates or ex-inmates understands the constant uphill battle most face from an early age of abuse, neglect or abandonment. There will never be any amount of counseling, medication or rehabilitation available to repair these broken people. It is only through the grace of a loving God, and the truth and salvation of Christ, will their lives, health and hearts ever be completely restored.

    Please join me on this journey that God has set upon my heart. Come along side and learn of an amazing and loving God who would take (me), the “very least of these” and transform them all for His glory!

    ³⁵ The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.”     John 19:35

 In His Precious Name, 

Nanette