From Prison Walls to Purpose – Chris’s Journey of Sobriety and Redemption
Chris’s path from childhood chaos to gang life, from prison cells to purpose, is a raw example of how recovery can happen against all odds. In this Sobriety Uncensored episode, he shares his story of addiction, incarceration, faith, and how he now serves others through ministry and outreach.
🎧 Watch my full interview with Chris in the Sobriety Uncensored Podcast below:
A Childhood Marked by Violence and Addiction
Chris’s earliest memories were of drugs being used and grown in the backyard. His father was a violent alcoholic. Domestic violence was routine, and in those years, California law rarely intervened.
By age seven, Chris had been threatened with a knife. At nine, he lost a friend to gun violence. The environment outside his home was just as unstable—he grew up on the border of Los Angeles and Orange County, surrounded by gang activity.
“I started using really young because I was trying to fill that pain, that void. I felt unloved.”
The Spiral into Addiction
As a teenager, Chris discovered a dangerous mix of drugs and alcohol. LSD became an early choice—because juvenile probation couldn’t test for it at the time—but he says he didn’t have a “favorite” substance. He mixed everything: heroin, meth, marijuana, pills, and alcohol.
The gang lifestyle added another layer of danger, drawing him deeper into risky behavior. Losing friends to violence became a recurring, devastating event, often leading him to binge and spiral further.
Prison, Loss, and the Darkest Years
Chris entered the justice system in 1992 and remained in it—on and off—until 2024. He used heroin even while incarcerated in California, leveraging connections from his former gang affiliation.
One of his lowest points came after a close friend was killed. It was then he began injecting drugs, a choice that accelerated his descent. “It was like playing Russian roulette every day,” he recalls.
A Turning Point in Solitary Confinement
After transferring to Idaho, Chris spent three years in solitary confinement. The isolation became a catalyst for reflection.
“I remember telling myself, I want to change, but I don’t know how.”
When he returned to the general prison population, he met another inmate who introduced him to Jesus. Chris surrendered his life to God, walked away from gang life, and never looked back.
Forgiving Others—and Himself
Forgiving those who hurt him came surprisingly quickly. Forgiving himself was the hard part.
“Satan kept reminding me of the ripple effect of my past—the lives I had hurt. But God told me, ‘I’ve already forgiven you. If you want complete peace, you need to forgive yourself.”
This moment of self-forgiveness became a foundation for his recovery.
Life After Release – Building Boundaries and a New Future
Chris knew sobriety would require structure. He set strict boundaries:
Avoiding bars unless for work or dining with clear purpose
Declining invitations to unsafe environments
Refusing to ride in cars or visit homes of people still in active addiction or gang life
Never being alone in a car with a woman who isn’t his wife
These guardrails helped him protect his freedom and mental health.
Serving Others Through Ministry and Outreach
Today, Chris serves at Calvary Boise, overseeing three ministries:
Words of Freedom Addiction Recovery – a Thursday night service offering hope and tools for sobriety.
Prison & Jail Ministry – leading Bible studies inside multiple facilities.
Homeless Outreach – meeting people where they are, both physically and spiritually.
“When I got out, God told me to go back to the streets where He pulled me out from.”
Overcoming Reentry Challenges
Finding housing as a felon was nearly impossible. But in 2017, despite a sub-600 credit score, Chris bought his first home—an answer to years of prayer.
He also became a journeyman plumber, building a stable career while continuing ministry work. His current circle of friends includes pastors, retired law enforcement, and even the detective who once arrested him.
Chris’s Message to Those Struggling with Addiction
Chris believes most addiction is rooted in trauma.
“Give Jesus six months of your life—total surrender. Don’t hold anything back. Your life will never be the same.”
He encourages anyone feeling “too far gone” to reject that lie. Complete transformation, he says, is possible.
Restoration with Family
Chris’s relationship with both parents has been restored. His parents even maintain a friendly connection with each other—something unimaginable in his youth. He credits faith, time, and the influence of his younger sister for bridging those gaps.
Looking Ahead – Dreams of Full-Time Ministry
Chris sees more work ahead: expanding prison outreach, partnering with parole offices, and speaking to at-risk youth. He’s also started writing his life story.
“As long as I have breath in my lungs, I’m going to let God use me to the fullest.”
How to Connect with Chris and Words of Freedom
Words of Freedom Service – Thursdays at 7:00 PM, Calvary Boise Lobby, 123 Auto Drive, Boise, ID 83709
Email: freedom@calvaryboise.com
Phone: 208-321-7440
Key Takeaways
Trauma may plant the seeds of addiction, but it doesn’t define your future.
Forgiveness—especially self-forgiveness—is essential for lasting sobriety.
Boundaries protect your recovery and keep you safe.
Community and faith can rebuild even the most broken lives.
Ready for Your Reset from Alcohol?
If this story resonated, don’t wait for another rock bottom. Get help, get honest, and get moving.
