On February 2nd, 1996, 16-year-old Saulo Montalvo and two of his friends pulled up to a party store in Grand Rapids, MI with a plan to take the money and murder the clerk. During the robbery the clerk was shot and killed as Saulo waited in the car for his friends. In August 1996 Saulo was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison with no possibility of parole. 

Today Saulo joins Perry and Shawna as a free man to share his Incredible story.  First Saulo talks about growing up feeling unloved, unwanted, and feeling responsible for his parent’s divorce.  That’s when a root of deep anger began to grow in him.  Then he shares how his anger led him to seek belonging as a teen with friends who were into crime.  Next, we have a conversation about the months leading up to the crime, how when his sister looked into his eyes all she saw was a darkness. 

Next Saulo shares that horrible day that changed his life and the life of the family’s victim forever.  Next, we have a conversation about Saulo’s first day in the county jail; how he cried out to Jesus and was given a divine promise that he would not spend the rest of his life in prison.  Then Saulo talks about his journey in prison; how Jesus changed him from the inside out over 23 years, including a reconciliation with his parents.   

Then we talk with Saulo about meeting the victim’s family first over the phone and then face to face.  The gave him their forgiveness!  Next we hear how Saulo’ s sentence was changed by a US Supreme Court decision that led to his release.  And finally, we hear what Saulo is doing now—His joy is to live on mission with Jesus to bring the love he has received to anyone he meets.  Share this AMAZING story! 

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