God Behind Bars

In this episode, Gina and Davide open up about their past — the struggles, the bad choices, and the shame they carried for years. But more importantly, they talk about what happened when they finally let God in. It’s an honest, emotional, and ultimately hopeful conversation about finding freedom, healing, and purpose on the other side of rock bottom.

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Baseball legend Darryl Strawberry shares his powerful story of brokenness, addiction, and redemption. Growing up in a violent home, Darryl reveals how childhood trauma fueled both his athletic success and personal struggles. Despite reaching the heights of fame with multiple World Series championships, he battled deep pain, drug addiction, and an identity crisis. Through the unwavering love of his wife Tracy and the transformative power of faith, Darryl found true healing beyond the spotlight. This episode is a raw, inspiring reminder that no matter how far you've fallen, restoration is possible through God's grace.

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He was 18, making $100K a year selling drugs. Guns in the trunk. Coke in the car. No hope for tomorrow. But God had other plans.

In this episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Nick Newman — a former drug dealer turned church planter — who shares his jaw-dropping story of redemption.

From trafficking drugs across state lines… to surviving a shooting… to facing 40+ years in prison… Nick's life was spiraling fast — until a divine interruption changed everything.

This isn't just another testimony. This is proof that nobody is too far gone.

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Buckle up for an EXPLOSIVE true story of redemption! Trell "Donk" Webb went from facing a LIFE SENTENCE in Angola's most notorious prison to becoming a powerful minister who now leads hundreds to Christ. Shot, sentenced, and seemingly hopeless, Donk's jaw-dropping journey proves that NO ONE is beyond God's transformative power. Get ready for a heart-pounding testimony that will shatter everything you thought you knew about second chances and divine intervention!

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In this powerful episode of the God Behind Bars podcast, listeners are taken on an extraordinary journey with Damon West, a man who transformed his life after facing a 65-year prison sentence. Damon shares his gripping story, from his successful high school football career to his descent into drug addiction and criminal activities, culminating in his arrest and incarceration.

Through his experiences in prison, Damon encountered a mentor named Muhammad, who taught him the powerful metaphor of the "coffee bean" - the idea that one can change the environment around them, rather than being changed by it. Damon embraced this philosophy and used it to not only survive, but thrive, in the harsh prison environment.

Damon's story is a testament to the power of faith, service, and personal transformation. He discusses the importance of building a positive brand, controlling what you can, and leaving a legacy of servant leadership.

Listeners will be inspired by Damon's resilience, his willingness to accept forgiveness, and his commitment to helping others, even those he once harmed.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, redemption, and the courage to become a "coffee bean" in the face of adversity.

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Juan Martinez went from one of the most influential drug dealing rings in Texas to reaching thousands of lives for Jesus.

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In this powerful episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, we sit down with Norman Dozier, a former inmate at Angola State Penitentiary who is now a free man and leading his own ministry. Norman shares his incredible journey from a life of darkness and drug dealing to finding redemption and purpose through Jesus Christ while incarcerated. 

Hear how Norman went from facing a life sentence to becoming a pastor, mentor, and inspiration to thousands of men behind bars. Discover the incredible transformation happening at Angola, including the seminary program and reentry initiatives that are changing lives.

Don't miss this moving testimony of God's power to redeem and restore. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is hope. Reach out to the God Behind Bars team to connect with resources and support.

Subscribe to the God Behind Bars Podcast for more stories of faith, redemption, and the life-changing work happening in prisons across America. Together, we can bring the light of Jesus to the darkest places.

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Once addicted to drugs & now preaching the gospel in prisons. On June 16, 2017, Markus went from being a pro football player to sitting in jail. After growing up in inner city CA, he was all too familiar with fatherlessness, poverty, and gangs. He tried to fill the voids he felt in his life with the game of football and eventually went pro. But when he experienced a career ending shoulder injury, all he knew crashed around me. Without football, he felt no purpose and no identity and became addicted to taking the pain medication prescribed to him. In 2 years, he had become a completely deceived drug addict, broken inside. He lied, manipulated, and even used false identities to get what he thought he needed. After seeing 38 doctors for 59 prescriptions in just a few months, his wife left and took his daughter with her, and he found himself inside a jail cell.

BUT GOD…

“I didn’t want my life anymore so I gave it to someone who did. It took me losing everything to realize that everything I ever needed was Jesus. I pleaded guilty to all my charges and the judge had mercy on me and sent me to rehab. From that day on, Jesus transformed my life, called me Son, restored my family, and now I get to travel the country and tell people about the man I fell in love with and saved me from deception!”

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We traveled to Washington, D.C., for an exclusive interview with Chaplain Houston of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Throughout his career, Chaplain Houston has guided hundreds of men to faith in Jesus. Now, thanks to the fulfillment of a prophetic word spoken over his life, he serves as the Head Chaplain of the FBOP. Don’t miss his incredible story!

Today we’re introducing you to the Community Reentry Network (CRN) and the Federal Bureau of Prison's volunteering program. 

What’s the CRN?

The Community Reentry Network (CRN) is made up of over 3,500 faith-based organizations that offer everything from prayer to legal services to returning citizens. Listen to this interview with Chaplain Houston, national coordinator for the CRN, where he talks about the power you can bring this community. It's a great opportunity to open your doors. https://crn.reentry.gov/crn/s/

Volunteer with the FBOP

You can also share your strength with men and women while they're still in custody. Federal prison has over 200 volunteer programs listed on their official Inside Influence site – all you have to do is find one that speaks to you and sign up.

https://volunteer.reentry.gov/Volunteer/s/opportunity-search?utm_medium=partner&utm_term=opportunities&utm_source=gbb_emailblast

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In this episode we connect with Shawn Serfass who went from drug dealing to leading a ministry called Second Chance Mentors. Grew up with a normal family but after getting introduced to cocaine in college his world went down a slippery slope. Kicked out of college and later kicked out of the marines, Shawn made the decision to dive into a drug operation. Where he found success he found his world without success and decided to step away, but charges still found their way to lock him up. Losing his time with his family he decided to take the time locked up to improve himself. Shawn met God and worked to encourage others with the word with small groups. Years later, Shawn served his time and now leads Second Chance Mentors where underprivileged without their fathers can have a resource to get them ready with the world.

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