Light Has Dawned

On this podcast interview I am joined by Harry Peña, founder of "Life Impacters Foundation. (LIF)"  He is also a partner of the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments. It was created as an organizing and campaign hub for people directly impacted by the criminal legal system to come together, build a movement, and lead and implement advocacy campaigns to end the impact of a criminal record following people long after incarceration. Harry spent 22 and a half years in prison. 

He shares stories about his childhood that are truly heart wrenching. Here is a statement  that he makes, that pretty much summarizes it all, "But being raised up in a house of violence,  when the scripture says you train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he gets older, he'll never depart from it. Well, there are two spectrums to that. If you train a child to be a killer, he's going to be a killer."  
On one occasion as a child, he witnesses his father violently beating on his mother and in that moment he picks up a kitchen knife and stabs his own father three times. This he recalls, was my first act of violence. This is just a sample of the various forms of abuse, torment and trauma that he will go on to experience which will create in him a hate for mankind in general.

This story delves into the transformative journey of overcoming traumatic pasts, gang life, and incarceration by finding redemption through faith, personal reflection, and dedication to advocacy. It emphasizes the importance of overcoming struggles, seeking justice, and supporting others in similar situations, ultimately working towards a brighter future free from permanent punishment and systemic barriers. 

https://www.lifeimpactersfoundation.org/

https://endpermanentpunishments.org/

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📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

On April 26th, 2024 JC Almanza & I stepped foot back into East Moline Correctional Center here in Illinois. We met there back in 1999, twenty five years earlier as young men steeped deep into darkness with criminal mindsets. Listen to this podcast as I share all the events that lined up and led to us having this opportunity to go back and share our stories of redemption with the inmates there. You can clearly see God's hand each step of the way. I also share a couple of poems that I wrote way back in 1998-99,  while incarcerated.  Through them I express the darkness & demonic presence that I felt all around me back in those days. Take this journey with us back into prison: Into the "Home of the Forgotten Souls."

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📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

On this podcast interview we take the show on the road to Gary, Indiana and record an interview with Mike Petrovic at "Restoration House Ministries." This is a compelling narrative  of transformation and redemption through faith. He shares his harrowing journey from a life steeped in crime and addiction to finding purpose, love, and redemption through a true spiritual awakening. Michael's story, set against the backdrop of East Chicago, Indiana, unfolds from a troubled childhood and gang involvement to profound personal change facilitated by his reconnection with Daniel Rivera, a former gang member turned pastor. Mike discusses the significant roles love, forgiveness, and faith played in his transformative journey, emphasizing the role of expressing emotions and the importance of faith-based community initiatives in rehabilitating lives. His story underlines the power of divine love in breaking cycles of violence and addiction, showcasing the potential for personal renewal and societal change through spiritual commitment and community collaboration. 

https://www.restorationhousegary.com/

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Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

Luis Varela had a 31 year career as a Chicago Police Officer. He also served a total off 33 years between the Marines and Army Reserves were he served as a drill instructor. He grew up in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. He grew up in an era of the late sixties and early seventy's were there was a greater racial divide within the communities of Chicago. Growing up he begins to see some of his friends heading down the wrong path and the consequences they begin to experience because of the wrong choices they are making. A neighbor introduces him to the neighborhood Boys & Girls club were he encounters mentors who begin to help and encourage him in many ways. Being bullied most of his young life he is drawn into sports like boxing and swimming there at the club. There he meets and sees a young Marine in full uniform and at the moment he says, "this is what a real Man looks like." He joins the Marines right after high school. He is home on leave one summer night sitting right in front of his parents home when all of a sudden he hears a woman start screaming right across the street. Her purse has just been stolen and the perpetrator is running away. Luis takes off after that man, catches him and ends up returning the purse to the woman. She is crying and so happy to have here purse back. This ends up becoming a decisive moment in his life were he acknowledges that he likes how this feels. To be able to help and protect his community. But being a police officer takes a toll on those who encounter all types of crimes and violence on a regular basis here in the city of Chicago. Many people don't know this but police officers have one of the highest rates of divorce and suicide in the country. Tune in to hear this real life story of a Chicago Police officer. 

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Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

Joshuah Hernandez is currently scheduled for a boxing match on Saturday April 13th, 2024 at the Dome in Rosemont, IL. He has been boxing since the age of 5 years old. His dad was a professional boxer as well. Like many of us, his childhood had some rough patches along the way. Some of those things shaped him and molded him into the young man he is today. As a teenager he also finds success as a rapper alongside a really good friend of his. But success at such a young age brings division between the friends and it all comes to a sudden end. He is determined to do what ever it takes to get himself and his family ahead. Vowing to "never be broke and never to be alone." He gets himself through college by working and being focused on the goal of attaining his degree that he says he feels like he loses himself along the way. On the route to and from school he passes a building that he feels drawn to, like he knows he needs to step into this place. Without anyone inviting him, he decides to step foot into this building. Little did he know that this would change the trajectory of his entire life. Tune in to hear how he is now learning how to truly fight the good fight for your life.

https://linktr.ee/itsfreedomchicago
www.youtube.com/@itsfreedomchicago
www.decoloresbeautybar.glossgenius.com

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Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

On today's podcast episode I am joined by Cisco Terrazas, Julio Mercado & Arturo Gamino.  This is our first time doing a four person podcast interview. This interview starts off a little slow but once we get warmed up you get to hear these men's hearts and the conversation just flows.
Today discuss the importance & power of sharing your testimony according to Scripture. That is, your story of what God has done personally in your life. We can't keep what God has done in our lives to ourselves. Our stories can bring hope to others that might be facing struggles or trials that we have been able to overcome or are overcoming with God's help. The Bible contains many different scriptures that emphasize the importance of this. We will look at and examine a lot of these. This is why we do what we on this podcast.

'And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. ' Revelation 12:11

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Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

"This will be your last time!" is the statement Bert hears spoken in his mind on the day he ends up committing a crime that will eventually land him behind bars with a 40 year sentence.  Bert grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on the North side of Chicago. He grew up in a loving home, with mom and dad in the picture. One day he sees his older brother come home after getting into a physical altercation with a stab wound to his head. After this incident Bert feels compelled to get involved into the lifestyle his older brother is in. He joins the same gang and the life of violence begins. At a young age death and destruction become the norm. In the 1990's the streets of Chicago were very violent. In response to some of his friends being murdered he goes and he retaliates. A young man ends up losing his life. There at the hospital investigating the crime is a police officer by the name of Marco David. He is the one that begins the investigation that will eventually lead Bert behind bars. Approximately 10 years into his prison sentence, Bert's dad asks him to add Marco David to his visitor list. He resists at first, because he recognizes that name from his police report, as one of the officers that helped place him behind bars. Bert eventually allows Marco to come visit him. One reason being is that Marco is also a Pastor at a church Bert's parents attend. On the first visit Marco feels compelled to share a word with Bert, something he feels that the LORD is leading him to share with him. He tells him, he doesn't know what this means, but he wants  Bert to know that God is saying to him, "This will be your last time!"
Tune in to hear how the life of a criminal, a cop and a pastor intersect and lead to a story of redemption like no other.



Redeemed: The Rebirth of a Latin King (book)

(Testimonial video) https://vimeo.com/23845
141

https://midwest.church/
https://www.khnm.net
https://koinoniahouse.org/programs/radical-time-out

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

This is an exclusive podcast interview with Chicago's very own David Ayala. David, along with his cousin Jimmy Soto, were recently exonerated after serving over 42 years in prison for a crime they didn't commit. They made history by becoming Illinois longest serving prison inmates to be then exonerated.
You will hear how I met David just last week by a chance encounter at a tattoo removal place. We started talking and were able to connect and set up this podcast interview a week later.
David grew up on the southwest side of Chicago in a neighborhood called "Little Village", "La Villita" or 26th street.  You will hear him share his life story. From the fun times running around as a little kid, skitching on the back of cars in the winter, jumping from one garage roof to another for fun in in the summer, to then becoming one of Chicago's most notorious figures.
You will get an in-depth personal view of this man, his thoughts, emotions, and experiences. You will hear what things helped him remain hopeful, persevere and never give up despite having a life sentence without the possibility of parole. This man's story is a great example of the human will to survive and how faith can help you thrive in the harshest of situations one can encounter in this life.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

Today we do our first ever “on the road” in person podcast interview. Thanks to a generous donation from a co-worker of mine, I was able to purchase equipment to make this podcast possible. I traveled to Wheaton, Illinois to meet with Pastor Manny Mill from “Koinonia House National Ministries” at his home.

Pastor Manny’s life begins back in Cuba where as a young kid he sees Fidel Castro come into power. His family is finally able to flee Cuba after many years and they end up in Spain. A couple of years later they make their way to the United States and land in New Jersey. As a young man Manny begins to accomplish the “American Dream.” He gains the big three, "power, sex and money." Because of a shady business deal he finds himself being investigated by the F.B.I.  He flees the country and ends up in Venezuela. While on the run in Venezuela, his mother becomes a born-again Christian and begins to pray for her son Manny.  Through a series of events God grabs a hold of Manny and he decides to return back to the United States to face the music. He gets sentenced to three years behind bars. It is in prison that God begins to transform Manny's life and where the journey to the work he is doing today begins. You will be encouraged, challenged and prompted into action by this man's radical story of redemption.

“The Mission of Koinonia House® National Ministries (KHNM) is to equip the local church to receive Christian inmates released from prison to be integrated into the Church, the workplace, and society through biblical discipleship”

There are two primary avenues through which KHNM seeks to assure that Christian neighbors coming out of prison are met at the prison gate: assist churches, groups or individuals in setting up a post-prison ministry discipleship home for Christians coming out of prison; equipping local churches to prepare to receive a Christian neighbor – matching at least one ex-prisoner to one local church.

https://www.khnm.net
https://koinoniahouse.org/programs/radical-time-out

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

In this podcast episode Rob Decker joins me all the way from Colorado Springs, Colorado.  After years of abuse, addiction, a desperate search for praise and approval, and living in unbearable pain and isolation, Rob Decker reached a breaking point that drove him to take drastic measures. After a failed sui--de attempt and a friend not giving up on him, Rob woke up alive with a new lease on life.
Rob has dedicated his life to helping others and taking the stigma out of recovery. He is very passionate about sharing his testimony with others and helping them break the chains of addiction through support and mentorship. He knows everyone is capable of turning their life around and he is eager to be a part of that process. He and his wife have three children and they reside in Colorado.

https://RiseAsLions.Org
Rob Decker FB
Decker_Rob IG
https://RobDeckerSpeaks.Com
Rise As Lions IG & FB

📘 Rob's book is now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/imcUmVS

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned