For Ed Willis, life was one harsh blow after another. Born into generational poverty within a system that was not designed for the success of Black men, most of his options led to dead ends. But in between jail time, drug addiction, unemployment, the struggles of racism, and family strife, there were brief flashes when the light of Christ touched Ed’s heart, instilling in him a desire to know and to be more.

He sought meaning and self-worth wherever he could find it—including, for a time, as a member of the Black Panther Party fighting for freedom, racial equality, and underprivileged children in California’s Bay Area.

But what began as a sincere effort toward a worthy cause would ultimately lead to further involvement with drugs, violence, and relationships in turmoil. But his lifetime of hardship was, in its own way, preparing him to receive the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Be sure to check out his memoir, Panther to Priesthood.

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