


-Carl Dye Testimony-
Little did I know how powerful that prayer really was!
It says in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” My journey began at a young age using drugs and I could not stop using. Even though I was saved and accepted Christ as a child, and I knew that God has always had a hand in my life, I still lived to use drugs. I always ended up in prison because of my drug use. I would always pray, “God get me out of this one and I won’t do it again!” In prison, I stayed clean, and went to Christian services. Upon release I always said I would not return, but then I would go back to the same old friends, women, a life of sin, drugs, and again back to prison. Before my last incarceration I was a participant in the Pivot Ministries from Bridgeport, Connecticut. Upon graduation from that program, I moved into a sober recovery house. Because the people who lived there were using, and because I had lost my spiritual connection, it was only a matter of time before I gave into the temptation, giving in to my flesh, and went back to using. I was living on the streets and was spiritually bankrupt. I stole someone’s GPS from their vehicle and was arrested. I said a prayer of thanks to God, “thank you Jesus it is finally over!” Little did I know how powerful that prayer really was!
God brings all things together for the good to them that are called, and I’ve always known that God had a plan for my life. In prison I never missed attending Bible studies with Charlie, David, and Rick. I had no visits in prison except for these brothers who came to share the Word with us each and every Thursday evening. It says in Proverbs 27:17 that iron sharpens iron as one man sharpens another. During our sharing time I often talked about letting go of everything that held me back from fully surrendering to Jesus. It says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old man has gone and the new has come, and that is my experience; God’s Word says it and I believe it.
At the time of writing this I have been out now for two months, and He has truly taken the desire for drugs from me as I continue to read His Word, attend Bible study, and stay in touch with my spiritual support network. I am actively helping others who are going through various trials and have found that the more I help people the more God blesses and prospers me. Today I faithfully attend a Bible study that began for me while in prison. I am so connected to my Lord Jesus. I continue to learn new truths from God’s Word, and also how to be and remain free in Christ. For whom the Son sets free is free indeed.
I cannot begin to tell you the many blessings that I have received. I am working full time back at my previous job, continue to pay child support, attend church every week, and am returning the Lord’s tithe. I can truly say that I have surrendered it all to Jesus. I know I am not perfect, but today I continue to share with others what God has done for me; not my, but thy will be done is my daily prayer. I am staying on the straight and narrow path with the help and support of the people now in my life. I am grateful for the prison ministries people who remain in my life today. My hope is to one day be able to return to show others how Jesus is the true way to freedom.
I realize that it was sin in my life that caused me to keep returning to drugs and prison. Jesus set me free and washed away my sins. Today I have a relationship with other believers who encourage me and show me the way. It is by God’s grace I have been given a new life in Christ Jesus!
–Carl Dye
When my husband told me that someone would be calling me to give us Christmas gifts, I didn’t believe him. I thought it was just another story to try to keep me happy. Then someone actually called. It was the first time what he said came true-in a LONG time. –Anonymous wife of an inmate
I am a living testimony of the greatness of God's grace through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am compelled to share with people the love and faithfulness of my brothers that each week come and share the word of God with men like myself that are presently incarcerated. The Bible study that we have together is truly growth unto my spirit. I enjoy each week their company as well as their love for Jesus. It means a lot to me that they each week hold and attend Bible study with me, so I pray that as Father God continues to send them forth to spread and share His word that they will become a blessing to others as they always are to me. Amen. M.A.E.
Been getting into the Lord, been out of touch for a little bit.
Learning about God and Jesus and reading and talking. This class is good to me, I thank God for Learning to live. I love the people that come and teach the class, they are great, God is good! I love Jesus and Learning to Live. God bless Learning to Live. Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Learning to Live does that. J.J.