My name is Andrew, and this is my story…  

 

If you are reading these words, then you are about to receive a brief glimpse of a life once broken but now whole because of the redemptive power of Christ. 

 

My name is Andrew Jones, and I am 42 years old. I have spent half my life in the Bay Area and the other half in Sacramento. I am a pastor’s kid, ex prison gang member, ex drug dealer and a product that prayer works. Before coming to New Beginnings, I was a resident of San Quentin state prison where I was serving a 5-year four-month sentence for full possession of firearms and evading on my motorcycle. This wasn't my first prison sentence, I have had many over the years and the reason for such prison stays was simple, disobedience. I disobeyed the guidance of everyone in my life especially God. I held onto it hurts especially the pain I felt from feeling as if I was not valuable, you see I was adopted at the age of three. My parents who adopted me are awesome and my feeling of inadequacy was not due to their lack of love because they loved me unconditionally. My lack of self-worth drove me to seek attention from any place I could. This resulted in me turning to the life of gangs, drugs, and violence you see this whole time I was trying to fill a void that only Christ could fill as the years progressed, I felt his calling on my life and I knew that I was called to the ministry, but I was running from God like Jonah. well, my feet became tired, and I finally submitted as once again the cuffs went on and I repented right there in the back seat of the CHP car and never looked back. 

 

I am now an ordained minister with an associates of ministry degree, licensed Christian’s substance abuse counselor and soldier for Christ. All the feelings of inadequacy no longer exist because I have been redeemed by Christ, I seek him and understand that apart from him, I can do nothing but with him, I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me. Philippians 4:13. You see there is no sinner without a future nor a saint without a past. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23. There are numerous men in my situation right here in El Dorado County and beyond, so I am obligated to raise my hand just like Isaiah did and say use me. I once chose to live for my gang, but now I choose to live for Christ. I am thankful for New Beginnings and everyone who God placed in my path who encouraged me, prayed for me, and gave me grace. Without this I would still most likely be back in prison. I am thankful for New Beginnings and the opportunity that this ministry has allotted me because of God and those in this ministry I now have a new beginning, Amen.