#219: From Fed Prison To Pastor, Helping us PRESS IN to God and Worship to Start Workday

Run The Race

After spending nearly 15 years in federal prison, this former longtime drug addict got his freedom and became a pastor for a home church and a nonprofit recovery program that is connected to a business in East Alabama. His is one of many inspiring success stories of faith and fitness that you'll hear on this "Run The Race" podcast. (2:45) Pastor Chris Cloud first chats with me about the effectiveness and encouragement from having worship before work, which is what dozens of men do every early weekday morning at a company called Abel Electric in Salem, AL. He's one of a few pastors that work for the nonprofit Abel Ministries, being a light for former convicts, construction workers, men who need second chances. (10:27) Chris shares his personal story, how he went from foster care to drug addiction to federal prison in 1998 to revival behind bars, where he really learned and practiced how to "Press In" to the things of God and totally focus on Him. He explains what that means and examples of pressing in. He reminds us...it's what we do IN the trial that defines us. He went from discipling others in prison to (23:05) working on the outside - helping men get on the right path, learn a trade to be able to get a job, but how did discernment help them vet the men in their 12 month recovery program? Getting that acceptance and seeing other men freely worship God can also be a "culture shock." (29:15) Chris' passion is raising others up to find their identity in Christ. It's about seeking HIM not things. And they're showing the community that there can be many success stories when faith is involved, these former convicts becoming positive citizens. They're celebrating those at Abel Ministries' first ever Graduation Gala for their recovery program Tuesday night October 1 at 7/6c at First Baptist Church in Opelika. To learn more about what Abel does and how you can help their growing ministry, planning to expand soon, go to https://www.abelministries.org/. (37:55) As for fitness, Chris previously competed in bodybuilding, lost weight while using drugs for a decade, then actually became a certified personal trainer while in prison. He has Biblical advice for those going through dark times, and it won't happen overnight with a "crockpot God." He now uses his redemption story to help other inmates, addicts. (49:36) And he closes out this episode with a powerful prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast, which I hope you'll subscribe to! Share it with your friends. Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and listen to any previous episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/.