Issue 1| 2023

ROM G
chose to be His disciples. What a motley crew! Then I
learned about King David and how God used him even
though he was an adulterer and a murderer (2 Samuel
11–12; Psalm 51).
As soon as I could, I got baptized and committed my
life to follow Jesus no matter what, even if I had to spend
the rest of my life in prison.
My case dragged through the court system for two
and a half years. As I awaited my sentence, I leaned into
God’s Word for courage and comfort. I discovered who I
was in God’s eyes. Satan had been feeding me lies about
my identity since my youth.
I attended church with my Spanish-speaking cellie,
who was also a Christian. I didn’t understand much
because the service was in Spanish, but it didn’t matter.
God’s presence was there as those men sought the Lord. I
soaked it in like a plant that hadn’t been watered in years.
God showed me that He had pursued me since I was
a kid. He revealed people He had used to sow seeds in
my heart about Jesus. God knew that, eventually, I would
turn to Him, and just like the father of the prodigal son,
He waited patiently for me (Luke 15:11–32).
I remembered a picture my mom had hanging in her
house. As a child, I wondered who all those people were
sitting around a big table sharing a meal. Now I know
it was a painting of the Last Supper with Jesus and His
disciples (Matthew 26:26–29). Thinking of that picture
now comforts my heart. I think maybe Mom knew Jesus too.
Waiting for trial was exhausting. I had no plea bargain, so
when my court date arrived, I expected to get the maximum
sentence. I thought I was dreaming when the jury found me
guilty of a lesser charge, second-degree murder.
The judge’s voice was kind but firm on sentencing day.
“Sir, I believe that you are a decent man who lost your way
when you started hanging out with the wrong people.” She
then handed me a 12-year sentence. It was nothing short
of a miracle.
God’s hand touched my life that day in a way I will never
forget, and I came to understand grace and mercy in a way
many don’t. I was receiving a gift that I could never earn or
deserve, and I knew it.
Within a week, I walked through the gates of Arizona State
Prison to begin serving my time. I connected immediately
with other men of faith. Wanting to be a true disciple of
Jesus Christ, I surrounded myself with those whose lives
were testimonies of His transforming power. God worked
through them to help me change.
Before long, I felt God calling me deeper. My salvation, a
reduced prison sentence, and this new life weren’t for me to
keep to myself. God wanted to use me for His purpose and
glory (Ephesians 2:8–10). He wanted me to tell others about
His grace and to help them avoid the mistakes I’d made.
Helping others was something I’d never considered before
giving my life to Christ. To better prepare, I took advantage
Left: Mama
Copeland has
always provided
for Andre and
been a source of
encouragement
and comfort.
Right: Andre
(in sweater)
experienced the
blessing of family
in the Copeland
home. Shown
here with his
nephew.
12 Issue 01 / 2023 VICTORIOUSLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM