Issue 1| 2023

PHOTO BY ARIZONA PORTRAITS PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
UNS
THE BLOOD JESUS
SHED FOR YOU
ON THE CROSS O F
CALVARY CAN WASH
AWAY THE BLOOD
ON YOUR HANDS.
of the education available behind bars and obtained
an associate’s degree in alcohol and substance abuse
disorders. I also worked as a peer support facilitator,
helping to prepare men for their release.
It was a privilege to pray for them and introduce them
to Jesus, the true Friend who would be there every step
of the way (John 15:13–14). So many people want to leave
prison, enter the world, and live right, but it isn’t easy
to do. With Jesus, these men could succeed.
Still wanting to deepen my roots in Christ, I signed up
for a discipleship training program offered by Alongside
Ministries in Phoenix. A mentor journeyed with me while
I was still in prison. He became my friend and prayer
warrior and met me at the gate the day of my release.
He even took me out for a delicious breakfast before
dropping me off at the ministry’s residential program
that I still call home.
It felt great to be out from behind those bars, but Jesus
had already set me free long before I walked out of
prison. He freed me from the wages of my sin and gave
me eternal life the day I believed in Him (Romans 6:23).
And not only was I free, but I was rich beyond measure.
I didn’t have any worldly possessions, but I had
eternal life, joy, peace, worth, and purpose.
Today, I work with and encourage men coming out of
prison who are learning to walk with the Lord. It’s only
been a few years since I was where they are now. Only
God could have rewritten my story.
VICTORIOUSLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Genesis 50:20 says that God can take what the enemy
meant for our harm and use it for good. Romans 8:28 promises
that God works all situations for good for those who
love Him and are called to His purposes. God has kept these
promises and more. His undeserved kindness will remain
beyond my comprehension.
I’ll never forget that I took a life and brought pain to undeserving
people. I wish I could go back and make it right,
but I can’t. All I can do is live my life in thankfulness, serving
others and sharing the hope of Jesus. I want to honor God
so He can bring purpose out of the pain I caused.
God offers this same chance to you. I hope you’ll accept it.
If you’re like I was, you’re wondering what God could
possibly want with your life. And why would He bother?
Let me tell you: God doesn’t look at what you’ve done. He
looks at who He knows you can become.
He is calling you by name, inviting you to come, right
now, just as you are. God loves you no matter what you’ve
done. The blood He shed for you on the cross of Calvary
can wash away the blood on your hands.
Brothers and sisters, the forgiveness of sin is a gift of
true freedom that no one can ever take away from you, no
matter where you find yourself (John 8:36).
ANDRE LIGHTSEY-COPELAND, having experienced God’s
faithfulness and grace for himself, seeks to share that message of
hope and victory with everyone he encounters. He enjoys the fellowship
of his Alongside Ministries community and uses his testimony to
encourage his family and students at St. Mary’s Skill Center in Phoenix.
Issue 01 / 2023
O GRACE
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