Victorious Living Magazine, Issue 2, July 2025

REAL PEOPLE | REAL STORIES | REAL HOPE

DAR VUELTA

PARA VER

EN ESPAÑOL

IT’S NOT THE END

VICTORY IN GRIEF

A magazine

on a mission:

see page 2

They Said

I Wouldn’t

Make It!

THE STORY OF

FREDERICK BEST

Issue 02 / 2025

The Victorious Living Story

One visit with an incarcerated friend in 2013 opened

the eyes of Victorious Living founder, Kristi Overton

Johnson, to the hopelessness of life behind bars.

Soon after, this former world champion water skier

traded in her water ski career to serve the corrections

community. Over the years, God has blessed

Kristi with an incredible team and opened many

doors of opportunity.

What started in 2013 with the first delivery of

Victorious Living Magazine into Florida prisons has

now expanded to a comprehensive, international,

bilingual outreach to both the incarcerated and

those working in corrections.

Through our now many ministry outreaches, millions

of people are discovering the transforming and

empowering hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

VICTORIOUS LIVING

Delivers Hope to

the Corrections Community

Victorious Living Magazine provides testimonies of

the transforming power of Jesus Christ, available

digitally and in print.

Care Team provides prayer support to currently and

formerly incarcerated people and their families, as

well as correctional staff.

Correspondence Team provides relational support

and Christian discipleship through correspondence,

as well as connection to biblical study resources and

reentry support.

National Facility Tours and Wellness Programs

provide encouragement and life-skill tools to

correctional leaders and incarcerated persons

through on-site events.

Bilingual broadcasts on correction-issued tablets

provide mental health support and addiction

recovery tools, trauma-informed care, and

Christian discipleship.

INCARCERATED

AND NEED

ENCOURAGEMENT?

Write to us and join our

Victorious Living Family

today.

VL Correspondence

PO Box 2751

Greenville, NC 27836

TABLET PHOTO: S.H.A.R.P. TOP PHOTOS: GERI SIMPKINS PHOTOGRAPHY

PCDC PHOTO: GERI SIMPKINS PHOTOGRAPHY

ISSUE 2, JULY 2025

“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the

weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Corinthians 1:27 NIV

Publisher & Executive Director

Kristi Overton Johnson

Digital Content Management

BJ Emerson

Roger

Robert Whitner

Editor

Rachel Overton

Spanish Translator

Ebert Morillo

Editorial Team

Karissa Anderson


Christina Kimbrel

Rachel Overton

Carla Owens

Creative Designer

Lauren Jones

Creative Content Team


Christina Kimbrel

Administrative Director

Carla Owens

Production Manager

Christina Kimbrel

Prison Correspondence

Lauren Everett

Pastoral Care/Correctional Liaison

Pat Avery

Wellness Program Director

Sheridan Correa

Partner Relations

Ashley Smith

Hispanic Outreach Team

Denise San Miguel

Miguel Nunez

Mayra Ramos Olivo

Story Contributors

Lisa Appelo

Sheridan Correa

Michael Dixon

Alberto Henriquez


Christina Kimbrel

Kenny Munds

Featured Persons

Frederick Best

Deborah Jones

Steve Richardson

Clint Smith

Jessica Weaver

Cover Photography

Parker Overton Photography

Photography

Kevin Durham

EDOVO

JZ Photography

B. Lamont Photography Studio

Parker Overton Photography

Carla Owens

S.H.A.R.P.

Geri Simpkins Photography

Deanna Smith Photography

Artwork

Alberto Henriquez

Victorious Living Magazine is a publication of Kristi Overton Johnson Ministries, a 501(c) (3)

organization. Copyright © 2025, Kristi Overton Johnson Ministries, all rights

reserved. For permission to reprint or copy any material contained herein, please

contact us at admin@vlmin.org.

DISCLAIMER: The articles featured in Victorious Living Magazine are designed to inspire and encourage

our readers by sharing powerful testimonies from people who, we believe, have been

transformed by God’s grace, love, and power. The articles are focused on each individual’s testimony.

Although we conduct some independent research, we rely heavily on the information

provided to us by those we interview. Our articles are not intended to be an endorsement of the

views, opinions, choices, or activities of the persons whose stories we feature. The statements,

views, and opinions of those persons whose stories we feature are purely their own, and we do

not control and are not responsible for any such statements, views, or opinions.

HOW TO REACH VICTORIOUS LIVING

General, Subscription, and Partnership Inquiries

• Victorious Living Ministries

PO Box 2801, Greenville, NC 27836

• 352-478-2098

All Prison Correspondence

• admin@vlmin.org

• Victorious Living Correspondence Outreach

PO Box 2751, Greenville, NC 27836

Scripture Permissions

Scripture marked NIV is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, copyright

©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. | Scripture marked NLT is taken from the Holy Bible, New

Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. | All Scripture is

used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Las escrituras con la abreviatura NVI se toman de la Santa Biblia, NUEVA VERSIÓN

INTERNACIONAL® NVI® © 1999, 2015, 2022 por Biblica, Inc.®, Inc.® Usado con permiso

de Biblica, Inc.® Reservados todos los derechos en todo el mundo. Las escrituras con

la abreviatura NTV se toman de La Santa Biblia, Nueva Traducción Viviente, © Tyndale

House Foundation, 2010. Todos los derechos reservados.

VICTORIOUSLIVINGMINISTRIES.ORG

Issue 02 / 2025

3

Victorious Living

and You!

Victorious Living resources are

designed to encourage, equip, and

empower you in your faith and

provide you with tools to do the

same for others. Whether you are

incarcerated, working in corrections,

or living in free

society, you can use

our ministry tools in

your daily ministry

efforts. Here are a

few suggestions.

DISTRIBUTE

VLMAG

Order VLMag in bulk and

share it as God leads.

Our magazine provides

an effective and easy

way for you to share the

life-transforming power

of God with strangers

and loved ones. Also,

consider sponsoring

a prison to receive

quarterly shipments of

our magazine.

CREATE A VICTORIOUS LIVING

SMALL GROUP

VL Small Groups are simple—you need a Bible, paper, pen,

VL Magazine or video, facilitator, friends, and a heart to

learn. As you look up scriptures and dive into the following

questions together, you will discover deep spiritual truths.

• What is the theme of the story or video?

• Have I had a similar experience?

• What lessons did the story/video present, and

how can I apply them?

• How is God speaking to me through the story/

video and the referenced verses?

• What have I learned about God’s character,

and how does that impact me?

• How can I share what I’ve learned with others?

BECOME A VL SMALL

GROUP LEADER

Small groups led by trusted

facilitators build community and

provide accountability and a safe

place for deeper study of God’s

Word. Write to us at PO Box 2751,

Greenville, NC 27836, and request

the VL Small Group Leader’s Guide.

Also check out our videos, Tips

for a Successful Small Group and

Leading a Small Group Behind the

Wire, on PANDO, EDOVO, Paytel,

Westpond, ATG, ICS, Tech Friends,

ViaPath, Homewav, Turnkey,

Securus, Smart Comm, and iT1.

BOTTOM PHOTO: GERI SIMPKINS PHOTOGRAPHY TOP PHOTO: EDOVO

SUPPORT VICTORIOUS LIVING MINISTRIES

Financially supporting our ministry is one way to carry out God’s command to remember the prisoner

(Hebrews 13:3). Share our ministry with your church for consideration as a supported mission

outreach. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

VISIT VICTORIOUSLIVINGMINISTRIES.ORG OR CALL 352-478-2098

ISSUE 2, JULY 2025

CONTENTS

8

9

17

31

13

STEPPING FORWARD

The Divine Power of

God’s Promises

BY MICHAEL DIXON

The Power of

Long-Distance Prayer

BY LISA APPELO

Praise God Anyhow

BY CHRISTINA KIMBREL

Audience of One

BY KENNY MUNDS

TRANSFORMED

LIVES

Victory in Grief

BY SHERIDAN CORREA

Life is hard, but God doesn’t leave us

without help and hope. With our eyes

on Him, we can find peace even in the

darkest hour of grief.

23

10

14

Cut Free from Entanglement

BY KRISTI OVERTON JOHNSON

Life can be one big, tangled mess. Finding

freedom takes a conscious decision to cut

loose what isn’t of God.

FEATURES

It’s Not the End

THE STORY OF DEBORAH JONES

Abandoned by her mother, raised by

her grandmother… For most of her life,

Deborah struggled to find any sense of

self-worth. Broken, bullied, suicidal, and

pregnant at 19—Satan had her right where

he wanted her—defeated. But that’s not

the plan God had for her, and when she

surrendered to Him, new life began.

Restoration

THE STORY OF CLINT SMITH

From police force to prison, Clint thought

the shattered pieces of his life could never

be fixed. But an encounter with God and

subsequent submission to His will brought

Clint restoration, new hope, and purpose.

18

25

28

COVER STORY

They Said I Wouldn’t Make It

THE STORY OF FREDERICK BEST

Born with severe physical deformities

and facing a lifetime of difficulty and

discrimination, Dr. Best has beaten

all the odds—but he’s only done

that through complete trust and

dependence on God. Whatever your

challenges, don’t be afraid. There’s no

limit to what God can do for those

who believe.

Trophy of Grace

THE STORY OF STEVE RICHARDSON

Before he was even out of his teens,

Steve was convinced no one cared

about him, so why should he care

about them? Drugs, alcohol, a wife, a

child, a house, a bike—nothing filled the

void within. He knew he was destined

for death if something didn’t change.

The Joy of the Lord Is My

Strength

THE STORY OF JESSICA WEAVER

Betrayed and molested from the age

of seven, Jessica attempted suicide at

COVER PHOTO BY PARKER OVERTON PHOTOGRAPHY

ON THE COVER

Since before he was

born, Frederick was

told he wouldn’t

make it. But by the

grace of God and

a refuse-to-give-up

attitude, Frederick

proved all things are

possible to anyone

who would dare to

believe.

13, found herself in juvenile detention

at 15, on crack at 19, and heroin soon

after. A divorce, a dope house, a pimp,

and prison—if there was a better life out

there, she couldn’t find it. But then she

met Jesus, and everything changed.

IN EVERY ISSUE

6

Publisher’s Note

Settle It!

32

Behind the Wire

Hearing from God

33

I’ve Accepted God’s

Salvation...Now What?

34

Resources/Ministry Info


Issue 02 / 2025

5

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Settle It!

VLMag is primarily circulated

in the corrections community.

However, it is available in free

society to our ministry partners

for a gift of any amount.

Visit vlmin.org and click the

“donate” tab. Every dollar you

give sends one copy of VLMag

into a corrections facility,

where it will deliver hope to

many people for years to come.

grew up in a Christian family and

attended church weekly, but I was

never quite sure what to think of God.

I believed that He had sent His one and only

Son, Jesus, to this world to die for my sins so

that I could have salvation (John 3:16), but I

lacked security in my relationship with Him.

It didn’t help that as a child, I often heard,

“God is watching you, and He knows your

thoughts!” At least in my little mind, those

warnings translated to: “God is watching you

and knows if you’re telling the truth or doing

or thinking something wrong. And if you screw

up, He’s going to get you!”

I imagined Him to be a harsh judge ready to

slam His gavel down and yell, “She’s guilty!” I

understood nothing about His love and grace.

I did not know that God had sent His Son into

the world, not to judge me, but so that through

Him I could be saved (John 3:17).

Because of my skewed view of God, I repeatedly

attempted to secure my salvation through

well-crafted prayers and good behavior. I went

forward most Sunday mornings at junior

church to pray again in case something I had

said or done during the week had undone my

eternal security.

I carried this fear into adulthood. Thankfully,

I have now settled the matter of my salvation in

my heart. I believe and know that I am saved

by my faith in Jesus, not by my works (Ephesians

2:8). But I still wrestle with my relationship

with God. Today, it’s not about whether

I’m going to heaven—it’s about whether I am

enough, have done enough, or have enough to do

what God wants me to do. And that frustrates

me because I know better!

I’m a minister of God’s beautiful promise to

others when they struggle with their identity.

So why can I not get it through my thick skull?

It’s because I’ve equated being good enough

with performance my whole life, especially as

an athlete. My world validated this thought. The

more titles, accomplishments, credentials, and

degrees I earned, the greater the applause, the

more opportunities I had, and the larger my

bank account grew.

But God’s way isn’t the world’s way—

thank goodness! Isaiah 55:8–9 says that His

ways and thoughts toward us are so much

better than ours. They are not dependent

on our performance but are instead based

on the performance of His Son, Jesus.

Just this week, while at the beach seeking

direction from the Lord, I sensed Him leading

me to Ephesians. I felt His Spirit saying,

“Kristi, you have got to receive these truths

once and for all; otherwise, you will continue

to be tossed like the waves in that ocean.”

What was in those pages that He wanted

me to receive? He wanted me to settle in my

heart that He loves me and that despite my

shortcomings, He chose me. He placed a

calling on my life, which He will fulfill. He

reminded me that I am enough and that He

rejoices over me. He accepts me into His

family, weaknesses and all.

He reminded me that through His Son,

Jesus, I lack nothing. I have all the wisdom,

authority, provision, power, protection, and

resources I will ever need to do what He’s

called me to do and be who He’s called me

to be. His spiritual blessings are unending

and above all that I could imagine.

Then, He gave me a final word: “Be strong

in the Lord and his mighty power” (Ephesians

6:10 NLT). God’s strength and power

are what lead me to victory and provide for

the success of this ministry—not me. Talk

about a pressure releaser!

Friend, I don’t know if you wrestle with

your relationship with God. Perhaps, like

me, you’ve put a burden on yourself that

God doesn’t intend for you to carry. It’s

time to settle your identity once and for all.

May the following stories reveal the beautiful

things that can happen when you trust

God for salvation and entrust your life to

His hands.


Publisher & Executive Director

PHOTO BY PARKER OVERTON PHOTOGRAPHY

6 Issue 02 / 2025 VICTORIOUSLIVINGMINISTRIES.ORG

TESTIMONIES

ARTWORK BY INCARCERATED PERSON

THANK YOU FOR

ALL YOU DO FOR INMATES

AROUND THE WORLD. YOU

HAVE SHOWN ME A NEW WAY

OF LIVING AND PROVIDED A

FRESH UNDERSTANDING OF

GOD’S WORD.”

RODERICK

Forsyth County Jail, Georgia

Victorious Living

Testimonies

Through the stories of Victorious Living Magazine, men

and women behind bars meet the God of another chance.

“Being recently widowed and suffering a

disability, I needed a new purpose. My zeal

for doing for others was waning. My friend

introduced me to VL’s correspondence

outreach to the incarcerated. I joined the team,

and now, this ministry has become mine.

What a blessing to provide encouraging words

from scripture to make another person’s life a

little brighter.”

DOROTHY

Greenville, North Carolina

Thank you for writing to me. I am

35 years old and don’t have anyone on

the outside, so when they called my

name at the mail call, I was shocked.

I was like, ‘Man, someone cares.’ I’m

grateful that you remembered me.”

“It was such a blessing to have your team visit our

facility in Florence. The Holy Spirit was ever so

present in that building. I was humbled to have a

spot in the service to hear the message. I couldn’t

think of a better way to start my day than to be

in the presence of God’s people and His Word.”

STUART

ASPC Central Arizona Correctional Facility, Arizona

EDWARD

Wrightsville CI, Arkansas

“YOUR MAGAZINE HAS

HELPED ME THROUGH MANY

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS.”

LYNN

Florence McClure Women’s CI, Nevada

“Watching your videos feels real upclose-and-personal

for me. It’s like

you are talking to me, and a flame

is lit in my spirit for Christ.

MICHAEL

Sago Palm Re-Entry Center, Florida


Issue 02 / 2025

7

STEPPING FORWARD

BY MICHAEL DIXON

THE DIVINE

POWER

OF GOD’S

PROMISES

MY HEAD THROBBED, my throat was

dry and raw, and every muscle in my body

pulsed with pain. This debilitating condition

was common after my all-night binges.

My wife, Melissa, frustrated, angry, and

hurt, constantly pleaded with me to seek

help. I made promises to try harder to stop

using, only to relapse. My addictions were

destroying me, and it seemed that no matter

how hard I tried, I could not break free.

All this changed one chilly February

night in 1988 when, in desperation, I

agreed to attend a church service with my

wife. I was so sick and tired of living life

chained to drugs.

The Holy Spirit had already prepared

my heart for what would happen next.

That night, as the pastor invited people

to come forward for prayer, Melissa and I

responded. We knelt at the altar and gave

our lives to God.

As I poured my heart out in prayer, turning

in faith to Jesus, an indescribable peace

flooded me. When I rose from that altar, I

knew I had been forgiven and redeemed

and had been given another chance. I be-

gan a new life that night. At 27 years old, I

had finally surrendered my life to Christ.

Second Peter 1:3–4 declares that “By his

divine power, God has given us everything

we need for living a godly life. We have received

all of this by coming to know him,

the one who called us to himself by means

of his marvelous glory and excellence. And

because of his glory and excellence, he

has given us great and precious promises.

These are the promises that enable

you to share his divine nature and escape

the world’s corruption caused by human

desires” (NLT).

There are three things God has made

available to us to equip us for life and godliness.

First, we have His “divine power.”

Through it, we receive all we need for life

and godliness.

Notice the word all. It is through God’s

Holy Spirit that we receive this divine

power to overcome and experience lasting

change. Through that power, I have been

clean and sober for 37 years. His power is

available to you, too, when you yield to God

and place your faith in Christ.

Second, we have His “great and precious

promises.” These promises are precious

because we don’t deserve them; they are

offered to us through grace. They are great

because a great God makes them.

Immediately following my salvation decision,

I became involved in a Bible-believing

church, and like a sponge, I soaked up the

promises of God. I discovered in 2 Corinthians

5:17 that I was now a new creation.

I was no longer an addict or an alcoholic.

Ephesians 1 told me I was accepted,

adopted, sealed, loved, and forgiven by

God. I have chosen to identify myself the

same way God identifies me. I stand on His

promises that I can overcome temptation

(1 Corinthians 10:13) and live a victorious

Christian life (Romans 8:37). His truth set

me free (John 8:32). It can set you free too.

Third, we have His “divine nature.” At

that altar, I received God’s divine nature.

That nature gave me new appetites, new

wants, and new desires. Our nature determines

what we hunger for, how we live, and

the people we surround ourselves with.

I no longer desire the same people, places,

or things that had been a part of my previous

life in addiction. I have a new nature.

This same transformation is available

to you. God’s divine power, His great and

precious promises, and His divine nature

can become yours. It all begins with

surrendering to the God who offers you

what you need to live a godly life in this

godless world.

MICHAEL DIXON surrendered to God 37 years

ago after childhood trauma and addiction nearly

destroyed him. Changed by God, Michael became

a pastor, author, licensed addiction specialist, and

director of his nonprofit, L.I.F.E. (Living in Freedom

Everyday) Ministries. His bilingual curriculum,

L.I.F.E. Ministries, helps others find wholeness and

freedom in Christ Jesus and can be purchased on

Amazon. Videos can be viewed by the incarcerated

on EDOVO and through VL’s platform on Pando.


STEPPING FORWARD

The Power of

Long-Distance Prayer

BY LISA APPELO

NEWS FROM THE CAROLINA MOUNTAINS STILL

continues to reveal Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic

damage to homes, lives, and livelihoods, months after the

storm. Towns in my home state of Florida have also been

decimated.

Most of us can’t be boots on the ground in these places

and must donate and pray from afar. But have you ever

wondered how much your long-distance prayer can accomplish

in the life of another?

Our prayers often seem disconnected or minor in the

magnitude of someone’s need. I want to encourage you

that there are no frail prayers with an all-powerful God.

Prayer is a mystery, and we won’t fully see how God

uses our prayers this side of heaven, but scripture affirms

that God hears our prayers and responds to them. In

Psalm 18:6, David’s result of prayer is recorded: “But in

my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God

for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him

reached his ears” (NLT).

Scripture often models and instructs long-distance

prayer. In every biblical letter the apostle Paul authored

through the Holy Spirit, he prayed for believers all over

the known world. He even prayed for Christians in Rome

whom he’d not even met (Romans 1:9–10).

Jesus also modeled long-distance prayer when He

prayed for us—people who weren’t even born—before He

went to the cross (John 17:20–23).

First Timothy 2:1 tells us to do the same: “I urge you,

first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them;

intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them” (NLT).

I’m thankful for all those who have prayed for me from

afar. In the aftermath of my devastating loss when my

husband Dan suddenly went to heaven, I tangibly felt their

prayers. It’s difficult to describe since prayer is spiritual,

not physical, but I had a clear, palpable perception of the

prayers of others on my behalf.

I also saw how God used their prayers practically. God

gave me words for my children that were not my own as

we talked about the tender subject of their father’s early

death. I received clear direction from God on scores of

decisions I had to make as a widow and single mom. That

wisdom was an answer to the prayers of others.

I was also deeply comforted. When a friend serving

overseas told me she’d prayed for our family with a room

full of missionaries I’d never met, that was a gift of love.

Several months later, I felt that same comfort when I met

someone new who said they’d prayed for us too.

And I know for certain that I am not the only one who has

felt this way.

THE EARNEST PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS

PERSON HAS GREAT POWER AND

PRODUCES WONDERFUL RESULTS.

JAMES 5:16 NLT

Prayer connects us as one in the body of Christ, though

we live far away. Our long-distance prayers may feel small

in the wake of overwhelming loss, but God uses them

mightily. So don’t give up, and don’t grow weary. Your

long-distance prayer can produce the miracle someone

needs today.

LISA APPELO is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher who inspires others

to deepen their faith in grief and find hope in the hard. Formerly a litigating

attorney, her days are now filled with parenting seven children, ministering,

writing, speaking, and running enough to justify lots of dark chocolate. Find

Lisa’s encouragement for faith, grief, and hope at LisaAppelo.com.


Issue 02 / 2025

9

It’s Not

the End

THE STORY OF

DEBORAH JONES

H

ave you ever wondered

why God allowed you to be born? Have you

felt like there’s no hope for your future,

that your life has no purpose, and there’s

no use to keep trying?

I felt that way for a long time. I even considered

dying as a better option to living.

I almost perished because of my lack of

knowledge of God’s love for me and His

promises, which is what Satan wanted. He

is a thief who seeks to steal our identity

in Christ and kill our hopes and dreams

(John 10:10).

I was vulnerable to Satan’s deceiving tactics

for years. As a result, I missed out on

much of the blessed life Jesus died to give

me, including peace of mind and joy. But

it didn’t have to be that way, and it doesn’t

have to be that way for you, either.

According to God’s Word, God has a divine

purpose for each one of us. Through

His Son, Jesus, He has made a way for us

to live victoriously despite challenging circumstances

(Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians

4:13). But I didn’t know that as a child, so

I fell into confusion.

My conflict regarding my worth and

God’s plan began when I was eight and my

grandmother called me into the den and

told me she wasn’t my mother. It sounded

ridiculous and felt unreal. But then she

continued, “Your real mom is Mary, my

daughter. I’m your grandma, but you can

still call me Momma.”

What? How could this be? I wondered.

And who is this Mary she’s talking about?

Grandma then explained that my uncle

had brought me to live with her and my

grandfather when I was two because my

mom was ill.

This news stirred up all sorts of emotions

and questions. I became anxious as I considered

what my mother looked like and

questioned whether she was still ill. Was

that why she hadn’t come back to get me?

Most of all, I wondered if she’d ever return.

She did return, two years later. I vividly

remember Grandma calling me inside

the house and introducing me to a slim,

beautiful woman and another girl standing

by her side.

“Deborah, this is your mother and your

older sister,” Grandma said matter-of-factly.

I was shocked but also excited. Mother was

beautiful, and I couldn’t wait for everyone

to see her. Had she come to get me?

My hopes were dashed when, about an

hour later, she and my sister walked right

PHOTO BY B. LAMONT PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO


back out the door. Every day after, I wondered

where she was and why she hadn’t

taken me with her. My grandparents had

raised me well. They’d given me the world,

and I loved them. But I wanted my mother.

Her failure to reappear destroyed my

self-worth. My ten-year-old mind concluded

that something must be wrong with me.

If my own mother didn’t want me, I must

be defective in some way. Satan used this

opportunity to crush my understanding

of my worth.

I felt even more like a nobody when, in

the sixth grade, kids started bullying me. I

didn’t tell my grandparents. Instead, I had

a pity party. Of course, the only people at

that party were me and the devil, and you

can believe he confirmed how pitiful and

alone I was.

Those lying thoughts kept me in bondage

for years, keeping me from understanding

my true worth in God’s and my

grandparents’ eyes. Then came my report

card. I had failed and would have to repeat

my sophomore year..

That was all the evidence I needed.

What’s the use! the voices inside my head

screamed. You might as well go ahead and kill

yourself. Your life isn’t worth anything anyway.

Use the car. Crash it. End your misery. Nobody

will miss you.

I left a note for my grandparents, but

instead of using the car as the voices suggested,

I took an overdose of my grandfather’s

pills. I thank God Almighty that

Grandma found me in time. His mercy

spared my life.

A day later, we learned there had been an

error on my report card. I had passed my

grade after all—but it didn’t matter. I felt so

defeated that I dropped out of school in my

junior year. My math teacher, Mr. Thomas,

begged me to stay, but I couldn’t hear his

wisdom over the lies in my head.

More poor choices followed. I became

pregnant at the age of 19 and moved in with

the baby’s father. I was so scared. I had no

idea how to take care of a baby. But Grandma,

as always, stood by me and taught me

how to care for my daughter.

Being a mom changed me. It’s amazing

how I couldn’t recognize my own value,

but somehow I could see it in my daughter.

My relationship with her father went

downhill, though, and after seven years, I

moved back in with my grandma. I wasn’t

done making mistakes—I still didn’t know

the value I had in Christ, but every time

I’ve messed up, God has been faithful to

forgive me.

In 1992, the Lord blessed me with a

husband. A year later, we had a daughter.

Our marriage had many ups and downs,

and I prayed often for God to help me.

I’d gone to church as a child and seen

Grandma pray, so I knew it was the right

thing to do. But I was only praying that God

would grant my needs and desires. I gave

no thought to His will or how He might feel

about me. And how would I have known?

I didn’t read the Bible or attend church.

That changed when a friend invited me

to church. I took the girls with me, and they

loved it! We began going regularly.

My baby girl couldn’t wait to wear her

Sunday shoes each week. My older daughter

loved the prayer line. She would cry

during the worship music and message,

often begging to pray at the altar. I often

wondered why, but I’d go with her.

One day, when my youngest wanted

prayer, I tried to sneak out instead. I didn’t

want to take her to the altar because those

ladies’ prayers always turned toward me.

Over time, God used my precious girls

and those prayer warriors to open my eyes

to my need for a Savior.

I THOUGHT, IF MY OWN MOTHER DIDN’T

WANT ME, I MUST BE DEFECTIVE. SATAN

USED THIS OPPORTUNITY TO CRUSH MY

UNDERSTANDING OF MY WORTH.

In 1996, I made a public profession of my

belief in Jesus Christ, but it took me some

time to mature. A turning point came one

afternoon when I was praying at home. I

fell asleep, and God gave me a dream where

I could vividly see the words of Romans

12:1–2. When I woke, I read the passage:

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with

you to give your bodies to God because of all he

has done for you. Let them be a living and holy

sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable.

This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t

copy the behavior and customs of this world,

but let God transform you into a new person

Faith in God and the love of family

are Deborah’s lifelines. Pictured

here with her husband, Derrick,

daughters Derrica (center) and

Danielle, and son-in-love, Michael.


Issue 02 / 2025

11

YOU WILL BE ALL

RIGHT! LOOK UP

TO GOD AND SPEAK

LIFE OVER YOUR

SITUATION.

FAR LEFT PHOTO BY CARLA OWENS

God’s Word has helped Deborah overcome many

trials, including radiation treatments for a brain

tumor. Pictured left with her radiation mask, and

right, teaching the Word that makes her victorious.

by changing the way you think. Then you will

learn to know God’s will for you, which is good

and pleasing and perfect. (NLT)

I was blown away as I realized God was

pleading with me to present my entire self

(mind, body, and spirit) to Him as a sacrifice.

Being a follower of Christ wasn’t just

about going to church, reading the Bible,

and quoting scripture. It was about surrendering

my entire self to God and having a

relationship with Him.

These verses also revealed the importance

of renewing my mind with God’s

Word. I had to stop letting Satan influence

my thoughts. I also needed to walk in obedience

to His Word—to forgive others and

trust God in all circumstances. Only then

could I become all He intended and experience

His abundant life.

In 2000, I began yielding my thoughts

to the Lord and walking according to His

Word. Five years later, He called me into

ministry, and I became ordained.

Over the past 25 years, God’s Word and

His Holy Spirit have led me on a journey

of truth. Knowing His truth has given me

freedom from defeating thoughts, poor

choices, and negative results (John 8:32).

Presently, I have a beautiful relationship

with my mother and the same with all my

siblings. The Holy Spirit empowered me

to obtain my GED in 2018. His truth has

also helped me see people and circumstances

through spiritual eyes, not my

natural ones.

Knowing God’s truth saved my life in

2021, when I was diagnosed with a brain

tumor. I was teaching at a Christian school

when I received a call from the doctor’s

office. I had gone for a checkup earlier that

week because I’d not felt well, but I was not

expecting the news they gave me.

I left the classroom numb and called my

pastor friend. She immediately lifted me

to Jesus and said, “Deborah, you will be all

right! Look up to God and speak life over

your situation.” She knew that death and

life were in the power of the tongue (Proverbs

18:21) and reminded me to praise God

even in this storm.

So I lifted my hands and voice and

thanked God. I knew I could trust the good

God I served, and I knew nothing was impossible

for Him. I was determined to stand

on the truth of His Word and trust Him—no

matter what.

I prayed much during this time, primarily

asking for the joy of the Lord’s presence

(Psalm 16:11). I didn’t want the fear of

death to torment me. Fear is the enemy’s

work (2 Timothy 1:7), and I didn’t want to

fall prey to his lies again.

Over the next month, I underwent four

radiation treatments. The first time they

placed that plastic mold over my face and

secured my head to the radiation table,

anxiety surfaced. But thank God for His

Holy Spirit, who helped me stand on the

Word and promises of God. I focused on

being thankful to Him for His goodness and

for my husband, daughters, my “son-inlove,”

and the friends who were by my side,

praying and declaring the Word. During

the ordeal, the Lord kept me in perfect

peace (Isaiah 26:3). And, praise God, He

has healed me completely.

Do you need this kind of peace? How

about joy? It begins when you give your

whole self to God and renew your mind

with His truth. Satan wants you to think

you’re a nobody and that your situation

is over. He wants you to give up and never

experience God’s will for your life.

Don’t let him win! Start looking at life

with the perspective of God’s truth. Whatever

you’re facing doesn’t have to define

or defeat you. Keep fighting in the Spirit

and arming yourself with truth (Ephesians

6:10–18). The Lord will make a way.

What you see around you isn’t the end.

DEBORAH JONES has been a wife to her loving

husband for over 31 years. She’s also a mother,

“mother-in-love,” grandmother, foster mom, and

ordained minister who serves as an elder in her

church. Deborah serves in nursing homes and is the

author of The Making, available on Amazon.


TRANSFORMED LIVES

ART BY BY ALBERTO HENRIQUEZ

ARTIST ALBERTO HENRIQUEZ HONORS MISTY’S MEMORY THROUGH THIS DRAWING.

VICTORY IN

GRIEF

“GOD, I’M HAVING A HARD TIME.” The words slipped out in

a quiet moment, raw and unfiltered. It wasn’t a polished prayer—just

an honest admission of where I was. I’d just lost my best friend, and

my heart was breaking.

Grief is a storm that reshaped the landscape of my heart. Losing

Misty plunged me into a darkness filled with questions, unpredictable

raw emotions, and profound loss. There were days I didn’t think I’d

make it through the pain.

But as I looked to the Lord, a glimmer of light emerged. It wasn’t

the light of immediate healing, answers, or an easy resolution to my

pain. Instead, it was the slow and steady illumination of God’s peace

and presence walking alongside me (Philippians 4:6–7). It was a newfound

courage and resilience that embraced hardship and loss—not

as something to escape, but as something to accept.

Grief often feels like an enemy to be defeated. We fight against it

and avoid, outrun, or numb ourselves to its impact. But grief is not

something to conquer. It is a teacher that, when we face it with courage

and honesty, can lead us to new depths of intimacy with God, self,

and others. Through grief, we can discover resilience and strength

we didn’t know we had.

BY SHERIDAN CORREA

I am learning not to deny what is painful but to accept it as part of

my story. A transformed life does not try to eliminate all the

negative thoughts, feelings, and situations—that’s impossible.

A transformed life understands that we change our response

to those things. We think about them from God’s perspective,

trusting His presence and planning in life’s challenges. As

Isaiah 42:3 reminds us, “A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” (NIV).

Victory in the darkness of grief doesn’t come from avoiding

the pain; it comes from walking through it intentionally

and with active faith. My old strategies for managing painful

situations don’t serve me anymore. I used to isolate, stay in

bed, wallow in pity, numb and escape from reality, or run

away from anything challenging.

Victory in the shadow of grief doesn’t mean the grief is

gone or that I will never feel sorrow again. Victory is a choice.

It comes when I decide not to hide but to be vulnerable. It’s

about being honest with myself and others about my thoughts

and feelings. It’s choosing to lament and bring my pain to

God rather than hoard or hide from it.

Victory also comes in taking care of myself. I’ve learned to

support my body by eating right and exercising. I prioritize

rest, and create space for recovery and healing. Leaning into

my community for support and prayer has been vital too.

Victory is about participating in life, even when it feels

broken. That means I can be vulnerable and honest with

God and admit I’m having a hard time. I can reach out to

Him even as I allow myself to feel every emotion—sadness,

anger, confusion.

Life brings hardship and pain. A transformed life

doesn’t deny this reality; it acknowledges and embraces

it. It sees every trial as an opportunity for deeper intimacy

Through grief, we can discover resilience

and strength we didn’t know we had. I

am learning not to deny what is painful

but to accept it as part of my story.

with the Father (Psalm 34:18), every loss as a chance to receive

His strength (1 Corinthians 10:13), and every sorrow as

a place where His Spirit brings mature fruit (James 1:2–4).

God hasn’t left us without help and hope. Jesus promised

in John 16:33 that we can have hope during trouble because

He has overcome every hard thing we’ll go through.

As I navigate the waves of grief, I hold onto this hope: the

darkness is not the end of the story. Christ has overcome

the darkness. In Him, even the most profound sorrow can

become a doorway to victory and a path to a fuller, more

radiant life.

SHERIDAN CORREA is a trauma-informed biblical counselor who serves

as the wellness program director for Victorious Living. A wife and mother

of two teenage boys, Sheridan has been radically changed by Jesus.


Issue 02 / 2025

13

Restoration

THE STORY OF CLINT SMITH

How does one go

from wearing

a badge and

protecting others to

wearing an orange

jumpsuit and living

behind bars?

I asked myself that question as I lay in my

bunk.

“Med call!” The nurse shouted at 5:00

a.m. “Smith, you want your detox meds?”

Weak from not eating and barely alive, I

collected myself, buttoned up, and walked

over to the table.

“Child, you are one pitiful sight. The last

time you were in here, you said you weren’t

coming back,” she said as she took my vitals.

That day, I was a dead man walking—

physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

But now, because of the saving and healing

power of Jesus Christ, I am a new man,

full of life.

My childhood was tough. My mother tried

her best to shield me from my abusive, alcoholic

father, but there was no escaping the

chaos. She also worked hard to protect our

family’s integrity within the community, as

both my parents served in law enforcement.

Because of their status, however, I felt I

had nowhere to turn for help. Who would

believe me if I shared what happened in our

home? I was also afraid of what Dad would

do to me if I talked. I was already the target

of his drunken outbursts. I hid the abuse

from Mom, terrified our family would split.

School life wasn’t any better. I was a social

outcast with no athletic skills. Feeling

unwanted at home and school, I became an

introvert. My only place of safety was my

grandparents’ home.

After graduating high school, I left home,

got a job, and enrolled in a community

college. There I found acceptance through

partying. Drugs and alcohol, the very things

I despised, became the cure for all my social

anxieties.

Being under the influence gave me a false

sense of security, but in reality I was awakening

a monster of addiction that would

eventually crush me.

Knowing I needed to straighten up, I

moved away from the college environment

and applied for a position as a detention

officer. I felt proud and accepted, serving

in law enforcement like my folks.

In my second year, I was selected to attend

Basic Law Enforcement Training and

graduated as president of my class. At 25,

I was sworn in as a deputy sheriff. I loved

the job structure and fighting for others. I’d

always been an underdog.

A couple of years later, I became a sergeant

and entered investigations. I still

partied on my days off with other officers,

but not like before.

In 2014, I injured my back on the job and

endured a botched surgery. My doctor prescribed

copious amounts of opiates to treat

my pain. Once those drugs entered my system,

everything changed. I felt euphoric!



Unbelievably, the doctor had no problem

prescribing 360 pills a month—more than

most terminally ill patients take.

When I switched neurosurgeons, that

all stopped. This doctor weened me off the

opiates and provided other methods of pain

management until I was able to return to

work. But by then, I had grown tired of law

enforcement, especially the constant bickering

among staff, late shifts, and political

atmosphere. Not to mention the trauma

that came with the job.

I had experienced shootings and witnessed

stabbings, child abuse, suicide, rape,

and seen people burned to a crisp. The faces

of those victims were seared in my mind,

and I couldn’t take any more.

In 2019, I resigned as a lieutenant after

14 years in law enforcement and got my

commercial driver’s license. I also got engaged

and had a child.

I was excited about having a family, but

before the birth of our son, I began drinking

after hours with coworkers and dabbling in

narcotics. Then came another back surgery,

and once that first pain pill passed my lips,

I was a goner.

When the doctor cut me off, I looked for

another source. I felt lucky when my cocaine

distributor gave me ten free bags of

opiates. I didn’t realize it was fentanyl, but

I knew that whatever it was, it worked! My

back pain was soon gone, and I decided I

should stop using.

That idea was followed by withdrawals

that made me want to die!

Confused, I called the dealer and asked

what he’d given me. “Welcome to the party,”

he said. “Where can I meet you?” This time,

the drugs weren’t free. I was in trouble.

From that point, addiction ruled my life.

It took everything from me—my home, fiancée,

son, and reputation. And then I started

using the needle, something most addicts

say they’ll never do.

Money soon ran out, so I sold items to get

more, including things that weren’t mine to

sell. When there was nothing left, I sold and

distributed fentanyl to support my habit.

I overdosed three times. The first time, I

came to with a medical team and authorities

standing over me in my mother’s driveway.

I was so angry at Mom for calling for help.

As soon as I could stand, I ran to my car

and took off in a rage. A short car chase ensued

before I hit some trash cans and came

to a halt. I woke up in an orange jumpsuit

with charges for felony flee-and-elude and

possession of heroin.

News outlets across the state had a field

day. The headlines read, “Former Police

Lieutenant Arrested.” I was ashamed and

embarrassed about how my actions had

impacted my family and the departments

I’d served.

The district attorney offered a plea bargain

and probation since it was my first

offense, but I soon violated my probation

and returned to the courtroom. I could’ve

slid under the bench when the young man

beside me recognized me.

“Sergeant Smith, is that you?” he asked,

shocked. “Everyone back home saw the

news, bro. You did it all! It was like an episode

of Cops.” Then he added, “Keep your

head up, OG, you’re still a good man.” I sure

didn’t feel like one.

The judge showed mercy but warned me

that if he saw me again, I’d be heading down

the road to prison. I left defeated and angry

with myself, the world, and God.

Not long after, I walked outside in the

rain, threw my hands up, and screamed at

the sky, “Love me. Hate me. Kill me. I don’t

care. Just let me know You’re up there!” I

was not prepared for God’s answer.

The next day, my probation officer

showed up for a house check. While there,

he revealed the police department had

launched an investigation against me. I

had eight pending felonies.

Two days later, while riding with my

mother, I noticed a couple of patrol cars.

I knew they were waiting for me. Then an-

other car whipped in behind us and pulled

us over. I told Mom I was sorry and that I’d

be going away for a while.

The police handcuffed me and took me

to jail. The judge set an astronomical bail,

and I underwent another nightmare detox

experience. Afterward, I was moved to the

general population where a chaplain soon

visited me.

He told me that if I built my life on anything

but Jesus Christ, it wouldn’t stand

(Matthew 7:24–27). I thought he had a lot of

gall at first, but that night, I reflected on his

words, and I prayed, “God, will You help me

lay this foundation the chaplain spoke of?”

I received God’s answer a few days later

when an officer pulled me aside and told

me about the S.H.A.R.P. program (Sheriff’s

Heroin Addiction Recovery Program) at the

Pitt County Detention Center. Three days

later, I was moved into the program.

I was a dead man walking—physically,

spiritually, and emotionally. But now,

because of the saving and healing power of

Jesus Christ, I am a new man, full of life.

Various individuals came into our block

to provide counseling and guidance for

overcoming addiction, including ministers

like Pastor Mike Dixon, Chaplain David Linton,

and Victorious Living publisher, Kristi

Overton Johnson.

The faith-based recovery approach they

presented intrigued me, as did the hope of

Christ in their lives. I became deeply convicted

about my sin and grabbed a Bible off

the shelf. I confessed to God that I’d made

a wreck of my life and promised that if He

would save me, I’d worship Him forever.

I started reading in Genesis and made

my way through the entire Bible. My faith

grew stronger daily, as did my level of peace.

Soon, the torment of my incarceration became

a place of blessing. I felt alive and free.

Five months later my bond was dropped,

and I received a pretrial release on a leg

monitor. I was afraid to leave when the


Issue 02 / 2025

15

officer told me to pack it up. The rubber

was about to hit the road, and I wasn’t sure

I’d make it.

The first person I called when I got home

was Pastor Mike. He offered an addiction

recovery program called L.I.F.E. I knew

that if I wanted to stay clean and continue

to grow in my faith, I needed to stay connected

with the program and the people

who had helped me.

Pastor Mike visited me, and we talked

about my next steps. He warned me the

journey wouldn’t be easy, but promised that

through faith in Jesus, all I needed would be

provided. We knelt in my mother’s living

The torment of my incarceration became

a place of blessing. I felt alive and free.

room and prayed, and in the months that followed,

I watched God do miraculous things.

When I left jail, I had nothing but the

clothes on my back and those eight pending

felony charges. I had no driver’s license, no

job, no phone. The local reentry program

helped me with clothes and counseling,

but because of the pending felonies, their

attempts at finding me employment failed.

Clint (in tub) being

baptized at Victorious

Living’s Revival of

Hope in September

2024 by Mike Dixon

and Kristi Overton

Johnson. The three

(pictured below)

met while Clint was

incarcerated and

now they partner in

ministry to reach

others with the hope

of Christ.

“Come back when your legal troubles end,”

they all said.

I managed to find a job at McDonalds.

Flipping burgers was not exactly what I

wanted, but I was thankful and determined

to work for God’s glory (Colossians 3:17). I

reminded myself daily to be faithful and

kind, and to work with integrity. The Bible

promised God would see my efforts and

reward me in due time (Luke 16:10).

People often asked about my leg monitor.

This allowed me to share my testimony

and life lessons. I was so pleased when, as

a result of my encouragement, one of my

coworkers enlisted in the Navy and another

returned to school to get his GED.

God soon provided more opportunities

for me to serve Him and others when Pastor

Dixon asked me to teach at his L.I.F.E.

recovery meetings. I was amazed that God

and Pastor Mike would trust me to help others

find freedom. I still had a trial pending.

Days before my court date, my lawyer

informed me that the state had dismissed

all eight charges. Tears flowed as I praised

God for moving on my behalf. I could now

apply to the local community college.

More blessings followed when I got my

driver’s license back and was approved for

financial aid. Today, I am a full-time student

with a 3.5 GPA, preparing to enter nursing

school. To God be the glory!

God sure does have a knack for restoring

broken people and raising dead things back

to life. He crushed my addictions, healed

my depression, restored what I’d lost, and

gave me more than I could’ve imagined. He

can do all that for you too. It doesn’t matter

what’s going on in your life—there is always

hope in Jesus Christ.


CLINT SMITH helps others live in freedom from

addiction in his position as a recovery leader in

L.I.F.E. Ministries. The L.I.F.E. program is available

to the incarcerated on VL’s digital platforms on

EDOVO and PANDO.


STEPPING FORWARD

Praise God Anyhow

BY CHRISTINA KIMBREL

I KNEW THE MOMENT my eyes opened

that I would have to fight my way out of bed.

I lingered in the dark, stuck between a rock

and a hard place. I couldn’t go back to sleep,

but I didn’t want my feet to hit the floor

either.

“Lord, I don’t want to do this today,” I

whispered. How would I make it to work? I

needed a miracle just to get to the coffeepot.

But why was I dreading the day ahead?

Life has never been better. I’m married to

a wonderful man, all my needs are met, I’m

doing what I love by writing for the Lord, and

I get to help set captives free by sharing the

hope of Jesus. I’m very blessed.

For me, depression is irrational like that.

It rears its ugly head unannounced and uninvited,

always at inconvenient times when

I have people to see, places to go, and things

to do. Activities I usually love suddenly feel

overwhelming. Simple conversation is

daunting. Daily tasks like making a sandwich

or showering seem impossible.

That might sound overly dramatic to

someone who’s not experienced it. But if

you know, you know.

In the past, I’ve allowed depression to

stop me from living life. Everything was too

much, no matter what it was. But since I’ve

surrendered my life to Jesus, He enables

me to push through the darkness and forge

a way forward. I don’t deny the feelings, but

I no longer let them rule me.

On difficult days, it’s a choice I make. I

know I need to ask God for help (Psalm 30:2),

I don’t deny the feelings, but I no longer

let them rule me.

and when I do, He encourages me with the

quiet assurance that if I just take the first

few steps out of bed and open His Word, He

will meet me there.

That reminder was the nudge I needed. I

rolled out of bed, shuffled to the coffeepot,

and then sat silently before my open Bible,

waiting to hear from the Lord.

God did not disappoint. He prompted me

to read Psalm 42. Tears came as I read the

words written thousands of years ago by

someone in my condition. “Why am I discouraged?”

the psalmist wrote. “Why is my

heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I

will praise him again—my Savior and my

God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I

will remember you” (Psalm 42:5–6 NLT).

The psalmist didn’t know why he was

suffering or how long it would last, but he

knew what to do. And through his writing,

he shared with us a prescription for a holy

antidepressant: remember the Lord’s faithfulness

(42:6), acknowledge His love and

presence in prayer (42:8), put all your hope

in God, and amid your sadness and despair,

offer God praise (42:11).

Psalm 42 was the remedy my soul needed

as I fought to function that morning. That

holy prescription helped me to propel myself

forward with renewed strength and

enthusiasm.

At work, I repeated a song of praise in my

heart, remembering all the good things God

has done in my life. I recalled the miracles

He’s given me and thanked Him for His

presence in my trials. Before I knew it, the

day was over.

God had responded to my praise by giving

me the strength to do what I thought

I couldn’t. I returned home celebrating a

victory.

God put this chapter in His Word because

He knew there would be days when

His kids—you and me—might need a little

extra help doing life in this broken world.

Are you discouraged? Praise Him anyhow.

Surrender to Him your depression,

anger, anxiety, lust, envy, or whatever else

is hindering you. He will meet you in His

Word, where He met me. God promises that

our Helper, the Holy Spirit, will bring the

scriptures we have written upon our hearts

to our remembrance in times of need (John

14:26; Hebrews 8:10).

Praise will help you overcome, as will the

One who is greater than anything you are

going through (1 John 4:4).

CHRISTINA KIMBREL serves as VL’s production

manager. Once incarcerated, she now ministers

hope to those held captive by their past and current

circumstances while sharing the message of healing

she found in Jesus.


Issue 02 / 2025

17

THE STORY OF FREDERICK BEST


“MS. BEST, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU TERMINATE THIS

PREGNANCY.” MOMMA WAS FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT

WITH ME WHEN SHE HEARD THOSE WORDS.


It had been a tough pregnancy from the

start. Being an unwed, poverty-stricken,

pregnant woman of color in the sixties

was difficult enough, but then came the

extreme morning sickness. Momma tried

to push through the nausea and dizziness

as she worked in the tobacco fields of Eastern

North Carolina alongside her family,

but it was difficult.

Her pregnancy with me wasn’t a time

for celebration. Momma already had three

children, but her parents supported their

daughter in every way.

A friend offered her a drug called thalidomide

to alleviate her morning sickness

symptoms, and Momma welcomed

the relief. But what she, her friend, and

the doctors didn’t know was that this drug

was causing much harm to me, as it did to

over 10,000 other unborn children whose

mothers took it in their first trimester.

When Momma developed severe abdominal

pain, she went to a clinic. But it

took multiple trips before she was sent

to a specialist who could diagnose the

problem. There, she learned of my congenital

disabilities and the life-threatening

complications she likely faced if she continued

with the pregnancy. She left the

doctor’s office devastated.

She turned to her faith to help her make

the most difficult decision of her life. Momma

strongly believed in the principles of

the Bible and held tightly to her conviction

regarding life, even though the odds were

stacked against us. After much prayer, she

decided to risk her life for mine.

I fought my way into this world on January

19, 1968, tearing through my mother’s

placenta and causing her to hemorrhage

internally. A heavy silence hung in the air

as the doctors and nurses cleaned and

examined me, and then the doctor gave

Momma the news.

“Ms. Best, your son’s body is very deformed.

He will never live a normal life.

He’s missing bones from both shoulders

and can’t bend his arms and legs. His right

hand appears weak, and his left is severely

deformed.” He went on to tell her that

both my kneecaps were turned backward

and that the fingers on my left hand were

nothing but stubs.

My mother, an otherwise quiet and gentle

woman, had heard enough. “Bring me

my son!” she demanded. Holding me close,

she told my aunts, “The Lord knows what

He’s doing. This baby’s name is Frederick

Ronzelle Best.” It means peaceable ruler.

I stayed in the hospital after Momma was

released so the doctors could run more

tests. Momma took this time to prepare

my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and my

three brothers for my arrival.

Her family rallied to care for me. The

Bests are a tight-knit clan who understand

hard work. We come from a long line of

sharecroppers who have experienced

many difficulties.

My condition quickly became the talk

of the town, and many people came by

the house to get a glimpse. Most, though,

only pretended to congratulate my mother.

They whispered horrible things behind

our backs.

Some said I was cursed. Others said God

was punishing Momma by giving her such a

child. But she paid them no mind, choosing

instead to cling to the Lord and His promises.

While I was in her womb, the Lord had

told Momma that I was no different than

any other child. She was confident God had

great plans for me. Dear friends confirmed

His promise: “God has entrusted you with a

special gift, Sylvia. You are blessed.”

Raising a special-needs child was no

small task. Momma depended on the

Lord daily, facing her fears and challenges

with grace, dignity, and fierce determination.

Tears often fell from her eyes as she

watched my little body work hard to do what

other babies did easily.

Little milestones were celebrated as huge

victories as I rolled over, sat up, took my first

steps, and learned to feed myself against all

the doctor’s predictions. I loved learning to

do things for myself. Momma had her hands

full—I wanted to help her however I could.

At first, she was protective of me, but as I

grew up, she treated me no differently than

my siblings and wouldn’t allow anyone else

to either.

Every day, Momma instilled in me that

I was not handicapped. To this day, I can

hear her firm voice, “Don’t let nobody label

you, Frederick. You can do whatever anyone

else can. Don’t ever let nobody tell you

different.” My learning accelerated when I

started school. Momma ensured I was in

regular classes like everyone else.

Frederick (left) pictured with his

older brother, Burtrice.


Issue 02 / 2025

19

In the years that followed, Momma had

many more children—15 in all. By the

world’s standards, we were destitute. We

wore hand-me-downs, slept five kids to

a bed, and often couldn’t afford to attend

school. But as far as my siblings and I knew,

our needs were being met. We had a roof

over our heads and a home filled with love.

But then, when I was in the third grade,

our family suddenly became homeless. We

moved around a lot, and during this chaotic

time, I was raped several times by a person

we trusted. I carried shame and misplaced

guilt over those incidents for many years.

Social Services got involved after someone

reported our family’s situation. We

had no idea the kind lady visiting, asking

questions, and bringing us food every few

months was a social worker.

In January 1979, just after my 11th birthday,

the authorities arrived at my school.

“Frederick,” they said, “you’re coming

with us today. We have your mom’s permission

to pick you up.” Something didn’t

feel right, but I went, hoping they’d take

me to Momma.

Instead, I was taken to the Department

of Social Services building and escorted

into a room. My brothers and sisters were

also there.

“Momma’s left us for a while,” one of my

brothers told me.

That’s a lie, I thought. There was no way

she would go away and leave us with these

people.

After telling us that we’d be in foster care

for a few months, the authorities took my

siblings away in pairs. I fought back my

tears, trying to be strong for the others.

Many of my siblings screamed and cried

out for our momma. It was a pitiful scene.

After a few minutes, I was the only one

remaining. One of the social workers nodded

in my direction and whispered, “We

can’t find anyone who wants him.” Those

words were like salt on an open wound.

They found me a foster home by nightfall.

As we drove away from the building,

I looked out the window, looking desperately

for landmarks to remember. I’d need

to have my bearings for when I ran away.

We passed over a steel bridge, and I recognized

it as the one our family crossed as

we entered Greenville. The social worker

realized what I was doing, and began to

drive down different roads to confuse me.

Her plan worked. And as I lost my way,

deep sorrow filled my heart. I began to cry

uncontrollably, “I want my Momma. Please

take me home. I want my family.”

Every day, Momma instilled in me that I was not

handicapped. To this day, I can hear her firm voice,

“Don’t let nobody label you, Frederick.”

When we came to a

stoplight, I jumped out of

the car and tried to run

away. I didn’t get far. She

caught me, put me back

in the car, and drove me to

the place I would call home

for the next seven years.

Many kind and loving

foster homes exist, but I

One of Frederick’s favorite family

photos is of his mother (center)

and all his siblings in their caps

and gowns with their family’s

home in the background.

didn’t end up in one of those. My foster

mother abused me mentally, physically,

and verbally. I can still hear her say the

very first night, “He’s a nasty, dirty, little

thing.” I was also sexually abused by other

foster kids in the house.

I tried often to tell the social workers

what was happening, but my cries for help

fell on deaf ears. I didn’t know the whereabouts

of my siblings for years until social

services finally granted some of us a visit.

Together at last, I heard about the horrible

hardships and abuse many of my siblings

were enduring. I also learned that one

of my brothers was in a mental institution,

two of my sisters had been adopted, and

that my mother had relocated to Baltimore

after having a nervous breakdown over losing

her babies.

All this news weighed heavily on my

heart. Momma had always put me in

charge of looking after my brothers and

sisters, even the older ones. I felt helpless

as I returned to my foster home, but I became

ever so motivated to get out on my

own and help my family.

One of the most challenging parts of

being in foster care was the limitations

people put on me. Everyone assumed that

because I had so many physical handicaps,

my mind didn’t function properly.

School officials insisted on putting me

in special-education classes. I had to fight

every day to keep my mind from being imprisoned

with doubts and insecurities. I

graduated with a fourth-grade education.

They also tried to deny me the chance to

get my driver’s license, but I worked on the

instructor’s nerves until he got sick of me

and let me take the class just to shut me up.

To his surprise, I mastered driving quickly.

Momma had drilled into my mind to

reject the thought that anything was too

difficult. I held tightly to the memory of her

voice in the face of every obstacle and let it

spur me on as I awaited my 18th birthday.

When the clock struck midnight on

January 19, 1986, I thanked my foster

mother for caring for me, even though

she had never once told me she loved me

or said anything positive about me. Then I

grabbed my bags and walked out the door.



Right: Tonier travels often,

sharing her experiences and

providing tools to help others

overcome their past traumas.

Frederick (center) and many of his siblings remember their mother, Sylvia,

while standing on the bridge Frederick crossed over to reunite his family.

Independent, I was prepared to go to any

length to reunite my family. I knew God had

given me a divine assignment, and I set out

to answer His call. What I didn’t know yet

was that I needed to surrender my life to

Him first. My mother had planted many

seeds of faith in my life, but I had never

determined to follow God personally, and

that left me open to distraction.

I went through a period of darkness as

I attempted to deal with unresolved anger

apart from the Lord’s help. I started

drinking, smoking, and doing drugs. Then,

after becoming mixed up with the wrong

people, I found myself in jail for something

I didn’t do. I was there a week before they

cleared my name.

God used this time to bring me to a place

of surrender. He spoke clearly to my heart

behind those bars, reminding me that I was

created on purpose, for a purpose. He revealed

that I needed to accept Jesus Christ

as my Lord and Savior to lay hold of those

purposes. God helped me overcome all the

anger and bitterness that had grown in my

heart, a root the Bible says defiles many

(Hebrews 12:15).

I started inviting God into the broken

places of my life. He began healing me,

positioning me to help my siblings find

wholeness. A person cannot give to others

what they do not possess. Until then, I

hadn’t realized I needed healing from my

past experiences.

Bit by bit, I surrendered the pain of my

past to Jesus, including the words and actions

of my abusers. I placed every person

at Jesus’s feet, trusting He would set things

right (Romans 12:19). In doing so, I found

freedom from the bondage of unforgiveness.

Healing took time, but it was worth

the effort.

Since I surrendered my life to Him, God

has guided my steps and given me the

strength and provision to reunite my family.

I have often felt like David fighting Goliath

as I’ve faced powerful and influential state

agencies, especially during a seven-year

custody battle against the State of North

Carolina. But God’s power has been made

perfect within me wherever and whenever

I’ve been weak (2 Corinthians 12:9).

There have been many blows along the

way, like the senseless murder of my brother,

George. That grief almost took me out.

But God helped me cope with that painful

loss and tragedy and helped me get back

up. Losing George motivated me to fight

even harder for my remaining siblings.

Getting custody of my younger brother,

I started inviting God into

the broken places of my

life. He began healing me,

positioning me to help my

siblings find wholeness.

Jacob, from the mental institution was a

tedious process and required supernatural

patience. There was a lot of red tape. The

biggest challenge, though, was earning

Jacob’s trust. He was ten years old, and I

was a stranger to him; there was also the

matter of my appearance.

Jacob was initially afraid of me, but as

I remained consistent in my visits, I became

a familiar face and earned his trust.

He struggled to remember my name, so I

bought him a Fred Flintstone doll.

Seeing Jacob’s potential, I encouraged

him the way Momma had encouraged

me, reminding him there was nothing he

couldn’t do. I also made a pact with him,

“If you’ll be my hands and feet, I’ll be your

brain. We can do this together.” We had our

ups and downs, but with consistent love

and patience, Jacob has overcome every

limitation placed on him.


Issue 02 / 2025

21


Left: Frederick’s son, Prince, shares his father’s

beautiful smile and love for God and others. Above:

Frederick boating in Eastern North Carolina, living

a life without limits.

The world and your

circumstances will try

to convince you that

you won’t make it,

but God says you will!

In 1989, we found Momma in a domestic

violence shelter in Baltimore and brought

her home to be with us. We embraced her

with love and open hearts, hoping she’d

heal from any pain or regret she carried.

We lived together in Eastern North Carolina

until 2004, when she went home to

be with her Lord Jesus Christ. Our hearts

broke, but we were grateful that Momma

got to witness all the fruit of those seeds of

faith she had planted in her children’s lives.

Our family’s story is truly a miraculous

testimony of the life-changing power of

God’s grace and love. God has taken everything

Satan meant for our harm and turned

it for good (Genesis 50:20). He has not wasted

one painful moment and has helped

each of us overcome our past and live

blessed lives. We haven’t just survived—

we’ve thrived because of God.

I am amazed when I consider my life.

Once I’d graduated from high school, the

Holy Spirit motivated me to continue my

education. I entered a local community

college to study occupational therapy but

soon realized the Lord wanted me to help

people in their spiritual walk.

So I switched majors and went to Bible

college, where I eventually graduated with

four doctorates, two master’s, a bachelor’s,

and an associate’s degree! I have also authored

12 books and written three movie

scripts. Currently, I am working on a movie

of my life in partnership with an Atlantabased

production company. To God be the

glory.

Of all God’s blessings, my most treasured

is my son, Prince, who I had with

my beautiful wife before she passed away

in 2015. I am reminded of God’s goodness

and wisdom whenever I look at him.

Prince is a beautiful, gifted child who is

a bearer of God’s light to all. In him, I see

God’s faithfulness to another generation.

And to think that the Lord would use me,

someone the world said was destined to

die, to bring forth such a beautiful life. It’s

amazing.

Momma was right—the Lord knew what

He was doing. And since the moment He

created me in my mother’s womb, He’s

been helping me and working out His plan

for me (Romans 8:28).

He does the same for anyone who will

trust in Him. All things are possible with

Him if you believe (Mark 9:23; Philippians

4:13). I am living proof that God, not the

world, has the final word.

There is no limit to what He can do in

your life. God “is able, through his mighty

power at work within [you], to accomplish

infinitely more than [you] might ask or

think” (Ephesians 3:20 NLT). He will not

fail to work out His plans for you (Psalm

138:8).

That’s why you can be strong and courageous

(Joshua 1:9). It’s why you can cast

off those labels and limiting thoughts, and

keep taking steps of faith.

The world and your circumstances will

try to convince you that you won’t make it,

but God says you will!

DR. FREDERICK BEST is an overcomer whose

love for Jesus Christ compels him to share the gospel

with those rejected by society. He is a father,

pastor, and friend to many. His autobiography, They

Said I Wouldn’t Make It, can be purchased on Amazon.

For more information, visit drfredbest.com.


TRANSFORMED LIVES

CUT FREE FROM

ENTANGLEMENT

BY KRISTI OVERTON JOHNSON

THERE WERE FOUR NECKLACES IN THE TANGLED

mound. I hadn’t a clue how they got in that condition. It

was like someone had purposely shaken them together

to see how big of a mess they could make. The necklaces

had been that way for about a year.

Three of them were costume jewelry. But in the middle

of those cheap chains was one of my favorite pieces—a

necklace gifted to me by my father many Christmases

ago. It was the real deal.

My parents, generous gift givers, took me to a fine jewelry

store to pick out this gift. I was immediately drawn to

the simple yet beautifully designed cross. The sterling

silver cable with its ruby stones at the four tips of the cross

reminded me of the blood Jesus shed for me.

The gold trim setting off those stones reminded me of

my position of royalty as a daughter of the King. Every time

I wear the cross and feel the contours of the metal, I think

of the kindness of both my earthly and heavenly fathers.

I had tried many times to set my necklace free. I’d even

recruited the help of my youngest son—but he, too, had

been unsuccessful. The more we tugged and tried to separate

the items, the more bound they became. We gave up.

One Sunday, as I was getting ready for church, I saw the

necklaces again. Suddenly, an intense longing backed by

determination rose in my spirit, and I thought, I am going

to wear that cross this morning!

I looked at the clock—thirty minutes before I had to

leave. Game on.

Using tweezers and a safety pin, I pushed and pulled on

the tightly woven chains. Little pockets formed between

the metal, and I thought I was making headway. Instead,

I found myself in a worse predicament than before.

“Lord,” I prayed, “please help me undo this mess.”

Call me crazy for praying over tangled jewelry, but God

says we can ask Him for help and wisdom any time (Hebrews

4:16; James 1:5). He cares about everything in our

lives and gives us our heart’s desires as we trust Him

(Psalm 37:4–5).


Issue 02 / 2025

23

TRANSFORMED LIVES

Seconds after I prayed, this thought arose: Cut one of

the necklaces from the group.

That thought didn’t excite me much, but I found some

scissors and carefully spread apart the ends of the chains

to identify which would be sacrificed. Holding my breath,

I snipped a small piece of what I hoped was a fake gold

chain.

The necklaces noticeably loosened up, and I was able to

pull out parts of the chain. I separated the chains with my

sharp instruments, and after a couple more quick snips,

my cross necklace broke free from its bondage.

I PRAY THAT A FRESH

DETERMINATION WILL RISE IN

YOU AND THAT YOU’LL SAY,

“I AM GOING TO BE FREE!”

Begin with this simple prayer: “Lord, come into my life

and unravel me.”

Throughout the Psalms, we see King David, God’s chosen

servant, praying for God’s help. We also see him asking

God to examine his life and reveal anything hindering his

freedom (Psalm 139:23–24).

I often pray this prayer. As I do, God kindly points out

thought patterns, commitments, relationships, habits, and

other things that keep me from experiencing His good

plans (Jeremiah 29:11). He also gives me the wisdom to

move forward and the strength to do what He asks of me.

He often requires me to cut things out of my life. The

Bible teaches about the importance of cutting ourselves

free, of stripping off and casting away anything (or anyone)

that hinders our walk with God, especially that sin that

continually trips us up (Hebrews 12:1).

The Bible also teaches us to set boundaries to maintain

our freedom. Sometimes we have to make extreme

choices in order to protect and preserve our freedom.

Look at what Jesus taught His followers to do to protect

themselves from the sin of adultery:

“Thank you, Lord,” I whispered, securing the precious

gift around my neck.

Just in time, too, because my husband called, “Kristi,

it’s time to leave for church.”

I couldn’t wait to show him my success and share what

I’d learned in the tedious process. It’s a big joke in our family

that my every experience turns into an object lesson,

but I can’t help myself—it’s how the Lord speaks to me.

And now, I’d like to share that lesson with you.

Perhaps, like my wad of necklaces, your life feels like

a bound-up, useless mess. For years, you’ve tried to be

free. You’ve even recruited the help of others to no avail.

Now, you’ve given up, and others have given up on you

too, concluding that you’ll never be free or useful. I pray

that a fresh determination will rise in you and that you’ll

say, “I am going to be free!”

Your life doesn’t have to end in bondage. It’s not over!

God hasn’t thrown in the towel on you, no matter what your

current condition is, so don’t you give up either. You are

not hopeless, helpless, or beyond repair. With God, you

can overcome anything (Philippians 4:13).

Friend, try again, but this time, do it with God’s help.

If you put your tangled-up life in the skilled hands of the

Master and seek His face and will for your life, He will set

you free. “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit

of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT).

So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to

lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better

for you to lose one part of your body than for your

whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your

hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin,

cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you

to lose one part of your body than for your whole

body to be thrown into hell. (Matthew 5:29–30 NLT)

Now, Jesus isn’t advocating that we mutilate our bodies.

He’s teaching us to protect ourselves from the traps of sin

by setting healthy, godly boundaries regarding where we

go, what we fix our eyes upon, and who we keep company

with. This world is full of cheap “costume jewelry,” just

waiting to tangle us up. But we can avoid those traps by

living a disciplined, holy, and wise life.

Sometimes God asks you to remove good things, and

these are the hardest to let go of. But remember, whatever

God asks you to cut away or release is for your good.

Obedience will position you to receive something even

better (Matthew 19:29).

The process of becoming untangled takes time. It’s

okay—God is in the mess with you. If you are willing to

let Him work in your life, He will restore it to His original

intent, making you an ornament of His grace before a

watching world.

KRISTI OVERTON JOHNSON encourages and equips people for

victory through her writings, speaking engagements, and prison ministry.

To learn more, go to kojministries.org.


TROPHY

OF GRACE

THE STORY OF

STEVE RICHARDSON

PHOTOS BY JZ PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST BROUGHT

ME OUT OF DARKNESS AND INTO GOD’S

GLORIOUS LIGHT (MATTHEW 4:16).

That’s why today, sharing the gospel—the

Good News that Jesus saves—is my highest

privilege and priority.

Romans 10:13 says that anyone who

calls upon the name of Jesus will be

saved. At the moment I cried out to Him,

God shined the light of His Son into my life

and saved me. And if God can save a dirty,

old, self-centered drug addict like me, He

can save anyone.

Let me share my testimony of Jesus in

me. That is my story—if it weren’t for Him,

I’d have no story of redemption to share.

All that I am today is a testament to His

love and patience. I am a trophy of His

grace (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Before the day I called out to Him, I

didn’t care about God or anyone. It was

my way or the highway. Experience had

taught me that nobody cared about me,

so why should I care about anyone else?

My childhood was rough. Many nights,

my Mom walked my older brother and

me down a dark dirt road to a neighbor’s

home, seeking refuge from my stepfather’s

drunken rage. When we returned home in

the morning, he always acted like nothing

had happened…but the whole fiasco would

play out again that night.

I went to live with my father and stepmother

in first grade, but life there wasn’t

any better. Dad had a new family now and

treated me like an outsider. I was his only

biological son, and the rejection caused

pain and confusion.

Dad worked hard and was often absent

from the home, leaving me with my stepmother,

who didn’t welcome my presence.

She degraded me, hoping others would

laugh at me. I am 70 now, and I can still

hear the laughter and her reminders that

nobody wanted me.

My wife and siblings tell me to forgive

and let go of the pain. I have forgiven,

but forgetting hasn’t been easy. I can be

driving down the road in my job as a longdistance

truck driver, and something will

suddenly trigger a childhood memory. I

call those trips down memory lane “the

100 miles of regret.” Before I know it, anger

starts brewing, and I get all twisted up

inside. I’m constantly asking the Lord to

help me. I’m a work in progress.


Issue 02 / 2025

25

Years of rejection had me believing that

I was worthless and unlovable. All the evidence

seemed to support my conclusion.

At 15, I started rebelling by talking back,

drinking, smoking weed, and fighting.

I graduated from high school in the

early 1970s by the skin of my teeth and

joined the Navy. I spent most of my time

in the military high, but since I didn’t stick

a needle in my arm, I didn’t think I had a

problem. I was in and out of the brig for all

sorts of reasons, yet somehow, I managed

an honorable discharge.

On work breaks,

Steve prioritizes

studying God’s

Word in his

truck—his home

away from home.

No matter where

he finds himself,

he looks for

opportunities to

share God’s love,

often through his

headset while

driving long

distances.

I WAS DESTINED FOR DEATH IF

SOMETHING DIDN’T CHANGE. EITHER I

WAS GOING TO DIE FROM AN OVERDOSE,

OR SOMEONE WAS GOING TO KILL ME.

I came home at 22 and married a girl I’d

dated since junior high school. She was

terrific and loved me, but I was horrible

to her. I would say, “This is what is happening;

if you don’t like it, I don’t care.”

I came home drunk one night too many,

and she said, “Hey Steve, before you pass

out, my lawyer wants to know what you

want.” I didn’t argue; I knew I was a dog.

Before the divorce was final, I moved to

Lorain, Ohio, where I discovered my first

god—my Harley. My bike meant everything

to me. If it came down to buying a bike part

or shutting off my electricity, I’d sit in the

dark for days.

I ran around with different bike clubs

and got involved in many things I shouldn’t

have. I loved my new brothers—for the first

time, I had friends who accepted and defended

me.

One day, this girl climbed up on the back

of my bike, and we began to hang out. But

she was nothing more to me than a mere

possession, an ornament on my bike. I had

no capacity to love her or anyone. My heart

was empty, and life was meaningless.

I purchased a new bike to fill that nagging

void. When that didn’t help, I bought

a house. My next idea was to have a kid. So

I married the girl from the back of my bike

and had a daughter. But the void remained,

and our marriage ended in divorce.

To escape my pitiful life, I used cocaine.

My friends and I would party until the bars

closed and then return to my house to bring

in the morning. Man, I hated the sound of

the birds chirping outside my window at

the break of dawn. Their gleeful sounds

reminded me that another night was over

and a miserable day of regret was ahead.

Many nights I used so much I thought

I’d die. I’d beg God for help, even though

I didn’t care for Him. Then I’d promise to

clean up my act. Yeah, right. I kept returning

to my folly like a dog returns to its vomit

(Proverbs 26:11). I was powerless against

those little white lines. But that changed

when I made a new friend.

Rick was my coworker and one of my

drug suppliers. We were tight. Everyone

knew he—and not any of my 11 siblings—

would get my motorcycles if something

happened to me.

His parents, faithful Christians, welcomed

me into their family. I loved listening

to what they had to say about God.

Faith hadn’t been a part of my household

growing up. Their prayers and words planted

many seeds of hope in my heart.

One Friday night in September 1987,

those seeds sprouted and broke through

PHOTOS BY JZ PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC


my hard heart. Sitting alone on my couch, I

finally realized the hopelessness of my life.

I was destined for death if something didn’t

change. Either I was going to die from an

overdose, or someone was going to kill me.

In response to this revelation, I slid to

my living room floor and prayed, “God, if

You’re who they say You are, come into my

life. I need You.” Incredibly, when I stood

up, the desire for drugs was gone.

The following Sunday, I went to Rick’s

parents’ church. There, with God’s Holy

Spirit tugging at my heart (John 6:44), I

prayed to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

My journey with Him hasn’t been easy,

and I’ve made many mistakes. But every

time, I get up and seek God, and He faithfully

welcomes me back (Luke 15:11–32).

I began attending church regularly,

wanting to learn more about God, but I

struggled to fit in with those church folk.

They spoke a language this biker did not

understand. I didn’t look like them either,

with my earrings, tattoos, and ponytail

draped down my leather vest.

People didn’t know what to make of me.

Some looked at me like I was a piece of

garbage, while others were frightened by

my appearance. One kid pointed at me and

yelled, “Mom, there’s a bad man!” Another

kid locked the car door as I walked by.

It was hard for people to look past my

outer appearance to see the new man in

me. But over time, as I kept walking with

God and following Jesus’s example of love,

humility, and kindness, people began to

see Christ in me, not the tattoos on me.

I noticed Robin, a beautiful woman of

God, on my first visit to church. Amazingly,

she looked beyond my exterior and saw

who I was becoming. She is one of God’s

greatest gifts to me. We’ve been married

now for 35 years and have five children

and ten grandchildren.

I deserve none of the blessings God has

given me, nor do I deserve to be used by

Him. Yet He has chosen me to reach people

for Him worldwide. Like 1 Corinthians 1:27

says, God sure does use the world’s foolish

things to confound the wise.

In 2016, a God-sent dream led me to

start a radio ministry for truckers called

OVER TIME, AS I KEPT FOLLOWING

JESUS’S EXAMPLE OF LOVE, HUMILITY,

AND KINDNESS, PEOPLE BEGAN TO SEE

CHRIST IN ME, NOT THE TATTOOS ON ME.

The Lord’s Roundtable. Being a truck driver,

I knew this was a much-needed outreach.

The internal burdens truckers carry are

often heavier than the loads they move up

and down the highway.

I sensed the Lord wanting me to broadcast

live interviews with people He had

touched, but I had no idea how to fulfill

this vision when God gave it to me. I was a

low-tech redneck with a flip phone. Not to

mention, I spent most of my time alone in

my truck. Who would I interview?

None of that mattered. It was what God

wanted me to do, and He sent people to

help me with technology and to introduce

me to people for the show. With His help,

we broadcast 500 shows in 90 countries!

What a privilege to help others come to

know the Lord, the One who can rescue and

restore their lives.

Jesus is a friend of sinners (Matthew

11:19). He doesn’t want anyone to perish

in their sin or pain. It doesn’t matter who

you are or what you’ve done—He can restore

you today (2 Peter 3:9).

Does your life seem void and meaningless?

Do you need to be rescued from

what seems like an inevitable destiny

with death? That’s not how God intends

for you to live. John 10:10 tells us that He

sent His Son, Jesus, to die a brutal death

so you could have wholeness and live an

abundant life.

Call out to Him. Let today be the day

of your salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). You

aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, and even if

you were, why would you want to wait?

Nothing this world offers can compare to

a life in Christ.

Pray with me, “Jesus, save me. Rescue

me from this dead-end, empty way of life.

Forgive me for my sin and come into my

life. Show me how to live and empower me

to overcome the things that hold me down.

I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Help

Steve’s motorcycle was once his god. Today, it is

a way to bond with his grandchildren.

me to forgive those who have hurt me and

to put the past in Your hands. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, let me be the

first to welcome you into the family of

God. You just set your life’s course on a

new path, and all of heaven is celebrating

your decision (Luke 15:7). You are a new

person in God’s eyes (2 Corinthians 5:17).

It may take a while before you see the

reflection of that new person in the mirror.

Just keep drawing close to God; He will

continually draw close to you, no matter

what. The more time you spend with Him

and renew your mind with His Word, the

more you will be transformed into His image

and become before others a trophy of

God’s unfathomable grace (Romans 12:2;

2 Corinthians 3:18).

STEVE RICHARDSON is a mission trucker

sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. A licensed

pastor, Steve founded The Lord’s Roundtable

and is a chaplain for Truck Stop Ministries and

Hope Ministries. His broadcasts are available at

thelordsroundtable.com.


Issue 02 / 2025

27

The Joy

of the

Lord

Is My

Strength

THE STORY OF

JESSICA WEAVER

M

om says I was a joyful

baby with a playful spirit. As a child,

I smiled, sang, laughed, and kept myself

and everyone else entertained.

From the outside, we looked like the

perfect family, but we were living a nightmare.

My father was a raging alcoholic

and terrorized my mom and older brother.

But since he showered me with attention,

my childhood joy remained intact. I was

Daddy’s “special” little girl.

He had ulterior motives, though. Dad,

a predator, was grooming me to take

advantage of my innocence. He started

molesting me when I was seven. I hid my

shame and confusion behind big smiles.

How could Daddy love me and hurt me at the

same time?

The damage of his betrayal and abuse

far outlived him. It was like a thief sent

by Satan to rob me of my joy, hijack my

dreams, and destroy my innocence (John

10:10).

When Mom finally grew tired of the

abuse, she packed up my brother and me

and ran away to a shelter. Dad threatened

to hunt us down and kill us. I was anxious

and afraid, yet despite the abuse, I felt terrible

about leaving him. I was nine.

Instead of getting better, our lives fell

apart. Mom was dealing with fear and

heartbreak. Plus, she had her hands full

with two unruly kids. I was hurting, too,

and before I finished the fifth grade, I was

skipping school and getting high.

By junior high, I felt nothing but fear

and anger. I was obsessed with death and

had constant thoughts of suicide. What a

perfect way to control my destiny, I decided.

So, at thirteen, hopeless and with no

vision for my future, I wrote suicide notes

for my friends and family and attempted

to end my life. I was unconscious for three

days, and when I opened my eyes, I was

enraged. “Why didn’t you just let me die?”

I screamed.

Mom had tried to instill good things

about Jesus and faith in me, but I wasn’t

interested in someone I couldn’t see. People

told me that God had intervened in

my life, but I didn’t view my failed suicide

attempt that way. To me, it was a disruption

to my plan.

I ran away, bouncing from one friend’s

house to the next. It wasn’t long before I

was arrested for underage drinking, possession

of weed, and other minor crimes.

PHOTO BY DEANNA SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY


Halfway through the ninth grade, I was

sent to juvenile prison for a year. While

there, I was molested by a counselor. I

was sixteen when I got out, angrier and

in worse shape than before.

The rest of my teens are a blur. I

dropped out of school and worked as a

waitress, using my tips to fund my party

life. I slept with many guys, as I sought

love and attention.

Life spun out of control at 19 when I

took my first hit of crack. From that moment

on, all I could think about was my

next high. I lost my job as I couldn’t work

and chase the high. I sold my car for dope

and resorted to stealing and turning tricks

for money.

Crack addiction is like driving a car at

high speed toward a cliff and suddenly

realizing you have no brakes. Ironically,

it was a real-life car accident that put the

brakes on my crack smoking—and introduced

me to heroin.

I injured my back in the crash and started

taking painkillers. I loved how those

pills made me feel numb and comfortable

in my skin. I’d never felt that way. It was an

expensive habit, though, and I felt deathly

sick if I didn’t have the pills.

And that’s when I found heroin. I had

no idea how trapped I was until I decided

to get clean. After many failed attempts,

I began attending Narcotics Anonymous

(NA), got a sponsor, and worked diligently

to gain and maintain my sobriety. It’s a

miracle I stayed clean during that time

because, emotionally, I was a mess.

In 2009, I married a man I had met in

NA, and we had two beautiful children. I

loved being a mom, but I was still an angry,

miserable person. I thought we were

living a great life until, after four years of

marriage, my husband told me he was in

love with someone else, packed his things,

and left.

I was ill-prepared for the nasty divorce

and custody battle that followed. I could

barely function as familiar childhood

feelings of betrayal and abandonment

resurfaced.

I wanted to be a good mom and tried to

stay clean, but I failed miserably. Soon, I

relapsed and lost everything, including

custody of my kids. I wasn’t even allowed

to talk to them, and I didn’t know where

they were for years. It was the biggest failure

of my life.

As I grieved for my children, I found

myself back at a dope house. That’s when

I got tangled up with a ruthless pimp. The

abuse and manipulation I endured at his

hands destroyed every last trace of selfworth

I had.

One minute, this man said he loved me,

and the next, he threatened to kill me. He

beat me into submission and demanded

every penny I made, completely unbothered

that the money came from having

sex with other men.

For three years, I remained strung out

on drugs, living among dysfunction and

violence. If there was a better life out

there, it was out of my reach. I had gone

too far, done too much, and didn’t deserve

it anyway.

I know now that those thoughts were

lies from the enemy, but back then, I believed

them.

I woke up one day in 2020 and couldn’t

feel my legs. I couldn’t walk, and I had no

control over any bodily function from the

waist down. My pimp put me in his truck

and dumped me off at the entrance of a

local hospital.

Turns out, I had a staph infection

(MRSA) on my spinal cord. Had it not

been discovered, the disease could have

killed me. I underwent three back surgeries

and spent two months recovering

in the hospital.

One day, a hospital chaplain visited my

room. As he prayed, I wondered about

God. Maybe He was trying to tell me something?

It was a short-lived thought, and

I quickly returned to my mess of a life.

There were warrants out for my arrest,

so I called my public defender and told

her where I was. She arranged for me to

stay out of jail because of my condition

and to recuperate at my mother’s home.

Mom kindly welcomed me, even though

we hadn’t spoken in years.

I went to her home in a wheelchair, unable

to walk or care for myself. I did okay

for about six weeks, but about the time I

started hobbling around on a walker, my

addiction came calling.

I got a ride to my pimp’s house, who was

visibly annoyed. My being on a walker

was terrible for business. He threatened

If there was a better life out there, it was out

of my reach. I had gone too far, done too much,

and didn’t deserve it anyway.

to kick me out if I didn’t earn my keep. In

desperation, I used Mom’s debit card to

give him money to buy dope. When the

money ran out, he made me hustle right

out of my wheelchair. That’s when I hit

rock bottom.

Stealing from Mom was a bad move. She

pressed charges, and I went to prison. I

was one broken woman when I entered

the Florida Women’s Reception Center

(FWRC) in 2020.

The first couple months were hell. I had

lost everything. I could hardly walk, Mom

and I were barely talking, and I had no

idea of my kids’ whereabouts. I cried constantly

and isolated myself as I fell deeper

into depression.

A life apart from God led Jessica to dark places,

including prison. Pictured here in her mugshots.


Issue 02 / 2025

29

A girl in my unit kept bugging me to

go to chapel. She wanted me to meet Ms.

Nicole, who ministered at the FWRC

through her ministry, The Jesus Infusion.

I had no interest in meeting this lady, but

I finally gave in.

I knew the minute I met her that Ms.

Nicole was special. She glowed when she

talked about Jesus. She spoke about Him

with authority and obviously believed every

word she said. I could feel her love and

care and see that her only motivation was

If Jesus really did

love so much that

He’d die for a drug

addict and hooker

like me, then I had

everything to gain by

choosing Him.

for us girls to know Jesus, the Savior who

died, so that we could live. The more she

talked about Him, the more I leaned in.

I attended her classes often, and one

day, during an altar call, I raised my hand

and surrendered my life to Jesus. I didn’t

understand everything I signed up for,

but I knew I didn’t want to stay the same.

I was tired of my life.

Besides, I had tried everything else.

What did I have to lose? If Jesus really

did love so much that He’d die for a drug

addict and hooker like me, then I had everything

to gain by choosing Him.

I determined to chase after God with the

same tenacity I had chased after dope. I

sealed the deal by getting baptized.

Something supernatural happened

when I came out of those baptismal waters.

All the anger, guilt, and shame I had

carried since my childhood was gone. God

had given me a new life, and I was determined

to make the most of it.

I immediately noticed the oddest sense

of joy bubbling up inside me. And that

joy—God’s joy—soon became my strength

(Nehemiah 8:10). It helped me endure the

difficulties of prison life and continues to

help me in every circumstance since my

release in 2023 (Psalm 28:7).

God has restored much of what I destroyed

in my addiction. My mother and I

have reconciled and are best friends, and I

recently saw my beautiful kids for the first

time in seven years. Only God!

My life is still a construction zone, but

I’ve already come so far. I even hold weekly

classes at FWRC and baptize ladies in

the waters where I was baptized.

I was waiting for the officer to let my

incarcerated sisters into my classroom

one night when I suddenly realized that

God hadn’t wasted one ounce of my pain.

From the moment I surrendered my life

to Him, He has been creating a beautiful

mosaic out of the shattered pieces of my

life. And He’s just getting started.

How about you? Have your hopes and

Top Left: Jessica surrendered her life to God

and followed in believer’s baptism. Pictured with

Nicole Dyson of Jesus Infusion. Top Right: Today,

Jessica baptizes incarcerated women in the

same prison where she served time.

Bottom Photo: Jessica (center) is grateful for

the support of her mentor, Nicole (left) and her

mother, Cathy.

dreams been shattered to pieces by abuse,

addiction, sickness, or incarceration? Give

those pieces to God. He can do amazing

things with them if you let Him. And in the

meantime, you can rest in the joy of His

presence as He leads you toward a better

life (Psalm 16:11).

JESSICA WEAVER shares the hope and joy she

has found in Jesus Christ on both sides of prison

walls. She serves at her local church, and the people

there show her and the women at FWRC great love.

She also volunteers with The Jesus Infusion.


STEPPING FORWARD

BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO BYBY KEVIN DURHAM

Audience

of One

BY KENNY MUNDS

IN MY LITTLE HOMETOWN, EVENTS ARE OFTEN HELD IN the

park across from the courthouse square. Usually, local musicians entertain

the crowds from the small gazebo-type bandstand overlooking the park.

One morning as I walked my dog, Rafi, on the street that goes past

that park, I noticed an event was underway. Vendors sat under perfectly

lined tents on the street opposite the bandstand, chatting with potential

customers.

Nobody was paying attention to the singers performing an old Johnny

Cash song, and when they finished, only two people applauded. Two! I

felt for those musicians and offered encouragement, waving and giving

them a thumbs-up as I passed.

I did many similar gigs in my younger years, and I know firsthand the

pain of being ignored while performing. A crowd’s meager appreciation is

devastating to the confidence of a performer, as is the poor compensation

given for your talent. I once performed for an ice cream cone!

After years of struggling as a musician, I finally managed to hear the

applause of the masses. It happened when I was in a band called Brush

Arbor. What a high to listen to the screams, applause, and people cheering

me on.

Our group won two Academy of Country Music Awards in 1973 for Vocal

Group of the Year and Touring Band of the Year. We were invited to sing

at the Grand Ole Opry and shared the stage with greats like Johnny Cash,

Merle Haggard, and Olivia Newton-John.

All that applause turned to silence, though, when I was voted out of the

band for alcohol and drug abuse. Just like that, my grand stage disappeared,

and I was playing in dark bars where I earned $35 a night. It was

humiliating after playing in such grand places. I felt like a failure and, in

my pity, headed for self-destruction.

It took me hitting rock bottom before I surrendered

my life to God and asked for His help. In His grace, the

Lord has restored me to the stage, but not how I’d imagined.

God placed me in a new venue—prison.

I’ve been ministering and performing behind the wire

now for 26 years and have been sober for 36. I love the

men and women who come to hear my songs in prison

visitation rooms, chapels, and gyms. I always appreciate

their spirited applause. Most of all, I love hearing their

laughter as I sing humorously about my past.

These folks relate to my life and understand the pain

of rejection and loss. They also know what it feels like

when the world is no longer cheering you on. That’s why,

at every opportunity I have, I play my heart out—not

just for them, but for God.

Colossians 3:23–24 says, “Work willingly at whatever

you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather

than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you

an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you

are serving is Christ” (NLT).

Whenever I long for the days of performing at the

Grand Ole Opry, I remind myself that I now play for a

bigger and better audience—the Lord and His chosen

ones. The reward that is waiting for me in heaven is far

greater than any Academy of Country Music Award.

If you’re feeling overlooked and underappreciated,

I want you to know that God sees you and cheers you

on, no matter how many mistakes you’ve made. Just

keep living for Him.

Whatever you do, do it for an audience of One, God.

His applause is all you need.

KENNY MUNDS takes the good news of God’s love and forgiveness

into prisons across America. To learn more about his ministry,

go to kennymundsministry.org.

Although Kenny once

graced the stage of

the Grand Ole Opry

(singing with guitar),

he now prefers the

stage of prison,

where he sings alone

for God’s glory.


Issue 02 / 2025

31

BEHIND THE WIRE

Hearing from God

We receive thousands of letters from incarcerated men and women.

Recently, we received the following question from Rodolfo.

Dear Victorious Living,

I’ve wrestled with the notion of being loved. I imagined

if I wasn’t good enough for my dad to love me, God

wouldn’t love me either. I’m also in prison for murder.

Even before I stepped away from gang life and started

following Christ, I knew taking the life of another was

wrong. So I didn’t think God could forgive me.

Then one day, I stumbled across one of your podcast

interviews with Debra Moerke. It was like God spoke to me

through her when she said, “Yes, murderers are forgiven

by God. And not only are they forgiven, but they are also

welcomed.”

On other occasions, your broadcasts have provided

answers I was seeking. Can God really speak to a person

through a video? Or is it that I’m just finally open to

hearing about Him?

Rodolfo presents a valid question. Does God speak to us? And if

so, how can we discern His voice? Below are responses from team

members and a currently incarcerated person.

KRISTI OVERTON JOHNSON

I appreciate your question, Rodolfo. All throughout

the Bible, we see God speaking audibly and using visions,

dreams, angels, burning bushes, and prophets. He even

used a donkey (Numbers 22:28)! I believe God led you to

our podcast so you could know He loves, accepts, and

welcomes you into His family as a son.

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews

13:8). Today, He uses His written Word and Holy Spirit as

well as people, circumstances, and promptings. God’s

voice, though, will never contradict His written Word.

Continue to study His Word, and you will have discernment.

ALBERTO HENRIQUEZ

Thank you for sharing, Rodolfo. I was in prison for over

20 years, and I understand your thoughts and feelings. I do

believe your receptivity to the Lord positioned you to hear

from Him. The following biblical principles will help you

become even more receptive.

First, cultivate an attitude like lovers have—

long to see God’s face and hear His voice (Song

of Songs 2:14). Second, maintain a humble

heart that desires to hear Him. Tune your mind

and ears to His instructions (Proverbs 5:1–2).

Finally, submit to God and be willing to obey.

Don’t harden your heart against what He tells

you to do (Psalm 95:7–8). Disobedience hinders

communication. The Holy Spirit will help you

hear His voice, not another (John 10:4–5).

ROBERT WHITNER

My friend and brother, your humility to seek

answers shows you are a wise man (Proverbs 1:5).

I can identify with feeling unloved. My drug

addiction and crime of murder only made it

worse. I felt like life was over, but then I met

Jesus. Thankfully, strong Christian brothers

taught me the importance of spending time

in God’s Word, praying, and fellowshipping

with other believers so that I could grow in my

knowledge of the Lord and be stable.

God has spoken to me in many ways. Once,

I was working as a tutor and burning out fast.

I considered a job transfer but decided to pray

first. God used the counsel of His Word to speak

by leading me to Proverbs 27:8: “A person who

strays from home is like a bird that strays from

its nest” (NLT). This verse led me to continue as

a tutor. God used that experience to prepare me

for what I am doing now.

ROGER, MADISON CI.

I’m in prison now for first-degree murder. The

Lord once spoke to me through His still, small

voice in my spirit. I was looking out the window,

sulking in grief, anger, and unforgiveness

toward my cousin who had shared information

that led to my arrest and conviction. I was

contemplating many troubling things when

I heard a gentle voice say, “I sent him to the

police.” I looked around, but no one was there.

I was young in my faith and struggling to be

conformed into the image of Christ. Following

that encounter, God led me to discover my need

for true repentance. I needed godly sorrow for

what I’d done. Hearing from God led me to

become free from the prison of anger.


WANT TO KNOW JESUS?

“Come to me, all you who are

weary and burdened, and I will

give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28 NIV

Do you need rest? Peace? Freedom? Forgiveness? Restoration?

Call out to Jesus, accept Him as your Savior, and be made whole.

ARTWORKS BY ALBERTO HENRIQUEZ

Pray: “Jesus, I invite You into my life. I confess that I am a sinner in

need of a Savior. Thank You for saving me from my sins and making

me whole. Thank You for laying down Your life for me so that I can

have a new life in You. I receive, by faith, this forgiveness of sin. Take

my life—my past and my future. Guide my steps and speak to my

heart, Lord. Use me, God. Amen.”

Let us know of your decision so we can help you grow in your faith.

Write to: VL Correspondence, PO Box 2751, Greenville, NC 27836.

WHAT NOW?

I’ve Accepted God’s Salvation.

Now What?

PERHAPS AFTER READING the stories in this magazine, you’ve surrendered your life to

Jesus. Congratulations—it’s the most important decision you will ever make! But you might

be wondering, now what? Here are six ways to ensure spiritual growth. Remember, the

Christian life is a journey that brings lifelong transformation.

1. PRAY. Talk to God about everything and listen for His response. You don’t need

fancy words, just a sincere heart.

2. STUDY THE BIBLE. God’s Word contains all the instructions we need for life. Get

into a Bible study and discover new revelations daily. Free resources are on page 34.

3. GET BAPTIZED. Although baptism is not a requirement of salvation, the Bible

clearly tells us that we are to be water baptized after salvation. Baptism symbolizes

our dying to sin and being raised to new life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:4). Prison

restrictions may make immersion by water difficult, so get creative and let the Holy

Spirit reveal how you can take this step of obedience until immersion is possible.

4. FIND CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY. Join a local congregation of Christ-followers. If

incarceration makes attending church difficult, fellowship with other believers the

best you can. They will help you stand strong and keep you accountable.

5. TELL SOMEONE. Share your decision to follow Christ and tell them what He has

done for you. And then, tell us! We’d love to hear from you.

6. SERVE. Look for opportunities for God to use you to give others hope.


Issue 02 / 2025

33

RESOURCES

Below are opportunities for free Christian-based resources for

both English- and Spanish-speaking persons and chaplains.

When you contact the addresses below, tell our partners VL

referred you.

VICTORIOUS LIVING

Personal correspondence available in English and

Spanish. Bulk copies of VLMag are available for jail

and prison libraries at chaplain’s request.

PO Box 2751 Greenville, NC 27836

PHOTO BY GERI SIMPKINS PHOTOGRAPHY

2ND OPPORTUNITY

Reentry and

employmentreadiness

programming; job/

housing referrals

upon request.

PO Box 3411

Peachtree City, GA

30269

PRISON

ALLIANCE

Discipleship studies

by mail; free Christian

books and Bibles for

libraries at request of

authorized personnel.

PO Box 97095

Raleigh, NC

27624

RESCUED NOT

ARRESTED

Free NIV Bibles, Bible

study correspondence

course, and NIV Life

Application Study Bible

upon completion

of study.

PO Box 90606

Phoenix, AZ 85066

CROSSROADS PRISON

MINISTRIES

Correspondence,

Bible studies, and

mentoring letters with

completed lessons. Free

Bibles for CRM students

upon request.

PO Box 900

Grand Rapids, MI 49509

HOPE IS ALIVE

Nationally-based sober

living homes, faith-based

support groups, and grief

support groups for those

impacted by addiction.

14400 Bogert Parkway

Suite 200

Oklahoma City, OK

73134

Victorious Living Prison Outreach Information

• We do not mail individual subscriptions of VLMag to incarcerated

persons. However, bulk copies are provided free to prisons, jails,

recovery, and reentry programs, with or without staples, at

the request of chaplains and program directors. They may also

inquire about our national VL Prison Tour.

• We offer discipleship materials on various prison tablet systems.

Search “Victorious Living” to discover MORE Victorious Living

and STEPPING FORWARD with Victorious Living broadcasts and

VL podcasts.

ViaPath, Homewav, Turnkey, Securus, Smart Comm, and iTi.

• Family members of our incarcerated family and our ministry

partners can enjoy our free resources through pandoapp.tv

and VL’s online platforms like vlmin.org, Facebook, Instagram,

and YouTube. Our care team is available to pray with family

members of our incarcerated family by phone.

• We offer fellowship through correspondence to those who are

incarcerated. Write to us at PO Box 2751, Greenville, NC 27836.

• Currently we are on the following platforms:

PANDO, EDOVO, Paytel, Westpond, ATG, ICS, Tech Friends,

• We cannot receive COD emails or phone calls, nor do we accept

legal documents or unsolicited stories for publication.

34


VICTORIOUSLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM

Victorious Living Magazine, Issue 2, July 2025

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