Gang Member

Johnny Chang, a former gang member, testifies to how Jesus changed his life and how he now spends his days glorifying Christ.

Former Gang Member

Johnny was raised in a chaotic household where his father, an abusive alcoholic, regularly beat his wife and children. Consequently, Johnny grew up with anger and hopelessness in his heart, leading him to find solace on the streets. Joining a gang that he viewed as his family, they engaged in drug dealing, robberies, and assaults.

After being arrested for his crimes, Johnny ended up in prison feeling profoundly empty, sensing a void in his heart as a constant pressure in his chest. Desiring change, he sought advice from older inmates who recommended reading books.

Johnny read the Qur’an cover to cover three times and the entire Bible twice, but neither had a significant impact on him. One day, during a visit from his mother, he noticed a newfound happiness and peace within her. Curious, he asked his mother what changed her, to which she responded, “Jesus.” Initially resistant to religion, Johnny shut her down immediately.

Emptiness inside

When Johnny was released, he found himself back on the streets as he couldn’t secure any jobs due to his record, leading him to resume selling drugs.

Subsequently, he decided to rob a drug dealer with a friend, who was shot and died in his arms during the incident. Within that week, some of Johnny’s friends either died from gun violence or took their own lives. He felt surrounded and pursued by death, fearing he would meet the same fate as his friends.

One day, his mother’s car broke down, prompting her to ask Johnny for a ride to church. Upon their arrival, the pastor met Johnny and invited him to share a meal, which he accepted, seeing no harm in it. Despite joining for the food, he made it clear to the pastor that he was not interested in being evangelized.

Forgiveness and Healing

The pastor then queried Johnny about his understanding of sin, to which he responded that sin involved committing bad deeds. However, the pastor explained that it was more than that, defining sin as “putting your thoughts above the Word of God.” This conversation led the pastor to delve into the consequences of sin and the redemptive actions of Jesus, inadvertently sharing the Gospel with Johnny.

Subsequently, the pastor inquired about Johnny’s relationship with his father and suggested that Johnny apologize to him. Initially hesitant, Johnny eventually chose to confront the issue as a step towards progress. He invited his father to a restaurant and offered his apology, to which his father reciprocated by asking for forgiveness.

“20 years of pain, anger, frustration, it was crushed. We hugged it out. And now we have a very great relationship,” Johnny shared.

Since then, Johnny has continued to nurture his relationship with Jesus. He shares his testimony in prisons and ministers to inmates.

Read also: JACKIE HILL PERRY: ‘WHEN WE SEE GOD IS WHEN WE SEE OURSELVES’

Reference: YouTube | Soft White Underbelly