Roger Walker (1994)

“I was born into a family of 11 children. Having to provide for such a large family, there was a lot of pressure on my father. He had to work a lot and was never around that much. He was also very critical and abusive toward my mom and us children.

My mom was just the opposite. She was loving and nurturing and a strong Christian. But when I was 5 years old, she was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout my childhood, she battled with surgery after surgery. She was in and out of the hospital. As a boy, it was hard for me to understand why such a godly woman had to suffer so much. I was so afraid of losing her.

With all the chaos and confusion in our family, I lashed out in anger. I got into fights and was suspended from school several times. I had no respect for authority. I smoked my first joint when I was in the fifth grade. By the time I was in high school, I was regularly using alcohol and drugs. Much of my behavior was motivated by pure rebellion.

My mom finally died when I was 20. I was devastated. I plunged deeper into drugs and became addicted to cocaine. To support my habit, I engaged in criminal activity. I was eventually arrested for armed robbery and was facing 15 years to life in prison.

At that time, most of my family were born-again Christians. Through their continued prayers and the seeds of the gospel that were sown into me by my mom, I agreed to enter Life Challenge on March 15, 1993.

Life Challenge helped turn my life around. I entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I began memorizing Scripture. Through the power of His Word, God gave me the strength to overcome the drugs and alcohol. I learned the value of order, structure and authority. I discovered my purpose for living.

Today, I own a small delivery service called Bald Eagle Express. God has prospered the business. I am married to a wonderful Christian woman, and God has blessed us with two beautiful children.

1 Corinthians 2:9 says, ‘No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’ It’s true! I am so thankful for a loving and forgiving God.”