I was always in and out of juvenile corrections and jail until one day, my girlfriend at that time started going to church and I could see a change in her.  I remember her telling me that she and some friends from church were praying for me.  I said, “I don’t believe in that holy bologna!” She went to church and I started to wonder if this man she called Jesus was truly real or a myth.  As I rolled up a joint and sniffed a line of cocaine, I called out this so-called God. I said, “If You are real, let me hear Your voice.” I heard nothing. Then, I said, “Show Yourself to me, right now.” Again, nothing happened. So I screamed, “Do anything to prove to me that You are real!” Within a week, I was sitting in jail on a $175,000 bond for strong armed robbery. I felt at that time that this was my destiny being fulfilled. The chief of police of that city came to interview me about my case. After all the questions, he turned off the recorder and stared right into my eyes. He said, “I don't know who you are, but I feel that the Lord is telling me to let you know that He is the one who brought you here. You wanted Him to show you that He is real.” I couldn't believe it!  So I was led back to my cell and I cried out, “I’m sorry. You are real. Forgive me.” That day, I allowed Jesus into my life! I said, “I don't care if I go to prison, I will serve. Or, if I’m released, I will serve you!” The Lord spoke to me and said, “I don't need you in here. I need you out there to do my work!”  Sure enough, the next day my charges were dismissed and I was released! I served the Lord with pure emotions. But, I didn't know my identity in Christ; so, I didn't feed myself with His Word, and my heart became depraved. I fell back into drugs and then, violence again. My girlfriend, who was now my wife, took me with her to Kansas for a fresh start. But I was still heavily addicted to drugs and I found them in Kansas, too. I started doing Chicano Rap with some friends and starting getting noticed around Kansas. Drugs, sex, and music consumed me.

Then, it happened one night. As I was getting high, my father called asking for prayer. He had just gotten out of prison after a 20 year stint. He knew I once was “into church.” I felt I wasn’t worthy! So, I finally called out to God after 3years. I screamed, “Why me? I’m not worthy to pray for my dad! I have betrayed You!” Then, I heard His voice--it was firm and direct!  “JOE ANGEL, WHAT ABOUT YOU??! TODAY, YOU CHOOSE--YES OR NO? JOE ANGEL, I AM OF YES!!!” I fell to my knees and cried, “Yes!! Yes!!! I want to come back home, Father. But I can’t do it on my own. I need you!!” He said, “GIVE ME YOUR 100% TODAY AND I WILL DELIVER YOU!” So I cried out, “Today, I give You my addictions, my family, my life, my job, my everything, Father!!!!” Then the exchange happened. El Chato died and a new creation was brought forth that night, Joe Angel. I am no longer an addict, no longer a gangster, and no longer lost as of that night! Now, JESUS is indwelt in me!! Glory to GOD!! Thank You, SWEET JESUS!

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