The Angel in Cell Block C
Benjamin's journey begins in a troubled childhood as the youngest of five children. Raised by an alcoholic, abusive father who later abandoned the family, Benjamin suffered further trauma when he was sexually abused at age five. This began a pattern of running away from the pain that would define much of his life. His youth was marked by further betrayals - a pastor, a music teacher, and even a doctor took advantage of his vulnerability. Despite experiencing a miraculous healing of his leg at a Pentecostal prayer meeting, he wasn't ready to embrace faith. By his late twenties, Benjamin was regarded as an incorrigible felon. "His desperate circumstances led him to commit armed robbery in Georgia. Before this arrest, he experienced a spiritual awakening during a revival meeting at his childhood church, but still faced the consequences of his actions. In an Atlanta jail, he attempted suicide by making a tourniquet from a torn bed sheet. As he began to lose consciousness, he heard a voice asking just "one more day." During this time, a visitor who Benjamin later discovered was an angel who confirmed his salvation.
At Jacksonville Correctional Facility, Benjamin received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and witnessed a miraculous healing. His faith would be tested at Georgia State Prison (GSP), one of Americas' most notorious prison's. After refusing to defend himself when attacked, he was placed in segregation where he completed the entire Emmaus College level correspondence course. Released in 1981, Benjamin established "His Place" coffee house ministry based on a vision God had given him. Despite initial success, the ministry faced inter personal conflicts and repeated flooding. In frustration, he told God, "Don't talk to me anymore," beginning eight years of spiritual silence. During these "desert years," Benjamin drove trucks, experienced failed marriage, and faced financial ruin. The breaking point came when the IRS garnished his wages. In complete surrender, he reconnected with God, who broke His silence with practical instructions to dig a well. Despite skepticism from others, Benjamin dug a 23 foot well, creating a powerful testimony of God's provision.
With his spiritual connection restored, Benjamin returned to prison ministry, finding unique credibility with inmates. For forty years, he searched for his true calling, finally discovering Kairos prison ministry. After experiencing their prison weekends, he told the CEO simply, "I am all in." From the frighten child in the dark to the man who finally found his purpose with Kairos, Benjamin's journey demonstrates how God weaves even painful experiences into a testimony of His persistent grace. Nothing is wasted in God's economy-not child hood trauma, not prison time not desert years. Every broken piece found it's purpose in a life now dedicated to bringing hope to other's still trapped in darkness.
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