God’s Word Wins Over an Atheist

Before October 19, 2005, I was an atheist, believing that when you died, it was over. In September 2005, I was convicted and placed in the Allegan County Jail until sentencing in October. I was in a cell with 4 others for 30 days listening to them say that the Lord would get them out of their mess. My opinion was, if they had the Lord in their life, they wouldn’t be in here in the first place.

On October 18, 2005, I arrived at Jackson Prison and was placed in a one-man cell. The only contact I had with anyone else came at a one hour yard time and 20 minute chow time three times a day.

My second day at Jackson, I went out to the yard not knowing anyone and sat with two guys my age at a picnic table. We introduced ourselves and made small talk. They were talking religion and tried getting me in on the conversation. I explained that I didn’t believe, and they accepted that and continued talking with each other. The announcement came over the loud speaker that it was time to return to our cells. At that time, I realized one of the guys I was with at the picnic table was in the cell right next to mine.

About 7 pm that night I was terribly bored. I knocked on the wall and asked Tim, my neighbor, if he had anything I could read. Around the corner comes a Bible. He said that was all he had. I thought, what the heck, I need something to read. I spent 3 hours that night reading.

I woke up the next morning praying and in tears. The Holy Spirit consumed me like I can’t explain. I was extremely overwhelmed by his presence. By November, I had read the Bible from beginning to end. I’ve read it four plus times since then. I’m a devout Christian today thanks to the Lord putting me next to Tim when I got to Jackson.

The Lord has totally changed my life. I look at life and people differently. I love everybody, regardless of how bad their attitude is or the way they choose to walk in life. I have stopped swearing, I pray multiple times a day, and talk to the Lord continuously. My prayers are being answered and my life is blessed.

Harold — Originally published in November 2006