Matt’s Story

By Chaplain Mark Nissley

I met Matt* during a weekend seminar held in the Buena Vista Correctional Facility. He was in a group of thirty prisoners who attended a weekend of teaching, prayer, worship, and fellowship. He seemed withdrawn, defensive, and fearful.

Matt was a self-declared Satanist with the number 666 tattooed on his face. He was known in his unit for yelling out curses and proclaiming allegiance to Satan.

As the weekend progressed, I saw Matt being swept away by a flood of God’s love, as it was shown by the men present. Multiple times, Matt was huddled with other men in prayer. At the end of the weekend, Matt publicly declared, “I came expecting judgment and rejection, but today I leave with Jesus Christ.”

Matt remains committed to his faith, meeting weekly for Bible study and encouragement. He has not backed away from his profession of faith and eagerly welcomes prayer, radiating a joy that now overwhelms his face. Having grown up in a faith community, he has some familiarity with God’s Word, but he wants to deepen his understanding.

Matt will need much prayer and continued support as he faces his fears of the repercussions of breaking gang ties and the unknown of the future, but we are praising God for the work He has done in Matt’s life!

*Name changed for privacy