Faith and Second Chances: Jesus and Aaren's Journey from Gangs to Redemption
But to be able to be here and just speak about my story and say that god really did pull me out, you know, is so much of a privilege, you know, it is because my kids can see it and there was some dark times...I said: if you are real, take me, get me out of this misery. I know I'm going to work harder on me than the attorneys we had. I know, with the law book made me even smarter.
Ever wondered how someone can turn their life around after being deeply entrenched in gang life? Meet Jesus Ruiz and Aaren Evans, two remarkable individuals who have done just that. In this episode of 'The Empty Chair', host Cole Welch-Caffrey sits down with these reformed gang members to explore their incredible journeys of redemption and hope. Jesus, now a licensed pastor and gang interventionist, founded Leaving The Streets Ministry to help at-risk youths avoid the pitfalls he once faced.
Aaren, a licensed minister chaplain, created Armor Up Faithtality, offering spiritual and emotional support to those in need. Their conversation is a raw and heartfelt look at the challenges of leaving gang life behind, the transformative power of faith, and the crucial role of family and community support in recovery. Both Jesus and Aaren share candid stories of their past struggles with addiction and how they found the strength to change their lives.
They discuss the importance of faith and spirituality in their healing processes, providing listeners with a message of hope and resilience. If you're looking for inspiration or guidance on overcoming life's toughest challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Through their community outreach efforts, Jesus and Aaren are making a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction and gang affiliation.
Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that no matter how dark your past may be, there is always a path to a brighter future.