“My name is Daniel and I’m 31 years old. I have been incarcerated for murder sine I was 17. On December 5, 2009, eight months after I was arrested, I received Jesus Christ into my heart. God told me I was forgiven and He made me a new creation. Since that point I have gone through many seasons of difficulty including 7 1/2 years of backsliding which got me caught up in drugs and affiliating with prison gangs. However, despite my failures the Lord has been able to use these things as a testimony of His faithfulness and transformation. I read in a book that God uses the greatest sinners to receive His great grace. I am one of these greatest sinners.

I have never had much of a desire to paint up until about 2012-2013 when sitting in my cell trying to figure out a hobby, I could make some money at so I wasn’t a relying on my family. God breathed into me that day a desire to paint and has been working through my brushes to encourage His people and bless others. Whenever I paint, I see God’s glory and it brings me much joy to see the Lord in something I enjoy and for that I am thankful.

My life is proof that God loves to take the worst of the worst and by His faithfulness and unflinching determination transform a lump of coat into a beautiful gem of his grace. Today I walk 4 years drug free, and I identified as a Christian only. I have left the prison gang lifestyle and daily see the love of Jesus walk me through each step I take. I am living proof that God is still in the redemptive business and is very personal and cares about the needs of his children.

I am thankful for this opportunity. Jesus Christ changed my life, and he can change yours. If He can change me, He can change you too.”