The loss of their son in a car accident was a heavy blow to Gilbert’s family. Questions go unanswered and the pain is hard to bear. Is it possible to find hope and comfort in the midst of such tragedy and grief? Listen as Gilbert talks about these things from a tender heart – as only a parent can – when speaking of a child who has died.

Influenced by the love and concern expressed by Christian friends and church members for his family’s welfare in a time of crisis, and Gilbert’s wife’s return to her studies of the Bible, Gilbert became more and more immersed in the truth of Scripture, and found it to be the source of the peace and life he craved.

Gilbert grew up in a dysfunctional, alcoholic home, and despite his intention not to be like his parents that way, found himself very much a drinker from his late teens until several years into his marriage. A bout of appendicitis brought him into a relationship with a family whose friendship and influence demonstrated God’s love, and a serious illness of his son further showed him, through a concerned church, a real demonstration of God’s love in action.

Tammy prayed to receive Christ as her Savior when she was fourteen, but without spiritual guidance, she just went on living life as she had learned in her surroundings. She got into trouble and was thinking of ending her life as her father had, in suicide. Turning back to the church, and a pastor who ‘pursued her’ with the Word of God, she finally found the help she needed to live as an overcomer.

Tammy’s childhood was shaped by growing up with an alcoholic father… whom she grew to hate. When she was 12, he committed suicide. Even then, she could not bring herself to mourn for him, but felt only relief. His death bring healing though. Listen as Tammy shares openly about her journey from hatred to forgiveness… and how that could even be possible.

Allen was bound in chains and led away by six officers. He was going to see a federal judge. The judge told him, “Allen, I have the authority to send you away forever.” And it was true. Allen had a criminal record that was extensive. But the judge did something unthinkable.

The law finally caught up with Allen and was able to keep him locked up in solitary confinement. He tried to use the powers that he had to be set free… but nothing worked. Allen decided to kill himself. Three times he tried to hang himself, but failed. He decided to go on a hunger strike. 13 days into his slow suicide, he heard something that would change his life forever.

Allen is on the run from the law. He was so violent that even his own people wanted him locked up. But it seemed that whenever the police would catch up with him, he would be able to find a way to escape. There came a day though when he couldn’t run anymore… and so decided to end his life.

Allen was born and raised on the San Carlos Apache reservation in Arizona. In this first of four parts, Allen shares some history regarding his people, how he got his last name, and how he turned to violence in his youth.