Cedric was in our first house church class in the Wynne Unit. He was a tall, soft-spoken man. I knew a little of his story but learned more as time went on. He was a leader in the gang who had spent many years in ad seg—administrative segregation—also known as solitary confinement. 

As I watched him, I used to think, “Who were you?” I could not see a former gang leader in this man. He was a leader for sure. I watched him work with the men in the class. Sometimes I would see him in a corner quietly counseling a young man. Other times he was asking the guards to let out some of our students who were still in their cell block. 

When I called for a volunteer in class to read, pray, or answer a question,I was met with silence. However, Cedric would call out a name, and that person would respond. I might ask them to form groups, but they would just look at me. When Cedric stood up, though, the others would follow. I will tell folks, “Leadership is leadership. If you can lead a gang, you can lead a church. It all depends on how you choose to spend it.”

Knowing Cedric today, I still wonder, “Who were you?”  

Everyone’s Got a Story

Most of what I know about Cedric’s life before prison has been gleaned from others who witnessed to and discipled Cedric while he was behind bars. Cedric was a leader in the Crips. Wikipedia describes the Crips as “one of the largest and most violent associations of street gangs in the United States. With an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 members in 2008, they have been involved in murders, robberies, and drug dealing—among other crimes. The Crips have a long and bitter rivalry with the Bloods.”

Cedric’s street name was “09” because he was known for using that gun. Cedric was arrested after participating in a violent drug deal that got his best friend killed. He was sentenced to prison for sixty-five years with no parole. 

Cedric was an angry, violent young man when he went to prison and was still very active in the Crips while in prison. Active gang members are kept in “ad seg” or solitary confinement to try to stem the violence. During his time spent at two different prisons, he encountered a lieutenant that would talk to him about his anger. Cedric still refused to talk to him. After being transferred to a third unit, he was still in ad seg.  

Cedric’s Testimony

Here, Cedric shares his testimony in his own words:

“Fourteen years [after going to prison], I was on the Wynne Unit, and by this time I began to hear God calling me. I didn’t know what to do. I heard we just got a Christian warden, so I decided to write him a letter. I said I wanted to change. When the warden read my letter, it touched him. He sent for me. When I saw him, I realized God was sending this man to help me over those years I had refused to talk to him.”

A new program started for gang members who wanted out. Cedric was one of the first to sign up.  While in prison, Cedric matured in his walk with Lord. He had so many encounters as God sent folks who discipled him along the way. Friendships with other inmates who were strong believers opened doors to start a Bible study in a cell block with the highest violence rate in the unit. Suddenly, the violence rate in the cell block dropped to zero.  

After twenty-three years, Cedric got out of prison on parole. Cedric shares this word of encouragement to others who might have a loved one behind bars, “There was a time my mother was about to throw her hands up and give up on me because I was out there gangbanging, selling drugs, and robbing. I just didn’t care. Instead of giving up, she prayed harder and said, ‘God, in Your hands I give you my son.’  She waited twenty-three years for me while I was in prison. God not only heard her cry, He made me a vessel to be used as He sees fit. Don’t give up. Pray for them. Pray for God’s will to be done. His word will not fail you.”

Now What?

Cedric has been out of prison for several years and getting used to life on the outside. He is married and has a job driving a cement truck. Last summer, the burden for his former acquaintances in the gangs grew heavy, and he knew he had to do something. 

After much prayer, Cedric decided to go back to his old neighborhood to share the gospel. He goes back on Saturdays—his day off.  The first Saturday, he was joined by Bobby Herring—one of his mentors in prison— and three members of his discipleship group.  

Occasionally a guard will thank us for coming into the prison and teaching our class. One shared with us about an inmate he had worked with. The guard told us he knew what we were teaching was real because of the change in this particular inmate. He described the man as the meanest man he had ever seen and that the difference in him was real. I asked, “Cedric Powell?” and the guard affirmed he was talking about Cedric.  

Cedric’s story still bears fruit in the Wynne Unit and now will bear fruit in the old neighborhood. His life is a beautiful picture of the transforming power of our God. Where might God be calling you to minister and serve? No matter your background, how might God make a difference through you?

Sally Hinzie is a Church Consultant who has worked at UBA for many years. Her primary areas of ministry focus include church planting, bible storying training, organic church, and ministry implementation.

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