Greg’s Story

I was born in South Minneapolis into a broken home. Due to financial struggles, my mom sent my brother and me to the reservation where we’re from. However, I felt like I didn’t belong there and was relieved when my mom brought me back. But then she moved me to a suburban area where I still didn’t fit in. I started getting beat up, so at the age of ten, I joined a gang, and my drinking problem began.

By the time I was 15, I had my first child and was sent to juvenile prison. I was in and out of prison multiple times and became a father to ten kids. Throughout all of this, I just wanted to find a place to belong, but it never quite worked out.

In 2000, I learned about Mn Adult & Teen Challenge from a book called “Run, Baby, Run: The Nikki Cruz Story.” My life was spiraling out of control, especially after the loss of my son in 2017. I attempted suicide six times and had respiratory failure four times. I even became addicted to meth.

While in prison, I rediscovered my faith and aspired to be a minister. It was 22 years ago when I called Mn Adult & Teen Challenge. Since my return to the program, it feels like a new family. It’s all about love, and I cherish that.
There have been numerous moments in the program where I felt like God was taking hold of my life and things were about to change. One notable experience was when I doubted God’s existence, and that very night, my daughter and I had a discussion about my doubts. It felt like God was saying, “Why doubt me?”

In another powerful moment, we were in the chapel, and they played the song “Holy Forever.” I couldn’t control my emotions, and it felt like God was hugging me. I no longer had to struggle, and that was amazing.  Singing in the choir is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing smiles on people’s faces when we sing fills me with a sense of appreciation and purpose. Being a part of the choir has given me confidence, and I’m even considering trying out for a solo.

To newcomers in the program, I’d say, “Just be yourself and let it out. Sing with your heart, don’t worry about what others think, and pray for God to guide your voice.”