“I Found Jesus in Prison” by Reva Lachica Moore
Thousands of men and women are incarcerated and for those given life sentences or assigned to death row, there is nothing to look forward to. Yet, many of them find something or someone that they have been missing their whole life while in jail.
Indeed, God has many ways to reach out to a lost soul. Sometimes, God allows even the worst of circumstances for a person to find Him. Such is the story of Richard Dulton that I am sharing here.
Richard Dulton tells his story:
I am Richard R. Dulton, 38, born into a Catholic family from Cavite, Philippines. During my teen years (1996 – 2005), I worked as a professional dancer. Our group danced regularly on television shows. We were also featured in comedy films. We danced in many places and events together with local and foreign celebrities. At that time, I was a worldly person, a drunkard, a gambler, a playboy, and I took drugs.
However, one day, my great life as an entertainer suddenly ended. On May 17, 2005, I was arrested by a law enforcer (NBI) and charged with drug pushing of the illegal drug “ecstasy” – a capital offense. No bail was recommended, and I was sentenced to life imprisonment. I was put in Makati City Jail. I kne my life was over. I felt so alone, helpless and without hope.
But one day, I saw inmates going to the meeting room for Bible study. I was bored and decided to attend and that’s when I learned about God and His plan for my life. I learned about His “good news” of Salvation, His teachings, and He changed me to a better person. I became prayerful. I read the Bible daily and walked in the truth that I had received. I wanted to get baptized but I couldn’t get baptized. I have a son with my girlfriend, and we were not married. The Adventist guard and adviser of our Bible study group encouraged and helped me clear my name.
Two years and 2 months later, on July 2007, I stood before the judge quite anxious and hopeful. It was judgment day for me. The judge was going to decide if I was guilty or not. By the grace of God, I was acquitted and declared innocent in the court of law. I am so thankful to God and to those who helped me have a second chance to live as a free member of the society.
On December 7, 2007, my girlfriend and I got married and 5 days later, we were baptized.
Not long after this, I went back to jail – not as a prisoner, but as a Bible preacher. I did jail ministry in many places.
In 2010, I learned about the “working” student program at the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP). I went there to work and study. I worked as a student-guard, church helper, a guardian to a foreigner. I experienced a lot of hardships. There were times when I got discouraged but Jesus was always there for me.
In 2012, God gave me a sponsor who helped me with my studies, and after four and a half years on March 29, 2015, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology (Cum Laude). Jesus has been so good to me, and I love Him very much. I want to continue to work for God and become His minister – to share how good and great He really is and how He changed me and freed me from all my sins.
Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.
NOTE:
Seven years ago, I received an e-mail from Richard Dulton, a theology student in the Philippines. I couldn’t help Richard then because we had many sponsored students and our funds were low, but he continued to write. In 2015, Richard wrote again. He had graduated and asked to be under our organization – Adopt a Minister International. I found a wonderful sponsor couple for Richard. He has been under AMI for 3 years now and doing great work for Jesus. To God be the glory!