WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Uovkiigw4gw
What if the thing that nearly destroyed you… became the thing God used to heal others?
In this raw and redemptive episode, Jerrad sits down with Sammy Perez, a man who grew up without a dad, entered the system at age 8, and spent much of his early life in prison. But that’s not where the story ends. Through a prison cellmate, an unexpected visitation, and the unlikely love of a spiritual father, Sammy’s life was completely turned around.
Together, they talk about father wounds, the ache for belonging, how prison both broke and saved him, and the long road to healing as a man and dad. Sammy shares the tear-filled moment he gave his life to Jesus behind bars, the first time he saw his son through glass, and how God turned his pain into purpose.
This is one of the most powerful stories we’ve ever told.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why boys without dads often become men without direction
- How shame disconnects us from our story and how healing reconnects us
- The surprising moment Sammy met his son for the first time
- What it looks like to father when you were never fathered
- How a consistent man named Terry changed everything
- Why God’s love can rewire even the hardest hearts
- The full-circle moment that brought Sammy back into prisons… this time with purpose
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Program
- Sammy’s work helping former prisoners reintegrate into society
- The story of Clarence; the cellmate who wouldn’t stop asking Sammy if he wanted to know Jesus
- Jerrad’s teaching on 2 Kings 6 and the power of new perspective
🔗 Resources:
Book Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
Grab Dad Tired and Loving It: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB
Learn more about Prison Fellowship: https://www.prisonfellowship.org
