How could Louis be set free in prison?
Louis Dooley’s Story:
“When I was fifteen years old, my father was murdered – a drug deal gone bad. Suddenly, the street life of East St. Louis seemed to be the only thing that fulfilled the hurt inside me. I started smoking up, selling drugs, fighting, and carrying guns. My life was spiraling out of control.
“When I was 19 years old, I was convicted of armed robbery and attempted murder, and sentenced to life plus 100 years in prison. That should be the end of my story. But it’s not. God was writing another story.
County Jail:
“I was sent to the county jail while awaiting a transfer to prison. All of my possessions were taken from me and I was given a jumpsuit to wear; only a jumpsuit, no socks, no underwear. A man approached me with a box of candy bars, socks and underwear. I knew there would be consequences for accepting the box (I’d heard nothing is free), but I was hungry and uncomfortable in only the jumpsuit. I took the box and decided I had to show this man that I wasn’t going to be a pushover or owe him anything for his gift. Later that night, I went to his cell and waited outside, mustering up the courage to rush in and kill him.
“While I was standing outside his cell, a hand reached out and pulled open the curtain that closed off the cell. There were three men inside. Someone asked if I wanted to come in. I thought if I was inside, I would have a better chance at taking them on, so I went in. They were having a bible study. They asked me if I was a Christian. I told them no. They gave me a booklet to read. I read it later while lying on my bunk. The Bible tract told me that I had a need for my sins to be forgiven and that Christ was the ONLY WAY for them to be forgiven. At the end, I prayed the prayer to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. The next day I joined my first Bible study group, with this man who had met my needs and asked for nothing in return.
Prison:
“Shortly before I was transferred to prison, my new friend told me the name of a man to look up once I got there. He said this man was a Christian too and would show me around. Some other guys told me that I should stand on my own, and bust the head of the biggest, meanest guy there, so everyone would know that I wasn’t a punk and not to mess with me. When I arrived at the prison, my cell mate gave me a tour. In the weight room, I saw the biggest, meanest looking man working out. I thought if I was going to bust someone’s head, this would be the guy, but I wasn’t going to do it, since I was trying to live my life differently for Christ.
“Since I had started bible studies at the county jail, I was eager to go to church at the prison. I went to my first service, and to my surprise that biggest, meanest guy was there too. He stuck his hand out and said, “Hi, my name is John”. I couldn’t believe it! That was the name of the Christian I was told to look up at the prison!
“A short time after that, I started attending a bible study run by a man named Randy Gruber, the founder of an organization called Set Free Ministries – a ministry that provides free correspondence Bible Studies to inmates. I was inconsistent at first, but after a year, I got more serious and finished the first course. Soon I was doing the courses regularly. After another year of consistently doing the courses, Randy Gruber asked me to work with the ministry by commenting on the correspondence courses from other inmates.
“Throughout the years, God continued to work in my life. Little things would happen that could only be explained through God. Like I said, I was sentenced to life plus 100 years in prison. After 13 years, I was brought before the parole board. They told me that I wasn’t the same man who got sentenced when he was nineteen years old. I didn’t belong here. They gave me a date to be released in two year! After 15 1/2 years in prison, I was paroled! Not only did God give me eternal life through His Son Jesus, he also gave me back my freedom, both of which I didn’t deserve.
Life After Prison:
“After being out for 2 1/2 years, Randy Gruber invited me to work with Set Free Ministries. I am now the Regional Director for the state of Illinois. I am responsible for distributing Bible correspondence courses to prisons and jails throughout the state. These courses have been instrumental in my walk with Christ.
“I also attempt to assist and mentor men coming out of prison and those going in. I have a personal mission to help at-risk-youth stay out of prison. I speak at schools, to children from 3rd grade to senior year in high school, about the danger of joining gangs, doing drugs and hanging out in the street. I also speak to youth groups, men’s groups, and church congregations.
“I am not currently allowed to speak in prisons, because of my prison history, but some wardens are softening to the idea as time goes by. It’s funny, there were so many years when I hoped and prayed that I would one day get out of prison, now my hope and prayer is that one day I’ll be let back in.
RG2 – Another Randy G:
“I started meeting with Randy Guenther from Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. about a year ago. After spending over 15 years of my life in prison, I was desperately trying to ‘pick up the pieces’. After being released, I discovered that church was very different in the ‘real world’. I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t connect and was really confused about a lot of things. I thought I had myself figured out, but realized that there were many undiscovered things that I had never dealt with because of my former situation.
“If you know Randy, you know that all it takes is a question from him and then the Holy Spirit begins to work. This was the first time I was really challenged in a gentle, loving manner. Since meeting with Randy I’ve gotten to know myself better, and become a better husband and step-father.
“I thank God for my brother, Randy. God is using him in a mighty way to impact the lives of Christ followers everywhere. Every time I meet with someone I mentor, a little Randy always comes out.” – Louis Dooley
Louis & his wife, Julie
What’s Next?
Since writing the above, two Missouri wardens have inquired about having Louis speak at their institutions. That’s huge! Yeah, God! In addition to the above, Louis plans to help plant a new church next fall and he started a lawn care service, which he hopes will one day be able to hire men coming out of prison. It’s nearly impossible for ex-cons to find jobs with a conviction on their records, which often forces them back into their old lifestyles.
Louis dreams of being a pastor someday. He certainly can preach, and has some powerful stories to share! We are currently working on some growth areas that will help him in whatever kingdom work God leads him to. God is not done with his story yet. That is for sure!
For those who may want to see more, Louis has a couple of videos on YouTube telling his story.
Will You Join Me?
Will you please pray for this ministry? As you prayerfully consider your year-end giving, would you be willing to partner financially with me in continuing to bring about transformation in the lives of men like Louis, who are making the world a better place – one person, one correspondence course, one speaking engagement, one job at a time? Your investment will reap eternal dividends and rewards.
Contributions are tax deductible.
In His Love,
Randy
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