Rise to Prominence
Charles Colson's journey from a high-powered political operative to a committed servant of faith is a testament to transformation. Born in Boston in 1931, Colson rose to prominence as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon between 1969 and 1973. Known as Nixon's 'hatchet man,' Colson was driven by ambition and power. But his life took a dramatic turn when he resigned from the White House in March 1973 amidst the Watergate scandal.
A Moment of Crisis
Colson's moment of crisis came when he met with Tom Phillips, a friend and influential businessman, who shared his faith journey. Coupled with reading C.S. Lewis's *Mere Christianity*, Colson experienced a profound change. Reflecting on this, he said, 'I spent an hour calling out to God...I simply knew that I wanted Him'. This realization led him to plead guilty to obstruction of justice and serve time in Maxwell Federal Prison Camp, Alabama, in July 1974.
A Deeper Calling
During his incarceration, Colson discovered a deeper calling. 'I found myself increasingly drawn to the idea that God had put me in prison for a purpose and that I should do something for those I had left behind,' he shared. Upon his release in January 1975, Colson founded Prison Fellowship in 1976, dedicating his life to prison ministry and advocating for restorative justice.
A Life of Impact
Colson often reflected on his past, stating, 'The real legacy of my life was my biggest failure -- that I was an ex-convict. My greatest humiliation -- being sent to prison -- was the beginning of God's greatest use of my life'. His story is a powerful illustration of how personal downfall can lead to a life of profound impact and service to others.
