Political Power and Watergate Scandal
Charles Colson, once a prominent figure in President Richard Nixon's administration, was known for his ruthless political strategies. As Special Counsel to Nixon from 1969 to 1973, Colson earned a reputation as a tough and uncompromising figure, famously described as the type who would 'walk over his own grandmother' to achieve his goals. However, everything changed when the Watergate scandal erupted, placing Colson at the center of a storm that threatened to dismantle his career and reputation.
Charles Colson Conversion Story
Facing the prospect of imprisonment, Colson encountered a crisis that made him question the very foundation of his life. During this tumultuous time, he met with Tom Phillips, president of Raytheon Corporation, who introduced him to Christian teachings through C.S. Lewis's *Mere Christianity*. As Colson later recounted, it was in his car, overwhelmed by the weight of his actions and the emptiness of his success, that he cried out to God, seeking a new path. In 1973, Colson embraced Christianity, marking a profound transformation in his life.
Prison Ministry Begins
Despite skepticism from the media and his peers, Colson's newfound faith led him to plead guilty to obstruction of justice related to the Watergate scandal. This act of integrity resulted in a seven-month sentence at the federal Maxwell Prison in Alabama, making him the first Nixon aide to serve time for Watergate-related charges. While incarcerated, Colson witnessed the systemic issues in prisoner rehabilitation and felt a calling to change it.
Life Transformed Through Faith
Upon his release, Colson founded Prison Fellowship in 1976, which grew into the nation's largest outreach to prisoners and their families. His commitment to justice didn't stop there; he established Justice Fellowship to advocate for a more restorative justice system. Colson's legacy includes over 30 published books, such as *Born Again*, and his influential radio commentary, BreakPoint.
Reflecting on his journey, Colson stated, '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 believed his greatest defeat was used by God for a greater good, illustrating that redemption and transformation are always possible through Jesus. Colson passed away on April 21, 2012, but his impact continues to inspire others to seek God's purpose in their lives.
