The Hatchet Man
Chuck Colson's life was marked by power and ambition. A prominent attorney and political advisor, Colson served as Special Counsel to President Nixon and was infamously known as Nixon's 'hatchet man.' His ruthless reputation was summed up by the claim that he would 'walk over his own grandmother if necessary.' During the Watergate scandal, Colson's relentless pursuit of power led him to plead guilty to obstruction of justice.
Mere Christianity Changes Everything
In 1973, as legal troubles loomed, Colson's life took a dramatic turn. A friend, Tom Phillips, introduced him to C.S. Lewis' *Mere Christianity*, sparking a deep reflection within him. Colson recalls, 'Before I was considered a target of the investigation, I simply quietly surrendered my life to Christ and asked him to come into my life.' This marked the beginning of a transformation few could have anticipated.
Purpose in Prison
Despite skepticism from the public, Colson's newfound faith was genuine. He joined a prayer group and began studying the Bible. When he was sentenced to serve time at Maxwell Prison, Colson discovered a profound sense of purpose. He wrote, '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.'
Prison Fellowship
Upon his release, Colson founded Prison Fellowship in 1976, aiming to bring hope and restoration to those affected by crime and incarceration. His work expanded globally with the establishment of Prison Fellowship International. Through his ministry, Colson demonstrated a commitment to justice and rehabilitation, influencing countless lives.
Colson's story is a testament to the power of personal transformation through Jesus. What began as a scandalous downfall turned into a life dedicated to serving others, illustrating that no past is too dark for redemption.
