From Carinity
Bradley only cries twice a year: On his brother’s birthday. And on the anniversary of his death.
Bradley suffered considerable abuse growing up within the foster care system.
He learned very quickly not to show emotion, and his heart grew cold.
It was the death of his brother when he was 23 years old that rocked Bradley to his core and upended his whole world.
OVERWHELMED BY GRIEF, BRADLEY TURNED TO DRUGS AND DRINK
He’d never lost someone he loved before and grief overwhelmed him.
He turned to drugs, alcohol and fighting, attempting to deal with the anguish that had enveloped him.
Bradley said: “If I wasn’t drinking and fighting it was because I was sick.”
When he got word that a young girl he knew was unhealthily targeted, Bradley was filled with rage.
BRADLEY ATTACKED A SUSPECTED PREDATOR AND WAS JAILED FOR SEVEN YEARS
Bradley tracked down the person involved and attacked him with such violence, that he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
After his release, Bradley was sentenced to prison once again, this time for drug trafficking.
But something happened during this stay in jail that would change his life forever.
GOD SENDS HIS MESSENGER TO TALK TO BRADLEY
Sitting at a table, playing cards with fellow inmates, Bradley barely looked up when a man that he didn’t recognise walked into the room.
“God’s asked me to talk to you,” the prison chaplain said, looking straight at Bradley.
Shocked, Bradley looked up, and tears streamed down his face.
His whole heart opened in that moment.
BRADLEY FINDS TRUE FREEDOM IN HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS
It was the chaplain from Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy who convinced Bradley to attend counselling and work through the trauma from his past.
He started attending a regular Bible study group in prison, learning many scriptures by heart, which still encourage him today.
Today, Bradley is a free man in more ways than one.
Not only is he out of the prison system, but he’s found true freedom that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
BRADLEY GOT BAPTISED, MARRIED AND IS RAISING HIS SEVEN CHILDREN
He was baptised at a local church not long after he was released from prison.
He’s married and is the very proud father of seven children.
Bradley also founded his own clothing business which has a mission to “embrace the bold and the daring” and “empower”.
From drugs, violence and bikie gangs, to embracing faith, fatherhood and fashion for a cause, Bradley says: “If you open your heart and you want to
change, it is possible.”
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT INSIDE OUT PRISON CHAPLAINCY
You can partner with Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy, to ensure more people in prison are supported spiritually during their darkest days.
It is always looking for volunteers to serve as prison chaplains.
inside Out Prison Chaplaincy is a ministry of Carinity, an outreach of Queensland Baptists which also operates aged care, disability support, special assistance schools, accommodation for homeless youth, and family counselling services.
Donations can be made online at www.insideoutchaplaincy.org.au.
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