One of the hardest struggles in my life was to face the realization that with the current laws in place, as a convicted felon I am blacklisted for the remainder of my existence. It was a devastating result of my selfish desires to fulfill a life of crime during my teenage years. There is no justification that I can offer to suppress my actions. I was only thinking about myself leading me to follow a deceived heart, a closed mind, and selfish ambitions.
Now a days, trying to become a productive citizen has its hurdles. The mere opportunity to vote is a major accomplishment that I have been fervently working towards. Job opportunities are scarce, even more when up against a citizen without a criminal record. Apartments turn my family down due to being a 'high-risk' resident. Luckily because my felonies are not drug related charges, I have the ability to go to college. Unfortunately, millions of Americans are refused acceptance to college due to felony drug convictions; so for this I am grateful.
Today I live a life of integrity in everything I do. Whether or not being transparent is required, I make it an obligation of right living to pursue integrity in my every service to those around me. Ive invited respectful and honorable friends to hold me accountable and encourage me to go beyond doing right but to meet the needs of those around me. I have guided my wife and my daughter to pursue the needs of others out of selfless service and in doing so have yielded a life of joy and blessing.
I am working with a group of dedicated people to bring freedom to captives, reform to reprobate minds, and hope to the hopeless. We are organizing a ministry whose purpose goes beyond just meeting the needs of people but to help all facets of their life. Our hope is to provide a foundation that can be passed on from generation to generation.
If you would like to help us keep people in front of bars rather then behind them, please contact me at: mfelch1981@gmail.com
