Clarence's Story

Growing up as a light-complexed African-American in Chicago's South side projects, in order to survive, Clarence learned the value of his fists at a very early age. It seemed as though he had to fight for everything he got; from daily food to his Mother's love and attention. To gain respect from his peers, he fought his way to a position of gang chief in one of Chicago's most notorious street gangs. Anger consumed him and Clarence became angry at the whole world. Why did other kids have fathers, nice clothes, toys and he did not? Why did his Mother choose alcohol and men—abandoning him for days? His anger ultimately landed him in jail at the age of 17. First, he did two years for justifiable manslaughter (self defense), the penalty for taking the life of a rival gang leader. After his release, he returned to drugs and the gang, and then 45 days later, after steeling a car, he returned for another year.

His rap sheet continues...a year later he's sentenced to 10 years (served 5) for armed robbery and less than a year later he's sentenced to 20 years (served 10) for armed robbery again! After his release, in 1996, once again he returned to the streets and the only lifestyle he knew.

Clarence was not exactly "unchurched"; while in prison he regularly attended chapel, Sunday services, and Bible studies. However, they were more for "social" purposes rather than "spiritual." He never really understood all Christ offered. In 1998, after becoming VERY tired of living the life he'd chosen, he heard about The Master's Touch Program, and came seeking a better way.

Clarence learned more about the Christian faith through the Master's Touch Bible-based, Christ-centered curriculum, but he left before completing the six-month program, thinking that he "had it all". For the next 8 years, he tried everything...and everything failed! Returning on and off to drugs and checking in an out of rehabs and programs, Clarence came to his end in May 2007, and returned to The Master's Touch Program seeking to find what it was that he had missed eight years earlier. When he first came to The Master's Touch, he came seeking relief. This time, he came seeking life transformation!

"While there is food, clothes and a bed…The Master's Touch is providing me time to grow in Christ and learn about who He is—and learn how to apply and learn who I am in Christ. Masses of excuses...gloom and doom stories...poor me! I came to the conclusion through the Word in Romans 8:28 – And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

"It was never about me...it was all about Jesus so He could be glorified by my life! By the world's standards I'm a failure, as at age 50 I have no savings...no job. But through Christ, I've found acceptance, and by God's standards I'm a winner.

"I look back and can see how God was always there...caring for me as in Romans 5:8 –But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Now Clarence finds himself on a quest to right his wrongs and be a man of integrity—but first and foremost, to be a man of God...the man he was born to be!  "My life time ambition is to work for God...that's the best pay there is!"

July 2008 “UPDATE”

In March, 2008, Clarence joined Wayside’s staff as Assistant Chaplain as God fulfills his life time ambition.  From Gang Chief to Chaplain…God is surely amazing!  Most recently Clarence graduated from the Jobs For Life Program, gave several sermons during night Chapel service, weekly councils over 15 men and plans to begin classes this fall in pastoral studies.  Once again, Clarence reiterates “God truly IS amazing!”
Jeremiah 29: 11