John Collier was born in Grand Rapids and went on to become a decorated Indiana State Trooper. During his law enforcement career, he received numerous awards and commendations and was eventually assigned to the Indiana Governor's detail.
But just a few years later, John's life began to move in a negative direction.
Sadly, he began a self-destructive journey that ultimately cost him his career, and even his freedom, as he ended up spending years as an inmate within various Michigan prisons.
But, amazingly, it was there, behind prison walls, that John encountered the grace of Jesus Christ.
Jail Chaplain Robert "Bob" Hall lovingly led John to Christ, and the Chaplain and his wife continued to mentor and disciple John for nearly a decade. Their relationship became so close that Bob and Jamie had the honor of performing the marriage ceremony of John and his wife, Lorie, in 2000.
But John's story didn't end when the prison doors opened.
After his release, John wrote an autobiography entitled Inside Out: A Father's Love, sharing his journey through childhood trauma, his fall as a police officer, the consequences of his choices, and the saving grace of God in his life.
John's testimony has also been shared through Joyce Meyer Ministries and The 700 Club.
Bottom line, John's story reminds us that no life is beyond the reach of Jesus.
In this podcast, John describes how his mother's prayers for him were miraculously answered by him coming to faith in Christ while imprisoned and then helping him grow in his walk with Jesus. John also shares how our loving God uses pain in our lives to bring us to the end of our prideful flesh, allowing us then to turn to Him in humble faith. John also shares the very touching story of how he obeyed God's leading to seek out his abusive father; ultimately leading his dad to faith in Jesus and helping him grow in faith and even love prior to his passing into eternity.
John concludes by encouraging all parents, but especially mothers who are raising their children without a husband, to persevere in their prayers for their children. As John's life so vividly demonstrates: mothers' prayers are so very powerful!
