From a prison cell, Kevin “Big Country” Gilhouse used to look out at a lake and dream about fishing with his son. Years later, he found himself on that very lake, looking at his son on one side and the prison unit where he spent some of his darkest years on the other. ❤️
Inside Louisiana State Penitentiary, better known as Angola Prison, Kevin shares his incredible journey from a childhood spent in foster care to years of addiction, violence and hopelessness behind bars. At his lowest point, Kevin reached out for help and entered the New Men program, where he found a community of men who encouraged him to pursue Jesus.
On May 23, 2024, Kevin gave his life to Christ. Today, he shares how his faith has transformed the way he sees himself, his family and his purpose inside prison.
In this episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, Kevin sits down to share the emotional story of fishing with his son for the first time, the unexpected moment his daughter received his prison identification number at a GBB event, and the important role his wife has played in keeping their family connected. He also opens up about the moments he wishes he could get back as a father and the message he wants his children to hear.
“I’m better than the worst thing I’ve ever done.”
Kevin’s story is a reminder that our past does not have to define our future and that God can bring hope, healing and purpose even inside prison walls.
At God Behind Bars, our mission is to introduce inmates to Jesus and connect them to the local church. Subscribe for more prison testimonies, stories of transformation, family reunifications and powerful conversations about faith and redemption.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:44 Meet Kevin “Big Country” Gilhouse
01:35 Growing Up in Foster Care
04:00 Fishing With His Son for the First Time
05:20 Kevin’s Darkest Years in Camp J
06:49 Dreaming of the Lake From His Prison Cell
07:17 Looking at His Past and His Son on the Same Lake
10:12 Addiction and Hitting Rock Bottom
12:47 Asking for Help Inside Prison
14:28 Surviving His Darkest Moment
15:18 Entering the New Men Program
16:18 Giving His Life to Jesus
17:10 An Unexpected Moment With His Daughter
19:18 Staying Connected to His Children From Prison
21:10 Kevin’s Emotional Message to His Family
22:45 His Advice to Every Parent
23:44 Finding Hope in God’s Plan
24:26 “I’m Better Than the Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done”
25:00 Finding His Identity in Christ
This episode includes discussion of addiction and a suicide attempt.
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