Chris Carpenter was a visitor on the Courageous set Tuesday. A youth pastor with the Albany Rescue Mission, it is Chris’ life before he began following Christ that made him a valued partner.
Chris is a former gang member who committed his life to Christ while in prison. He now counsels kids to turn away from the lifestyle that grabbed hold of him when he was just 13 years old.
“I didn’t have a father in my home. I was looking for love. I was looking for identity. I ended up having to go to the streets to learn how to be a man,” Chris says. “I was in the gang for 20 years. I did a lot of bad things that I have now repented of. Jesus Christ totally changed my life.”
The county sheriff recommended that Chris connect with Sherwood to bring an air of authenticity to the Courageous storyline that deals with gangs. Co-writer Stephen Kendrick showed Chris around the set before sitting down with him to read through key parts of the script.
Having grown up without his father’s presence, Chris is excited to be helping out with a movie that will make an impact on fathers across the country and around the world. More than that, Chris is glad he’s been given new life to impact not only his own children, but also kids around Albany.
“I went against my own promise that I’d be there for my kids,” Chris says. “Now, I’m in my kids lives. And when I talk to kids in the community, I tell them they can change through Jesus Christ.”
For more about Chris, be sure to check out the video on CourageoustheMovie.com of Stephen and Chris talking. And when you see Courageous, remember to pray for Chris and his ministry to kids.
Getting out of trouble is best thing