Nichols Street Church of Christ

Hello! My name is Luis G. Costas, Jr. and I'm currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Corrections. I've been in prison since Feb. 15th, 1993. 8 years going on 9.

 

I'd like to share with you my testimony on how wonderful God has been to me.

I grew up a Catholic. I'm originally from the island of Puerto Rico and came to the USA at the age of 7. I lived in Connecticut until I was 17 years old. I came to Texas in 1992 and in 1993 I got involved with the wrong crowd. Now I am paying for the mistakes I made as a Youth.

 

I wasn't your typical inmate, in the sense that I've never blamed anyone else for my mistakes. I was a little wild in here, though. I ended up losing all of my privileges in July of 1996. It wasn't until early 1997 that I came to realize I wanted to make a change.

 

I met sister Tricia through a mutual friend. Right from the beginning I knew she was a special person. I mean, society tends to look down on us. She didn't. She treated me like a normal person. If you'd just give us a chance, we could prove to be worthy of a friendship.

 

I wasn't sure I wanted to be a Christian. I had been a Catholic my entire life. I went to a Catholic school. I was even an altar boy. I started reading what sister Tricia sent me and doing the bible studies. But I slacked off. Then in 1998 I lost my girlfriend to a car accident. She was a Christian who tried everything in her power to convert me. She planted the seed and Mrs. Burt watered it!

 

I decided to become a Christian and I gave my life to Christ. I was baptized at the French Robertson Unit in Abilene, Texas. I had finally found the inner peace I'd been looking for. I decided I would change and do everything I could to be productive like I was in the free world.

 

I was shipped to Huntsville to the Estelle Unit in Oct. 2000. Since being here, Jesus has blessed me! I was given contact visits and I was able to hug my parents after 4 years of not being able to. I got into a G.E.D. program. In June I passed the tests and was Salutatorian on the Estelle Unit.

I then took the T.A.S.P. college entry test and passed that, too. I was given Trusty status. I am now a college student in Lee College on the unit. I'm also in a Windham vocational course studying to be a Computer Drafter. (He graduated!!!!)

Just recently in Sept. my Mother decided to dedicate HER life to Jesus as well. Thank the Lord!

 

All of this would not have been possible if not for the love and attention that Mrs. Burt puts into her studies and students.

 

I also thank the Nichols Street Church of Christ for having a Prison Ministry. There are many Christians in prison. It's difficult but the battle with Satan is being won behind these walls. Please keep us in your prayers as well as the Prison Ministry and Mrs. Burt. I'd also like to thank sister Tricia for seeing in me the potential to succeed and accomplish my dreams. Thank you and God be with you all.