Sammy* was assaulted as a child, which lead to a string of armed robberies and eventually prison

Spiralling out of control, Sammy resorted to armed robberies to fund his drinking problems, but it was guidance from above that has lead him to a new life

Carinity volunteer chaplains help prisoners back onto their feet (generic image).

A prisoner previously reliant on a daily cask of wine to wind down the voices that tormented him has “found god” thanks to volunteer chaplains that visit prisons across Queensland.

Sammy (name changed for anonymity) grew up in a violent home and was abused regularly until he was 15 and left home.

By the age of 15, he was already addicted to drugs and pornography.

Within three years he would come to drink a cask of wine daily to cope with internal tormenting voices in an attempt to drown then out.

Before long, he was committing a number of armed robberies to fund his additions, which ultimately lead to a imprisonment.

While the Gatton Star can’t reveal which prison Sammy was incarcerated in, Sammy has revealed how volunteer chaplains helped bring the light of Christ into his life.

Prison chaplains, run by not-for-profit group Carinity, became a breath of fresh air in a dark place for Sammy.

And during his second visit to prison his life changed.

“Finding god in prison was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Sammy said.

“He had been walking with me the whole time and led me to a place of repentance.”

Today, Sammy is living outside and is studying a diploma in counselling so he can fulfil his calling to help others.

Sammy says without the intervention of prison chaplains, his story may have ended quite differently.

Carinity’s Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy service provides faith-based pastoral care, bringing light to where there is often darkness.

The program assists prisoners at 14 correctional centres across Queensland – ensuring men and women in prisons are not forgotten by society.

Sammy’s story highlights the vital role prison chaplaincy can play in transforming the lives of people in prison.

Anyone wanting to support Carinity Chaplains Appeal can do so on the organisation’s website by clicking here.