Marvin Found A Reason To Live

After experiencing divorce and losing contact with his children, Marvin Yeager became depressed and started using drugs. "It was a really dark time for me" Marvin recalled. "I hung out with the wrong crowd. I quit caring about everything."  

Marvin’s life was out of control and his activities led to his arrest and imprisonment. By the time Marvin came to Hutchins State Jail, he was depressed and at an all-time low, “I didn’t want to live anymore,” he said. Without a reason to live, he asked the guards to put him in an area where he could not harm himself.  But instead of the requested area, the guards told Marvin that he was being moved to one of Dallas Leadership Foundation’s Faith-Based Dormitories (FBD).

A fellow inmate named Robert Castillo had previously told Marvin about the FBD program and introduced him to James Reed.  Marvin told James, “I’ve never been involved with God or anything. I’ve never opened the Bible.”  James told Marvin “God is going to change your life.” James’s words turned out to be prophetic.

Marvin’s experience in the dorm was so pleasant that it did not seem like he was still in prison. Everybody was nice to him and the environment was spiritually uplifting. Eventually Marvin prayed, “God if you’re real, save my life.”  Marvin’s outlook on life began to change with a newfound faith and a sense of purpose, “God gave me a reason to live. I learned whom God was while in the dorm. I thank God for putting me in prison and the FBD.” Marvin left prison energized with a new lease on life.

Upon his release, Marvin entered Dallas Leadership Foundation’s “Onesimus House,” a transitional facility for previously incarcerated men. Oftentimes, many former inmates struggle to find employment, overcome addictions and avoid former associations. With few job opportunities, family pressures and often a lack of skills, former prisoners can backslide. Onesimus House is a safe haven to ensure successful re-entry back into society.

While at Onesimus House, Marvin received resources to help with the re-entry process and assistance in finding employment. He also served in one of DLF’s target communities, the Jubilee Park neighborhood, during one of DLF’s Celebration of Hope community workdays. Marvin, who has plumbing experience, started doing odd jobs within that community. The Jubilee Park & Community Center staff were so impressed with Marvin that one day the Facility Manager called Marvin and offered him a job as their Facilities Assistant. Marvin has worked at Jubilee Park since 2012 and loves his job.

Marvin also joined Skillman Church of Christ in East Dallas and became an active member. The congregation at Skillman embraced Marvin like a brother. “I love going to church. I have best friends there. We just love on each other,” Marvin said while describing the warmth he feels at the church.

He loves life and takes care of himself by eating right, exercising, and running races for charitable causes. He cherishes the air he breathes and celebrates every moment. The same man who once wanted to end his life saw his life changed while in prison and summarizes the change as, “life means so much to me now.”