Growing up in Prince George’s County, Raymond Matthews always sensed that the Lord was at work in his life. In quiet, unguarded moments, he felt deep in his heart that he was meant for something greater. Through various circumstances and key friendships, God continued to shape and guide him.

Yet despite that strong spiritual foundation, Raymond eventually strayed. Satan found a way to pierce through the layers of his Christian upbringing — the teaching, the training, the faith. He began to involve himself in things he knew were wrong.

“I did what I wanted to do, regardless of how it affected others,” Raymond admits. “I was grown. No one could tell me anything. I was stubborn and wanted things my way.”

But even then, God was not done with him. Through trials and consequences, the Lord lovingly called him back into fellowship.