'All things have become new': Trudy Makepeace describes how she went from being a prisoner to being free

‘Behold old things are passed away and behold all things have become new’ [2 Corinthians 5:17]

It was 2006, during my time in a rehab, that I attended an evangelistic meeting in Cardiff. That’s when and where I heard that Jesus had died to forgive me and to give me a fresh start. As an addict who failed to quit 33 times, I’d lost all hope and was brought to a point whereby I knew that He was all I had left to try. After surrendering my life to Him, everything began to change.

I went from being an uncontrollable drug addict to a woman who’s been set free from the power and control of my addiction. I was a thief who lied, manipulated, cheated, and sold my body just to get my next fix; I went from being a prisoner to being free; free from drugs, guilt and shame. Before meeting Christ, I was constantly anxious and fearful; running from past pain and trauma to escape my reality. I lived with self-loathing and constantly in fear of rejection and not being in control, to someone who is now full of peace whose heart has been healed and who is no longer running or driven by fear. I went from living for myself and my own momentary pleasures, to someone who began to live for God and others. I went from being a resident of a drug rehabilitation centre, to becoming the manager of it. I was a prisoner behind bars and now I visit prisons. I went from being homeless, to now owning my own home.

God has truly used my story to bring many others a revelation of His love, glory, and power. I’m now working as a minister at a church based in Bristol, the city in which I worked in as a prostitute and lived on the streets. In my role, I currently run a ministry called Street Church, where I work alongside women in the sex industry, the homeless and those who are addicted. 

I have just published my first book Abused. Addicted. Free. after I felt God tell me it was time to share my story and get it into the prisons, recovery centres and other outreach projects, that are reaching people in similar situations. I also have the privilege and honour of being involved in missions here in the UK and abroad, sharing and ministering the word of God.

God’s love, grace and mercy found me and transformed my heart and life so that now I live for the display of His Glory. 

by Trudy Makepeace

You can find out more about Trudy’s story at https://www.trudymakepeace.com/ and if you would like to support the project you’ll be able to buy a copy of Abused. Addicted. Free. by Trudy Makepeace HERE and find out how to support the Outreach Project HERE

Abused.Addicted.Free by Trudy Makepeace