This story is part of the NCBC Alumni and Joanna Scholarship Stories Collection. Fund another story with your generous gift.

My name is Ralph Enriquez. First, let me start by saying it is a privilege and an honor to be able to share my story with you, although it really is His story.  Now I’ll start where it all began:

Unlike most of you, my journey started over 13 years ago in a dark and desolate prison cell located in a place called (of all things) Pleasant Valley. It was at that time that I can honestly say I had a life-changing encounter with the living God. It happened so suddenly. It seemed like I was in a headlock, forced into submission by God himself–and that’s when I decided it was time to “tap out”. Like Jacob, I found myself in a no-win situation. And, like Jacob, once I submitted I found myself receiving the most incredible and amazing blessing someone like me could ever receive.

Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, I found myself in possession of several CDs from Northern California Bible College. A former inmate had left them behind–and I’m so thankful he did. After listening to the CDs several times, I knew God was calling me out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

I decided to write to the college on the CD case (NCBC). To my surprise, pastor David Sell actually wrote back. I honestly did not expect that. Along with his letter came more CDs, course notes, and other materials. Additionally, he offered me a full scholarship to NCBC. Of course, I gladly accepted. I still had six years remaining on my prison sentence, but I knew that the Lord was going to walk with me every step of the way.

The strange yet amazing thing is, that CDs were not allowed to be sent to the prison unless you were an authorized vendor, which NCBC was not. The first set of CDs had made their way onto the prison yard because an inmate working in R&R (Receiving and Release) had intercepted them before they could be “returned to sender.” He had been paid to steal them from R&R and give them to the intended recipient–the former inmate I mentioned earlier. That’s how they eventually found their way into my hands. Shortly thereafter, again after a series of divinely ordered events, I found myself in possession of all the materials pastor David had sent. It’s amazing how God works. After fasting and praying and pleading with God for some time, a way was made and I was able to receive all the materials from NCBC from that time forth. I continued receiving them for the next six years, and what a quality education I received. As I was being poured into, I was pouring out. I started working in the chapel, I became a deacon, and I began conducting Bible study in the prison yard. I immersed myself in ministry. The Lord brought some amazing godly men into my life at that time. However, what made the greatest difference in my life was the education I received through NCBC. The instructors, the courses, the materials, and the direction I received from pastor David were nothing short of transformational.

Fast forward six years:
When I was released from prison in 2016, I never looked back. I transitioned into a Christian men’s home and got involved in community outreach. I knew I needed stability and accountability. Because I had been taking several community college courses while I was in prison, I knew I was close to my Associate’s Degree. I contacted pastor David Sell once again. After reviewing my transcripts it was discovered that I was just a few courses away from a Bachelor’s Degree. I had no idea that I had accumulated so many college credits. After meeting the requirements I was able to graduate from NCBC last year.
Today I’m involved in prison ministry. I work with men in prison through correspondence, and I work with those coming out of prison. I get to witness so many men touched by the transforming power of the living God. I also get to share my testimony quite often. There have been some real heartbreaking disappointments, but there have also been some real success stories as well.

I have a home church today that keeps me rooted and grounded, and I continue to have accountability in my life under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Andrew Barraza. Because I am an ex-felon I was unable to go into the prisons, that is until recently. The Lord opened the door through Bill Glass Ministries and now I’m about to embark on a new journey. Please keep me in your prayers.

In closing, I would like to say this: There will be some serious challenges, hardships, and great difficulties, but God is greater than any and all circumstances you will ever face. Expect opposition. And remember, your work for the Lord is never in vain. If the Lord can reach someone like me, “the least of these”, then no one, absolutely no one, is beyond His infinite reach. Keep planting and keep watering, and let God give the increase. I am a man who was saved through the fervent prayers of people who cared enough about me to not give up on me.

I once heard a pastor say, “Any man can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed.”
Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. God bless you all.

Sincerely,
Ralph Enriquez