Don Weld Jr., a Minneapolis native, grew up in a Christian family where service and ministry were parts of daily life. His early exposure to prison ministry through his father’s involvement ignited a passion for helping those on the margins of society. By adulthood, Don was actively participating in prison ministries, combining sports and spiritual nourishment to reach out to inmates. This laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.

About 15 years ago, Don’s journey took a decisive turn as he began leveraging basketball to connect with young men in North Minneapolis. This initiative eventually evolved into Chainbreakers, a ministry dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with addiction, incarceration, and life’s tough challenges. Through open discussion groups, one-on-one mentorship, and unconditional love, Don and the Chainbreakers community assist people in navigating their journey towards healing and faith.

Don’s commitment to personal, hands-on ministry is evident in his approach to leadership at Chainbreakers. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, mentorship, and the power of God’s Word in overcoming personal struggles. Despite facing challenges like resistance from the community and the profound loss of individuals to addiction and violence, Don remains undeterred, fueled by a belief in God’s love and the transformative power of genuine relationships.

Don’s life and work exemplify a profound dedication to serving others, guided by a spirit-led approach to ministry. Whether through playing basketball with those recently out of prison or sharing a cup of coffee with someone in need, Don’s actions reflect a belief in the potential for redemption and change in every individual. He continues to inspire and mentor through Chainbreakers, proving that with faith, compassion, and community, transformation is possible for anyone.

For more information about Chainbreakers visit:
www.chainbreakersmn.com

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TIMELINE
01:40 Guest Introduction: A Life of Obedience and Ministry
02:25 Don’s Background: Growing Up in a Christian Family
03:16 Early Ministry Work and the Birth of Hoops Church
05:30 Expanding Ministry: From Hoops Church to Chain Breakers
13:16 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations
17:42 Unconditional Love and Final Moments
21:45 Encouraging Transparency and Personal Struggles
24:11 Volunteering and Supporting Chainbreakers
28:03 Personal Reflections and the Importance of Being Present
32:20 Concluding Thoughts and Invitation to Get Involved

Join us in this inspiring episode where we delve into the life and journey of Patrick Day, a man who found hope and direction in the most challenging times. Patrick, once ensconced in the depths of depression and despair, turned his life around through faith, mentorship, and service. As a credentialed correctional chaplain and the author of nine compelling books, Patrick shares his transformative experiences from depression to embracing a life dedicated to serving others and spreading hope.

In this episode, not only will we explore Patrick’s remarkable path from surviving to living, but we’ll also unveil how personal struggle and professional expertise can converge to guide those battling their own demons. Don’t miss this profound exploration of faith, redemption, and the power of staying close to Jesus, featuring insights on mentorship, ministry, and the importance of empathetic connections.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, facing personal trials, or simply looking for a story of incredible transformation, Patrick’s journey from the brink of despair to becoming a beacon of light for many is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit when guided by faith and purpose.

Patrick Day’s story is one of remarkable transformation and dedication. From grappling with severe depression to becoming a credentialed correctional chaplain and a prolific author, Patrick’s life is a testament to the power of faith and recovery. Through his ministry work in jails and with organizations like Teen Challenge, as well as his profound books, Patrick serves as a beacon of hope and guidance for individuals facing their darkest hours. His commitment to helping others rediscover their path, grounded in his deep faith and personal experience, makes him a unique and relatable figure in the realms of spiritual guidance and recovery. Patrick’s journey underscores the profound impact of mentorship, the importance of staying close to Jesus, and the belief that even in the midst of despair, a new chapter of life can begin.

TIMELINE

01:42 Introducing Patrick Day: From Correctional Chaplain to Author
02:36 Patrick’s Journey: Finding God and Battling Depression
12:30 A New Chapter: Embracing Ministry and Writing
13:57 Expanding Outreach: Jail Ministries and Beyond
22:19 The Impact of Writing and Ministry on Recovery
27:49 Diving Deeper into Adult and Teen Challenge
30:51 Exploring the Impact of Teen Challenge and Personal Mentoring
31:44 Transformative Encounters: From Bible Studies to Personal Transformation
32:50 The Power of Visuals in Sharing the Gospel
33:51 Life-Changing Stories from the Jail Ministry
37:52 The Journey of Discipleship and Mentorship
38:19 Overcoming Depression and Embracing Empathy
40:01 The Role of Personal Experience in Ministry
41:26 Navigating Ministry in Jails vs. Prisons
42:43 The Continuation of Mentorship After Release
46:21 Becoming a Chaplain: A Turning Point
54:02 Staying Close to Jesus: The Ultimate Advice
01:00:17 Final Thoughts and the Importance of Mentorship

Matt Emerson’s journey from adversity to advocacy showcases the profound impact of resilience, education, and a dedication to community service. Born into a biracial family, Matt navigated the complexities of racial identity and societal challenges from a young age. His early experiences with substance abuse and dealing led to a period of homelessness and eventually incarceration, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation.

During his time in prison, Matt engaged in educational pursuits and self-improvement activities, emerging with an enriched perspective on the potential for personal growth. His post-incarceration life has been defined by an unyielding commitment to supporting those affected by the criminal justice system, leveraging his experiences to drive meaningful change.

A pivotal achievement in Matt’s journey of service was his instrumental role in the creation of the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act (MRRA). His proposal, rooted in the insights gained from his own journey and the challenges he observed within the system, contributed significantly to shaping the bill. The MRRA represents a legislative milestone aimed at transforming the incarceration landscape in Minnesota, promoting rehabilitation, and offering a second chance to those willing to engage in constructive change.

Today, Matt is a respected community leader and advocate, known for his work in providing sober housing and supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. Through his efforts, Emerson not only aids in their reintegration but also champions policy reform and the establishment of a more equitable and humane justice system. His legacy is a testament to the idea that redemption is within reach for those who seek it and that individual stories of transformation can inspire systemic change.

Matt Emerson’s life story underscores the belief that adversity can breed strength and that one’s past does not dictate the future. His contributions to community service and criminal justice reform reflect a deep compassion for others and a drive to ensure that opportunities for redemption and growth are accessible to all.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:53 Matthew Emerson’s Journey: From Homelessness to Sobriety
02:09 The Spiral into Drug Dealing and Consequences
02:30 The Turning Point: From Drug Use to Sobriety
15:37 Life Lessons from Prison and Beyond
26:46 Reflections on Change, Mentoring, and Personal Growth
31:21 Navigating Heritage and Identity in Incarceration
32:52 Seeking Eldership and Guidance Behind Bars
33:31 Fatherhood from Within: Learning and Leading in Prison
36:21 Redefining Parenthood and Partnership from Prison
37:29 Transitioning from Incarceration to Community Contribution
46:10 Challenges and Triumphs in Providing Housing for the Formerly Incarcerated