Turning a Mess into a Message

For nearly a decade between 1996 and 2005, Philip Slater weaved an elaborate web of drugs and stolen property to—in his mind—rule the Miami County streets.

“I was a good drug dealer, I’m not afraid to say it,” Slater told a group of 25 youths in the basement of Lighthouse Presbyterian Church pastor Kirk Johnson’s house. “I ran the streets of Osawatomie and Paola like I owned the place. I thought was unstoppable.”

Slater’s world crashed in around him on January 13, 2005, when Gordon McDowell, who was a friend of Slater’s and an associate in his illegal dealings, worked with the Paola Police Department to set up a sting operation that would send Slater to prison for almost four years. McDowell’s betrayal infuriated Slater, and his instinct was to blame his friend and plan his vengeance.

While in prison, Slater took a series of value-based classes provided by the InnerChange Freedom Initiative program, developing solid and meaningful relationships that would turn his life around. One of those relationships would be with his IFI mentor, Bart Farmer, who counseled and encouraged him. Since Slater's release, the two are meeting twice a week, sharing life together.

Unlike so many offenders who get out of prison and can’t find work, PJ found a career job that pays well.

McDowell prayeddaily that his friend would make a radical change before getting out of prison. With the help of the InnerChange Freedom Initiative Program, he did. The mess has become a great message.