Success Story: Howard Pritchett

 Print

Email Favorites Twitter Facebook

On June 4, 2010, Howard Pritchett was released from Algoa Correctional Center after being a part of the IFI program for 14 months.  He tells us that he came to prison a broken man but that God used the IFI program in the 2 years he was incarcerated to guide him in a new life as a new man.

Howard's counselor, Bill DiGennaro, reflected that Howard struggled in the program in his first few months.  His comments and demeanor when he first arrived were very negative, and he himself claimed that he was just a grouchy old man.  He had sunk so low into a pit of helplessness that he had given up on life.  But his heart and mind were open and receptive to the teachings he has received in IFI.  "I learned to know God and to never lose sight of who I am in Christ Jesus," says Howard.  He claims that the hardest thing was for the knowledge he was taught to go from here, indicating his head, to here, indicating his heart.  Only 18 inches separate the two, but a lot of work has gone into that transformation.

Not only do Howard’s words testify that these last 2 years have transformed his life, but the June sun pales in comparison to the beaming smile he has constantly worn for the last several months.  He cannot contain the joy that wells up within him now that he has been given a second chance to enjoy life.  He regrets that he had to come to prison to learn to value himself and his family, but he has realized that it really was the best thing that has happened to him.  He sees how everything has served a purpose in guiding him in his new life.  He says that IFI does work.  His old self is dead.  For him the fellowship aspect of IFI has been the most important thing.  The men will argue with each other and have their disagreements, but in the end they stick together.  And God has used IFI as a tool to show them that they can learn from their mistakes.  He says IFI has given him a sense of belonging, along with instructions for life.  As he walked out with some friends who have grown to be like brothers to him, tears were brought to his eyes and he told them that it was like leaving family.  But this is not the end of Howard’s story.

Howard returns to his supportive wife, a new church family and a mentor who will stick with him to continue encouraging and directing him down the right path.  He has a great desire to one day be a mentor himself for others who find themselves in situations similar to his.  He already has plans to speak at local AA meetings and share with attendees where alcohol led him and how he was able to overcome it.  While looking to the upcoming trials outside of prison, Howard stated, “Satan has a contract out on me, but God has a hedge around me!”