Chuck Colson

When Chuck Colson (1931-2012) went to see his friend Tom Phillips in 1973, his life was imploding. He was under investigation for his role in the Watergate scandal and a plot to discredit Daniel Ellsberg for leaking the Pentagon Papers. As a new believer, Tom had never shared the gospel with anyone but had a distinct sense from God as they visited: “Tell Chuck about me because he needs a friend.” Tom shared how he had given his life to Christ and read an excerpt on pride from C. S. Lewis’ book Mere Christianity. Lewis’ words about the sin of hubris found their mark. As Colson, former Special Counsel to President Nixon, drove away, it all came crashing down. Suddenly, this former Marine Captain and White House tough guy couldn’t stop the tears. He spent the next hour by the side of the road, crying out to God. When he awoke the next morning, he sensed a deep release and new resolve to follow Christ. When the New York Times announced, “Colson Has Found Religion,” many scoffed. Was his conversion real or just a con job? Columnists and cartoonists had a field day with it. Doubts about his conversion were laid to rest by Colson’s 35 years of tireless service to Prison Fellowship, a ministry he founded in 1976, now our nation’s largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families. After pleading guilty to obstructing justice, Colson was incarcerated for seven months in a federal prison. Prior to his release, Archie, a fellow inmate, challenged Colson, “What are you going to do for guys like us when you get out?” Colson was haunted by his question and made good on his promise to mobilize Christians to minister to prisoners. Today’s prayer is an excerpt from Colson’s first book, Born Again, about that pivotal night in Tom’s driveway: