From Prison to Purpose: How RJ Johnson Found Redemption Through Faith

What happens when your worst chapter becomes the foundation for your greatest purpose?In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with RJ Johnson — speaker, author, and founder of Not My Will Ministries — to explore one of the most remarkable stories of redemption, faith, and transformation you'll ever hear.After making a devastating choice that led to a 20-year prison sentence, RJ didn't just survive incarceration — he encountered the relentless grace of Jesus Christ and came out with a mission. Serving seven of those years, RJ faced multiple attempts on his life, found faith in the darkest of places, and ultimately discovered that God doesn't waste a single moment of our pain.In this episode, you'll learn:• How RJ found faith and purpose while serving time in a maximum-security prison• Why taking full accountability — without justification — is the first step toward real healing• The powerful scripture-based workshop RJ created to help men break free from destructive cycles• What forgiveness truly looks like, even toward those who tried to take your life• How RJ's nonprofit, Not My Will Ministries, is transforming lives both inside and outside prison walls• The story behind his memoir God Doesn't Waste a Thing (written under the pen name Luke Chance)Whether you're walking through your own dark season, working in ministry, counseling, or simply looking for proof that God can redeem any story — this episode will challenge and inspire you.Bio and Contact InformationRJ Johnson | Founder & CEO, Not My Will Ministries | Author of God Doesn’t Waste a Thingwww.notmywillministries.comRJ Johnson is a speaker, author, and redeemed son of God who is passionate about helping others discover that God is still in the miracle business. After serving seven years of a twenty-year prison sentence, RJ encountered the relentless grace of Jesus—and everything changed.Through his journey of transformation, RJ founded Not My Will Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping men—both in prison and in society—break free from destructive cycles and rediscover their identity, value, and purpose in Christ. His ministry leads powerful, scripture-based Cycle Workshops that equip men to confront lies, build resilience, and walk in lasting freedom.RJ is also the author of God Doesn’t Waste a Thing (written under the pen name Luke Chance), an awe-inspiring memoir of the miracles he witnessed behind bars. His story challenges churches and communities to step outside their comfort zones and into God’s mission field—even when that mission field has razor wire and locked gates.With transparency, intentionality, and a spirit of joy, RJ brings a message of hope, redemption, and real-life faith. Whether he’s speaking to a church, podcast audience, or leadership circle, RJ’s life proclaims one core truth: Your worst chapter does not have to be your last one—and God can use every broken piece to build something beautiful.Connect with RJ Johnson:🌐 NotMyWillMinistries.com📖 God Doesn't Waste a Thing by Luke Chance — available on AmazonIf this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss a Teaching Journeys conversation.To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com