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"Grandpa, don't do that..."

Bob came back from the Vietnam War with post-traumatic stress syndrome - and a nasty drug habit that would rule his life for the next 35 years. At 53, Bob was known as "The Drug Dealer of Port Townsend." It was during this time that he held his six-year-old grandson in his arms and heard the words that would haunt him forever . . . "Grandpa, don't do that crime stuff anymore."

A few weeks later, Bob found himself facing 30 years in prison for dealing drugs. While out on bail, he stayed at the Mission where he was given counseling for post-traumatic stress and other help. On the day of his sentencing, Bob confessed everything. The Judge said he should be put in prison for the life, but miraculously allowed Bob to enroll in a recovery program at the Men's Shelter instead.

Life-changing forgiveness did not stop in the courtroom for Bob. His wife, whom he had not seen in nearly five years, returned unexpectedly last year. His wife had been praying for him all those years! "To this day, she hasn't rubbed my nose in one thing," said Bob with amazement.

Once he graduates, Bob is hoping to return to his job in construction until he can retire. His greatest goal is to, "go overseas and be a missionary," said Bob. "I can teach people how to weld, build docks, bridges, all kinds of stuff." He was especially pleased at the opportunity to be a role model for his grandson. "He's been praying for me ever since that day I hugged him," said Bob. "Now he sees how God has moved in my life and he wants to be a missionary too!"

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