From Behind Bars to Finding Faith
Around 300 women and children stay at The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte’s Center of Hope every night, some staying longer than others. The shelter is designed to provide emergency or transitional housing for families in need. Every family has a different reason for being placed at the Center of Hope. Still, some come together on common grounds to find peace and receive encouragement from longtime volunteer Lisa Knox.
Born and raised in the Queen City, Knox is a pastor for Soul Winners Outreach Ministry, a small church that uplifts impoverished communities. They travel to different areas of Charlotte with high crime and poverty to pray and spread the gospel. Knox and her team visit the Center of Hope every Saturday morning to speak with the ladies.
“My mission is to show love and hope and tell people to hold on,” says Knox. “Don’t give up, don’t quit, don’t stop fighting.”
Knox knows what it’s like to be at rock bottom. More than 20 years ago, Knox was on drugs and experienced homelessness. Her daughter was being raised by her mother and sister because Knox couldn’t provide for her. She was also prostituted, been in and out of jail 14 times and almost lost her life after being shot. It wasn’t until her last sentence in prison that she started praying to God.
“I surrendered my heart and said, God, I want you more than drugs,” she said.
That’s where her journey to recovery began.
“Since November 6, 2001, I haven’t gone back to the streets,” says Knox.
Since her release from prison, Knox has turned her life around. She’s been clean from drugs for over twenty years and is a supervisor for her job as a janitor. Her faith in God grew, leading her to create Soul Winners Outreach Ministry after she felt a calling to share her story with others who are also struggling.
“I like using my personal testimony to inspire hope and real change because I know that was me once before,” says Knox. “God saved me so that he can use me to help others.”
Knox knew her story had inspired some to believe in Christ, but she had not realized its power to make people want to change.
“When we were praying and worshiping [at a meeting], a young lady came to me and surrendered her crack pipe. She told me she was tired and broke down in my arms,” said Knox.
At that moment, Knox knew she was being called to consistently serve others who had experienced some of the same challenges she had. Today, she continues volunteering at the Center of Hope every Saturday morning, sharing her story and praying with anyone who needs it.
“I’m very grateful that God used me, humbled me, healed me, and set me free so that I can go back and tell them the love of God is far greater than any drug you can ever do,” she says.