★★★★★
My name is Scott O. Freeman. I was born in Middletown, Ohio, on May 1, 1971, to a single and very loving mother, Lynna. My father, Eljuan, was not a major part of my life. I would see him in passing, speak with him, and sometimes stay at his house.
Scott Freeman
Whole Truth Ministries
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My grandfather Early, however, played a major role in my childhood. He picked me up every Sunday to go to church with him, where he served as a deacon. I didn’t understand the importance of that until much later in life.
Growing up, I played sports and did all the typical things you’d expect from a small-town kid. I watched my mother, aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends party every weekend and holiday. Naturally, I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to join in.
What I didn’t realize was that those parties would lead to days, months, and years of partying — which eventually led to other things. That path took me straight to the ODRC. My inmate number, 264723, is something I’ll never forget.
A man can age in prison, but growing up intellectually and maturing are different things. I was eventually released from a 15- to 40-year sentence after serving 11 years and some months.
At first, things went well. I found a job at Riley’s Furniture. Riley knew my story and saw potential in me. He created the M.A.P. — the Management Apprentice Program — to teach me the furniture business from the ground up. I learned how to work, talk effectively, and listen.
Money came quickly, and people who didn’t know me thought I was selling drugs. Old behaviors came rushing back. (But that’s another story.)
What I need to say here is this: when God calls you, you’d better answer — or be prepared to deal with some things. For me, those “things” meant another stint in prison, this time in Kentucky. Ohio prisons are physical. Kentucky prisons are more mental.
Twelve years at 85% meant nearly 10 more years behind bars. But this time, things were different. I went in determined to make the most of it.
I took some college courses, but vocational horticulture was life-changing. Studying plants, vegetables, soils, and weeds gave me knowledge that shaped me in ways I never expected.
We come to Earth as servants of God. Our job is to serve Him in whatever way He calls us. Apple trees produce apples because that is their job. Orange trees produce oranges because that is their job. Men of God should do the same — be men of God and serve.
Today, alongside Whole Truth Ministries, I am serving God and continuously evolving.
May God keep me moving on the stairways to Heaven.