Kentucky is one of two remaining states that permanently denies the right to vote to former felons without a successful petition of the govenor's office for a restoration of those rights. Through an arrangement with the local and state Departments of Correction and the governor's office, I am able to track applications that come through this ministry or St. Stephen Church through the entire process.
We are happy to report that another one of our applicants, Rudolph Long, III recently regained the rights to vote and hold public office. I spoke Rudolph on Friday, September 11th, as he received his certificate and voter registration card in the mail. The Lord's timing was perfect, and so we rejoiced! Here is what he had to say about regaining the right to vote:
Min. Angela: What does it mean to you to have your voting rights restored?
Rudolph: It means a lot! I have a chance to have a hearsay in what's going on the world. Without the right to vote, you don't have a voice.
Min. Angela: Are you employed?
Rudolph: I've been unemployed for 11 months. I worked for the Lear Corporation for 13 years. I was laid off due to cutbacks in the automobile industry. My drug felony case dates back to February 1995. Since being laid off, it's hard to get a job because employers look at your past. I hear, "We don't hire people with felonies." It's almost like they treat you as if you have an incurable disease.
I feel like my case is different. I'm a changed man. I serve the Lord. My whole life represents Christ, but employers don't see that. They only go on your past.
Min. Angela: How are you a changed man?
Rudolph: I no longer deal with drugs. I don't smoke or drink. I have a wife, (Angela Long with Rudolph in photo.) and kids. Everytime I get a chance, I try to tell people about my hurts and pains so that they don't have to go through the same things I went through. It's been over 14 years now.
Min. Angela: What church do you attend?
Rudolph: On Fire Christian Center. I'm in leadership there. I'm a Jesus freak. Everywhere I step my foot I try to show it by the way I live and carry myself. I am trying to live a life of righteousness and holiness.
Min. Angela: When was the last time you voted?
Rudolph: I have never voted in my life. When I was 21 or 22, voting didn't matter to me. I didn't think it was important. Scripture says, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me" (1 Corin. 13:11). I'm a grown man now. I know my voice counts, and I plan to use it.
If you or someone you know would like more information on regaining voting rights, contact Min. Angela Lee Price at jesussaves1@insightbb.com, or aleeprice@ststephenonline.com. You may call 502-415-1001 (Mobile), or 502-583-6798 (St. Stephen Church) and leave a message.
Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!
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