My Story – From Darkness to Light

My name is Jackie Chan Mon. I grew up in a building, but I never really had a home. My father worked second shift, and my real mother was never in my life. I started running the streets, searching for something to fill the emptiness I felt inside. I turned to drugs, and without real role models, I looked up to the people who sold drugs, had nice cars, and lived the fast life.

I was in and out of juvenile detention and eventually sent to boys’ school. At 17, I was released, but by 18 I caught my first felony. A few years later, at 21, I caught my second and third felonies, which sent me to prison for almost five years. Before prison, I had two beautiful children and met a strong woman. While locked up, I covered myself in tattoos—a big cross on my chest, Jesus on my arm, and Mother Mary. But the truth was, I didn’t believe in God. I didn’t even know why I got them.

After my prison time, I married the love of my life. But instead of getting better, things got worse. We both started using. I lost everything—my home, my wife, my kids, and myself. I was in the darkest place I had ever been. I ran back to the streets, but they only made things worse.

Then, my wife entered a halfway house. She got clean, found God, and got our kids back. Soon, it was my turn. Inspiration Ministries gave me a chance to turn my life around.

Now, after 2 ½ years, I’m about to get my kids back. After 16 years, I’m sober. After 29 years, I finally found God—the One I’d been searching for my whole life. I finally have peace. Today, I can truly say I am happy.

And if you’re reading this, know this: If I can do it, you can do it. There is hope.