Built an Empire Selling Drugs — Now I Build the Church

He was 18, making $100K a year selling drugs. Guns in the trunk. Coke in the car. No hope for tomorrow. But God had other plans. In this episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Nick Newman — a former drug dealer turned church planter — who shares his jaw-dropping story of redemption. From trafficking drugs across state lines… to surviving a shooting… to facing 40+ years in prison… Nick's life was spiraling fast — until a divine interruption changed everything. This isn't just another testimony. This is proof that nobody is too far gone. Timecode: 00:00 - Introduction by Jake Bodine 00:21 - Nick begins sharing his background 04:27 - Discussion of facing potential prison time 05:38 - Story of being shot during a drug deal 08:42 - Jake shares context about drug-related deaths 12:44 - Nick discusses moving forward despite past challenges 17:20 - Court proceedings and potential sentencing 22:47 - Transforming business skills for Kingdom purpose 26:58 - Church planting and community impact 29:53 - Discussing challenges and maintaining faith 33:28 - Conversation about comparison and God's calling 35:38 - Nick's encouragement to those struggling 37:27 - Closing prayer and invitation 37:59 - Podcast outro https://www.godbehindbars.com/ Instagram: @Godbehindbars Facebook: @Godbehindbars Twitter: @Godbehindbars #Jesus #Lifechange #GodBehindBars