Book Review: Break Out: A Criminal’s Journey to Eternal Freedom

Last week, while browsing books at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference, I discovered Break Out—a short easy read that did not disappoint.

It’s the incredible story of Jed Lindstrom, who left behind the unfulfilling life of drugs and crime to ultimately become a bold evangelist. 

Today, as Founder and Director of Lets Go Ministry, he goes into what he calls “no go” places—places others do not want to go—to reach those mired in the distress of drug and alcohol addiction with the gospel of Christ.

In his simple conversational style Jed shares his story, and how by age 13 he found himself sliding into drugs, alcohol, and crime.

For the next 10 years his life spiraled out of control as he dealt drugs, was almost always high, stole to support his habit, and spent time in and out of jail. At different points he became suicidal and homicidal yet somehow lived, at times against all odds.

Throughout this time God was quietly planting seeds, beginning with his encounter with Jacob Damkani, a man from Israel who shared Christ with Jed during a lengthy conversation in an office supply store. From that encounter, Jed says something in him changed, but not enough to quit his lifestyle until five years later. Throughout that time he says, “God chipped away at my stony heart.”

Finally, on a memorable day in October 2004, he landed in a jail cell during one of the lowest points in his life. Hours later, kneeling on the cold cell floor he begged God to spare his life and surrendered all to Jesus Christ—thereby discovering there is hope for change and a reason to go on living.

As Jed’s new life in Christ unfolds, God brings miraculous restoration to his broken life, including a wonderful wife, and the reconciliation of relationship with a daughter he never knew.

Jed shares from his experience that often the medications doctors prescribed and the rehab programs he was in and out of put a bandage on his problems, but didn’t address the roots. He believes that although helpful, these were never meant to be permanent solutions. Only Jesus is the great healer.

Today, Jed and Lets Go Ministry mobilize churches and ministries, by teaching in prisons, on the streets, in drug rehab facilities, and high schools around the world.

Although a life of drug addiction and crime is something I’ve never experienced, I have perceived the pull of the struggle with family members and friends.

Perhaps you have too.

Break Out is a quick yet powerful read of one man’s story—offering inspiration and hope to those struggling with addictions of any kind.

For more info on the book and Jed’s ministry, see www.LetsGoMinistry.com

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton