Joshua Bevill’s Story
In his own words
WHEN HE WAS ABOUT 30 YEARS OLD, JOSHUA BEVILL RECEIVED A 30-YEAR FEDERAL PRISON SENTENCE
A 30-year federal prison sentence is no small thing—especially since there's no parole in the federal system. For perspective, where were you 30 years ago?
Joshua has been in prison for nearly 15 years and has had quite the journey. His prison diaries chronicle his first days of prison life at arguably the most brutal maximum security U.S. prison, his stints in solitary confinement, his battle with addiction, dealing with issues of race (which is woven into the fabric of prison culture), extreme isolation and despair, the death of loved ones, his legal battle, and his spiritual transformation, all of which have shaped him and stirred passions that awoke something great inside of him.
Joshua has suffered from a crushed spirit and debilitating chronic fatigue because of his external circumstances. He's been awash in regret and guilt, consumed by hopelessness, and eaten up by bitterness. He's gone through dark periods of addiction to combat the emptiness that characterized his life of isolation. To say that he felt broken and alone would be a gross understatement. He felt like a ghost—an empty shell—for many years.
One holiday season, Joshua was withdrawing from synthetic opioids in solitary confinement and grieving the sudden death of his relatively young mother. His only connection to the outside world was his radio. He discovered radio sermons, and he clung to the messages shared by Tony Evans (Oak Cliff Bible Church), Greg Groeschel (Life Church, Edmond, Oklahoma), Robert Jeffress (First Baptist Dallas), and Chuck Swindoll (Stonebriar Community Church, Frisco, Texas). These sermons breathed new life into Joshua. His entire life changed, and he's never looked back.
God's Word Hit Its Mark.
By the grace of God, Joshua overcame the hopelessness, addictions, and extreme fatigue that had plagued him for so many years. Joshua fed on God's Word daily, stayed in continual prayer, and concentrated on renewing his mind using God's Word.
His life looks nothing like it did at the beginning of his imprisonment. Joshua spends his days immersed in his fight for Clemency and helping other prisoners articulate their legal cases. He has written more than 50 blogs and articles, most of which have been published online. Among other topics, he discusses the flaws of the federal justice system that create widespread injustice.
Joshua's hopelessness and despair have been replaced by a heart overflowing with hope and gratitude for life. The chronic fatigue has been replaced with an off-the-charts vitality and sustained joy. Joshua was someone who used to mock Christianity and prayer. Now, God and continual prayer are at the center of his daily life, a true testament to the transformative power of God's Word.
He's on fire for life, in spite of his circumstances.
The Prison Diaries
Read Joshua’s Posts
Finding Hope Through God
Discover how Joshua Bevill unlocked sustained joy while serving a 30-year federal prison sentence.
Breaking Racial Barriers in Prison
How Joshua Bevill forged three improbable lifelong friendships, amid a prison culture in which meaningful friendships across racial lines is taboo—and dangerous.
Send Josh a Letter of Support
Joshua Bevill #96054-080
Federal Medical Center
P.O. BOX 15330 Fort Worth, Texas