Teila Carroll Tankersley
Pueblo, Colorado – Paul Montoya grew up in a family whose regular routines included visiting relatives in prison. Eventually, he joined the ranks of the Montoya legacy and wound up behind bars.
He could have continued on that path, but when he got out or prison and turned his life over to Christ, he became a changed man. He wakes up daily to be that encourager, that friend and that individual who makes this world a better place. Who says ex-cons can’t turn their lives around, Pastor Paul says with God anything is possible.
Pastor Paul has never been to bible school and doesn’t have any degrees behind his name but he has earned the title Pastor. For the past decade he has walked the streets of Pueblo helping out whereever he can.
Unable to work because of a severe work injury that nearly lost him his leg, he uses the time when he can, to step out and help those in his community. He has been involved in everything from prayer walks for the city to giving free haircuts to those in needs. His proclamation is, Jesus loves you Pueblo.
This pastor has a desire to share Christ’s love with anyone who will listen. He can often be found walking the streets shaking hands, smiling and praying over others.
There is nothing he won’t do to help those in need, he has organized bike giveaways. He visits the sick, is involved in a Christian car club, volunteers at a local homeless shelter. The projects and community events that he is involved in are endless.
His most recent project is the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Center. The building was donated to Pastor Paul and his wife Liz by Janet Tunsdall with one condition: That church services be held on Sunday and that the kids be blessed.
Pastor Paul says he wants to use the building to keep kids off the streets and to learn life skills in a safe environment. They will have music classes, bible studies, a boxing club and so much more.
This ex-con’s mission isn’t to con anyone, in fact he doesn’t get anything out of any of this that he does, except that he is earning the love and respect from those that he has helped out along the way. He says that is more than enough pay back. His mission is to see the people in his city blessed beyond measure.
This man is proof that God is in the business of restoring lives.
I am thankful for this brother and pray for his every blessing.
He is a good man indeed, I’m sure he and his family appreciate your prayer.
Wonderful and positive post!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. We need more people like this in our cities and walk the talk.
I agree with you! I’m very happy to see that many people here on Virily focus on sharing positive stories!
I do believe that anyone can change, if the HEART is willing and able. Great post!
It is beautiful to see him being such a positive role model to so many. You are so right anyone can change, if the HEART is willing and able.
Through God anything is possible. Miracles do happen, and it certainly happened with this man. This is a lovely story.
He is a man making a difference and people like that make this world a better place.
Absolutely uplifting story. Some people only need one chance to turn their lives around.
So true, sometimes second chances really make a difference. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
a very humane man…….
He walks the talk, he and his wife both have a good heart and a love for people.