President Donald Trump invited several incredible guests, who “represent the very best of America,” to attend his second State of the Union address alongside first lady Melania Trump on Tuesday night.
Among them is Matthew Charles, an ex-convict who gave his life to Christ behind bars.
He was the first prisoner released as a result of the bipartisan criminal justice reform bill aimed at giving drug offenders a “second chance at life.”
The First Step Act was signed into law on Dec. 21, 2018.
While in prison, Charles became a model for turning his life around after surrendering his life to God.
He completed more than 30 Bible studies, became a law clerk, taught GED classes and mentored fellow inmates.
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“God used a lot of people to bring about my freedom,” Charles said in a recent interview with FOX 17.
He was sentenced to 35 years behind bars for selling crack cocaine in 1996, and after serving 21 years, he was released in 2016.
Once out of prison, Charles continued his mission to turn his life around.
He moved to Nashville, got a job as a driver, volunteered at a food pantry, and reconnected with his family.
The White House called his life “a story of redemption” in the special guest announcement.
But two years later, the Department of Justice said he was released in error and ordered him to return to prison to serve about nine more years.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian West championed his cause.
Instead of falling into despair after returning to prison through no fault of his own, Charles said he turned to the Bible for hope.
On January 3, Matthew Charles was the first prisoner released as a result of the First Step Act.
The White House called his life “a story of redemption” in the special guest announcement.
Trump will address the nation Tuesday night at 9 p.m. ET.
Caleb Parke is an associate editor for FoxNews.com. This Fox News piece is used by permission.
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