Breaking chains: From Bondage to Renewal

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

At Get Them Home, we believe in the power of testimony. Today, we share the story of Rhan Powell, a man who has walked through physical incarceration, spiritual emptiness, and mental bondage, yet has found clarity, strength, and faith in God along the way. His journey reminds us the even in the dark places, change is possible, and freedom begins within.

Early Life and Choices

Rhan describes his childhood as one filled with love at home but marked by the absence of Stability and guidance. When his family dynamic broke apart, he filled the void with the streets. What started as small compromises grew into a lifestyle.“Bad choices, no guidance, and absentee parents” led him down a path that ultimately ended in incarceration.

Life in Prison: Survival and Reflection

Stepping into prison was a shock. The love and familiarity of home were gone, replaced by survival, fear, and distrust. “All of it was a challenge—mentally, spiritually, emotionally. You had to build relationships with strangers and watch out for snakes. Some people pretended to be friends but wanted to harm you.” But solitary confinement became a turning point. With nothing to distract him, Rhan was forced to sit with himself. “All I had to deal with was me. Why am I here? What brought me here? The end result was me.”

Breaking Mental & Spiritual Bondage

Rhan admits that he once carried deep anger and even claimed to be an atheist. But prison exposed not just his brokenness—it also exposed a hunger for truth.He began to read. At first it was Message to the Blackman, then the Bible, the Quran, and other texts. Slowly, those words gave him clarity. “I feel like God was moving with me at that time, showing me that there’s something better—that I needed to be doing something different.”

The Power of Environment

One of the most profound lessons Rhan shares is about environment: “You can’t come home and go right back to the same environment. Even if you try for 60 days, eventually life will life, and you’ll go back to what you know.” For him, clarity came when he stepped away from toxic spaces and gave himself the gift of solitude. While God doesn’t call us to live in isolation forever, there are seasons where separation is necessary for healing and transformation.

Faith and Change

Over time, the anger faded, and his heart softened. Rhan surrendered to Christ, finding strength in patience, honesty, and discipline. “I was screaming atheist when I didn’t even know what it meant. But God was saving me even then.”

Lessons for Others

When asked what advice he would give someone trapped in cycles of poor choices, Rhan’s response was simple yet powerful: “Look at the man in the mirror. Make that change.”  He also warns against the lies of the streets: “The streets are a lie—the devil’s playground. They might look glamorous, but they only lead to destruction.”

Encouragement to the Incarcerated

For those still behind bars, Rhan’s message is one of hope: “Use that time to self-reflect. Don’t keep doing what you were doing on the outside. When you get home, remove yourself from people, places, and things that trigger you. You’re never alone if you’ve got God.”

Closing Words

Rhan’s journey is not one of perfection, but of perseverance. His story reminds us that true freedom doesn’t begin the day of release—it begins the moment we surrender to God, renew our minds, and commit to walking in truth.

His parting words are a charge to us all:

“Stay humble. Stay diligent. Stay focused. Don’t let Babylon dictate how you maneuver. Stay close to God as best you can.”

Reflection Questions for Readers:

• What environments do I need to separate from in order to grow?
• In what ways can solitude be a tool for healing in my life?
• What lies am I believing that God is asking me to replace with His truth?

About Rhan Powell

Rhan Powell is a survivor, truth-seeker, and follower of Christ. Having walked through incarceration and personal transformation, he now shares his story to inspire others to break free from cycles of bondage and embrace God’s purpose for their lives.

Take Action with Get Them Home

Stories like Rhan’s remind us why Get Them Home exists. Every day, men and women return to society carrying not just the weight of their past but the hope of a new future. We walk with them, providing resources, encouragement, and faith-based support as they rebuild their lives.

Here’s how you can join us in this mission:

• Pray for those currently incarcerated and recently released.
• Share this testimony to encourage someone who feels stuck in bondage.
• Partner with us through donations or volunteering to make freedom possible for more lives.
• Together, we can turn testimonies like Rhan’s into movements of healing and hope.