Meet RJ Johnson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful RJ Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with RJ below.

Hi RJ, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

The best way I can describe how I found my purpose, is by sharing a bit of my story…
My story begins in the heartland of Nebraska, where I was raised in a loving family, with great friends, in a tight-knit community. Despite the warmth of my upbringing, I grappled with inner turmoil, lacking a firm sense of self-worth and identity.
After completing my studies at the University of Nebraska, I pursued my passion for education and coaching. However, my journey took an unexpected turn in 2012, when I made the choice to commit a crime that resulted in a twenty-year prison sentence. I was a selfish, entitled, scared young man, who had no relationship with the Lord. My incarceration was a period marked by despair and isolation, where I faced the harsh reality of my choices. Yet, amidst the bleakness of these circumstances, I experienced a profound transformation.
It was within the confines of my prison cell that I encountered God and discovered a purpose greater than myself. Through a series of miraculous events, including surviving a suicide attempt and narrowly escaping two murder attempts, I found solace and redemption in my newfound faith. Today, I pray that I stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration, sharing my journey of redemption with audiences across the nation. As an accomplished speaker and sought-after guest preacher, I now travel the country, delivering powerful messages of faith, resilience, and hope. My book, “God Doesn’t Waste a Thing,” penned under the pseudonym Luke Chance, serves as a testament to the miracles I witnessed during my seven-year incarceration.
Motivated by my own transformative experience, I founded Not My Will Ministries, (www.notmywillministries.com) a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, with a focus on compassion and redemption. Not My Will Ministries aims to uplift and empower “Returning Citizens”, by guiding them toward a future brimming with promise and purpose. I have made it my mission to facilitate their successful reintegration into society, where no one ever again has to live without hope and dignity.
I am intentional about sharing the transformative power of redemption. Through unwavering dedication and a heart full of compassion, I invite those called to join me in this quest for positive change and spiritual renewal. Not My Will seeks to create a community where individuals impacted by the criminal justice system can find hope, healing, and restoration. I believe and envision a society where every person, regardless of their past choices, is given the opportunity to thrive and contribute positively to their communities. Join me, if you feel led, on this journey of transparency, vulnerability, and intentionality, as I continue to spread the message of hope and redemption through the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I made a decision in my life which thrusted me into a place where I no longer knew who I was, or what I was supposed to do with my life. My choice to harm someone and create a victim, was the jumping off point for me to truly realize that there are consequences to decisions, both good and bad. I was faced with the daunting question of who am I, when everything in my past comes to an end. I was faced with the truth that I was going to be known for the worst thing I had ever done. I was faced with the reality that I was no longer the person that I used to be. I was faced with the question of, what is my purpose? To which I did not know the answer, as I did not think I had one anymore. So I chose to go lay on some train tracks and try to kill myself. My purpose at that time, was to disappear so that I could not hurt anyone else, ever again. But God had a different plan, a different purpose for my life.
I went into prison on a 20 year sentence, as a selfish, entitled man – and left 7 years later as a follower of Christ, who had a passion for leading and discipling men, with the burning passion to share with all of them that they are amazing and valued men, regardless of their pasts or where they currently live. That these men could be and should be devoted to following Jesus, as I kept my focus on encouraging others to find their true identity, which is always in alignment with what God says about who they are.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The 3 most impactful qualities that helped me then, and continue to help me now are the following words, and spending my time and efforts trying to honor God and my other relationships as I strive to live according to the words.

1. Vulnerability
2. Transparency
3. Intentionality

If I can live a life focused on these 3 things, then I will be living a life able to help those around me, not keeping secrets, and being true and honest with God and those that I love.
Keeping secrets and trying to always put on a mask, hurt people. Living like that hurt myself.
I no longer live hurting people.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents never stopped loving and supporting me. This does not mean that they supported my choices, as they NEVER did that, They whole-heartedly disagreed with what I chose to do. They never made an excuse for me. They never said that what I did was acceptable, as it was not. They did however choose to forgive me. They chose to love me. They chose to show up when it was tough, and everyone around them said they should quit on me. They showed me what it means to be a child of God, and to know that we are loved even when we are acting in a manner that is un-lovable.
My parents are the greatest inspirations in my life, and they have shown me what it means like to truly love as Christ loves us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.notmywillministries.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rj-johnson-528771235/

Image Credits

Not My Will Ministries