From Prison to Purpose
Grace*, a former resident of Rumah Kepercayaan (Malaysian CARE’s halfway home for women) shares her journey of rebuilding life after prison. Her story highlights the realities of starting over, the support she received, and the steps that led her towards a renewed sense of purpose.
A Promising Career, A Sudden Fall
My name is Grace*. I was once a lawyer—having earned my Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and the privilege of opening my own legal firm in Kuala Lumpur, guided by my legal partner who had two other branches. I also co-founded a property agency with my ex-husband, which we operated for ten years. To the outside world, I looked successful. But inside, I was drifting—spiritually empty, proud, and increasingly reckless.
As our business declined, I began to rely on “future money”—money I didn’t have. I made risky financial decisions and was eventually charged with nine counts of criminal breach of trust. I pleaded guilty, and in 2017, I was sentenced to seven years in prison. When I was arrested, my ex-husband left and our marriage ended. Though my parents sold everything, they could not afford my bail. I turned myself in, fully aware that I had hit rock bottom. I walked into prison in shame and silence—but God was not finished with me.
A New Beginning Behind Bars
In prison, I began to encounter a side of life I had never seen. Away from the noise of my old life, I found space to reflect. And in the stillness, God began to speak. I joined spiritual and rehabilitation programmes. From 2020 to 2023, I attended Christian classes three times a week without fail. I met Pastor Jenny, a Malaysian CARE prison volunteer, whose presence and prayers deeply impacted me. She reminded me of God’s grace, even for someone like me.
A prison officer advised me to pursue vocational courses to prepare for life after release. I enrolled in batik-making, beauty therapy, and pastry-making courses under the Sistem Latihan Dual-Nasional (SLDN) programme. The small income I earned was saved and carefully managed by my mother.
A New Purpose Found
Upon my release, I was accepted into Rumah Kepercayaan where I stayed for six months. It was there that I experienced community again. Through the aftercare programme, I received emotional support and job guidance as I rebuilt my life. I was surrounded by wonderful people: Malaysian CARE staff who served as my caseworkers, my personal counsellor, and dedicated prison volunteers who continue journeying with me until today.
They showed me the hands and feet of Jesus, a community that welcomed me without judgement, but instead lifted me up. After the programme, I secured a job at a café, and worked there for a year. When the café closed, my caseworker had asked me to consider a new direction and apply for a role serving the community. She reminded me that my past did not cancel my gifts. I went for the interview and thankfully, I was accepted.
Today, I serve as a personal assistant to my supervisor and am involved with programmes serving prospects (prisoner and ex-prisoner) whose stories reflect parts of my own. Each day, I take the LRT to work with a heart full of thanksgiving.
I no longer hide my past. I embrace it as a testimony of God’s redeeming power. From receiving care, I now care for others. From isolation and shame, I now walk in purpose and peace. From being a prisoner, I have become a witness to God’s mercy.
This verse speaks deeply to me, reminding me that there is no pit so deep that God’s love cannot reach: “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
— Psalm 40:2
*Name altered to protect identity