Synopsis
a book of courage and transformation
Jojo Godinez grew up in L.A. County surrounded by gangs. The night he joined one, he swore to represent his gang until death. Fights, shootings, and arrests followed, but his love of violence waned through the years as more and more of his friends died around him.
Amid the bloodshed, he met a homegirl, Dalia. At just 18 years old, they married in Vegas, but their honeymoon was interrupted when a crime Jojo committed brought him into court and eventually into a 45-years-to-life sentence. On the day he was found guilty, Dalia gave birth to their son.
Suicidal, Jojo lost himself in the evils of the jail, trying to forget his former life and even his family. It was during a stint in solitary confinement that he came to terms with his need for change. He asked God for forgiveness and resolved to never fight again.
Jojo's nonviolent rebellion against the prison culture of hatred and racism was consistently met with death threats but he was willing to risk everything for his newfound faith. In prison after prison, Jojo spread peace, while his wife, Dalia, and their son faithfully waited for the day he finally came home.
The powerful true story of Jojo Godinez shows the incredible transformation of a man once written off as nothing more than a criminal.
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“I don’t think my heart ever became evil until I engaged in more evil. If I continued the way I was, it would’ve been near impossible to get back to being a loving, caring, decent human being again.”
/ JOJO GODINEZ /
What People Are Saying
“Careful with this book. It dares to hold the heat of the streets, of a gun barrel, of a young man’s pounding heart, and even hotter as that heart’s chambers load with the fire of divine love. This is what change looks like, up close. I hope this gripping book can ignite new fires in cells and minds alike.”
— Chris Hoke, gang pastor, cofounder of Underground Ministries, and author of WANTED: A Spiritual Journey Through Jail, Among Outlaws, and Across Borders
“Jojo’s story is a modern-day miracle. It proves that no matter how deep you are broken, God can put you back together.”
— Brian V. Warth, pastor of Chapel of Change, Paramount, California
“This is how God works: He sustained Jojo through all that mess to be who he is today. Whenever I look at him, he’s my proof that God answers prayers.”
— Scott Sanders, L.A. County Probation officer
“This book honestly reignited my passion for God. It reminded me of how great God is and what it looks like when one is introduced to a God who is limitless to move in supernatural ways. This book was so moving, it has the potential to resurrect others who are committing suicide by joining the gangs.”
— Elizabeth Diaz, social worker
Purchase
REFORMED is available in both ebook and paperback formats.
You can purchase it at one of these online retailers or you can request it at your favorite local bookstore. Your support means so much!