Tom Tillery: Transition and Transformation
Gratitude shapes every part of Tom's life.
When Tom’s release from Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility was on the horizon, he spent months trying to find a living situation that would be approved by parole. It wasn’t looking hopeful. His family cut ties with him and he had sent more than 50 letters asking for sponsorship to no avail. His parole eligibility deadline was looming.
God proved faithful. Tom finally found a sponsor house through a former inmate who had worshipped God with Tom at Woodmen’s campus in Ark Valley. Knowing the difficulty of the transition firsthand, this man and his wife had opened a transition home for ex-convicts. Because of their ministry, Tom, after 14 years on the inside, stepped out of the prison on his birthday in 2019.
A few months into his parole, the couple approached Tom and asked if he wanted to buy the house and continue the ministry. By God’s providence, Tom was able to pull together the down payment. That marked the beginning of his non-profit organization, Lone Star Trust.
With the support of Woodmen’s prison ministry, Tom and his team help residents at the house find jobs and transportation. Most importantly, they provide a close community of faith, encouragement and mentoring during the daunting season of transition.
Lone Star is currently home to five men and has already helped three others transition to more permanent housing. All the Lone Star men worship regularly at the Rockrimmon Campus and Tom is on his way to becoming a Woodmen Commissioned Leader.
Tom marvels at how he’s been blessed: a roof over his head, a shiny motorcycle, food on his table, a band of brothers, dreams of expanding his ministry organization and a passion to serve those who are stepping out of prison. Tom sums it up this way: “It’s all God. It’s all God.”
GRATITUDE AND GLORY
After spending time with Tom, I’m overwhelmed with by his gratitude. It would be easy to be resentful for the years he spent behind bars. Instead, Tom holds a deep sense of thankfulness.
He is keenly aware of God’s grace – that every blessing come from Him. He readily gives Him glory every day, for every good thing. His life inspires me to cultivate the habit of gratitude, to spend time with the Lord asking a big question: What am I thankful for? Perhaps Tom’s story will invite you to do the same.
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