My name is Elder Ricardo Malone. My battle with a crack cocaine addiction lasted nearly 20 years. My battle ended on Oct.24, 2004. During my 20-year addiction I lost everything.

The last 10 years was spent in and out of jail. A life of being homeless and eating out of dumpsters, bathing in canals, sleeping in places that most people would not even walk. Wearing the same clothes for days. I spent most of my day chasing a crack high. If I put all the county time that I've done it would easily add up to around 5 years.

My journey back was spiritual and ordered by God. I surrendered to Him and He has restored everything back to me. I am now an ordained minister, a published author, a gospel recording artist. I also own and operate my own recording studio and married to the most precious women you can imagine soon to be 8 years. God has been good to me. I have been afforded to speak and share my testimony in so many places which is a blessing and a privelage to do.

My prayer and wish is that others who may be struggling like I was have an opportunity to live a productive life. That's why I share my story every chance that I get an to be an example and to encourage someone else that its not to late to change. I pray someone is encouraged by something that I've said.