From Prison to Purpose
Perry Malone’s story is one of transformation — learning himself, facing condemnation, finding God, and gaining peace behind the walls. His testimony reveals how faith can turn confinement into calling.
Across the United States, thousands of men and women are serving extremely long sentences under outdated federal laws — especially the Three‑Strikes Drug Law. These individuals are non‑violent offenders, yet many of them are serving more time than people convicted of violent crimes who have not rehabilitated themselves.
Even after Congress passed the First Step Act, many of these same non‑violent offenders were left behind, receiving no relief or reconsideration of their sentences. Their stories are often forgotten, their families suffer, and their potential contributions to society remain locked away.
H.I.G.O Ministries stands as a Voice
For those still trapped under these harsh laws. We believe in restoration, dignity, and second chances, and we advocate for the men and women who deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives just as I am doing. My testimony proves that transformation is possible — and that freedom should not be reserved only for the few whom the law happened to favor.
The Three-Strikes Drug Law (Federal)
The federal “Three‑Strikes” law was created during the 1990s tough‑on‑crime era. Under this law:
A person with two prior drug felonies could receive a mandatory life sentence for a third drug offense — even if all offenses were non‑violent.
Judges had no discretion to consider rehabilitation, family support, or the nature of the offense.
Many individuals received life sentences for drug addiction, small‑scale distribution, or low‑level involvement, not violence.
This law disproportionately impacted:
Black and brown communities
People struggling with addiction
Individuals with limited resources or poor legal representation
The result: Non‑violent drug offenders serving longer sentences than murderers, rapists, and repeat violent criminals.
Why the First Step Act Left Many Behind
The First Step Act (2018) was meant to bring fairness to federal sentencing. It helped thousands — but not the people serving Three‑Strikes drug sentences.
Here’s why:
1. The Act did NOT make most sentencing reforms retroactive.
People sentenced before 2018 under old laws did not automatically qualify for relief.
2. Section 401 — which reduced enhanced drug penalties — was NOT retroactive.
This is the section that would have helped Three‑Strikes offenders the most. But Congress chose not to apply it to people already serving time.
3. Thousands remain incarcerated under laws the government now admits were overly harsh.
Many of these individuals have:
No history of violence
Completed decades of rehabilitation
Earned degrees, trades, and certifications
Become mentors and leaders inside prison
Yet they remain behind bars because the law did not reach backward.
4. Compassionate release is inconsistent and difficult to obtain.
Even model inmates struggle to get relief due to strict judicial interpretation.
Why This Matters to HIGO Ministries
HIGO Ministries exists because I lived this reality — 27 years under outdated laws, yet I emerged with faith, discipline, and purpose. My testimony proves:
People CAN change.
Long sentences do NOT equal justice.
Non‑violent offenders deserve a real chance at life.
Families and communities' benefit when returning citizens are supported...
HIGO Ministries is committed to:
Advocating for fair sentencing
Supporting returning citizens
Educating communities
Providing spiritual and practical guidance
Standing with families affected by mass incarceration
We believe every person deserves restoration, dignity, and a second chance — not a lifetime defined by a mistake.
The phrase “inmates left behind by the First Step Act” speaks to a heartbreaking reality: while the law brought hope and early release to thousands of federal prisoners, many others—like Perry Malone—remain incarcerated under outdated laws the Act failed to retroactively fix.
To truly understand the human cost of this gap, listen to Perry’s powerful testimony about the First Step Act and the lives still waiting for justice.
Listen to the 70x7 Podcast — hosted by Chris, a man with a powerful testimony of his own who took the time to interview me and hear how my life has changed for the better as a free man. In this heartfelt conversation, I share my journey through mistakes, redemption, and 27 years in prison — and how God delivered me from the old life with no turning back.
This interview stands as living proof that nonviolent offenders can change, rebuild, and become valuable members of society.
Manifest Freedom played a meaningful role in my journey toward release. Their program brings together advocates, attorneys, and community leaders who fight for justice and second chances. During one of their events, I had the honor of meeting two powerful voices for freedom — Attorney Brittany K. Barnett and Attorney MiAngel Cody — both of whom appeared in one of my videos working tirelessly on my case.
These two incredible women stood with me when my future was uncertain. Their dedication, compassion, and unwavering belief in redemption reflect the very heart of HIGO Ministries. In one of the darkest seasons of my life, they became light — speaking up for me, fighting for me, and reminding me that God places the right people in your path at the right time.
Today, I honor their contribution to my freedom and celebrate the work they continue to do for others still fighting for their second chance.
Their impact on my life will always be part of the H.I.G.O Ministries story.
Manifest Freedom & The Women Who Stood with Me
Rebuilding a life takes steady routines This means that people coming home from incarceration need structure — daily habits, predictable schedules, and consistent support. Stability is the foundation of successful reentry.
Honest work This speaks to the dignity of employment. Returning citizens need real job opportunities that allow them to earn income, build confidence, and feel valued.
People who don’t flinch at your story This is the heart of HIGO Ministries. Many returning citizens feel judged, feared, or dismissed. You’re saying:
“We see you. We respect you. Your past does not disqualify your future.”
How I Got Over
A Journey from Prison to Purpose
The title of How I Got Over was Inspired by the soul-stirring legacy of Mahalia Jackson, this ministry is a raw, heartfelt reflection of my 27-year journey through incarceration—and the unwavering faith that carried me through. It’s not just about surviving prison; it’s about discovering purpose in the pain and learning to depend on God when everything else was stripped away.
Each year in prison was a testament to:
Spiritual endurance in the face of isolation and injustice
Transformation through trials, not in spite of them
Restoration and rebirth, grounded in grace and truth
Hope for the formerly incarcerated, showing that freedom begins within
This ministry is for anyone who’s ever felt forgotten, broken, or bound—and needs to know that God still writes comeback stories.